DJs

Dan started travelling all round the country in the early 90's. Every weekend was an adventure. Dan says - 'When I look back at those days I just remember how much of a laugh I had. One weekend we would be in Nottingham the next in Birmingham. We were at college so we didn't care about Monday mornings! God, I wish I was back there sometimes!!' Clubs that stood out for Dan were Venus in Nottingham, Renaissance in Mansfield and John Digweed's night on Hastings Pier.

Dan got his first DJ break in 1994, when he was fortunate enough to play the warm up sets for the M'ge a Trois boat parties in Southampton. Off the back of these successful gigs, Dan then got his first residency at The Full Monty, which was based in Windsor. Dan played alongside DJ's such as Paul Oakenfold, John Digweed, Graeme Park, Danny Rampling, Dave Seaman and Todd Terry. From that moment, the ball had well and truly started to roll and Dan started to play at even more revered clubs such as Bedrock, Club UK and The Ministry Of Sound.

Dan then went on to become resident on the High Tide Boat Parties (which run on bank holiday Sundays in Southampton). He has played alongside names such as James Zabiela, Steve Lawler, Danny Howells, Lee Burridge and Nic Fanciulli.

In the late 90's, Dan started to play for Release at the Rhino club. He started to do the warm up sets for Gary Bennetton and Phil Thompson. Since then, he has become a regular on the DJ roster. Dan Says- "I love playing on the boat parties, I still get nervoius and look forward to each party weeks in advance. The crowd on the boats has to be one of the best in the country, they are so loyal and very clued up to who is playing and the type of music that High Tide offers. I just like looking around the party and seeing the smiles on people faces, job done!!!"

Favourite club:

• DC10 Ibiza

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Sasha
• John Digweed
• Layo and Bushwacka!
• Steve Lawler
• James Zabiela
• Danny Howells
• Lee Burridge
• Danny Tenaglia

Artists/Remixers:

• Skylark (Nick Fanciulli)
• Deep Dish
• Ewan Pearson
• Peace Division
• Paul Woolford
• James Talk
• King Unique
• eat Katie
• Unkle
• Underworld
• Chemical Brothers
• Silicone Soul
• Patrick Cowley
• New Order

Favourite Record Labels:

• MAW'(US)
• Stereo (Spain)
• Harlem (UK)
• Ovum (U.S)
• Saved (U.K)
• 20/20 (UK)
• Naked Music (US)
• Siesta (US)
• Toolroom (UK)
• Soma (UK)

Favourite 'choon' of 2005 (So Far):

• Montero - Captain Hook

All Time Top 10 (in no particular order):

• Alison Limerick - Where Love Lives (Morales Mix)
• Inner City - Pennies From Heaven
• My Friend Sam - It's My Pleasure
• Jomanda - Never (Sasha Mix)
• Sunscream - When
• Bedrock - For What You Dream Of
• Denise Lopez - Don't You Want To Be Mine
• Leftfield - Open Up
• Gat D'r - Passion
• Dream - Ur The Best Thing (Sasha Mix)

Gary even turned his attention to the notoriously tough market of Brighton and played a huge part in mastering the re-branding and phenomenal success of Audio (Formerly the Escape - a tough nut to crack, especially considering so many said it would not work!).

Having the ability to understand and foresee what the party goers need is not just restricted to promotional roles. Gary still loves to DJ and he has always kept at the fore-front of what many would regard the cooler brand of music. He regularly plays insightful sets which really display his depth of understanding of good quality house music. He is also responsible for helping some of the 'young blood' come up through the ranks and he contributes a great deal to helping the local scene.

On the DJ front, Gary has been DJ'ing at various clubs and parties all over the UK since 1992. He developed a love for this cooler brand of music as a clubber in the late eighties, regularly visiting clubs such as Sterns and Central Park on the South coast.

Befriending many influential people in the industry, Gary decided to use his contacts to promote his own trademark of both, quality clubbing, and underground music in the form of 'Ménage à Trois' in 1993 and then High Tide (which is ongoing).

It was towards the end of 1994, that Gary conjured up something really special; the Ménage à Trois boat parties! Gary decided to go against the grain of conventional dance clubs and focus his attention on the local DJ talent, with himself as the DJ anchorman. Selling out month by month, the national media soon took notice and frequently wrote stories about the successful nights. In fact, they were so good, both Sasha and John Digweed asked Gary to put on a special V.I.P boat party to launch their Northern Exposure album! It was as a result of the consistent music policy of these parties that 'Mixmag Update' quoted Gary Bennetton as being "a definite DJ star of the future and one well looking out for."

They certainly were not wrong as his track record proves. Not just behind the decks but in the promotional field too.

