DJs

The eclectic final night (Sunday) of LBB9 this year proved once again that we can all get on, with a musical journey from northern soul to psych and everything in between. The Crossfire allnighter also welcomed 70-year-old American R&B performer, Bill Bush, who was unable to perform on the night but took a bow when his record, ‘I’m Waiting’ filled the floor in the main hall. Nutsmag editor, Scotch Martin, was Bill’s guide for the night. 

Remarkably, LBB9 was my first visit to Crossfire, with my other half usually getting the ‘pass out’ for this event while I babysit. But I had a very special reason for going this time as American Hammond player, Bill Bush, was over visiting Caroline and me and wanted to drop in to see what all the fuss was about.

Also travelling with us was Cassiobury Soul Club DJ, Martin Harland, and when we arrived the bands had already started in the main hall prior to the allnighter. Two live bands appeared and fellow Glaswegians, The Beatroots, were first to take to the stage. My old friend, and extremely talented, Groovy Graham, was playing sitar, which really added another dimension. Graham and vocalist Neil were previously in Figure 5, the fantastic power pop ensemble who brushed so close to fame they could taste it. But despite appearances across Europe, festivals, gigs at the Albert Hall and Camden’s Electric Ballroom, and an American TV advert major commercial success eluded them.

If you were lucky enough to pick up their free CD, you’ll already know that those years of training has produced a highly competent, psychedelic super group that are already making swirling, shimmering waves everywhere they play.

A big buzz followed for young Dutchman, Jacco Gardner, whose elf like persona fits well with his early Floyd / Sid Barrett-style cosmic sounds. A laid back affair with songs from the new album plus the singles. We were all curious to see if he could create the well-crafted studio sounds live.

I was bowled over with the musicianship, quality and imagination of both sets and although it’s not my ‘thang’, being more of a soul fan, I thought both bands impressive and talented.

The R&B room, at first freezing, later boiling, was hosted by long-running R&B club Mousetrap and DJ’s included Roger Banks, Alberto Valle (Barcelona) and Bill Kealy (Ireland) plus residents Rob Bailey & Chris Dale. The atmosphere is all very mod, with the whole black music spectrum covered from late fifties blues and R&B to late sixties Latin, boogaloo and reggae. That was where Bill and his entourage settled initially, signing autographs and meeting people before his appearance later. It all goes on at LBB!

Bill was particularly fascinated by the energy of the pysch room, where a DJ line-up from all over Europe had belted out the rarest and wildest garage, freakbeat and psych for two nights already and said it reminded him of New Orleans in the 60s. Special guests Sunday were Irish lads Paddy & Sarge, joining Miguel Ygarza (Spain), Carlo Espero (Italy) and NUTS own Dr Robert. The last record rang out at 6.15am with the lights on and a stage full off fun seekers still looking for kicks and shouting for more.

The Crossfire allnighter has a ‘London oldies’ music policy and didn’t disappoint. Most of the tunes from Sean Chapman, Ady Croasdell, Chris Dale, Derek Mead and Roger Stewart were guaranteed floor fillers, and the crowd showed their appreciation with a packed dance floor.

At 1am Chris Dale’s prized copy of ‘I’m Waiting’ shook the floor and Sean Chapman introduced Bill Bush, who thanked the dancers for supporting his music. It turns out that, at 70, it was ‘all a bit loud’ for the guy who played with Bobby Bland, Jerry Lee and Eddy Giles amongst others back in the day – but he left having fulfilled an ambition, to watch his obscure b-side from 1965 pack a dance floor in London, England in 2013. Job done.

Thank you to Ramees Farooqi, Esther Bellepoque & Cloat Culterior for all the great photos. You can see the full LBB9 Photo Albums from Ramees Farooqi & Esther Bellepoque here and from Cloat Culterior on Facebook here. You will need to login to see them!

