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Paul Masterson, a.k.a YOMANDA, HI-GATE, SUSHI (The Earthshaker), CANDY GIRLS - the list is endless. Is there no stopping this man? Apparently not, with the recent launch of his label YOU CLASH!, whose releases have caused a stir amongst the industry with 2 out of 3 already signed onto a major label.
Paul Masterson is in high demand by many for his remixing and high quality production work. He is respected and seen by many of his peers as 'King Of The Dancefloor Anthem'.
"Paul is one of the most talented and respected blokes in the industry. His production quality is second to none and his DJing never fails to explode a crowd"
Judge Jules
Born in Belfast, Ireland, Paul spent most of his life working on music and ideas before deciding to up sticks to London where the dance scene was buzzing and try his success in the 'Big Smoke'.
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For Paul it was the best move he ever made. A chance meeting with DJ Rachel Auburn, resulted in the formation of Euro dance outfit CANDY GIRLS, gaining a string of Top 10 successes in the national and dance charts with tracks such as, 'Fe Fi Fo Fum', 'Wham Bam' and 'I Want Candy' (No.1 in all the club charts).
After this success, Paul's remixing career began to rocket and alongside this he went on to form the internationally renowned, AMEN UK. The first Amen UK project, 'Passion' stormed the chart and became one of dance music's seminal moments. It's been 6 years since the release of 'Passion' but chart success looks positive again after receiving some of the ‘Mix Masterson’ magic in 2003.
Paul's most famous moniker would have to be the mighty YOMANDA, who's first release was 'Synth and Strings', which crashed into the national chart Top 10 and became a dancefloor anthem, spending two months on the Radio 1 'A' list and getting support from the likes of top jocks Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Dave Pearce.
After this brief introduction to Paul's talents, Judge Jules teamed up with 'Mix Masterson', his new-found North London neighbour and penned 'Sunshine', which became the next Top 20 hit for Yomanda. Yomanda is going to ride the charts again with it's next release out on Paul’s You Clash records, 'Your Free', which uses one of the most recognised vocals from the 90’s, ‘Free’ by Ultra Nate.
The Masterson/Jules collaboration decided to further their production partnership and formed HI-GATE, aptly named after their London neighbourhood area. Hi-gate was unstoppable from birth and the pairs debut single 'Pitchin (In Every Direction)' stormed to no. 6 in the national chart, followed by 'Caned and Unable', which made it to no.12 in the UK charts. Hi-Gate is finally set to release their debut album in April, 'Split Personality'. The album has taken two years to complete and will see Jules and Masterson working with several different genres and collaborating with some of the most talented vocalists in the business, such as BOY GEORGE and DIANE CHARLEMAGNE (Goldie - ‘Inner City Life’ and Moby).
Another project that Paul set up alongside Jules is CLOSET RECORDINGS, which at first was used as an outlet for all Jules/Masterson productions. Now the duo have decided to widen the scope of the label, taking up an A & R role, and actively looking for outside productions to release. The first such release comes from Holland and is a massive trance anthem, called ‘Can’t Believe It’ by Syntone.
As a prolific remixer, Paul has bought his distinctive style to artists as diverse as Five, M People, and Kele Le Roc. Paul has worked his magic on all these artists and many more, giving them the invaluable added profile of a club chart smash hit prior to a commercial release. Also numerous dance artists including DJ Jean, Mario Piu, who's remix made it to number No. 5 in the chart with 'Communication' and DJ Jean and Lock 'n' Load, all have benefited from the Masterson midas touch.
As a DJ, Paul is in high demand both nationally and internationally. Japan was graced by his earthshaking presence just recently and there are plans for dates in Australia, United States and Spain. He has graced many a club with his unique brand of hard trance, including Progress in Derby, Freedom at Bagley’s, and graced the white shores of Ibiza at Privilege, Es Paradis, Dave Pearce’s Dance Anthems, Judge Jules' Judgment Sundays and BBC Radio 1 events.
Paul’s personal highlight was playing live on BBC Radio 1 in front of 35,000 people for the NYE celebrations in Glasgow. To crown these achievements, Paul was asked to mix the Ministry Of Sound album ‘Hard Energy’ alongside other Irish jock Fergie.
2003 look set to be Paul’s year of further recognition. With the much awaited release of Hi-Gate’s debut album ‘Split Personality’, Yomanda’s ‘Your Free’, the awakening and re-awakening of You Clash!, Closet recordings plus a constant demand for Djing sets from around the world, Paul will continue to be the talk of the town.
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