All Time Top 10:

• Alcatraz - Give Me Love
• Inner City - Pennies From Heaven
• Advances - Suggestive
• Cover Girls - Funk Boutique
• Quivver- Twist and Shout
• Ce Ce Rogers - Someday
• Prodigy - Your Love
• TC1991 - Berry
• Bedrock - For What You Dream Of
• Sunscream - Perfect Motion

During the past 7 years Tom has honed his djing skills and achieved what few dj's have managed in this time, by creating his own sound of deep & dubby tech-house, through to chunky electrofied beats & breaks - A sound that allows him to be as comfortable warming up for house dj's like Tyler Stadius, to breaks jocks such as Evil 9, through to playing peak-time sets at nights like Resonance in London & Release in Southampton.

Endorsements have come from all directions, notably from superstar DJ James Zabiela, who has labeled Tom 'best undiscovered DJ' & also mentioned Tom as playing the best warm-up set for him in 2004 - DJ Magazine.

DJ magazine also gave Tom glowing praise after his recent set at Resonance in London with the following comment: "Tom is a name already familiar to some. With a Proton show and high acclaim from DJ's and clubbers alike, he doesn't just add to a party - he regularly makes it. Everything about him is infectious, from those throbbing basslines that hook you in to his enthusiastic demeanour behind the decks. If justice prevails, expect to see Tom on a bigger stage more regularly."

Alongside gigs at Full Moon parties in Thailand, Mingle (Istanbul), Proton Party (Miami WMC'05), Turnmills (London), Resonance (London) and his own night 'FuturePhunk' in Salisbury, Tom has played New Years Eve on the 'now infamous' High Tide Boat Party (Southampton) 03>04 & 04>05, Limited Edition (Southampton) with Evil 9. Also alongside James Zabiela himself at his "Sound in Motion" & "ALiVE Renaissance" cd launch parties as well as their co-promoted night, 'ALiVE' at Mono in Southampton. Recent guests to the ALiVE night have included Hernan Cattaneo, Nic Fanciulli, Phil K & Lee Burridge among others. 2005 sees Tom start a monthly residency at Release at the Rhino Club, Southampton and his own weekly Thursday event also at Mono, 'Short Circuit'.

Two major gigs for Tom in 2005 have been at the legendary Renaissance night at the Cross in London with King Unique and James Zabiela and at .Zero in Sheffield alongside Infusion and 2020 head honcho, Ralph Lawson.

Tom has been hosting his own monthly radio show 'ALiVE' on Proton Radio since April of 2004, which has been gaining interest (and listeners) from around the world. The diversity of guest mixes on the show has been the essence of the ALiVE concept. DJ's across the board have included PJ Davy, Paul Woolford, Ethan of 3brotherstrong, Meat Katie, Rich Sutcliffe, Dean Muhsin, Bill Payer & DJ Harry, James Zabiela & Luke Fair, John Barber, Natalia Data to name a few...

http://www.protonradio.com/show.php'showid=112

Favourite club:

• Fabric
• Plug (Sheffield)
• DC10
• High Tide

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• The Pompey House Mafia
• Dave Robertson
• PJ Davy
• Rob Mooney etc!
• DJ Buck
• Jay Tripwire
• Paul Woolford
• Meat Katie
• Phonique, Kriece. Although early Prodigy got me into it all in the first place!
• Non Dance: Radiohead, Massive Attack, Ben Folds, Depeche Mode

Favourite Record Labels:

• 20:20 Vision
• Worship
• Kingsize
• Get Physical
• Laus
• Grayhound
• Brique Rouge

Favourite 'choons' of 2005 (So Far):

• err.. too many to mention, possibly the Electric Press mix of Buick Projects 'At The Rave', or Jay Tripwire - 'I am Mentally Divergant' for a warm up record. Kriece & Basek - 'Girl Fight' went down really well at Renaissance though.

All Time Top 10:

• Rob Paine - Never Can Say Goodbye
• Leftfield - all of 'Leftism'
• Inner City - Big Fun or Pennies From Heaven (can't make my mind up)
• Stone Roses - Fools Gold
• Der Dritte Raum - Hale Bopp
• New Order - Blue Monday
• Talk Talk - It's My Life
• Marshall Jefferson - Move Your Body
• N-Joi - Anthem No1
• Bushwacka! - Monster

12 months past and James style of music changed from progressive to acid house, an although James had had some succes with his first single it hadnt seemed to have boosted his music career. It wasnt till a chance meeting with Nic Fanciulli that his career began to sky rocket. James sent Fanciulli some music he had been working on, and Nic instantly signed 3 singles to his forthcoming label Saved Records. Nic instantly saw potentional in James and in a interivew when Nic was asked who the next big thing in dance music was, Nic uttered 3 words "James Talk - Amazing". James' first single for Saved records entitled "Love That Acid" was released in April 2005 with a remix from Paul Woolford. Durring this time agencies and managment started to take a keen look at James, and with some good guidance from Nic he joined 24 Managment and Club Class Management, James was now in the company of names like Buick Project/Sklyark, Paul Woolfrod, Paolo Mojo, Trophy Twins and many other producers and DJs.

