DJ Keltech Scratches Back

South Wales-based DJ Keltech chats about why the dance floor always goes wild for "The Imperial March" and how Darth Vader keeps the dark side of drum and bass going strong.

How has Star Wars influenced your music at all -- such as the DJ Keltech Strike Back scratch CD and the video of you as Darth Vader?

I owe a lot to the popularity of Star Wars! In 2005, I entered the World DMC Championship heats -- a DJ competition -- in the UK. Being a huge fan of "The Imperial March" music and having the records for many years I decided to see if I could come up with a mix using the tune and a nice hip hop beat. The night at the regional final of the DMC competition as part of my routine I dropped the Vader mix. The crowd went berzerk! They absolutely loved it. That night when I got home still buzzing at the crowd reaction, I thought of a way I could build on the idea. Being a creative person and always up for a laugh I decided to buy a cheap Darth Vader suit, video the routine in my bedroom and put the video on my website, DJkeltech.com.

The next thing I know I'm getting thousands of hits and people are emailing the video to friends! I couldn't believe how popular the video was becoming; I was seeing it posted on websites worldwide. It was even passed on to Msn.com who put a feature on their front page! A few weeks passed with the video snow balling in popularity, and then I got an email from a TV company in Belgium asking if I would come over to their studios and perform the Darth Vader routine live on TV.

I couldn't believe my luck! All I've ever wanted was to make a name for myself as a creative person, be it as a music producer or a turntablist. It's amazing that this little video dressed up as Darth Vader mixing up his theme tune got my name out there on a global scale. It's clear that the popularity of Star Wars helped a lot to the video's popularity as people from all generations know the characters and the music. I think it was also a combination of sheer fluke and good timing, or maybe a little help from the dark side?

What did you think of John Williams' music for the films? When you use samples of his work, what do you like to scratch it with?

I think John Williams is a god of movie soundtracks! I grew up listening to his genius film scores. I often buy movie soundtracks on 12" vinyl and most of my collection is by the master Williams. Darth's theme "The Imperial March" is my favorite piece because it's so dark. I was hooked on the tune ever since I first heard it. I've always used a lot of orchestral sounds in my music production as it's so powerful and moving.

Which Star Wars film made you become a fan and why? Why do the films mean so much to you?

I was a fan of Star Wars after seeing the first movie, I remember running out of the cinema jumping about with my pretend lightsaber. Then when The Empire Strikes Back came out it blew my mind, the fight at the start was unreal! However, my first and fondest memory of Star Wars is definitely when I saw the lightsaber in action for the first time -- especially during the fight scenes. As a kid it was the one thing I wanted more than anything.

What was your first Star Wars toy? Which toy was your favorite?

Like most young lads I loved Star Wars toys! Who didn't? My first action figure was a stormtrooper. I loved the awesome look on the mask. My next favorite toy was the AT-AT walker from The Empire Strikes Back with the battery-powered guns in the head. I loved it so much I even pimped it out by spraying it gold, and it looked amazing. Well, it did at the young age of 9.

Do you still like to collect Star Wars toys and action figures? What was the one item you regret not buying?

Sadly, I've lost most of my toys, but I still have a little Yoda on my key ring! What I regret not ever having was the Millennium Falcon and many of the other wicked ships like the TIE fighter. They were a bit expensive as a kid if you didn't have a job so I was stuck with making my own out of cereal boxes. Hey, if you can't buy them make your own!

Why do you think the popularity of the Star Wars films has endured all this time?

Apart from its timeless visuals and brilliant story, the story of Star Wars is actually so basic to mankind. It could almost be based on the Bible, not that I'm religious. I think everyone can relate to it -- good vs. evil and temptation.

When was the last time you saw a Star Wars film?

The latest Star Wars film I saw was Revenge of the Sith. I couldn't wait to see that one and it was worth the wait! I regularly watch the other films on the movie channels and of course have the box set as well. I've lost count how many times I've watched them. They are timeless movies. It's hard to believe how old they are now, they were so far ahead of their time. I think the original three are the best and they bring back the fondest memories for me.

Are you into playing any of the Star Wars video games like LEGO Star Wars, Galaxies, Republic Commando, Battlefront, Empire at War, Knights of the Old Republic?

I don't play modern video games these days, not enough time but I used be addicted to Rebel Assault on the PC. It was released in 1990 and was the first time I ever saw digitized graphics in a game. It was truly amazing. I still have the original game CD in its box.

Which Star Wars character would feel right at home as a DJ and why?

Yoda would make the freshest DJ! He might have to lower the table to reach them but that wouldn't be a problem for him. Hey come to think of it, he could work those decks without even touching them! Having said all that Darth Vader would make a pretty popular DJ -- as proven.

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Learn more about DJ Keltech on his official site here. Listen to his latest tracks on the DJ Keltech Myspace page.

Stay tuned to Star Wars Rocks for more interviews from some of your favorite bands and celebrities.