Scottish DJ and producer Kuffdam of the duo Kuffdam & Plant has been flying solo as of recently. His partner Plant has taken a hiatus to spend more time with his family. Since then Kuffdam is releasing his forthcoming album Network on Paul van Dyk's Vandit Records on February 21st, 2009.

The first single on the album Burning Up has been released on January 22nd, 2009 and the track has been featured on Paul van Dyk's recent Cream Ibiza 2008 album. Remixes for the single include artists such as Greg Downey, Starkillers and Austin Leeds, Mango and Styrafoam Kid. The track is also receiving great support by artists such as Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, and Judge Jules. We went for a chat with Kuffdam to find out what more we can expect from him in the near future.

Would you like to provide some details in regards to your forthcoming artist album Network?
Well the album is as you mentioned is titled Network. It's basically seven brand new tracks and three of the Kuffdam & Plant tracks previously with Vandit Records.

How long did the album take to complete in entirety?
It's been a work in progress now for over a year or so, and it's been great to now have it finished and ready for release in the shops.

Which track on the album is your personal favorite?
Hmm its always hard to say, cause your dig each of them in your own little way.. I'm really pleased with Turn Your Hand To This, it's a real nice electro style track that I'm digging, but if I had to pick one it would be No Way Out… I think it's everything I have ever loved about trance music, a huge breakdown, massive synths and just good old-fashioned hands in the air music.

Can you tell us a bit about your equipment set up behind the decks as well as in the studio?
Right now my production set up is a mixture of programs including Reason, Ableton, and Cubase. I'm jumping a little between the three to get the right sounds and effects. Reason has always been a real fav prog of Yiannis' and mine when we first started work together so that's stuck with me on the solo productions. When it comes to playing live, its all about one piece of kit… Ableton… I love it. I've been using it to play now for about two years and I haven't looked back… I just love the feel and how it works. I can't see me changing from it for a long time.

Will there be any future releases under Kuffdam & Plant along with your former production partner Yiannis?
When it comes to Kuffdam & Plant, yeah we will be working together again at some point. We have some ideas we have been bouncing back and forth just now, Yiannis has been focusing on his family in Cyprus for a little while but we are still working on some ideas so we will keep you posted.

Which artists were most influential to you when you first began your music career?
Its all been about one man for me really, Paul Van Dyk… The guy has just developed the scene so much since I first started listening to dance music; it's impossible to not mention him as an influence. I'm also a big fan of new up and coming artists also though; the new guys can really help change a scene so people like Sander Van Doorn, Activa, and John O'Callaghan are big influences.

Do you have an upcoming collaboration with other artists?
Right now with the album due out I have mainly been focusing on new material, solo stuff and a little Kuffdam & Plant so no real collaborations but I have worked a little with Activa on a track, I really like Rob's sound so we hooked up… I'm also working with a Producer from the UK called Frase. He's a good friend of mine, and amazing in the studio so we have been working on a Psy-Trance idea we both digged.

What are your currently top 5 tracks?
1. Earsugar - Randy Earcandy
2. Activa - This World (Original Mix)
3. Kuffdam - Burning Up
4. BLT & Quantize - Monkey & The Rabbit Shoulders
5. Symphonix - Music Prostitute (Symphonix Remix)

What are your likes and dislikes about the Electronic music scene in Scotland?
The Scottish scene has real highs and lows just now… The big nights like InsideOut & Colours pull in some amazing crowds and can blow any DJ in the world away, anyone coming to Scotland for a night out would have these 2 on the list of places to visit. I do feel for the smaller nights also though, these are the kinda nights that stay away from the massive DJ's and give some of the great talent from around the globe a chance to play in Scotland. Some times these nights just don't get the credit they deserve for such hard work. It's a tough market in Scotland that's for sure.

Whether you have attended or performed there which club do you feel has the best atmosphere worldwide?
Well I have to say that playing Turnmills new night @ Ministry Of Sound in London in 2008 was a massive high for me. I played after Paul Van Dyk and the place was going nuts, not an easy time to take the decks but that place rocks. I'm back there this May 09 and I can't wait to wreak that place again.

What's on the agenda for your tour schedule?
Right now I am booked in to play at Digital Society (UK) & Ministry Of Sound (UK) in May, InsideOut (Scotland) in June, Sunrise Festival (Poland) in the summer and we are just pulling together the dates for my return to Australia as well as a debut in New Zealand. Make sure to check out my site for more details www.kuffdam.com

Do you have any additional information or comments for your fans?
Make sure you check out the new album… if you come and see me live, come say hello… and finally.. Thanks for all the support…
Kuffy