Such productions have also resulted in James' DJ diary fill up rapidly, only furthered by a superb guest mix on John Digweed's Kiss 100 show in February 2005. He has now played all over the UK and beyond alongside luminaries such as Nic Fanciulli, Lee Burridge, James Zabiela and Desyn Masiello and looks forward to upcoming gigs at Godskitchen, Renaissance, Fandango at Turnmills and New Years Eve for High Tide. James will finalise what has been a fantastic year by mixing the next CD in the Thinking Out Loud series, due for release at the end of 2005.

For further information on James Talk contact Jeff Gray at ClubClass.
(t) 01622 753700 (e) jeff@club-class.org (w) www.jamestalk.co.uk

Favourite club:

• Fabric

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Nic Fanciulli
• Josh Wink
• James Zabiela

Artists/Remixers:

• Buick Project
• Dave Robertson
• Trentemoller
• Martinez
• Eric Prydz
• Switch
• Trevor Loveys
• Style Of Eye
• Tiga
• Steve Bug
• Perc
• Josh Wink
• DJ T
• David Duriez

Favourite Record Labels:

• Ovum
• Poker Flat
• Saved
• Soma
• Minus
• Get Physical
• FrontRoom
• Brique Rouge
• Slave
• Fine

Favourite 'choon' of 2005 (So Far):

• LCD Soundsystem - Tribulations (Tiga Mix) (DFA)

All Time Top 10 (in no particular order):

• FC Kahuna - Machine Says Yes (Josh Wink Remix) (City Rockers)
• Slam - Virtuoso (Soma)
• Chemical Brothers - Hey Boy Hey Girl (Virgin)
• Underworld - Cowgirl (Futureshock Remix) (EMI)
• Orbital - Belfast (Sasha Vs The Light Remix) (FFRR)
• Space Manouvers - Stage One (Hooj Choons)
• DJ Rolando - Knights Of The Jaguar (UR)
• CJ Bolland - The Prophet (FFRR)
• Saints & Sinners - Pushin Too Hard (Bedrock)
• Corvin Dalek - Poundz & Penz (Alex Flatner Remix) (Convert)

5 years on, Andy has achieved a steady stream of success, most notably with eK and The Rhino Club - his two local residencies. Andy has also gained a wealth of experience in dance music circles, not just from the UK scene (where he used to travel the length and breadth of the country in a pilgrimage to clubbing!), but also from Europe (Ibiza, Barcelona, etc.) and from his time living in Spain, as well as Miami also being a huge influence.

Musically, Andy has become a lot more eclectic in his choice of music with a definite penchant towards the deeper/techier side of house. His style has developed into one that is quite varied and never too monotonous or a pigeon holed sound. His music has gained quite a deep, techy edge but with that element of funk, ensuring the music doesn't become too hard or too techno. Being a firm believer in music not having boundaries, his sets consist of anything from deep, funk-fuelled house, sometimes with a soulful edge, blissed out melodies, through to dubby, acid-tinged tech-house, electro or the more driving beats and breaks which can elevate the dance floor. Basically, drifting between genres into whatever the mood may suit, but keeping the energy focus on the dance floor.

Andy says - "It's all about the drums - the heart beat of any club. My philosophy is simple; to keep it varied but interesting, as too much of any style can become monotonous and, as any self-respecting India waiter may tell you, variety is the spice of life!"

Subsequently, Andy has made appearances at numerous events across Southampton. Such appearances have included the renowned Hightide boat parties, the Hightide after parties @ Mono along with other appearances at Mono, Orange Rooms, The Sobar, Kaos, The Box, Bar Fusion and some other smaller, local parties and private events. Andy has always been keen to develop and work closely with the local scene in Southampton and nearby, all be it harder work, and develop himself musically before travelling about too much. This is mainly due to an intense desire to help Southampton develop into more formidable dance scene as it has so much potential and talent; it seems criminal to be overlooked. Following on from these successful local appearances, Andy was lucky enough to be invited to play his debut on the renowned Hightide boat party New Year's eve, 2004/2005, an opportunity he relished.

Following on from that, Andy headlined the opening night for the new eK residency @ Blo in Brighton in February with more appearances set in the coming months. The hard work and patience seems to be finally paying off.

Ridney's first break came from a young James Zabiela. After listening to one of Ridney's early mix tapes, he was asked to play a regular slot at James night in a small Southampton bar. From the success of these early guest appearances, Ridney was spotted by Soap owner and Promoter RAH, who booked him as a regular guest, and then later a resident and co-organiser at her Soap nights.

Ridney also runs and manages UK based Dirty Roo Records. In 2000 he teamed up with Ben Rush to produce a string of tracks under the name Eivissa Soul (aka Bass Junkies). In 2001 they released "Music 2 Ur Ears" which went down a storm in Ibiza during 2001 and 2002. Pressed as a small run white label, it was played by such DJs as the Pound Boys, Martin Metcalf (Power FM), Roy the Roach, Danny S (Nocturnal Recordings), DJ Lorenzo (El Divino), Miss Behavin (Tidy Trax), and DJ Gee (during summers 2001, 2002 & 2003, Bora Bora, Ibiza).

