ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 The first DJU Interviews are now coming back, and we will be posting one interview per week as we head into 2004. The first interview is with Joe Cayford, one of the newer and younger members of DJU. Name: Joe Cayford How long have you been DJ'ing? I have been DJ properly for just under 4 years. Been mad about music from the age of about 10. What inspired you to become a DJ? Well, lol, when I was Ickle I went on a camping holiday in the Isle of Wight and on the last night there was a disco and it was amazing. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to be a DJ. Anyway, I asked the DJ if I could help him and he let me introduce the next track. Lol. My mic technique wasn’t quite up to scratch but oh well!! What type of "Do" was your first gig? My first proper gig was a 10th birthday party for 2 hours in someone’s living room. How much did you charge? (Mikeee please convert this from Shillings and pence to decimal when it’s your go...) Back in the day I used to charge £10 per hour. Oooops! Lol The gig that I did in someone’s living room, I charged 'em £20 for the 2 hours but they gave me £30! Yay! Lol What equipment did you have to begin with? Well I used a couple of old HiFi CD players, an old technics HIFI amp and 2 pairs of fairly big HiFi Speakers. For ages I just pressed a button on the amp to select between the two CD players but eventually I built up enough money to buy myself my first mixer. My first ever mixer that I bought new 1 or 2 years after I started was a Behringer DX100. I eventually made more money and, without spending it, saved up and bought more and better equipment. What’s the worst/most embarrassing thing you've done in front of an audience? I haven’t really done anything too embarrassing. I announced, “Happy 12th birthday to ……… when it was their 13th birthday, that’s about it. Hmmm… Lol What is your favourite type of function now? EG: Wedding, 18th Birthday party, funeral wake… School Disco, Kids Parties and other social events. 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) When I first started, I was really shy on the mic so my show comprised of mainly just playing through CDs. Lol What do you feel you offer your public, that makes you a better DJ than "the next guy/girl"? I am articulate and can communicate with my clientele. I like dealing with people and feel that it is important to give a service tailored to the requirements of my customer. As I am of a similar age group to a lot of my customers, I feel that I can cater for their requirements well. Have you ever bought something for your show that you wish you hadn’t? And why? I wish I hadn’t bought the ‘one working and one dodgey’ pair of martin RoboScan 805’s off Ebay. The dodgey one has been nothing but trouble and when I tried to get it fixed the person did a complete botch job and put parts in it that aren’t in the working one. Grrr! What’s your next DJ purchase likely to be? My next purchase for my disco is likely to be a controller for my effect lighting and a DMX controller for my scanners. I now have way too much lighting to have on all the time and an effective way of switching them on and off would be useful. If you could get someone to invent a new piece of disco equipment for your show, what would it be? Erm… A smoke/fog machine that sucks in and ‘recycles’ old smoke and churns it out again to save on fog fluid?! What do you think is the best thing about DJ’ing? The buzz you get from seeing people enjoying them selves and being entertained by you. What do you think is the worst thing about DJ'ing. Having to pack away after a gig. What would make you stop DJ'ing (if anything). Nothing would stop me DJ’ing, unless I got run over by a bus on the way home today. Lol How do you think DJ'ing will change, in the next 5 years? I think that DJ’ing will be taken over by computer systems and mp3. Excellent idea, I’m thinking of switching to mp3 myself. Most stupid thing anyone's ever said to you at a gig? Can I be the DJ for tonight?! Best advice you were ever given by a fellow DJ? Be yourself. And worst advice you were ever given Erm… I haven’t really been given any bad advice. Name 3 songs that 95% of the time will fill your dance floor!! Los Del Rio – Macarena Whigfield – Saturday Night Erm… and… The Fast Food Rockers - The Fast Food Song All that cheezy stuff. Age 15 Location UK (Exact location edited for safety reasons by way of age) Martial status Single Education level In the middle of doing my GCSE’s Mode of transportation Van Trailer towed by my mum’s poor old Nissan Sunny 1.4 litre, which I sumtimes think, is going to die going up hills. What equipment do you currently use? Erm… can’t name everything, but: Sound Equipment: Numark DM1235 mixer, KAM KCD 960 Twin CD Player, Lyonforge P400 Amplifier, Pair of IMQ StageLine 350watt disco speakers, Pair of Tornado 300watt disco speakers. Lighting: Abstract Twister 2: (x1), Abstract Hypermoon: (x1), Martin RoboScan 805: (x2), Roses Lighting Effect: (x1), Chauvet Micro-Scan: (x3) and Chauvet Micro-Barrel: (x2), 60watt Strobe (x1). Miscellaneous: Fog Machine, Radio Mics, 6ft deck stand and overhead "Goal Post" Lighting Rig. How much have you "invested" in equipment? Oooh. I’m not quite sure. I have built it up over several years. What was your reason for becoming a DJ? Well as I said in a previous question, I went on holiday in the Isle of Wight and on the last night there was a disco. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to be a DJ. Approximately how many gigs have you done to date? I don’t know. Lots Link to post Share on other sites
C.S 0 Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 Respects to ya, and keep up the good work! Nice to see young uns coming on so the mobile dj world has a future I will try anything,once! The Cornish will arise again ! Manager of the Andy Harris Fan Club. Keep pasties Cornish Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Smith 0 Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 When you start earning more you'll be able to treat your mum to a new car to get you to the gigs http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif You seem to be doing really well and good luck to you with the DJing and the GCSEs. PaulS Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 16, 2003 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 I must admit it's a nice change to have a youngster on this forum, who is doing really well, not out to cheek the mods or appear as a know it all, and not out to cause trouble!!. More power to you http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif - well done and good luck. Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 Good for you! One tip I will give you is that although kids parties are more harder physically, they are more enjoyable.. and considering the average kids party/school disco, will ultimately pay more pro rata.... keep it up! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
Steve 0 Posted December 17, 2003 Report Share Posted December 17, 2003 Interesting reading...sounds like a similar story to how many people Ive spoken to get into djing of this kind (apart from your novel use of the amplifier input switches!!! did u own 2 pairs of headphones as well for each cd player!) Chris...sorry havent had chance to complete the interview today...hopefully you are ok for a couple of weeks Ill return it as quick as poss! Steve Link to post Share on other sites
