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The DJU Interviews - ASK ADMIN!


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How long have you been DJ'ing?

 

"Too long" some may say - myself included whilst muttering under my breath various obscenities after a long & difficult night. But for the record I Started "The Ultmate Roadshow" on April 4th 1988 - that makes it 15 years. If you also count the time training with a local D.J, then 17 years.

 

What inspired you to become a DJ?

 

Just an interest that was always there, my earliest memory was doing a "disco" in the loosest possible sense when I was 8 years old.

 

What type of "Do" was your first gig?

 

A 10th Birthday at Congleton Cricket Club on my own 15th Birthday!

 

How much did you charge (Mikeee please convert this from Shilings and pence to decimal when its your go..)

 

£25 and all the coca-cola I could drink!

 

What equipment did you have to begin with?

 

Hmm, See other post, but if your lazy:-

 

Fal Twin Turntable with Garrard Decks and built in mixer with rotary Faders! and 50W Mono Amp

 

Two 70W Fal Speakers - single 10" cone type

 

Two 8 Channel Lightboxes (School Woodwork Project) run from Controller (School Technology Project). I got a grade "E" for the woodwork but "A" for the Electronics!.

 

Fal column Lights ( The type that flicker to the music rather than chase"

 

Helicoptor

 

Ropelight and Police Style Beacon

 

Whats the worst/most embarassing thing you've done in front of an audience?

 

Used the above gear at functions!, but other than that fell off a stage half way through a gig breaking my arm...and yes I did carry on until the end!

 

What is your favourite type of function now? EG: Wedding, 18th Birthday party, funeral wake..

 

Fortnightly spot in a country nightclub on the Derbyshire Border. Makes a change to entertain an audience who pay to enter the venue knowing that a disco is there and then don't complain when you dare to play some music and expect them to dance!.

 

Is there anything that you include in your show now, that you wish you'd done/known when you started? (Not equipment, but in human/performer terms)

 

I must admit I enjoy doing the Risque' games for hen parties etc, and at the club, one of the benefit's of playing to an young adult audience is that you can get away with doing things that you couldn't on the mobile circuit such a change from the "That was, this is" routine!.

 

What do you feel you offer your public, that makes you a better DJ than "the next guy/girl"?

 

I listen to the client!. Instead of going on about what I can offer them, I listen to what THEY want! and then work with them to make it a reality. Whether it's music, lighting, effects, they get to call the shots and I talior the night to their requirements, even if it means putting myself out for them, or doing something different.

 

Have you ever bought something for your show that you wish you hadnt? and why?

 

Not for the show, since I have some insider knowledge, and have first hand experience of anything new on the market, often before its released. However I did once make the mistake of giving out a consignment of laser pointers at a School Disco, then watched the little sods try and blind each other with them!.

 

Whats your next DJ purchase likely to be?

 

Hmm several new pieces of lighting about to hit the market....but I'm sworn to secrecy!.

 

If you could get someone to invent a new piece of disco equipment for your show, what would it be?

 

I like the idea of a dual MP3 Player for Professional Disco use...Also an affordable star cloth for mobile use. Hopefully both will soon be a reality!.

 

What do you think is the best thing about DJ'ing.

 

A simple "Thank You" at the end of the Evening, or a letter from a grateful client is enough for me!

 

What do you think is the worst thing about DJ'ing.

 

Witnessing the worst side of human nature when alcohol meets idiot!.

 

What would make you stop DJ'ing (if anything).

 

Raising a Family

 

How do you think DJ'ing will change, in the next 5 years?

 

I think D.J's will become more tolerant of each other, rather than spitting venom at each other when their trailors pass on a Saturday Night. Mikeee will be 5 years older and still complaining about lack of TVDJA members attending meetings. Derek will still be searching for a DJ Union, Spin will be a grandfather, Crooksey will no longer be into skateboarding. This forum will have scraped together 1000 members and i'll still be yelling at people to read the rules!.

 

Most stupid thing anyone's ever said to you at a gig?

 

Are you the D.J

 

Best advice you were ever given by a fellow DJ?

 

Don't become a D.J

 

And worst advice you were ever given

 

That Tie goes well with that shirt

 

Name 3 songs that 95% of the time will fill you dance floor!!

 

Robbie Williams - Rock D.J

Abba - Dancing Queen

Sclub7 - Reach

 

Age 30

 

Location Congleton, Cheshire

 

Martial status On the pull

 

Education level

3 GCSE's

C&G Electronics Engineering

Level 2 Audio Engineering

First Aid Cert

HSE Cert

Diploma in hard knocks from the university of life!