From the success of "Music 2 Ur Ears", Ridney, Ben and vocalist Steve Keith performed the track live, weekly in Ibiza at some of the best venues on the island. These included Kanya, Bar M, Manumission, Ibiza Underground, El Divino, Itica, Café Mambo and the DJ Awards at Pacha during 2001.

Then in 2002, Ridney along with fellow producer Punch, released "Good Lovin" which gained respect in summer 2002, and was championed by such DJ's as Jim "Shaft" Ryan of Miss Moneypennys fame. His 2004 collaboration with Scarpi on the track "Your Love" has seen plays from Smokin Jo, Dave Clarke, Norman Jay MBE and Dan from Liquid People. The track also achieved No.4 in the DJ Magazine Hype Chart.

Ridney's latest release "Le Funk Supernova", under the guise "Peppe Le Funk" with fellow producer Paul Nichols, has already gained airplay from House FM and Passion FM (London).

Ridney has played at many events and venues throughout the UK, such as Uncut & Limited Edition at The Rhino Club (Southampton), High Tide Boat Parties (Solent), Soul Cellar (Southampton), and more recently Pacha and Copyright in London, which has featured many fellow top guest DJs.

Favourite club:

• Pacha, Ibiza / Underground, Ibiza

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

Influences for me were family members like my Auntie, and Grand Parents, who would leave me for hours on end to sort thru their vinyl collections and borrow tracks that I wanted to listen to ... this was from a very very young age - I remember going to school at 5 with 7" singles to play on the old deck they had there, still got some of them now with my name scrawled on them and my class so they didn't get lost ...

Favourite Artists/Remixers:

• Daft Punk
• Alan Braxe
• DJ Falcon
• Cassius
• Air
• Reflekt
• Liam Howlett (Prodigy)

Favourite Record Labels:

• Roule
• XL Recordings
• Source
• Vulture

Favourite 'choons' of 2005 (So Far):

• Sebastien Tellier - La Ritournelle (Source/Virgin France)

All Time Top 10:

• Visage "Fade to Grey"
• Michael Sembello "Shes a Maniac"
• Kim Carnes "Betty Davis Eyes"
• Ultravox "All Stood Still"
• Kajagoogoo "Too Shy"
• The Eagles "Witchy Woman"
• The Fixx "On Thing Leads to Another"
• America "Horse with No Name"
• Instant Funk "Just Because ..."
• GQ "Disco Nights (Rock Freak)"

He started off Djing House music and liked the deep funky American style tracks, he managed to play a lot in the Southampton clubs and bars and by the time he was 17. He held a residency at the Old Oriental nightclub with DJ pal James Zabiela and two young budding young MC's Craig David and MC Alistair. This residency lasted a couple of years before Jonny moved onto a residency at Happiness Stan's Bar with James again. Running alongside this Jonny was one of the residents at SOAP, which was held at Charlie Parkers and lasted until 2000. He appeared on line-ups in clubs all around the South of England playing at Enzo's, Kindergarden Klub, Country Club and extremely successful nightclub The Manor. At this stage his music style developed into a vocally, deep dubby house sound.

In 2001 Jonny was taken on at the Rhino Club as a Friday night resident with Ashley Wilson, here he got to DJ with the renowned London DJ/Promoter Stuart Patterson who then booked Jonny to play at his well known London night Soulsonic. Through this he managed to secure a set at one of the famous Faith parties, which are run by Terry Farley and Bill Brewster, Leo Elstrob, Dave Jarvis & Stuart Patterson. Through knowing Stuart Patterson this led to more bookings for Sundaysonic held at The Notting Hill Arts club and quite recently The Lodge bar in Harlesden.

After a year of being resident on Friday nights at the Rhino Jonny swapped over to Saturday nights (RELEASE) where he could develop his musical style with a whole broad spectrum of house from old to new, funky to dubby to acid to tech The night has gone from strength to strength, and Jonny has helped the Rhino have jammed Saturday nights most weeks. You have to come along and experience it! Jonny also is a regular DJ on the quality High Tide boat parties, which set sail from Ocean Village. 2004 was also the year in which Jonny has started headlining nights, these included Soul City night in Soho, London, and the more increasingly popular EK night held in Mimo's Lounge in Southampton. Also Jonny played at the renowned Southport Soul Weekender in the VIP room through recognition of his djing abilities.

Also 2004 saw Jonny approach his best friend David Egerton to put on a night of their own. Teddy & Jonny B's Rockspot was born. Held in the beautiful upstairs bar in Mono bar, Southampton this is a night where they can express their musical boundaries from Hip Hop to Drum & Bass to Indie, Funk, Disco, House, Reggae, basically any tunes to "Rock your Spot". The Rockspot night is now a popular night in Southampton which is usually at full capacity by 10pm an hour after it opens. This now operates twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month and as Teddy has gone traveling, Kev Roberts has stepped in to help, dj and share his influences with the night helping it to become more successful.

