- Here is the next Interview, this time with Darren - AKA HugmasterHow long have you been DJ'ing?
I've been DJing since 1985, but only being paid since 1997, done all sorts in between - Base player/vocalist in a band, sound engineer, song arranger, hospital radio DJ etc.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
Well, you know when you're 15 or 16, you have to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life? Well when I told my careers officer that I wanted to be a DJ, she had a quick pannic attack and she said that it's not really a realistic thing for a totally blind person to do. Naturally I believed her and spent 3 years doing business studies
After spending 7 years with the local authority getting bored out my skull with office work, I switched jobs to receptionist at a local college. they got wind that I was a musician and I happened to mention that I also did a bit of DJing which was not quite true but, they asked if I'd do their Summer Ball. the night was an absolute smash success, never heard a crowd like it.
That gave me the bug to take it more seriously and 4 months later I'd bought the gear and had my first 3 bookings in a hotel...
And the rest is history.
What type of "Do" was your first gig?
First gig was at my school, November 1985.
How much did you charge (Mikeee please convert this from Shilings and pence to decimal when its your go..)
Nothing, just the inflation of my ego.
What equipment did you have to begin with?
For that gig...erm...oh god how embarrassing.
Hitachi hifi, 10w per channel, Hitachi tape deck plugged in through the DIN sockets, Roland guitar amp for the mic, and some old spot lights. Actually sounded ok, definitely loud enough.
First pro gear in 1997:
Electrovoice tops, 250w each, 400w amp, can't remember make, Soundlab duel CD, Realistic Mixer...stop laughing, 4 2ft x 2ft front screens, 4 x par56's, Geanie Evolution, Antari smoke machine, Ultimax DJ stand.
Whats the worst/most embarassing thing you've done in front of an audience?
Played a jingle that had the backing track to Land of Hope and Glory, was at a Wedding with 90% of the audience being Irish patriets.
What is your favourite type of function now? EG: Wedding, 18th Birthday party, funeral wake..
Any type where the crowd is really up for it.
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)
Just knowing when and when not to talk or take the micky.
What do you feel you offer your public, that makes you a better DJ than "the next guy/girl"?
Well, I wouldn't say I was any better or worse than any other DJ, is not for me to say, however, the fact that I'm blind I think adds a little something.
I don't generally tell folks I can't see when they book me, old prejudices and misconceptions die hard, but when I meet them, usually on the date of the function, they're a little surprised at first, and I would imagine apprehensive as to whether I can do the job.
Once they find out that you can indeed do the job, they seem to embue you with more tallent than you really have, psychologists call it the positive halo effect - they expect you not to be able to perform, and when you do, they think you're better than you are.
Have you ever bought something for your show that you wish you hadnt? and why?
Not really, I don't have enough money to chuck away on stuff the show doesn't need.
Whats your next DJ purchase likely to be?
Good question, I'm looking at a second set up, both for back up and for hiring out.
If you could get someone to invent a new piece of disco equipment for your show, what would it be?
Besides the obvious, gear that packed itself away.
A disco set up that required no wiring other than electrical mains.
What do you think is the best thing about DJ'ing.
Positive feedback and a crowd really going for it big time...and the ego massage of course.
What do you think is the worst thing about DJ'ing.
Packing away at the end of the night, know it all drunks, and the hangover feeling next day if you haven't drunk enough water.
What would make you stop DJ'ing (if anything).
As long as the desire to do it is still there...nothing.
How do you think DJ'ing will change, in the next 5 years?
Again very predictable, a move to more computer based systems.
Most stupid thing anyone's ever said to you at a gig?
How do you know what buttons to press...huh?
Best advice you were ever given by a fellow DJ?
Don't under value yourself.
And worst advice you were ever given
I can't think of any bad advice I've been given...I choose my advisors very carefully.
Name 3 songs that 95% of the time will fill you dance floor!!
1. ABBA, Dancing queen
2. Robbie, Rock DJ.
3. Mavricks, Dance the night away.
Age
34...35 on 31 october
Location
Daventry, Northants.
Martial status
Single, but there's a specific girl I'm not married to.
Education level
BTEC in Business and Finance, GCSE's
Mode of transportation
Can't remember what car my other DJ has, but we're getting a trailer soon
What equipment do you currently use?
ok here goes.
Sound
Mackie srm450's
Pioneer cmx500 cd unit
Citronic 10/4 mixer
Lighting
4 x Super Leo's
2 x Super Scimitar
2 x EVL Spins
1500w EVL strobe
NJD Sword
Antari hazer
Miscellanious
Ultimax DJ stand with overhead hard wired gantry
sm58 mic
Ministry of Sound headphones
How much have you "invested" in equipment?
Altogether, I'd say £10k plus, plus I'd say the same again in music.
What was your reason for becoming a DJ?
I needed an outlet for my planet sized ego, and of course to prove to my careers advisors and parents that I could.
Approximately how many gigs have you done to date
Have no idea.