 

 

Mode of transportation

 

1998 Vauxhall Vectra DI (52,000 miles)

2001 VW Caddy TDI Van - small, but like the tardis for room!(19,000 miles)

Use of Transit for the odd larger Gig / P.A Hire

 

What equipment do you currently use?

 

 

Standard Audio:- Cloud DM1200 Mixer, Stageline Twin CD, McGregor RM1000 Amp, Ohm RW3 15" Cabs, Ohm RWS - 15" subs, Behringer Compressor Limiter / Sound Enhancer, Sennheiser & Trantec Radio Mics

 

Large Gig Audio:- Cloud DM1200 Mixer, Stageline Twin CD, McGregor RM1000 Amp, QSC RMX 2450 Amp, Ohm RW3 15" Cabs, Ohm RWS - 15" subs, RCF / Mackie ART-500's, Behringer Compressor Limiter / Sound Enhancer, Sennheiser & Trantec Radio Mics

 

Lighting:- Too much to list, depending on clients requirements, but can include Scans, colourchangers, UV, and DMX Effects. Generally NJD Based.

 

Effects:- Dependant on function:- JEM ZL20 Fogger / Soundlab Foam Machine / Soundlab Snow machine, 2x 30mw Green Apollo Lasers.

 

How much have you "invested" in equipment?

 

£5000 Recently

 

What was your reason for becoming a DJ?

 

Entirely Selfish....I wanted to fulfil a goal and entertain people. A D.J can make or break a function and nothing is better than watching people enjoy themselves. I often wonder how many photo's / videos I've appeared on at weddings etc over the years and it's true that in those cases that as far as entertainment and cheering people up goes, one person CAN make a difference!!.

 

Approximately how many gigs have you done to date

 

Certainly well over 3000...perhaps nearer 4000, one day i'll get out my records and add them all up!

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Nice one Chris - next stop Michael Parkinson http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif

 

QUOTE
rather than spitting venom at each other when their trailors pass on a Saturday Night.

 

This reminds me of a few weeks ago when, by coincidence, I was following a mate home from his gig and I noticed that his trailer lights weren't working. When we reached the motorway I overtook him and tried to get his attention but he appeared to be sleeping!!!

 

PaulS http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/notworthy.gif

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Aha the old 'car on autopilot trick'............. come to think of it I know it well!

 

Oh and by the way Chris I 'already' am a grandfather!! 'She' (yep another female) is 5 and at school!! Gawd I feel old!

Edited by The Spindoctor
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QUOTE
Crooksey will no longer be into skateboarding.

 

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif Never! Never never never! I love it too much http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif plz don't tell me that's what's going to happen in 5 years! plus its my cheap mode of tranportation!

 

anyways, nice interview http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif very good! now who next to pick on er i mean highlight http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

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mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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Let's get Chris hooked up with the 'higher sex' (in case Paula reads this) and then we can all fight one another as to who will do the Wedding Disco!!!

 

Chris - I enjoyed the 'interview' and would love to see a follow-up interview in the future.

 

Well done.

 

Next on the list..........hmmmmmm?

 

It's gotta be the Volvo Man from tuther side of water!!!!

 

:devil: :devil: :devil:

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QUOTE
Spin:- Oh and by the way Chris I 'already' am a grandfather!!

 

Blimey Spin, you kept that one quiet! - Maybe I should change my earlier prophecy to Spin will have 9 Grandchildren...all Girls?.

 

QUOTE
Crooksey:- Never! Never never never! I love it too much  plz don't tell me that's what's going to happen in 5 years!

 

Sorry Crooksey...it's a fact of life that when you reach adulthood, you become boring!. I can't see you at age 20, going to work on a Skateboard. So enjoy being a kid whilst it lasts! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/221.gif

 

 

QUOTE
DD:- Let's get Chris hooked up with the 'higher sex'

 

Yes, Let's!!!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wub.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wub.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wub.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wub.gif

 

I was tempted to interview Chris (DJCS59) next, but I think he's away on holiday for another week, so next week's interview on the new, improved forum will be with Paul @ 5starroadshow http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

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QUOTE
Nice one Chris  :Thumbup:

QUOTE
What would make you stop DJ'ing (if anything).

Raising a Family

 

You'll need the money more than

 

QUOTE
Mode of transportation

1998 Vauxhall Vectra DI (52,000 miles)
2001 VW Caddy TDI Van - small, but like the tardis for room!(19,000 miles)
Use of Transit for the odd larger Gig / P.A Hire

 

Good old Transits, bet somebody still drives 'em

 

QUOTE
Crooksey:- Never! Never never never! I love it too much  plz don't tell me that's what's going to happen in 5 years!  