Influences:

• CJ Mackintosh
• Simon Aston
• Stuart Patterson
• Louie Vega
• Francois Kevorkian
• Gilles Peterson
• Jazzanova
• The Glimmer Twins

All Time Top 10:

• Masters at Work feat. India - To Be In Love
• Al Green - Lets Stay Together
• Stevie Wonder - Another Star
• UBP feat Michael Proctor - Love Don't Live
• Stone Roses - Fools Gold
• Paul Weller - Sunflower
• Rhythm is Rhythm - Strings of Life
• Seal - Killer
• Earth, Wind and Fire - In The Stone
• Chaka Khan - Feel For You

It wasn't long until Ashley became a resident DJ on Friday nights at the Rhino club (at one point'alongside'the'unknown and very young James Zabiela!), and for the next 7 years he helped Uncut to become one of the most successful nights at the club for many years. He has since gone on to'found Emotive'and make it one of the most respected promotion outfits on the South Coast.'Emotive are made up of Ashley,'Steve Luke and Neil Maclean, and their'all-day summer parties at the SoBar have become one of the highlights of the Southampton clubbing'calendar -'they have also rocked several High Tide boat parties! Ashley adds: "I think in many ways the SoBar and High Tide parties have a lot in common, in that they both have that unusual daytime and outdoor element, and as they don't happen that often the crowd are proper up for it!"

Emotive have now guested all over the South Coast and in London, and are increasingly in demand as DJ's.'Having said that,'Ashley now sees'the promotion side of Emotive as just as enjoyable as'his DJ'ing: "Although I still love DJ'ing and always will, I now find I probably get an even'bigger buzz from organising a party and'then seeing everyone with big smiles and hands in the air!".

Favourite clubs:

• Shelter (New York)
• Southport Weekender

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Louie Vega
• DJ Spinna
• Quentin Harris
• Joe Claussell
• Kevin Hedge

Artists/Remixers:

• Masters at Work
• Mr V
• Blaze
• Franck Roger
• Kerri Chandler
• Stevie Wonder

Favourite Record Labels:

• MAW'(US)
• Vega (US)
• West End (US)
• Ricanstruction (US)
• Hustle (UK)
• Shelter (US)
• Restricted Access (US)
• Deeply Rooted (US)
• Sole Channel (US)

Favourite 'choon' of 2005 (So Far):

• Kerri Chandler - Bar a Thym or Sara Devine - Life Ain't What It Seems (Vega mix)

All Time Top 10 (in no particular order):

• River Ocean - Love & Happiness
• Voices - Voices In My Mind
• Jamie Principle & Frankie Knuckles - Your Love
• Joe Smooth - Promised Land
• Kenny Latimore - Days Like This
• Dan Hartman - Relight My Fire
• Kenlou - What A Sensation
• Alison Limerick - Where Love Lives
• Shaun Escoffery - Days Like This
• First Choice - Player

Dave was determined to make music his career and studied hard for four years gaining a HND in Music Technology. He used this to finely tune a high quality of music production, putting him a cut above the rest when it comes to writing music. Dave's first signed record came in 2004 with a double A side release featuring his tracks 'Can It Happen' and 'Dr Robotnik'. This was the first release for Hearing Aid label run by Paul Sidoli and James Zabiela. The tracks caused a stir in the house scene receiving plays from Sasha, Nick Warren and Lee Burridge. Dave's next release came out on Cuba entitled 'For Her Addiction Ep', receiving support from James Zabiela, PVD and Marco V. It featured on Pete Tong's essential selection and Sander Klienenbergs Essential mix from Miami in 2004.

A collaboration with local Dj and producer Pj Davy followed these two successful releases. Grim and Manky '3 weeks on the trot' was signed to Evasive and can be found in the record bags of Eddie Richard's,Terry Francis and Nathan Coles, who also supplied the remix. Dave's track 'Slang for Funky' was licensed to Sound in Motion mixed by James Zabiela, this unique mix of house and breaks has sold thousands world wide.

Dave is building a strong reputation based around his Live Sets. The first of which was for Portsmouth night Punch Funk, where Dave has a residency. Since this he has been booked to play nationally and internationally in places such as Poland and Barcelona. Dave plays weekly in local venues, as well as in Bristol, Nottingham and Southampton.

Dave now runs his own business where he engineers all genres of dance music. Clients include Jon Gurd and Rob Mooney, whose tracks are signed to EQ Grey Ltd, Distrakt, Punk Funk & Bass For Breakfast. Dave also lectures at South Downs College in their award winning Music Department, he is currently looking to introduce new courses in Ableton Live and Propellerhead's Reason (version 3).

Catch Dave's mixes on www.protonradio.com & check out his web site www.daverobertson.co.uk.

