My first experience of playing to a crowd was in the British Queen PH, Newmarket, England. I didn’t sleep much that week and didn’t smile much throughout the set either, but the outcome of that evening gave me much needed direction and I thank all those involved.

The way I came into DJ’ing was quite strange in that I had already started showing an interest into it. It was during a visit to Thailand whilst I was on holiday there that I met up with an acquaintance in a remote bar in Phuket. I discussed the subject with him, and he offered help and valuable advice on our pending return to the UK. The seed was firmly planted in my mind, as now I wanted to become a DJ more than ever. However tragedy struck, as my friend whom I gained on holiday was killed, and subsequently never got the help I needed to give me that big push into the world of being a jock; however I continued on my own with the help of Kiss FM, and my friend Nick.

My musical influences which help to shape me as a DJ came from my love of Soul music; the beats, the drum and vocal patterns though I must confess I had a soft spot for disco and funk tunes that were about at the time as well. I started going to clubs when I was about 21, where I enjoyed the atmosphere that meaningful dance music can create, and what most people listen to Garage can relate to. However before all the clamour for House music in its various guises took prominence in the late 80’s that we all take for granted today. My musical education was brought for front by listening to the Robbie Vincent radio show (based on Jazz Funk and Jazz/fusion) that kept us awake on many boring Sundays.

At present nothing really captures my attention as Garage House does. As big as Hip-Hop was in the 80’s, I never really liked it, though I must confess I had a soft spot for the heavy Funk tunes that were about at the time.

The star ability aspect of being a DJ was not the main reason why I chose to do it, or continue to do it. The reason comes within or should come within you. It is not a for the soft hearted job unless you like finishing sets at 5am in the morning, but you would really want to get home because you have had no sleep for 2 nights or more, because of a heavy DJ booking schedule.

The music for which I am known to play is Soulful Garage, which includes tear-ending vocals. I enjoy the dub stuff more than anyone knows, but I will not go too deep because that is not where I want my crowd. Some of the other jocks can take them there if they want; And if the line up is right, there is nothing better than getting a perfect mixture of the two, so that the crowd will be blessed with variety – ‘the spice of life’.

Most of what I buy today is almost all import, and most of it is Garage. In my opinion, Garage will always be there or there about. For those who have not got off on it a present will do later. This may happen when they start diversifying and try listening to other musics.

The scene has splintered into different factions over the years from its original form, and that has been good, because it gives us variety and that involves more people with fresh ideas.

Since I have been DJ’ing I have played with some of the top named acts on the Garage scene. I have always felt privileged to do so. However as an expected some of the top name DJ’s have failed to live up to their reputations while others have. The pick of the bunch for me, who I have worked on the same bill this year was the New Jersey DJ called David Camatcho. His musical tastes blended with his enthusiastic approach to DJ’ing taught me something.

The UK Garage scene on the record making front is still along way behind the Americans, nevertheless they are trying to make up for lost time by doing their own thing. However their style as yet is not the same for me, and I still can tell the difference in quality in which the some UK Garage makers are lacking in. Anyway, good luck to those who from this side of the pond are still trying, but in my opinions it is the US artists that still manages to bring out the soul vibes from their releases.

My favourite night out at a Garage club has to be Garage City, in London, (its mine as well, it kicks there. Black music for a black crowd, and not for the beer boys!) Simply because of the music and the people that go there. I have been on nights there where people from around my area travelling to the same venue totalled to 60.

My advice to any aspiring DJ who is starting out is to be nice, it will get you far!!!

Links:

Return to top