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Scotch Martin

Since the local youth club in the early-eighties Martin’s been Djing with records of one sort or another. Spots at the CCI National Mod Rallies across Britain in the 80s were followed in 1990 by the first in a line of successful northern soul and mod clubs in Glasgow. With four others he started Goodfoot in 91, with Acid Jazz-influenced playlists of Blow Up in London, and Brighton Beach in Leeds. Goodfoot arguably paved the way for a new generation of mod-influenced clubs in Glasgow over the past 20 years. Living in London in the late 90s Martin DJ’d at neuvo-modernist clubs including Where’s Jude and Lordy Lord, as well as regularly spinning at Duffer of St. George parties and other happenings. A career highlight was supporting legendary organist, Jimmy Smith, as well as pulling off 10 consecutive club nights during the 1995 Glasgow Jazz Festival. By 2001, back in Glasgow, Caledoniasoul launched. A definitive milestone in the Scottish soul scene, the club ran for six years and brought Butch, Mick Smith, Mick H, Arthur Fenn, Mike Ritson, Dave Rimmer and Ady Croasdell to Scotland for the first time to experience the sweaty, full-on atmosphere for themselves. As a journalist Martin has always written about music. In 2004 he tracked down singer and organist, Bill Bush, whose soulful, jazzy rarity, I’m Waiting on Ronn, was hitting on the northern soul scene. After visiting Bill in the USA and interviewing him for Manifesto he brought the band over to perform in the UK, complete with Hammond B3, and has helped Bill profit for the first time from the 1968 b-side. Martin is married to Caroline, has two children, lives in the London suburbs. Still collecting after 30 years!

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Promoter/Resident at ‘For Dancers Only’ club in Wexford and semi-regular resident at ‘Sleepless nights Soulclub’ Dublin.

1. How and when did you get into music and what were you listening to then?

Got into music big time in the early eighties through the Mod Revival and then bands like The Prisoners came along with a much more sixties sound. Northern Soul was quite big in Dublin at the time but to be honest that whole scene passed me by.

2. Where was your first DJ slot?

When I was in College in Carlow in 85/86 I used to play a local pub playing mainly mod revival / sixties.

3. What was your most memorable DJ spot?

It’s hard to pick one; stand outs have been The Boiler in Barcelona, Klubb Magnus in Oslo. Always the Hideaway, plus and Basics and Friday Street in Scotland, and of course the Mousetrap and R’n’B 123 earlier this year were a bit special.

4. What has been your worst DJ experience?

I remember one night at a ‘Northern Soul’ club in Ireland they only had CD decks and couldn’t understand why I had only brought records.

5. Your favourite scene DJ’s and why?

Alan Handscombe, Chris Dale, Steve Hiscock, Soulful Jules, Niamh Lynch, Neil Henderson, Davie Hudson, Jimmy and Luis Soulful, Andy Pollard; they’ve all introduced me to new tunes and have such a great passion. Jamie Parr and Alfredo Maddaloni came to Dublin recently and they rocked the place.

6. What has shaped your DJ sound and why?

I love the sound of records from the mid to late fifties/ early sixties, before the sound was sanitised for white America. The records were produced for the dancefloor and that’s why they still sound so good.

7. What was your best ever find/discovery?

I can’t lay claim to discovering any record but my best find was Harry Starr at a record fair in Wexford for a tenner.

8. Who was your biggest influence musically and your favourite artist(s)?

My favourite singer ever is Little Willie John, his voice is unique. I also love Ike & Tina, Howlin’ Wolf, Lavern Baker, Ray Charles.

9. Do you collect specific labels/artists/genres?

I don’t collect any specific labels, I’d never be able to afford it for a start. I don’t ever buy a record unless I really like it no matter how popular it is.

10. Where can folks currently catch your DJ set?

Currently working on a new night in Dublin, I’ll be at Sleepless Nights in Dublin and of course For Dancers Only, check the club page for details.

Next Club Spots for 2013:
Mojo Workin’ R&B Weekend. Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain, 1 & 2 March
Prestatyn Soul Weekender, Wales, 8 – 10 March
Le Beat Bespoke, Crossfire, London, 31 March
No Way Out, Manchester, Sat 13 April

11. Please give us a top 10 all time favourite’s and a current top 5 spins?

Top 10 Tracks of All Time:

1. Harry Starr – Another Time, Another Place
2. Danny Owens – You’re a Little Too Late
3. Four Tops – Baby I Need Your Loving
4. Gay Poppers – I Want to Know
5. Ernie Washington – Lonesome Shack
6. Little Willie John – I’m Shakin’
7. Sity & James – You Needn’t Tell Me
8. Mary Ann Fisher – Put on your Shoes
9. Sammy Ambrose – Monkey See, Monkey Do
10. The Ascots – She Did

Current Top 5 Tracks:

1. Ercel Jones – That’s My Man
2. Roy Brown – Mr Hound Dog’s In Town
3. Otis Blackwell – Let the Daddy Hold You
4. Katherine Hughes – How Can I Go
5. Ruby & the Wonders – Don’t Cha Do It

DJ Promo Links
www.facebook.com/groups

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drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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Dr Crippen’s Far Out Underground All Star Acid Rock DJ Team in Belfast.

