WITH Artful Dodger and Craig David already helping to put Southampton on the musical map, another local DJ/producer has hit the limelight.

Next month, the new resident at John Digweed's Bedrock, Phil Thompson - aka Moonface - releases his debut album on Bedrock, Between Worlds.

With eight years' DJ-ing experience and six years' studio work to his name, Moonface has become a big name in the country's most cutting-edge clubs.

"It's not much," he says of his soundproofed lock-up by the Nursling Industrial Estate, which he has had for two years, after graduating from the bedroom studio he had for five years.

Moonface runs a car-window tinting company, South Coast Tints, but with the release of his album, he's in the process of handing the company over to his brother. His business has fortunately kept his head above water and allowed him to concentrate on developing his own sound rather than being forced to do remixes to make ends meet. He's even turned down a remix for Kylie.

The self-taught drummer and percussionist confesses: "Even now I honestly don't know what any chords are. My brother bought me a book and CD for Christmas to learn it but everything I do is purely by ear. If it sounds right, it's fine. When I play it to other people they seem to agree."

So where did the name Moonface come from?

"It was an old nickname. I was self-employed for five years and took advantage. I ran myself down to the ground and had to get a job, which I hated - particularly working for someone else. I ate loads and put on a couple of extra stone and became Moonface.

"Also I've always been interested in the moon - a planet on our doorstep."

A trip to Ibiza in 1995 sealed his fate.

"Seeing Sasha at Es Paradis was so hypnotising and inspirational. I got back and my piano and anthem records just didn't sound the same anymore."I kept the ones that were atmospheric, intelligent and mind expanding.

"I want to try and keep this residency exclusive, so people will know me and be interested in what I am doing."