RAVE ROYALTY DJ AND PRODUCER TS7 TELLS ALL ON HIS LATEST REMIX, HIS CREATIVE PROCESS, AND HIS WINDING JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

For many years, the beats and bass of star-studded DJ TS7 have dominated the decks, from prestigious festivals to his own headline shows around the world. With his latest remix of an unmatched party fave from Katie May, TS7 proves once again that he isn’t afraid to take on a challenge – and succeed. Read on to find out more about how this DJ star came to find such stardom in his field, along with some of his biggest inspirations along the way.

Your rave-perfect remix, titled Only One, of Katie May’s iconic 2007 party hit You’re Not The Only One hit streaming platforms last month. How come this was the track you chose?

The original version was a track I grew up raving to. Being up north, you’d hear this one most weekends at the clubs; it was just an infectious, instant kind of record, so when I got the opportunity to put a 2025 spin on it, I jumped at the chance. There are very few bassline records that really stand the test of the time, but this was definitely one of them. 

What was the creative process like for this track?

With the original being such a classic within bassline, I made sure I didn’t stray too far away from what made it so big. The catchy, stabby riff in the intro had to stay, along with the flow of certain parts of the bass. It can be a bit risky when you touch something so successful, but the feedback has been amazing so far. 

How do you know when your tracks are ready for release?

Great question, and something I’m still working on to this day… You absolutely have to trust your gut. It’s very easy to overcook and over-produce songs, and you sometimes end up losing the magic. In my opinion, getting feedback from too many people can also cloud judgement, so I rely on a mixture of instinct, gut feeling and just how it makes you feel. 

Your remixes are full of contemporary flair and modern dance fever, but not without their more retro influences. Who were your musical inspirations growing up?

My dad was in a Jazz/Hip-life band back in Ghana, so my earliest memories were constant melodic jazz. I discovered grime and garage in my early teens; people like DJ EZ, Wiley, and Skepta played a huge role in shaping my taste. From there, I moved into speed garage and bassline, listening to Jamie Duggan, DJ Q, SBS, and the rest is history.

When did you know that becoming a DJ was your path? Was this always the dream?

I’ve always loved music from a really young age (sounds cliche, I know). I started playing the piano and doing lessons when I was around 5, and got to Grade 5. I then fell in love with football between the ages of around 10-16; I managed to play for Bradford City and Hull City academies, but when I failed to get a scholarship, that’s when the music thing really started to happen. I guess I took that energy from not quite making the cut in football and put it into producing and DJing.

You have some pretty incredible festival slots under your belt, from Glasto to Leeds, and this summer, Bassline Festival and Bassfest. Favourite festival you’ve been to, and why?

I’m very fortunate and grateful to have played some of the best festivals in the country. All of them are amazing in their own way. Reading & Leeds probably stand out for me; the energy there is just incredible, constantly going crazy throughout the whole set, and it’s so close to home. Always a special one there.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring DJ out there, what would it be?

I’d say double down on your strengths and do everything to the very best of your ability with consistency. With how social media is these days, It’s easy to get lost in the noise and try to be something you aren’t, but that’s what has worked for me.

You’re at a rave, but you can only pick 3 more songs to end a set. What are you going with?

Tough question! Are we talking about my tracks or just any? If it’s mine, I’d have to go with Real Raver – it’s my biggest to date, so I have to make the crowd wait to get that one. We’d probably need a couple of huge singalong anthems for the other two; if we’re talking any genre, I’m going for Better Off Alone and Afterglow.