Robin Lee has lived music more than most. Classically trained and master of the bass, he found massive critical acclaim as one half of Faze Action, has worked with such musical greats as The Who’s John Entwhistle and now has his talented fingers in more than a few musical pies. His latest endeavour is to head up the Defected Live all-star band for the Defected In The House Live Weekend, supporting the likes of Candi Staton for a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

We caught up with Robin to get the lowdown on the other band members, his views on house music as live performance and how he copes with pre-gig anxiety…

How did you first get into music?

I used to listen incessantly to the record player from when I was about 2. Later on, when I was in my early teens, my brother and co-founder of Faze Action, would bring back records to the house and I would listen to them and play along to them. I grew to love the whole DJ/club experience from then really.

What instruments to you play and do you have any classical training?

I started piano when I was 7 and then cello when I was 8 (I thought that a cello was like a mini double bass and wanted to play that because I thought the Stray Cats were cool). I started playing bass guitar when I was about 15 because let's face it.... a spotty teen playing the cello isn't exactly attractive to the opposite sex. Also, I never wanted to be the star of the show. I just wanted to be part of a band so I always thought of playing the bass instead of lead guitar or something. I'm basically from a classical background. I was in the children's chorus of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and I played in various youth orchestra's growing up. I got on to the music degree course at Goldsmiths University. I changed my major to bass guitar in the second year and took a big interest in Jazz and electronic music as well.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

There have been so many great times to date. Touring across the USA with Faze Action was a high point. Working with the late great John Entwistle was a huge honour. Probably the one thing I always look back on is the shows I conducted in Japan for AHB. Producer Yoku Kawakami has a knack of putting together some amazing musicians who have got real drive and discipline and are willing to look at things from a DJ angle as well.

Robin (left) with brother Simon as part of Faze Action

You headed up the band for Defected’s 10 year anniversary…how was it?

This was another high point for me. We put together a new band with some people I had never worked with before, namely guitarist Jonas Jalhay who has since gone on to work with some huge names in the music world. All the featured singers helped each other out on backing vocal duties and they all came down to the rehearsal studio one night to rehearse. We all knew pretty much immediately that the show was going to work because of the amazing joyful energy that was buzzing between everyone on stage, as well as behind the scenes. It was like being part of a very large extended family.

How do you feel about playing with artists like Candi Staton? Do you still get nervous?

Yes, I get anxious, but only about the preparation. Once everything is in place and we start to rehearse, things always go well and that is when I feel more relaxed. Once you step out on to that stage to back up some of the most respected singers in the world, you have to know what you’re doing and feel that everyone else knows what they are doing too. It's all about representing that music to the best of your ability.

Tell us a little about the other band members…how did you guys all hook up?

This time we are really lucky to have dance music keyboard player specialist Pete Zivkovic on board. Pete has played on some huge records in his career and to be honest he is one of those guys where the term ‘unsung hero’ really fits. I've worked with him as part of Faze Action and we did some work for AHB together as well. On drums we have Defected main stay Nathan Curran (AKA Tug). Little needs to be said about the Basement Jaxx drummer who has also worked with Lily Allen, Reef and Faze Action. It's not easy to find a drummer who understands House music, and he is one of the few. We met whilst touring with Faze Action. This time we have a new guitarist that I haven't worked with before called Blue May. He has come highly recommended. I like working with new people. It's comforting to know some of the players but if you add something new in there.... It can create some magic that you never knew existed before.

Xantone will be playing 2nd keyboards and singing backing vocals. We met in Italy on a Vanessa Freeman show a few years ago. He is a multi-instrumentalist and has great energy about him. Joining him is Mary Moore who has worked with Groove Armada and Tony Allen in the past. She is also a Faze Action regular and I'm looking forward to working with her in this set up. Last but not least is Shovell. I think the only way to describe Shovell is that as a human being he is just exceptional. I really am blessed to have been introduced to him by Gav and Sam from Copyright and over the years we have worked together on various projects.

With more and more artists making their living from live performance rather than making music, do you think that live performances like this are the future for house music?

It's certainly possible. I love to see bands playing music live. I also love to go and check out my favourite DJ's too. If there is a live element to that then all the better. I think DJs and musicians have come to learn to respect one another and if they can find a way to work together, it's going to be something very special. That is something that I would love to be part of.

What have you got going on for the rest of the year?

This year I'm going to be writing and producing for Faze Action. We also have some live show's coming up. We have had the honour of being invited to play at Velvet, Zouk in Singapore which is one of my favourite rooms. Along with DJing and doing some PA's, it's business as usual for Faze. I'm also working with Arthur Russell tribute act Killer Whale which is currently playing around London.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about..?

I have just started a new project called Rudy's Midnight Machine. I'm really excited about it because it's the first time that I've been in control of the production by myself. I've just had a release on FAR called ‘Open to your Love’. People like it so I'm going to start work on an EP. The style is Old School House from the early 90's or late 80's, mixed with a few modern influences as well.

For everything you need to know about the Defected In The House Live Weekend - including dates, full line-up and tickets - click here.