“I’ve DJ’d all over the world; but Bournemouth is one of my favourite places to perform”.

As he prepares for another storming set at Canvas, with A.Skillz next Friday, October 6, Krafty Kuts (aka Martin Reeves) tells The Guide in an exclusive interview why he’ll never turn down an invitation to DJ beside the seaside.

HE’S a man of many genres with a passion for all things with a floor-filling vibe. But ask producer Krafty Kuts how he’d describe himself? Electronic DJ? Master of dance music? Breakbeat producer? Hip-hop enthusiast?

“I’d call myself a ‘funky technician’,” he told us. “Sometimes I’ll play a four to five hour set that covers all those styles.

“I judge the crowd and go with the flow. You want to build the anticipation, keep surprising and impressing people.”

Well, Martin’s been surprising and impressing people his entire career.

His gig next Friday on October 6, marks his return to Bournemouth’s only loft bar, Canvas, after a storming set in March.

This time, he will be working alongside fellow funkster and electronics expert A.Skillz to ensure the dancefloor stays full into the early hours.

He has a soft spot for Canvas - and Bournemouth in general - despite boasting a stellar career that’s seen him DJ across America, in Australia and he is also big in Asia.

In fact, he’s so in demand globally that he has separate booking agents for each continent.

“I loved my first gig at Canvas so I’m delighted to come back,” he said. “Its design is unique and boutique - almost like an old hotel.

“But the sound system is first class and the live lounge itself is very old school; I wish there were more clubs like Canvas.”

His other favourite venue is The Old Firestation, he said.

Born in Brighton, he also loves the “deliciousness” of Bournemouth and believes it is “quaint” and “hip” at the same time.

But as autumn sets in and the town floods with freshers, he says anyone with a passion for dance music needs to be mindful that the nightclubs in town need their support, as the busy tourist season comes to a close.

“The problems lots of nightclubs, all over the country, face, I believe, is how many festivals there are over the summer.

“By October, everyone is skint! I say, less festivals, more nightclubs. How else will they be able to book the big names throughout the year?”

As Canvas rapidly approaches its second birthday, he says it is the management team’s impressive bookings that are key to their success.

Of course, the live lounge plays host to a wide range of genres - on Halloween, it’s full-on rock music courtesy of the Steamhouse team; last week they hosted soul legends The Three Degrees; and Craig Charles’ super-funky Christmas party is already sold out.

Mix in tribute acts, salsa classes and business networking and it really does cover all bases.

“I know Canvas have a lot of loyal regulars and that’s what makes the venue just what the town needs,” he said. “Whether you’ve had a good day or a bad day, you know you can kick back at Canvas and celebrate or commiserate.”

As well as tonight’s gig, it’s a busy time for Mr Kuts with two new releases out this month and two big mixtapes (Golden Era of Hip Hop 3 and All 4 Corners) racing up the iTunes charts. Look out for Hands High and Back To Flow in particular - scratching genius.

Oh and in case you were wondering - Martin got his DJ name after someone commented that his scratching was “krafty”.

Come and check it out live and convert to the Krafty side.