1. How and when did you get into music and what were you listening to then?

I was just getting hairs on it when Maggie Thatcher was elected in ’79 and in the throws of the troubles in Belfast so music became of the utmost importance quite early on. Like most with an older brother I got his records in my ears whether I liked them or not. The likes of Blondie, some glammy nonsense and then, Baaaam! punk happened. Soon after that the Blondie single hadn’t come into the record shop yet and so my brother bought ‘Time for Action’ by Secret Affair instead and next thing I knew there was a white SX200 taking up half the back yard.

2. Where was your first DJ slot?

Goodness, I really can’t recall but I think I was wearing my black shirt with the snails on it, I loved that shirt, maybe late 80s.

3. What was your most memorable DJ spot?

Hard one…torn between the acid jazz boat trip and Lou’s 30th birthday party.

4. What so far, has been your worst DJ experience?

Torn between an office party where this geezer comes up and says ‘this music is crap do you have any ‘middle of the road’ and I says: “What the band?” And he says: “No the genre.” Also Lou’s 30th birthday party.

5. Your favourite scene DJ’s and why?

The standard wonder that is Jack White and his selections used to send me, but he’s cleared off to the land of funk and honeys now so it’s hard to say as I like a lot of DJs outside of the scene as well so far too many to mention but gotta dig on the Glasgow battalion, the German lot, my wee mate Paddy the Face and of course the craftsmanship of Rob.

6. What has shaped your DJ sound and why?

Dancing. I’m lucky in that I have DJd in lots of different places with different crowds, from heads who listen to spangled muntfruggers who just gotta move, but when it comes to the 60s scene stuff its gotta get ya up.

7. What was your best ever find/discovery?

£30 in a car park… sweet.

8. Who was your biggest influence musically and your favourite artist(s)?

My mates; but all three Pointer Sisters were cool, but if I had to choose, I’d say Ruth was definitely my favourite. We’d tell jokes, play cards on the tour bus, and just generally have a real good time. I was with her in this hotel lobby in St. Petersburg when she came up with the basic chord structure for “Automatic,” and after that, she’d always say I was her good-luck charm. But like I said, all three were real cool. Touring with them was one of the best times I’ve had in this crazy business. In ’86, I left to tour with Richard Marx, and we had a lot of success, especially with the “Repeat Offender” tour a few years later, but it just wasn’t the same. I tell you, I really miss those gals.

9. Where can folks currently catch your DJ set?

Various Belfast events.

10. What is the record you would most like to own?

All of them.

11. Please give us a top 10 all time favourite’s and a current top 5 spins?

Top 10 Tracks of All Time:

1. Deep Purple – Hush
2. Four Blazers – Hush
3. Kris Ife – Hush
4. Funky Junction – Hush
5. Woody Herman – Hush
6. Love Affair – Hush
7. Somebody’s Image – Hush
8. Los Rockin’ Devils – Hush
9. Sylnana Velasco – Hush
10. Kula Shaker – Govinda

Current Top 5 Tracks: 

1. The Churchills – Sunshine Man
2. Orange Machine – Dr Crippen’s Waiting Room
3. Fallen Angels – Everything Would be Fine
4. Arcadium – Poor Lady
5. Mr Love – Ease the Pain

DJ Promo Links
facebook.com/groups
facebook.com/sarge.mcsargey
twitter.com/SARGENSTEIN
mixcloud.com/sarge/
spring-heeled-sarge.podomatic.com/

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drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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6TS Rhythm & Soul Club at the 100 Club Northern Soul All Nighters.

1. How and when did you get into music and what were you listening to then?

The Animals. While living in Derby 1964.

2. Where was your first DJ slot?

The Last Chance 6TS allnighter, 21 Oxford St in 1982.

3. What was your most memorable DJ spot?

Every closing Sunday night at the Cleethorpes weekender.

4. Your favourite scene DJ’s and why?

Butch for new sounds, Mick Smith for the old ones.

5. What has shaped your DJ sound and why?

Randy Cozens showing me there was more than Northern to soul dancing.

6. What was your best ever find/discovery?

Sharon Scott – Putting My Heart under Lock and Key, most famous ones are Melba Moore – The Magic Touch and Frankie & Johnny – I’ll Hold You.

7. Biggest influence musically and your favourite artist(s)?

Impressions, Lou Johnson & Maxine Brown.