Sorry Crooksey...it's a fact of life that when you reach adulthood, you become boring!. I can't see you at age 20, going to work on a Skateboard. So enjoy being a kid whilst it lasts!

 

'Fraid so mate, plus most stakeboards won't take the weight when the 'spread' starts

 

QUOTE
Posted on Jul 16 2003, 01:07 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aha the old 'car on autopilot trick'............. come to think of it I know it well!

 

My mate just tried it, straight into a roadsign, new van required and £400 for the sign !!

 

 

 

.....but what do I know ?

 

 

 

Your Big Event

Office:01803 813540

Direct: 0797 0717 448

e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk

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Good interview chris (and I read it without falling asleep-LOL http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif -joking)

 

Well done

 

5 star's up next http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif -LOL

Hi everyone ;-)

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so next week's interview on the new, improved forum will be with Paul @ 5starroadshow

 

Is this what I get for being the first to reply - OK I'm up for it (he says already several brandy's worse for wear) but I will understand if everyone is reluctant to reply http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif

 

PS whilst I'm on can you reduce my alias to just 5 Star as it wore my fingers out on holiday just logging in http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wacko.gif

 

PPS is it the same questions - I'll start thinking now (I need the time)

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Thanks Chris - I also think I'm well on my way to winning the radio mic if my formulae works http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

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I can't see you at age 20, going to work on a Skateboard. So enjoy being a kid whilst it lasts!

 

WAHHHHHHHH http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif

i'll prove you wrong! i won't ever give up my skateboard.....plz don't take it away from me.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

 

one thing i hate about skateboarding: it almost got me fined 75$....a new "bylaw" doesn't let me go down one street, and i didn't know about it....i got away, but next time....i lose 75 bucks!

 

but it won't let me give up my love for it http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif

 

so chris, who ya pickin' next for the interview?

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

</font>

mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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a new "bylaw" doesn't let me go down one street,

 

That will be something to do with the fact that you've probably run over all of your neighbours! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif

 

QUOTE
but it won't let me give up my love for it

 

Nah, we all think that Crooksey...then we become an adult and start being miserable...but to compensate we discover Women!!!...which is why Karen and Paula have such a huge following on here !!

 

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif

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Nah, we all think that Crooksey...then we become an adult and start being miserable...but to compensate we discover Women!!!...which is why Karen and Paula have such a huge following on here !!

 

Paula and Karen are too old for me http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif they would probably boss me around.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif

 

no hard feelings http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

</font>

mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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Paula and Karen are too old for me  they would probably boss me around....
http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/sterb188.gif You'll learn its experience that counts not age! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif But your right: we would boss you around.

 

Nice interview Chris http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif

Edited by paula
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Fantastic

 

Being bossed around by an older woman..

.....but what do I know ?

 

 

 

Your Big Event

Office:01803 813540

Direct: 0797 0717 448

e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk

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...or two. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

.....but what do I know ?

 

 

 

Your Big Event

Office:01803 813540

Direct: 0797 0717 448

e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk

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Being bossed around by an older woman..

 

Every blokes dream..being bossed around by two older woman!!!...unless you are Spin's age in which case it's best to remain a Dream! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/nono.gif

 

Speaking of those two bossy woman....the two has decreased to one recently...has Karen had a better offer? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/014.gif

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LoL......but u do realize like i'm a 10 + years different? be kinda wierd....like an aunt i never knew just came in my life and bosses me around....

 

where is kazz anyways? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/blink.gif

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

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mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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like an aunt i never knew just came in my life and bosses me around....

 

I've just fallen off my chair with laughter....Crooksey you are going to get hammered for that comment when Auntie Paula comes on!!!.

 

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif

 

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uh oh.....good point.....NO OFFENSE PAULA/KAZZ! Just a point i'm making.....i'm too young for these ladies here http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif

 

(psst....Chris, should i edit my post? might be wise to for me http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

 

<font color="#008000">laterzzzzz :blink:</font>

 

<font color="#0000ff">DJ_CROOKS

</font>

mobile_dj_crooks@hotmail.com

 

<marquee behavior="alternate"><font color="#008080">Heh, I was a moderator :S</marquee>

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`Nice interview mr P,you are obviously in this bis for the right reasons.Respect http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif

I will try anything,once!

 

The Cornish will arise again !

Manager of the Andy Harris Fan Club.

Keep pasties Cornish

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