Paul Wise is the brainchild behind We’re Going Deep, an online community dedicated to sharing, discovering and discussing music; which has recently launched a label. We were lucky enough to grab a few words with Paul around the release of WGD001!
Hi Paul, it’s a pleasure to have you back on Mantissa! What have you been up to since putting together that incredible mix for us over a year ago?
I’d love to say I’ve been travelling around, playing loads of gigs in amazing venues, but alas, I’ve mainly been keeping socialising to minimum and keeping my head down.
We are big fans of We’re Going Deep, but can you explain what it is to those who don’t know?
WGD was what started out as a small group for me and a few similar minded folk to share new and old music which was forgotten or overlooked and just missed. Urging people to dig a little deeper than just sharing ‘classics’, the group has grown to getting on for 15,000.
How has this developed into a record label and the ethos behind it?
The record label came about as I had a bit of spare time and thought that I had got to know some really amazing producers through my group and thought there’d be some support in the group. I want to release the first few records with various artists, as there are so many quality artists in the group and that have been recommended to me, it felt like a really good time to do it.
The record is sick – really well put together. What did you want to convey with this release?
Sick records that are really well put together.
Can you tell us about I Love Acid – why you started the night, how long it’s been going?
Ha, I wish I’d started the night but that is all down to Josh Doherty (Posthuman). I was resident for a night in Bristol at the time called under_score when Josh asked me to go and play at ILA. Needless to say it felt like a home from home, and when under_score finished, Josh asked me to be a resident at I Love Acid.
What are some of your favourite memories of, specific nights and guests you play with during your residency at I Love Acid?
DJ Pierre was one of the highlights because, well it was DJ Pierre. He played a brilliant set followed by Luke Vibert, I’m not sure I need to tell you how good he is. Hardfloor was another great night and loved playing at the BLOC weekenders on the Sunday. Too many great night to be honest. Those early ones in Ginglik are just as memorable.
Our favourite area of Glastonbury is Block9 – it has such incredible stages and a special atmosphere. How did you become a regular on Genosys and how does it compare to playing other festivals?
I think it was 2008 and they wanted an 88 warehouse vibe at The Downlow. A friend of mine from school, mentioned me to Gideon who got in touch and asked if I would do it. At the time, there was only the Downlow but it was still one of the most amazing gigs ever. Apart from that one, 2019, was provably my favourite. Having really nice weather puts a whole different perspective on things. I was playing on the Sunday night just after Josh Wink and before Felix Dickenson at 1am. The atmosphere there was unreal. Glastonbury is unique but as Festivals go, Love International was pretty special in Croatia. All my gigs were cancelled, like everyone’s but I’m hoping to do some more next year.
How long have you been attending Glastonbury festival and what makes it special to you?
I first went to a rather damp one in 1990, sliding under the corrugated iron fence. I don’t remember a huge amount about it except dancing to Paul Oakenfold who was on the main stage, back when he played decent music. There was a traveller field, with a TONKA sound system tent in. I do remember being there an awful lot. Its changed massively over the years and probably not all of it for good, but if you delve deep, there’s absolutely loads of brilliant things and places to go once you’re in.
What plans do you have for DJing, We’re Going Deep and the label in 2021?
DJing, I’d like to get a gig. I have no idea how that would feel. We’re Going Deep will, hopefully continue to grow with like minded people. We’re pretty strict who we let in, and the moderators help me do the tedious task of removing spam. With the label, I have just announced, WGD 002 and have 003 in the pipeline. I’ll have to sit down with Baldo at Subwax and look how to take it forward. Ideally, id love to carry on doing what I’m doing.
Interview By: Tom Allman & James Acquaye Nortey-Glover