8. Where can folks currently catch your DJ set?

100 Club – The next night is on Saturday Feb 16th 2013.

9. What is the record you would most like to own?

That one that hasn’t been discovered yet.

10. Please give us a top 10 all time favourite’s and a current top 5 spins?

Top 10 Tracks of All Time:

1. Kim Weston – Helpless
2. Carla Thomas – I’ll Never Stop Loving You
3. Four Tops – Baby I Need Your Loving
4. The Parliaments – This Is My Rainy Day
5. The Sensations – Demanding Man
6. Spellbinders – Help Me
7. Ben E King – Getting’ To Me (Atco acetate)
8. Sharon Scott – I’m Not Afraid (acetate)
9. Barbara Lynn – This Is the Thanks I Get
10. Luther Ingram – Oh Baby Don’t You Weep

Current Top 5 Tracks: 

1. Nancy Wilcox – He’ll Be Leaving You – Pied Piper
2. September Jones – Voo Doo Mademoiselle – Pied Piper
3. Magic Night – If You and I Had Never Met – Roulette
4. Melvin Parker – If I Had My Way (acetate)
5. O C Tolbert – Marriage Is Just a State Of Mind (Dave Hamilton acetate)

DJ Promo Links
www.6ts.info
facebook.com/pages/6Ts-Rhythm-and-Soul-Society/6320844642

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drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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Resident DJ at Mushroom Machine Club, Mod Generation Club & Teenage Kicks Club, all in Madrid, Spain. Organiser of many other events and parties related to those ones mentioned.

1. How and when did you get into music and what were you listening to then?

I was really young when I started to listen to music, 7 to 8 years old, mostly new wave and power pop stuff in the very early 80s.

2. Where was your first DJ slot?

Don’t remember exactly but it should have been 1994 at the Pussycat Bar in Madrid maybe, a mod club at that time.

3. What was your most memorable DJ spot?

Well, very difficult to choose one. I remember great nights at Euroyeye, La Beat Bespoke. Most of the nights here in Madrid, where we have the best people around in the parties.

4. What so far, has been your worst DJ experience?

I am very easy going, I enjoy nearly everything everywhere, so hard to think about a bad experience. I need very little to make my day or night.

5. Your favourite scene DJ’s and why?

Well, there are many great DJs around, but Sebas Aviles from Mallorca is great, a very good friend of mine indeed, he can make everybody dance for hours, and never fails. Also Stephan Golowka from Frankfurt, Lolo from La Coruña and Rob Bailey from London, all play my favourite music.

6. What has shaped your DJ sound and why?

Don’t know really what, but step by step I went to play mainly psych, freakbeat & garage when I DJ. That’s what I really like most.

7. What was your best ever find/discovery?

There were so many great finds in my life, I’m always looking for records, every time I travel I look for record shops and flea markets, I was very happy the day I got the Spanish pressing of Scots of St James – Tic Toc for a couple of Euros in a well known shop in Madrid, together with many other great singles at a fantastic bargain price.

8. Who was your biggest influence musically and your favourite artist(s)?

I must be honest, Los Flechazos were a very big influence in my life, as in most of the people in my age into mod/60s from Spain. Also the Small Faces, Fab4 and The Who. That brought me to all the rest.

9. Do you collect specific labels/artists/genres?

Mainly 60’s freakbeat, psych and garage, but also soul and R&B, punk and power pop, folk. Original pressings always, and better in picture sleeves if singles.

10. Where can folks currently catch your DJ set?

Well, I have uploaded many records from my collection to my youtube channel: youtube.com/user/MushroomMachineClub
Not all from my DJ set, but many things in my set are there.

11. What is the record you would most like to own?

All the records I like and I still don’t have, all of them!

12.  Please give us a top 5 all time favourite’s and a current top 5 spins?

Top 5 Tracks of All Time:

1. Tickets – El rigor de las Desdichas (Columbia, 1969)
2. Shocking Blue – I Saw Your Face (Pink Elephant, 1971)
3. Los Chicos – Quiero un Poco de tu Amor (RCA, 1971)
4. The Moon – Walking Around (Imperial, 1968)
5. Nazz – Forget All About It (SGC 1968)

Current Top 5 Tracks:

1. Caleb – Woman of Distinction (Philips, 1967)
2. Tintern Abbey - Vacuum Cleaner (Deram, 1967)
3. Open Mind - Magic Potion (Philips, 1969)
4. Complex - Witch’s Spell (Private label, 1970)
5. Small Faces - Son of a Baker (Immediate, 1968)

DJ Promo Links
facebook.com/miguel.ygarzagutierrez

drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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Richard Searling is one of the most famous and successful men in northern soul. He is a multi talented soul music promoter, disc jockey, radio broadcaster, record company owner and expert in northern soul music.