Favourite club:

• Fabric/li>
• Audio

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Steve Bug
• Trentemoller
• Josh Wink
• John Tejada
• Gold Frapp
• Morcheba
• Bloc Party
• Cold Play

Favourite Record Labels:

• Morris Audio
• Poker Flat
• Pallete
• Moon Harbour
• U-Freqs

Favourite 'choon' of 2005 (So Far):

• John Tejada-Sweat (On The Walls) [Poker Flat]

All Time Top 10 (in no particular order):

• This was far too had so I left it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John's obsession with dance music began back in 1994, after listening to his brothers hardcore and jungle tapes for the first time. His brother, Steve, a keen DJ at the time himself, was playing on the circuit in Southampton and Bristol and was definitely a massive influence on John. Frequently buying tape packs and the occasional piece of vinyl to play on his brother's turntables, John dreamt of the day he would own a set of his own. That day came when John reached the age of 15.

John Says: ' I remember listening to my brother's vinyl and stealing his tapes to listen to in my Walkman. My sister had the Prodigy albums and one of their live videos. I just thought the music and the parties we're mad'

John started out playing friends parties which then took the steady progression to promoting and putting on one off parties for students in Southampton and Bournemouth, at venues such as the Guildhall and the Opera House. As well as promoting events and DJing, John got himself a part time job in a record shop in Southampton. Upon leaving college, he took on the roll full time. This was the base for John to do his research, learning about music and how the industry worked. He gave the DJ's that visited the shop his CD's for feedback good or bad. Phil Thompson, Bedrock resident and producer, was one of the people John used to give his mixes to. Phil would come back and tell him outright what he thought, and advice like this helped John realize what he wanted to be as a DJ, and what qualities you needed to be one, or a good one anyway.

John continued to DJ whenever he could, putting on occasional parties and playing his music to people who might appreciate it. He played at various venues in Southampton where he's had a few residencies. Visiting clubs around the country is where John gained inspiration from other DJs. Its clubs like The End, Fabric, Tribal Sessions, Turnmills and Maison that have inspired him the most as a clubber.

'I see myself as a clubber and a record collector, and this mentality helps me when I'm playing records in clubs. I don't think I'll ever stop going clubbing!'

Inspirational nights out clubbing and his increasing addiction to music pressured John to do all he could to get more opportunities to play his music out to an educated audience. Constantly sending cds out and not expecting replies is what John did for the next few years before he finally got some interest from Turnmills in London, where he's been booked to do warm up slots.

More luck came shortly after this when the same demo made its way to Club Class in Maidstone. John had given a copy to Jeff, one of the promoters of the night, who quickly passed it onto head honcho Serg. John then got the nod to play a back room warm up set for them in February 2004 and has since played a part in many of their events. One of which was in August 2004 where he debuted in the main room by warming up for Nic Fanciulli's live Skylark showcase, a set Nic stated recently in DJ Magazine as the finest warm-up set he had witnessed in 2004!

The remaining part of 2004 saw John go onto play the Maidstone leg of the Sankeys Soap 10th Anniversary CD Tour, Maison in Bournemouth (both the Showbar and The Old Fire Station new years eve) and continued dates at Turnmills amongst others.

John's played at some of the countries best clubs this year including Club Class' 8th birthday, (part of the Radio One Essential Mix Tour) Gallery at Turnmills in London, The Pin Up Club in Sheffield, Maison in Bournemouth and his own night 'Electric Playground' which is monthly at Junk in Southampton. Electric Playground is all about good vibes and great music. The night is still in its early days, but things are going better than I expected. I'm trying to do something different with the night, and push music that you can't hear else where in the city'

Highlight of the year so far has been playing on the High Tide boat party in his hometown of Southampton. 'It's the city's most cutting edge event and has been for some time, so being able to play a part in one of the parties has been a great honor!' He hopes to back on the floating decks soon! The continued support from the clubs he played at in 2004 is helping him take a positive step into 2005. He has recently launched his website (www.john-barber.com) and has been testing out some of his latest productions produced under the name B-Siderz and BASS Experiment (both collaborations) as well as some of his own material.

Favourite club:

• Maison (Bournemouth)

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Layo & Bushwacka!
• DJ Sneak
• Ralph Lawson
• Kenny Hawkes
• Yousef
• Paul Woolford
• Luke Soloman
• Lauren Garnier
• DJ Sneak

Artists/Remixers:

• DJ Sneak, Nathan Coles
• No Assembly Firm
• Brett Johnson
• JT Donaldson
• Johnny Fiasco
• LTJ Bukem
• East Coast Boogiemen
• Tyler Lewis
• Jay Tripwire
• Swag
• Natural Rhythm
• David Duriez

Favourite Record Labels:

• Classic (UK)
• Drop (UK)
• Brique Rouge (FRA)
• Robsoul (FRA)
• DoubleDown (US)
• Music For Freaks (UK)
• Household (US)
• Nightshift (US)
• 2020 Vision (UK)
• Detour (US)
• Select (US)
• Cajual (US)

Favourite 'choon' of 2005 (So Far):

• No Assembly Firm - Acid Attack

All Time Top 10 (in no particular order):

