T.H.E Interview – Fordal

In the pulsating world of electronic music, few journeys are as enriching and evocative as that of the esteemed DJ and producer, Fordal.

His foray into the realm of DJing and producing traces back to the early ’90s—a pivotal era that saw him immerse himself in the vibrant club scenes of Ibiza, Arena in Middlesbrough, Cream in Liverpool, and Renaissance in Mansfield. These iconic venues didn’t just host his early adventures; they were the crucibles where his musical identity was forged. From absorbing the Balearic beats that pervaded Ibiza’s air to the progressive sounds that later defined a decade, Fordal’s artistic path has been anything but ordinary. His style, a reflection of an era that celebrated genre-fluid sets and musical innovation, continues to resonate with a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. As he sits down with T.H.E – Music Essentials, Fordal not only revisits these formative years but also opens up about the influences that have shaped his career and his ambitious vision for his newly launched sub-label, Twelvepoint.

T.H.E – Can you tell us about your musical background and how you first got into DJing and producing?

Fordal – I went to Ibiza in the early 90’s, around the same time I started going to clubs like Arena (Middlesbrough) Cream (Liverpool) and of course Renaissance (Mansfield). All of which provided me with a soundtrack and culture I could relate to. Those early years really shaped things for me.

T.H.E – What were some of the key influences that shaped your sound and style as an artist?

Fordal – Like I mentioned some of the early Balearic sounds were really influential and then the more progressive sounds coming out of the mid 90’s grounded my core sound reference, from chilled music right through to techno. DJ’s like Andrew Weatherall and Danny Tenaglia and of course Sasha and Digweed used to amaze me how they could move through genres but still have their sound!

T.H.E – You’ve mentioned being inspired by the progressive house sounds of DJs like Sasha, Digweed, and Garnier. How have those influences manifested in your productions?

Fordal – I would say that’s been inevitable, when a sound has been so influential as theirs has been in my life. Of course the influences act as inspiration, as do many other artists, including Lexicon Avenue, Jamie Stevens, Nick Warren – the lists goes on !! For me its how music keeps going!

T.H.E – Can you tell us about the launch of your new Forensic Records sub-label, Twelvepoint? What are your goals and vision for the label?

Fordal – Well, Twelvepoint aims to celebrate a plethora of melodic-driven dance genres splintering off from the traditional Progressive sound that Forensic has become renowned for over several decades. A place to celebrate everything from Indie Dance and Leftfield House to Breaks and Electronica, together with Melodic House and techno. The plan is for Twelvepoint to provide a platform for established acts and emerging artists that champions the ever-expanding diversity in musically-enriched dance music. How’s that for an elevator pitch!

T.H.E – You opened a record store called Binary Records in the late 90s. How did that experience shape your understanding of the dance music industry and community?

Fordal – It gave me an understanding of working with labels and distributors, we used to buy and sell a soon to be iconic progressive house label called ‘Forensic Records’, which I now co-own and manage with legendary producer Lexicon Avenue (Chris Scott)

T.H.E – You’ve played at iconic clubs like Ministry of Sound and Egg London. What have been some of the highlights of your DJ career so far?

Fordal – I would say definitely the first time I played Ministry was pretty special, but stand out would be Pikes in Ibiza of course. I play Café Del Mar this week in Ibiza for the first time so can’t wait for that!

T.H.E – You recently completed your first tour of Ibiza. What was that experience like, and how did it impact your musical direction?

Fordal – It was actually a few years back and it was small unknown venues. Still loved it though

T.H.E – What’s your approach to DJing, and how do you aim to create an engaging experience for the dancefloor?

Fordal – I try not to stick to one particular genre, clearly I’m routed in the progressive family, but I love indie dance, melodic house, techno and organic house so I like to blend music across this spectrum. Basically what I think sounds good!!

T.H.E – How has the evolution of dance music technology and production tools influenced your creative process?

Fordal – From a DJ perspective obviously there are loads of toys available – a far cry from learning to beat match on belt-drive turntables for vinyl!! In my studio I’m still software driven with Abelton – Whilst the plugins I use are fantastic I’m looking forward to start using more hardware as my skills develop further.

T.H.E – Where do you see your sound and career heading in the next few years? Are there any big plans or new directions you’re excited about?

Fordal – Big plans for both Forensic Records and of course Twelvepoint. We have a new website launching, future live events in the planning. Looking forward to getting out and DJ’ing more and lots more studio output too, including some exciting collaborations.