Ian G: The Soundtrack to My Life
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UK DJ and producer, Ian G, is on a mission to revive piano house; the classic house vibes of the 90s that we all know and love but brought bang up to date with a modern twist.
An inspiring character with a career built on resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable passion for music, Ian G returned to the scene after a short hiatus to pursue his true calling; the timeless melodies and energy of piano house. Performing at such iconic London venues as Ministry of Sound, EGG and Studio338, Ian can command the decks and captivate crowds, making him a fixture in the capital’s clubbing scene.
Ian G’s piano house revolution is already making waves with his latest single ‘Diamonds’ on Perfect Havoc. In collaboration with Ruff Loaderz, Diamonds saw an impressive wave of early editorial support from Apple Music (DanceXL & Future Dance Hits) and Spotify New Music Friday (UK), proving this sound is more than just a personal fave, but a genre with mass appeal.
For every artist out there, each has a personal collection of tracks that define the key moments of life, the tracks that when played evoke a vision, a scent or an emotion that shoots them right back.
We caught up with Ian G to take a personal look into the soundtrack to his life.
The Track That Got Me into Dance Music : Livin’ Joy – Dreamer
This is the track that truly got me hooked on dance music. Whenever I hear it, I can’t help but smile, it’s just one of those tracks that lifts my entire mood. If I’m in a club or anywhere with a dancefloor, it gets me up and moving. It’s the one track that has always had that power over me and still does to this day.
The Track that Inspires me Daily: Chapter 9 – Roller Coaster
This is one of the first tracks that made me fall in love with piano house. To this day, it takes me straight back to my roots and reminds me why I’m so passionate about bringing this sound back. The feeling I had when I first heard this track is what I want to give back to the industry; pure energy and joy, through music. Finding out later that the person I now produce with created this track (Julian – Ruff Loaderz) is a dream come true. We’ve since become great friends.
The Track that Defined my First BIG Gig: Short Silm – Never Thought
My first big gig was at Ministry of Sound in 2001, playing in the Baby Box. During my set, Dean Wilson came into the DJ booth and handed me this vinyl, saying, “You have to play this record. I’ve just been given this by Jeremy B, who’s playing in the main room!” So, I dropped it, and the crowd absolutely loved it. It was one of those moments that’s stuck with me ever since.
The Track that Reminds Me of Childhood: Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing
This track always takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of my parents. It was one of those songs that seemed to always be playing in the background, shaping my early connection with music. Even now, it brings back those moments and reminds me where my journey with music began.
The First Track I Ever Dropped in a Club: Freak Nature – Free (Soundscapers Dub)
When I first started DJing, I was a warm-up DJ for many years. One of the tracks I’d use to get the floor warmed up was “Free (Soundscapers Dub)” by Freak Nature.This track became a bit of a signature for me during my warm-up sets. It was slightly different from the norm as it has a unique energy that sets the tone for the night.
The Track That ALWAYS Makes me Cry: Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings
From watching the American war film Platoon in 1986 as a teenager and hearing this piece for the first time until now, it never fails to move and affect me. There’s something so powerful and emotional in the way it builds; it’s almost impossible not to feel it deeply. It’s a track that captures both sorrow and beauty, and every time I hear it, it stops me in my tracks and makes me reflect.
The track that Defined a KEY Moment in my Life: Ian G – Have Your Lovin
Producing “Have Your Lovin” and having it signed to a label (Cleveland City) the very next day was a huge personal milestone for me. It marked the moment my journey as a DJ and producer truly reignited, giving me the drive to follow my dream and passion at a later stage in life. This track is a personal milestone, but it’s also a reminder that it’s never too late to chase what you love, whilst inspiring others to do the same.
Ian G & Ruff Loaderz ‘Diamonds’ is out now on Perfect Havoc. Stream / download via your preferred platrform here.