He is likeable, charming and down to earth and his influence on the northern soul scene is indisputable, a soul fan will buy a record based purely upon Richards review of it.

I really wanted to meet him and was delighted when he agreed to an interview during the northern soul weekender at the impressive Blackpool Tower earlier this year.

Richard has been interviewed several times, so what do you ask a man who has been asked everything-no rude replies, please! I was curious about his opinion of the state of the northern soul scene. I asked Richard what did he think of the “vinyl only policy” and how it is a mainly, unhealthy, controlling influence on scene, Richards reply surprised me and you can hear it during my interview now!

Kath Newman

What is northern soul? Predominately, rare, black, American, soul music of the 60’s and 70’s. First called northern soul in 1968 by Dave Godin editor to Blues and Soul magazine, when many young people in the North of England in the late 60’s and early 70’s were listening to this music. “ Some of it you will hate, most you will love”. I am a northern soul deejay, radio/TV broadcaster and music journalist living in the sunny southcoast of England. The genres I love are the blues, rhythm and blues, soul and in particular northern soul. I started deejaying due to a lack of northern soul events in Brighton. I like the good quality rare, northern soul, but to hear it I had to find good deejays or play it myself. For several years I have been privileged to interview great artists and deejays from the unique, music scene that is northern soul, such as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and the successful deejay Richard Searling. Each month I will be bringing you an interview of a northern soul artist or deejay and keeping you informed of forthcoming events. I am interested in your thoughts, experiences and suggestions about northern soul and would like to quote you here each month, drop me a line at either: Email: souldeepevents@yahoo.co.uk or Facebook.com/ kath newman

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1. How and when did you get into music and what were you listening to then?

1966/67 was into Spencer Davis and Tamla Motown and then Small Faces. Started buying records.

2. Where was your first DJ slot?

Stile Youth Club Todmorden.

3. What was your most memorable DJ spot?

Too many to mention in the UK and all over Europe.

4. What so far, has been your worst DJ experience?

1976 – Northallerton Civic Hall North Yorkshire – Lots of kids, mums and dads asking for ABBA!!

5. Your favourite scene DJ’s and why?

Richard Serling – knows what it’s all about on the dancefloor and a pleasure to work with.

Butch – always finding quality new discoveries

Soul Sam – Bless him – his enthusiasm at his age. His spots are either good or not so good!

6. What has shaped your DJ sound and why?

Black music and fond memories of the 60’s.

7. What was your best ever find/discovery?

I am No. 1 for re-activating oldies. Once you have purchased these finds/discoveries. Twenty four years ago buying Timi Yuro and before that having the first copy of Just Like You Did Me – Yvonne Vernee (Sonbert). In 1977 also recall at the same time myself and a couple of DJ’s first playing My Loves Gone With the Wind.

8. Who was your biggest influence musically and your favourite artist(s)?

Tamla Motown – Marvin Gaye. All time favourite singer is Jackie Wilson.

9. Do you collect specific labels/artists/genres?

UK Soul labels from the 60’s and quality imports.

10. Where can folks currently catch your DJ set?

Resident DJ 3rd Friday every month Yorkshire. Lawton Civic Hall Nr Wigan 2nd Friday of month. King Georges Hall Blackburn and Kings Hall Stoke allnighters. Most of the top weekenders.

11. What is the record you would most like to own?

I’ll be honest always chasing records and been very fortunate over a long period in life to have got most of the records I have always wanted but there is always something new to discover and that keeps you going.

12. Please give us a top 10 all time favourites and a current top 5 spins?

Top 10 Tracks of All Time:

All 1960’s except for No.10

1. The Right Track – Billy Butler (Soul City / Okeh USA)

2. Just a Little Misunderstanding – Contours (Tamla Motown)

3. I Won’t be Coming Back – JD Bryant (Shrines USA)

4. It’ll Never be Over for Me – Timi Yuro (Liberty-UK)

5. If You Ask Me – Jerry Williams (Calla)

6. You’ve Been Away – Rubin (Kapp)

7. The Next in Line – Hoagy Lands (Stateside UK)

8. I’m the One To Do It – Jackie Wilson (Coral UK)

9. The Drifter – Ray Pollard (United Artists UK)

10. I Like To Get Near You – Richard Caiton (Uptight USA 70’s)

Current Top 5 Tracks:

(All 1960’s)

1. If You Want to Hold On – JT Parker (Academy)

2. I’ll Believe in You – Nancy Wilcock (10” Pied Piper Production)

3. Heartache Souveniers – William Powell (Powerhouse)

4. Sweet Temptation – Ward Burton (Panther)

5. Money Can’t Buy my Love – Vivien Jones (Lark)

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drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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1. How and when did you get into music and what were you listening to then?

