This week, I caught up with Ministry of Sound resident DJ, Patrick Hagenaar, ahead of his upcoming show for PANTHER, at Manchester Academy. Patrick's production skill and mixing ability is of the highest quality, featuring ideas across the spectrum of electronic music; as emphasised by his label and podcast Colour Code, which has been making waves across the scene recently. PANTHER is this Friday the 30th of May, features support from yours truly, and tickets can be grabbed right HERE !

Finn Lurcott: What first got you interested in electronic music?

Patrick Hagenaar: I think I was about 9 years old when I started to listen to mixtapes my friend stole off his big brother!

FL: Who were your favourite artists at a young age?

PH: In the early 90's I was into anything from Michael Jackson to KLF to 2 unlimited! DJ wise, I was into local heros like Dimitri, 100% Isis and Marcello.

FL: What made you make the decision to move over to the UK?

PH: Well I had just turned 17, finished my A-levels and was bored with Holland - so wanted to move abroad. Originally I came to London to do a BA in Business back in 1999 (I was 17), but at the same time I started to get into dj-ing and London was the place to be for clubbing!

FL: How did you get the opportunity to gain a residency at one of the top clubs in the world, Ministry of Sound?

PH: That has been a long process. Back in 2007 I had the opportunity to play for their sub-brand Housexy, which I did for a couple of years. When that stopped, I kept in touch with them. In 2010 I had to opportunity to do some tour dates for MoS, which eventually led to a tour residency, which eventually developed into a club residency as well!

FL: Would you consider yourself a producer or a dj first and foremost?

PH: First and foremost a DJ, that's where it started for me - producing came at a later stage - more out of a necessity. I approach my productions always from a DJ perspective and it's great to be able to play out my own productions in my sets.

FL: What are your thoughts on the current state of Electronic music, do you agree with critics who have said producers are recycling old ideas, and there is little innovation right now?

PH: Well the real innovation was only at the start of electronic music, which is over 25 years ago, so it makes sense that it's not as innovative as 'back in the day'. Also, every new sub genre will always be linked to an existing genre, but will take on its on its own life. Dubstep and Trap are good examples of innovations. Electronic music originally started with recycling 'old ideas' - sampling disco beats - so this will always be the case to a certain degree. The scene is more global now and more accessible - everyone has a chance now - if you make good music, dj's will support you! I think the scene is moving at a faster pace than ever before and sub genres reach their saturation point much quicker as it has become much more accessible to produce and release music. Also there is a wealth of information online to help you make music - this didn't even exist 7 years ago! The downside is, is that there is no 'quality control' filter anymore, so there is a lot of not so good music out there that saturates the market.

FL: When did you come up with the idea to start your radio show, Colour Code?

PH: Last year, I launched my brand 'Colour Code', which lives and breathes colour through music, art & fashion. Both the podcast and the label allow me to showcase more colourful music to people out there!

FL: What are your plans for the future?

PH: So many things! I have some exciting new releases and remixes coming up on some major labels including my own imprint Colour Code Music. I'm touring all over the world and excited to play the main stage at global gathering this year! In addition, I'm in the process of launching some wicked Colour Code merchandise this year... watch this space!