• LTJ Bukem - Horizons
• Leftfield - Song Of Life
• Adam F - Circles
• Prodigy - Their Law
• Layo & Bushwacka! - Shining Through
• Mark B & Blade - The Unknown
• Public Enemy - Don't Believe The Hype
• Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon
• Mr Fingers - Can You Feel It'
• Moby - Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad'

Find out more here: www.john-barber.com

A keen clubber, Neil was a familiar face locally at the Menage A Trois parties as well as the Rhino, The Manor and various south coast clubs in the mid-to-late nineties. He has also been a High Tide stalwart since the early days and remembers his first appearance as a DJ well:- " I couldn't believe it when Dan just asked me out of the blue to play downstairs, especially that i'd only been DJ'ing for a little over a year! It was an Easter boat in 2001, I was ridiculously nervous but i loved it". On New Years Eve of that year, Neil was asked back to play and he still counts this as one of his best Dj'ing experiences "When it is going off downstairs, there's nothing like it"

Neil has appeared at various bars and clubs in Southampton over the past few years including Mono, Orange Rooms, The Rhino and Lizard Lounge as well as appearing on local radio regularly. He has also guested further afield at Soul City and Plan B in London. In 2004, Neil was asked to become the 3rd member of 'Emotive' which is a promotions/DJ project founded by local heroes and good friends Ashley Wilson & Steve Luke. "Ash and Steve are doing this for all the right reasons and I was extremely chuffed to be asked to be part it - we've just celebrated our 2nd birthday with Norman Jay and the future is looking extremely bright". Emotive regularly appear on High Tide and Neil says "High Tide is the party we always get the most excited about, there's always a special, unique vibe downstairs and we feel very lucky to be part of it"

Favourite club:

• Club Shelter - NYC

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Tony Humphries
• DJ Spinna
• Timmy Regisford
• Danny Krivit
• Ron Trent
• King Britt
• Kerri Chandler
• Louie Vega
• Ashley Wilson
• Steve Luke
• Greg Austin & Dave O'Neil (Soul Together)
• Steve Butler
• Billy Davidson
• Norman Jay
• Neil Keeping
• Jonny B
• Stu Clark

Favourite Artists/Remixers:

• Kerri Chandler
• Peven Everett
• Tortured Soul
• DJ Spinna
• Osunlade
• Masters At Work
• Stevie Wonder
• Dwayne Morgan
• Quentin Harris
• The Rebirth
• Joe Claussell
• Mr V
• Dennis Ferrer
• Jerome Sydenham
• Metro Area
• Vikter Duplaix
• Raul Midon
• Jill Scott
• D'Angelo
• India
• Barry White

Favourite Record Labels:

• King Street (U.S)
• Camio (UK)
• MAW (U.S)
• Vega (U.S)
• Ibadan (U.S)
• Wave(U.S)
• Wonderwax (U.S)
• West End (U.S)
• Sole Channel (U.S)
• Restricted Access (U.S)
• Environ (U.S)
• Yoruba (U.K/Puerto Rico)
• Hustle (U.K)
• SuSu(U.K)
• Large (U.S)
• Hidden Beach (U.S)

Favourite 'choons' of 2005 (So Far):

• Peven Everett - 'Stuck'

All Time Top 10:

• Hamilton Bohannon - Lets Start The Dance
• Kerri Chandler - Atmospheric Beats
• Soul Dhamma - Flower (King Britt mix)
• Peven Everett - I Cant Believe I Loved Her
• BT Express - Peace Pipe (Kenny Dope Mix)
• Michael Jackson - Off The Wall
• Stevie Wonder - Do I Do
• Donald Byrd - Lansanna's Priestess (DJ Spinna Mix)
• Dwayne Morgan' Everything
• Kindred The Family Soul - Rhythm Of Life (King Britt mix)

"My friends were all into the rave scene listening to hardcore, but that wasn't really my sound. I would be off to the house tent listening to the likes of Steve 'Silk' Hurley and Farley Jack Master Funk in the house tent" he says. This scene inevitably led him to discover the legendary DJs North & South at the infamous Remix in Bournemouth and Tonic, with Evil-O and Sarah Chapman.

His first break in DJing was at the The Palace in Bournemouth, The Pier and Academy. A few years later Ryan moved to Southampton, where he quickly established himself as a regular at The Rhino Club, with guest slots at High Tide events, fine-tuning his sound as a fusion of soul, disco and house.

From the success of "Music 2 Ur Ears", Ridney, Ben and vocalist Steve Keith performed the track live, weekly in Ibiza at some of the best venues on the island. These included Kanya, Bar M, Manumission, Ibiza Underground, El Divino, Itica, Café Mambo and the DJ Awards at Pacha during 2001.

In more recent times he has played at some of the country's best venues - namely a guest appearance at 'Defected In The House' alongside Copyright at the Ministry Of Sound. Ryan says, "I recall going to see the likes of Clivilles & Cole, Graeme Park and Masters At Work there and thinking how I would love to get the chance to play at this place. It was a great experience".

Now a regular on the scene, you can catch Ryan playing under his Odyssey Promotions banner, which is a mixture of soul, disco and boogie, as well as regular house slots across the south coast.