I got into the mod/scooter scene at 15 years old. I bought my first scooter, a Vespa 50cc Special and joined a scooter club called High Moderation. I had an older brother and cousins who were into the Mod scene so I started to hang around with some Mods who were a year above me at school. Once into the fashion it was only a matter of time before I started to get into the music. I started listening to bands such as Paul Weller, The Jam, Small Faces and The Who. My brother had a big part to play in my musical taste progressing, as he was listening to bands like The Specials, Madness and was listening to lots of soul and Motown compilations, which exposed me to artists like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops and Martha Reeves.

At 16, looking slightly older than my age (not the case now), I was able to start going to clubs like Brighton Beach, local soul nights and the occasional scooter rally. This is where I was exposed to lots of new sounds. I was hearing records like Mel Torme – Coming Home, Sandi Sheldon – Gonna make me love you and Sam Dees – Lonely for my baby. As you can imagine I was blown away by these sounds and the exposure made me delve a little deeper into the music and vinyl records. I bought my first record from Boogaloo Records in Leicester when I was 17 for 6UKP and it was Ray Charles – Go on home.

2. Where was your first DJ slot?

My First DJ set was in Birmingham; by this time I lived for the weekends and was travelling up and down the country regularly attending mod/soul nights. Through attending nights on a regular basis Pid asked me to DJ along with a couple of mates Soggy and Gibbo. Dudley Steve was also on at the same night. I remember playing records like Joe Tex – You better believe it baby, JJ Jackson – Oh Ma Liddi and The Artistics – hope we have. I also remember playing a reissue, but this was before I was aware of the OVO policy! A couple of people looked amazed that they saw a young 17 year old lad behind the decks playing Bobby Adams & Betty Lou – Dr True Love…quite funny thinking about it now!

3. What was your most memorable DJ spot?

My most memorable DJ set has to be in Barcelona at the Boiler club. The city is amazing enough but the Boiler Club is how clubs should be, exciting, vibrant and a full on party from start to finish. I was deliberating weeks before about what I should play and selecting records for my play-box! I was pleased with my sets and judging by the dance floor so were the dancers, it was packed from start to finish… I even played a B-side by mistake and the dancers liked it, thankfully it was a very good B-side!

4. What so far, has been your worst DJ experience?

If ever you get asked to DJ at a wedding DON’T DO IT! I was asked off the back of running a club called ‘Shoutin the Blues’. One of the bar men liked the music and asked me to play at his wedding. At the time I was about 18 or 19 and thought that I could make a few quid. I made it clear that I only had Soul, Mod, R&B, Latin records and that he wouldn’t be getting the usual type wedding DJ playing music like ABBA, The Village People etc. He was adamant that he wanted something a bit different and that his guests would enjoy the music. I agreed to do it and for a price of £150, which I thought wasn’t bad for a few hours work! How wrong could I have been!

I was conscious not to play rare stuff, so I took more mainstream (to me) records which consisted of lots of Motown and dance floor friendly classics. Anyway to cut a long story short only 1 person danced throughout the whole night and that was towards the end of the night… funnily enough it was probably the rarest record I played all night ‘Billy Hawkes – Oh Baby’. Towards the end there were a group of lads who were sat at the back of the room, one of them came to ask me if I would play ‘You’ll never walk alone’, me being a Man United fan replied “I don’t play that stuff”, every record I played then was drowned out by a chant of “Who the f hell are you”. Shortly after that I decided to call it a night. I got my wages and left. Looking back now it’s pretty funny but at the time it was a nightmare!

5. Your favourite scene DJ’s and why?

Mik Parry – Forward thinking and so ahead of the game it’s unreal. It’s only now other DJ’s have been able to acquire records he was playing years ago. A) because the records are pure quality and B) they have seen his playlists. Check out his You tube channel ‘POW WOW MIK’

Karl Heard – Is what I call a proper DJ! This man has the ability to create an atmosphere like no other. Karl had a record collection to die for, but has now sold most of them off…not that I’m complaining! You think of all the big tunes – Volumes, Charles Johnson, Judy Stokes, Notations, Magicians, Harvey Averne, Johnny McCall AND Karl had or has these and loads more of this calibre.

