Behind the decks with DJ Fade

GFM’s DJ Fade is one of the busiest boys in the industry, we caught-up with the city’s seasoned mix master to talk clubs, crowds and career highlights.

How long have you been behind the decks?
I’ve been DJing seriously since 1998 and have tried my hand at everything from competitions to radio – having been featured on Galaxy FM in Bristol and Smooth FM in Birmingham. I DJ for No Morals and Toy Soldiers, and I’ve also worked with MCs such as Tippa D’Iceberg, Danger, Villain, Dread, Rider Shafique and Dynamite, as well as at live festivals, fashion shows and nightclubs.

And what are you up to at the moment?
This year I’ve been invited to play at Sound in London and Mono in Birmingham – as well as clubs across the county. I regularly play at Riga in Stroud, the Brunswick and Café Rene in Gloucester and Bohemia in Cheltenham. I also have a weekly show on GFM 96.6 called Late Manoeuvres – which is every Monday from 11pm.

Tell us more about GFM
It’s a legal community radio station run by the community, for the community. It fills a big gap that’s never really been catered for in Gloucestershire. GFM’s been running since 2000 and last June it went full-time after being granted a special new license. It’s a big achievement and a real credit to the diverse mix of people involved.

What’s your DJing style?
I would say it’s versatile in both what I play and how I play it. I can play in different ways for different crowds – one night in an upfront urban club, another for breakers or something entirely different again in a more chilled venue.

What kind of music can people expect to hear when you are DJing?
I’m diverse with the genres I play so hip hop, soul, RnB, funk, jazz, disco, rare grove and all sorts from my own collection depending on the specific show.

Vinyl, CDs or MP3s?
For me it’s all about vinyl, although I’m looking into digital DJing at the moment. I’m anti CD/MP3 as I think it takes away creativity and individualism when performing – although I do use all formats on the radio.

Your all time favourite track?
There’s too many! But ‘Ain’t No Half Steppin’’ by Big Daddy Kane is one of them.

Is being a DJ a great job to attract the opposite sex?
I wouldn’t say that – though it’s a good way of attracting people you would find annoying in any other kind of job!

Weirdest request?
GFM has a webcam and some people watching it make comments which can be a bit, ahem, unusual.

The most bizarre thing you’ve seen in a club?
Ha ha no comment!

Career highlights?
DJing for some of the UK’s top breakers at an event in Bristol, beating 90 DJs in a competition in London and meeting some amazing people.

Career low points
There aren’t any – everything you do is all about experience and is a bonus.

Which club would you play at if you had a choice of anywhere in the world?
Ministry of Sound has a heavy system, but I just enjoy playing at quality events.

DJ heroes and inspirations?
Internationally it would be Shortee Blitz, DJ Swing, DJ Scratch and Jazzy Jeff. In terms of DJs I know – Mike Allen, Action Jackson, Technique, Judge, Quest, Beans and John Mustoe.

Advice for aspiring DJs?
I do new music DJ workshops so there are some skills and techniques which can be taught, but there’s no substitute for putting in some hard work. It takes a lot of dedication to become really good, but it’s rewarding if you put the time in.

Favourite nightclub or club night in Gloucestershire?
I like DJing for music lovers rather than boozers so whichever clubs or venues have quality events.

You can hear DJ Fade every Monday night on GFM 96.6 during his Late Manoeuvres show or at Riga in Stroud on 29 June and 20 July, The Brunswick in Gloucester on 13 July and 4 August, Café Rene in Gloucester on 24 June and 22 July and at Bohemia in Cheltenham on 29 June.

SoGlos.com
21 June 2007