Orlando d.j. Tim Skinner keeps his dancin' feet firmly on the "Ground."

By joshua heltsley

" Things constantly evolve and do so quite quickly due to the nature of the technology used in the creative process. New developments in technology are what will ultimately continue to shape the future of every style electronic music. "

Most people wouldn't believe it, but not long ago Orlando and Gainesville Florida were the epicenter of the blossoming phenomenon of progressive house and trance music, which spearheaded an entirely new era in club culture. Some of the first gigs performed in the U.S. by the British invasion of Sasha and Digweed took place at the infamous Club @ Firestone, in Orlando, and at the notorious Simons, in Gainesville, shows which influenced thousands. Times have changed, and the movement has spread across the nation, but left in the wake are some of our state's most talented d.j.'s and producers.

One such artist is DJ Tim Skinner, a longtime fixture in Orlando's club scene. Skinner got his big break last year while working as a road manager for the largest d.j. tour of its kind, The Delta Heavy Tour, featuring headliners Sasha and Digweed. Jimmy Van M has always been a choice opener for the duo, but he fell ill for over a month while on tour, and Skinner was asked to fill in for him as the official opener each night. So impressed was John Digweed with Skinner's talent and professionalism, that he asked him to be his warm-up d.j. at the Area 2 Festival organized by Moby; it was one of the largest tours this year. Skinner played all across America this summer, alongside David Bowie, Carl Cox, DJ Dan, John Digweed, Tiesto, Diesel Boy, Busta Rhymes, and The Blue Man Group.

Skinner worked for six years at the Underground Record source in Orlando, which gave him a good eye and ear for the cutting edge in electronic music. These days, his experience with production, record selection and spinning has landed him a job maintaining the elite Balance Record pool. Only thirty artists in the entire world reap the benefits of the hottest slabs of progressive house and other genres of intelligent dance music from this pool: Records are distributed to only the world's best progressive d.j.'s locked into the global club circuit.

In the studio, Skinner has been making an impact through several releases on his record label Grounded Music, along with his partner Barry Robb. A few other record labels have taken notice of his productions: Fade Recordings recently picked up Skinner and Robb's dark and dubby remix of a track called "The Love."

We caught up with Skinner fresh off the Area 2 Tour.

How did you get into DJing?
I worked in a record shop since the age of 10, so I have always been around vinyl. I picked up a shitty pair of decks when I was 14. When I turned 18 and began going to clubs I realized then I wanted to pursue being a d.j.

The most memorable stop on this summer's Area 2 tour?
Jones Beach (NY)…. The crowd was really great that day--the dance tent was really rocking when, out of nowhere, a hell-a-fied storm appeared and brought such intense lightning to the area they were forced to shut down the tent 10 minutes before John was scheduled to finish. The main stage (which was completely outdoors) continued on. We went over to check out David Bowie, and even though it was pissing down rain and the sky was lighting up crazily, the amphitheatre was packed. It was an interesting evening….

John Digweed is known by many to be one of the greatest d.j.'s in the world. How was it touring and opening up for him each night?
John has a definitive approach to everything he does and has taught me an immeasurable amount about dj-ing in a very short time. He is not the most animated person on stage and oftentimes people perceive this as him not enjoying what he is doing or that he is not as into it as the next guy. He simply chooses to allow the music and the way he plays it to solicit the crowd's reaction rather than spoon-feeding it to them with on-stage antics.

What do you think the future holds for progressive house?
As with every sub-genre of electronic music, things constantly evolve and do so quite quickly due to the nature of the technology used in the creative process. New developments in technology are what will ultimately continue to shape the future of every style electronic music.

CD's vs. Records?
Either is fine with me though my back prefers CDs…

When you play out do you pre- program your sets or do you spontaneously program as you go
It has to be spontaneous for me. I would get bored otherwise. I don't even recall which order I played tunes at the end of a night.

How do you find the time to work on music with such a busy schedule? Do you use a laptop while on tour?
I do have a laptop which I use but not really while I am on the road. I prefer to work in my studio at home where I am comfortable. And finding time is certainly becoming more difficult but being busy in this fashion is a good problem to have - no complaints here.

Having played all over the Americas, what's your take on the current state of the national scene and here in Florida?
The current economic arena is tough on everyone, and entertainment is usually the first portion of someone's budget that is affected. Clubs seem to be suffering lower attendance figures, but I remain optimistic things will turn around in the near future.

What other interests do you have?
Fitness is a big part of my life. I enjoy competitive sports and vigorous exercise. I also build furniture and other items with wood. I have had a woodshop since I was in junior high school.

What was your last regular job?
I used to lifeguard and worked in a T.G.I. Fridays, too.

If you were not in the music business, realistically what do you think you would be doing?
Modeling shoe ware (hey ladies…size 13!)

Your views on the current state of our environment and the globe
Depressing and confusing. The USA is such a nation of excess, and 99% of our people have no idea.

Anything you'd like to add?
I'm not wearing any underwear….

For more information on Tim Skinner and others visit www.balancepromote.com or www.areafestival.com

Tim Skinner's Current Top 10

1. Tom Mangan - Chutney (Wink's Size 9 mix) [Bedrock]
2. Morel - Funny Car (Pappa & Gilbey mix) [Yoshitoshi]
3. Chop Shop - Polymer Science [Magnified]
4. Oil & Water - Floating on Top (El Greco Ring of the Lords mix) [Swift]
5. Kings of Tomorrow - I want you (Luke Fair mix) [Yoshitoshi]
6. Tigerhook pres. Randall Jones & Phillip Charles - Don't come up [?]
7. Robb & Skinner - Earshot (Sean Q6 remix) [Grounded Music]
8. Steve Porter - Nordica [Fade]
9. Shuffle Heads - Roll Call [Fremont]
10. Odessa - Refresh my memory [Grounded Music]