Gav Arno – I always say it but it’s true, he’s a dark horse! Every time I hear him behind the decks and also when I have a look through his playbox he surprises me with what he has. Gav has a passion for unearthing quality unknown records, he finds tomorrow’s big records today!

6. What has shaped your DJ sound and why?

The three DJ’s I have mentioned in question 5 have helped me shape my taste, especially Karl Heard, over the last few years. Another is by regularly attending club nights and hearing DJ’s spinning new (to me) interesting records. The thing I love about Mod nights is you get such a varied taste of music from Soul right through to Jazz.

The internet is also a great way to hear new records and other DJ’s from around the world. Shows such as Jester Wild and YouTube channels are a great way to hear new stuff. Over the years I have collected all sorts but now I am much more selective about what records I buy.

7. What was your best ever find/discovery?

Tough question…my best discoveries are records I have recently posted on YouTube, Lil Archie & The Majestics, Leave my Girl Alone & Victor Lane, There’s Something About You. I have had them for about 4/5 years now and have been searching hard since but have never come across other copies. That is the reason why I have put them on YouTube to give them more exposure but also to see if other DJ’s/collectors can unearth copies…good luck!

8. Who was your biggest influence musically and your favourite artist(s)?

I honestly don’t have a favourite artist, I really like Marvin Gaye but not sure I could call him my favourite. I would relate this back again to question 5 and say that in my time as a resident at The Pow Wow Club, Mik and Gav were massive influences over me musically. The stuff these guys were playing was unreal! Imagine being 19/20 and hearing The Jokers, Jonathan Capree, The Fads, Young Jessie etc. Both well ahead of their time and two great DJ’s.

9. Do you collect specific labels/artists/genres?

Not in the slightest, if it’s good and I like it I’ll have bid/buy it. I don’t just buy records for DJ-ing with though. If I hear a record that I like but is not right for playing out, depending on cost, I will still by it for Sunday afternoons relaxing at home, listening to a few records.

Although I do like the Soul Brother Records label. It can be found here.

10. Where can folks currently catch your DJ set?

I am not currently a resident or running any club nights but I get asked to guest DJ quite a bit, so if you keep your eyes peeled I’m sure you will my see my name on one or two flyers. In terms of running my own night… watch this space!

11. What is the record you would most like to own?

Another tough one, it would have to be either Eddie Parker, I’m Gone on Awake or The Hopkins Bros, Shake Cherri on Magnetik. I can remember when I first heard both of these records for the first time and thinking Holy smoke!

I first heard Eddie Parker in Sweden at the Soulastic All-nighter when Ginger Taylor was playing. When the first few notes came in the atmosphere was something I had not experienced before at a soul all-nighter and something I will never forget. That night we all went onto an after party and one of my friends had what I thought was a copy of ‘I’m Gone’ and the only difference between his copy and Ginger’s was that my mate’s was a boot (the look-a-like boot). I wasn’t aware of the value of the record at this point and I thought he had a copy, he then explained it was worth in the region of between 5-7K, needless to say, it was hammered that night and played probably about 30 times at the after party… oh what good times!

I first heard Andy Dyson play The Hopkins Bros at Lifeline a few years back and again the place went crazy. Only a handful of DJ’s had it at the time, all the big boys such as Dyson, Butch, Ian Wright… I’m not even sure if Mick H had one at that time!? Shame that it has been booted now! It’s still record of the night every time I hear it out, but I hate that I can now go online and buy a boot of it for £10, it has to be OVO!

12.  Please give us a top 10 all time favourite’s and a current top 5 spins?

Top Ten Favourites:

1. Eddie Parker – I’m gone

2. Hopkins Bros – Shake Cherri

3. Jonathan Capree – I’m gonna build me a mountain

4. Carol Anderson – Taking my mind off love

5. Ray Agee – I’m losing again

6. Billy Hawkes – Oh baby

7. Volumes – I ain’t gonna give you up

8. Otis Lee – Hard Row to Hoe

9. Parisians – Twinkle little star

10. Tobi Lark – Sweep it out in the shed

Top Five Spins:

1. The Sacred Four – Somebody watching you

2. Ray Agee – I’m Losing again

3. J T Parker – If you want to hold on

4. Judy Stokes – Real Man

5. Charles Simmons – Save the World

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drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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1. How and when did you get into music and what was you listening to then?