joe 0 Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 (edited) QUOTE Interesting reading...sounds like a similar story to how many people Ive spoken to get into djing of this kind (apart from your novel use of the amplifier input switches!!! did u own 2 pairs of headphones as well for each cd player!) Nope, I didn't have 2 pairs of head fones http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wacko.gif I used 1 pair and just had them plugged into the CD player I was cueing up, then took it out and pluged them into the other CD player http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif lol Thankyou to everyone who has wished me luck with my GCSEs. Hopefully I'll do ok. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif I'm really busy with the DJ'ing at the moment http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Ive got an alnighter to do at my school tonight, A kids party on tomorrow and belive it or not, a disco for the death and hard of hearing on saturday http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wacko.gif (I'm not joking) That will probly be the weirdest gig I will hsve in my life. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif Aparently they can feel the bass and they really enjoy it, so I've been told. lol Joe Edited July 14, 2004 by joe Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 We used to have a deaf school around here and every year I would set up, but keep my speakers on the floor ontop of a special large mat that would vibrate with the bass, the people would dance on this mat, which as about 20' x 20' as theyt could feel the music. .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
Dj SBD 0 Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 Well dun m8, good luck in ur exams and with the dj'ing http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Respect Hi everyone ;-) Link to post Share on other sites
Steve 0 Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 Ive only ever done one disco for the deaf and hard of hearing...I dreaded it from around 10 months since I was given (not took!) the booking. Turned out to be a great night, better than I could ever have expected! It was a 21st and the girl whose birthday it was played basket ball for the GB paraolympics team....very different event to what I am experienced in, but met some really interesting people and was surprised how responsive everyone was to the music Steve Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 0 Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 Good interview...and well done for being the first(?) person interviewed here to come up with an answer to the "invention" question, which didnt mention "self setting-up gear" or "floating/light-weight gear"...a recycling smoke machine??? time for Chris to put his "Blue Peter" badge, and grab his hot glue gun... Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 hate to say this.. but deaf people could probably differentiate what music you are playing better than people who hear perfectly. Remember they are excellent lip readers too. Probably one of the most frustrating handicap.... I dont know whether it is more frustrating for me not being able to hear people or for others having been asked by myself six or seven times to repeat what they are saying... yes, also the fact that there is no tell tale sign to indicate that anyone is deaf! WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
joe 0 Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 Ok, Got back from the 'deaf' gig last nite and it was a wicked nite. Better than I ever expected. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif We even did some party games 2 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif They did musical chairs, although it wasnt exactly musical chairs it was more 'light chairs'. When the lights were off everyone ran round and round the chairs and when the hall lights were flicked on, every one had 2 quickly find a chair. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif It was a great experience and I found watching the sign language really fascinating http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/huh.gif What was really weird was, normaly at the end of a gig, I leave some 'background' music running while people are leaving and while I take down the lighting etc. Instead, they asked if I could leave the lights on and stop the music first, which felt really weird http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif but was actualy better because I load all the big heavy audio stuff into the trailer first anyway. Anyway, it was a really good nite and everyone really enjoyed themselves. I think I might be a little deaf now as I was playing it so loud http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/sad.gif Joe http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Steve 0 Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 QUOTE It was a great experience and I found watching the sign language really fascinating It really is, the sign language and the lip reading is pretty amazing. I remember watching a few of the guests earlier on in the evening at the bar at the party I did last year and it does fascinate how the communication works! Steve Link to post Share on other sites
mobile_dj_crooks 0 Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 nice nice 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> Link to post Share on other sites
Dj_Kray 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 Nice interview http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
adenondj 0 Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 QUOTE (joe @ Dec 18 2003, 09:52 AM) ...cueing up, then took it out and pluged them into the other CD player http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif lol... Hopefully I'll do ok. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif .... weirdest gig I will hsve in my life. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif .. lol Joe you seem very nervious! (i cant spell you may have notaced when reading other poasts) good luck with your gcse's and all the best with your djing Paul ''king'' Denon D.J. for life Link to post Share on other sites
joe 0 Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 I was very nervous when I first started out nearly 4 years ago. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif My novel idea of swapping the headphone jack over each time I cued up gradually got anoying as I had to unplug them before playing because otherwise the track would only play through the headphones and not live. Also a lot of the time I forgot to unplug them which left me with wondering why I had no music!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/huh.gif lol Oh the memories!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted February 9, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 QUOTE Oh the memories!!! 15 going on 45 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/071.gif Link to post Share on other sites
partychris 0 Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 Nice interview, interesting reading.. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
The Spindoctor 0 Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 QUOTE 15 going on 45 I remember 45 once.............. a long time ago! Spin Link to post Share on other sites
Dukesy 0 Posted February 17, 2004 Report Share Posted February 17, 2004 Ahhhhh I remember when I was 15!!! Keep up the good work. Nice Interview. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
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