Favourite club:

• Pacha - Ibiza

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• DJs
• Joey Negro
• Louie Vega
• DJ Spen
• The Unabombers
• John 'Julius' Knight
• Dimitri From Paris
• Tony Humphries
• Musical Influences
• Dave Lee
• Masters At Work
• Blaze
• Marc Pomeroy
• Timi Regisford
• Quentin Harris

Favourite Record Labels:

• Z Records Shelter
• MAW
• Electric Souls
• Soulfuric
• Defected

Favourite 'choons' of 2005 (So Far):

• Ron Hall & The Muthafunkas - The Way You Love Me (Hustle Music)

All Time Top 10:

• Masters At Work - I Cant Get No Sleep (MK Remix)
• Loose Ends - Hanging On A String
• Victor Simonelli - Do You Feel Me
• Thelma Houston - You Used To Hold Me
• Mantronix - Got To Have Your Love
• Degrees In Motion - Do You Want It Right Now
• Ultra Nate - Free
• Masters At Work - To Be In Love
• ATFC - Bad Habit
• Soulsearcher - I Can't Get Enough

Three years on and I'm still learning how to mix. I'm playing what I consider to be fresh, fun music for people to dance to and it's never sounded better if you ask me. I like to play dynamic music with synths, samples, vocals and a hard beat. I've always tried to listen to as much music as possible and try and see the good in everything.

I'm lucky enough to have a residency at a night called Chunk in Southampton. The night is perfect for me, the music policy is pretty much anything goes so long as it'll make people bump. It's held in a new club called Junk which has a ridiculous soundsystem.

I've just finished Uni in Southampton and returned to Brighton. I plan to start a night here called 'squelch' which will be eclectic in genre so long as it's fun.

I don't think I'll ever stop DJ'ing, it's the most fantastic hobby which you can choose purely to have as yours or to share with others. Wicked.

Favourite club:

• Junk, Southampton
• Honeyclub, Brighton

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Dave Taylor
• Pharrell Williams
• Radiohead
• Bjork
• The Chemical Brothers
• Q-Tip
• Mos Def
• Maurice Fulton
• Roots Manuva
• Plantlife

Favourite Record Labels:

• Dubsided
• Virgin
• XL
• Sonar Kollectiv
• Big Dada
• Classic
• NuLife

Random Favourite 'choons' of 2005 (So Far):

• DJ Rogall featuring Wunmi - Honeys & Cash EP- Silly Questions (Perfect Toy)
• M.I.A - Pull Up The People (XL)
• The Chemical Brothers - Giant (Virgin)
• Les Rhythms Digital - Jacques Your Body (Make Me Sweat) (Switch Remix) (Wall Of Sound)
• Plantlife - We Get High (Gut)
• Slope featuring Capitol A - Komputa Groove (Sonar Kollectiv)
• Jesse Rose - Lets Start Again EP - A-Sided (Dubsided)

Over the years he has DJ’ed all over the south coast including guest spots at the Cross for Danny Rampling’s Union night, High Tide, Kindergarten Klub and Uncut. He started up the soulful house label Mainline Music with Simon Aston in 2000 and has several releases under his belt. He has since left the label to concentrate upon his DJ’ing and Emotive.

Emotive started up as a DJ partnership between Ashley Wilson and himself, and has since snowballed into a soulful house movement within Southampton with Neil Maclean joining the duo. They are responsible for a number of successful events including summer outdoor parties at the Sobar, rocking the lower floor of the hightide boats and hosting parties for the London promoters Soul Heaven. “Emotive is all about everybody enjoying the music and having a good time, we’re lucky enough to play to the best crowds of people around and their enthusiasm feeds into our enjoyment”

He, with Emotive, finds himself resident back at the Rhino Club where it all began – catch him every Friday.

Favourite club:

• Shelter (New York)
• Cielo (New York)
• Ministry of Sound (London)

Favourite Producers and musical influences:

• Louie Vega
• DJ Spinna
• Kevin Hedge
• Francois K
• MK (early stuff)
• King Britt
• The Emotive Crew
• Timmy Regisford

Favourite Record Labels:

• ChilliFunk (UK)
• Buzzin Fly (UK)
• MAW (US)
• Wave (US)
• Ricanstruction (US)
• Restricted Access (US)
• Sole Channel (US)
• NY Soul (UK)

Random Favourite 'choon' of 2005 (So Far):

• KOT - Another Day (Fanatix Mix)

All Time Top 10 (in no particular order):

• Ce Ce Peniston – Finally
• Inner City - Pennies From Heaven )
• Frankie Knuckles – Tears
• Alcatraz – Give Me Love
• Ruffneck - Everybody Wants To Be Somebody (US)
• Dalminjo - Bossa Note
• Eternal Sun - Growing Up
• 4th Measure Men - 4 You
• Alison Limerick - Where Love Lives
• Sunshine Anderson - Heard It All Before (Lazy Dog Mix)