I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember, I was well moulded by my Dad who has always been a music nut. My earliest musical memories are of tapes he made me, one ‘Hits For Holly’ had a variety of stuff from The Clash to Syd Barrett. I also had an Elvis tape I listened to till it wore out.

2. Where was your first DJ slot?

The first time I ever did a DJ slot was probably in a place called The Vale, where a band I used to manage did a night, and we used to put on bands.

3. What was your most memorable DJ spot?

The most memorable spot was probably the first time we played at the evening events at All Saints in Lavarone, Italy in 2009. All Saints was the first proper 60s Weekender I went to, back in 2005. I never had a clue this world existed till then, I was instantly hooked, so it was special to be invited to DJ there a few years later.

4. What so far, has been your worst DJ experience?

There’s been plenty! Usually involving a broken deck or something, the worst I can recall was a month after moving Eyes Wide Open to a new venue, and the sound completely going out. I think someone had accidentally unplugged something. Disaster, the night was over before it had really begun.

5. Your favourite scene DJ’s and why?

Paddy & Sarge, Andrew Divine, Rob, German crowd.

6. What has shaped your DJ sound and why?

Childhood, friends, other DJs, weekenders/clubs.

7. What was your best ever find/discovery?

Not sure this is the answer you’re looking for, but probably getting my hands on the Nuggets compilations, they really changed everything for me.

8. Who was your biggest influence musically and your favourite artist(s)?

I guess, again, my Dad probably has been. He raised me on Syd Barrett and early Pink Floyd, and they/he is probably still my favourite 60s artist today. I’ve taken his early teachings and run with it, now I play him mixes and tapes and he says things sound familiar to him, and it turns out he was pals with the bands I’m listening to now. If only he still had his record collection from back then!

9. Do you collect specific labels/artists/genres?

I collect whatever I love, and what I think people will dance to. I only really collect records to DJ with, so I almost exclusively buy psychedelic records, or garage records. I also buy stuff from new bands, favourites at the moment are The See See, Sulk and By The Sea.

10. Where can folks currently catch your DJ set?

At Double Sight, the Psych weekender we’re hosting in Glasgow in October. It’s running across 5 venues over 4 days, from October 4th to 7th. I’m not running a monthly club at the moment, but DJ in a few bars in and around Glasgow every couple of weeks.

11. What is the record you would most like to own?

There’s a never ending list. At the moment it’s probably Double Sight/Fredereek Hernando by One In A Million, which we named our weekender after.

12. Please give us a top 10 all time favourite’s and a current top 5 spins?

And even harder to decide, and something I’ve actually never thought about before. Here are some which spring to mind as long time dance floor favourites.

All time top Ten

1.Wade In The Shade – Daddy Lindberg

2. It Won’t Be The Same – Gavin Hamilton

3. Little Girl – Dick Wagner & The Frosts

4. Fire – Pegasus

5. La Revolution Francaise – Y Mouille a Sciaux

6. I Wanna Be Your Dog – The Stooges

7. House Of Glass – The Glass Family

8. Kicks & Chicks – The Zipps

9. Flash & Crash – Rocky & The Riddlers

I always find this question difficult… so hard to narrow it down, and its always changing, but at the moment my top 5 is probably this, in no particular order.

Current Top Five  

1. I’m Just A Fool – Shelly Y Nueva Generacion

2. Sycamore Sid – Focal Point

3. Don’t Let It Get The Best Of You – Nimrod

4. Holding A Dream – Gene Latter

5. Unskilled Worker – The Dukes

DJ Promo Links

www.doublesightweekender.com

www.eworecords.com

www.facebook.com/doublesightweekender

www.facebook.com/eyeswideopenclub

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drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

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Dr Robert NUTs Head Honcho and toppermost in demand DJ Prescribes a second in the series of Modernist sonic set of fruity delights, rarities and underground shakers to accompany your Summer days. Have a real good listen and feel free to share it with those you love!

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drrobert

I run The New Untouchables organization and events like the Brighton Mod Weekender, Le Beat Bespoké Festival (and compilation series of the same name) and I co-organize Euro Ye Ye with the Trouble & Tea crew. I have run many clubs over the last 20 years in London, where I live and current nights include Timebox, Zoo Zoo, Crossfire, 100 Club and Mousetrap allnighter which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011. I have been lucky to DJ all over the globe including Japan, Canada, USA and Europe and met some great people on my journey. I run RnB Records to offset my vinyl addiction: newuntouchables.com/rnbrecords for rare vintage vinyl.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook