The superstar DJ that simply sells out everywhere he plays…
Hi Duncan, how you doing?
“Good thanks Dan. Just in the middle of the usual DJ travel thing, was in Manchester last night, Cambridge tonight…”
An immense talent young man, combining DJing and AV technology – your sets treat us to the sounds of Hip Hop, Funk, Drum N’ Bass and sometimes even Country tunes alongside a cut up of inspiring selection of film, TV and YouTube visuals.
What sort of music were you listening to growing up?
“Just about everything – obvious answer, but true. On one side early Hip Hop and on the other cheesy Pop. My ears were open to everything.
And what sort of artists?
“Top of The Pops every week a certainty, then the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Ice T and Salt-N-Pepa. Early 90s Hip Hop blasting out.”
So obviously the visual side of your show is very important – what is the best film ever made?
“Easy answer, ‘Star Wars'”.
So, a great gig coming up ‘Dance Off’ – a groundbreaking and unique event bringing music and dance battles together under one roof. What are your thoughts on the event, looking forward to it?
“I can’t wait. My set is not that long I have had to really have a good think about what I’m going to do. Matter is a perfect venue for what I do, ‘Dance Off’ have chosen a great venue – I’m going to be able to cover every wall with my imagination.”
Your sets are let’s say, unpredictable to say the least. The theme from Indiana Jones mixed in with Gangsta Rap – were you nervous going down such an eclectic route back in the day or did you know what you were going to produce would grab people’s attention?
“All I do is play records which I love. I am here to entertain everybody on the dancefloor. People now know what to expect from me, and at the end of the day dance music is all about mixing things up, which is what I do.
So what, back in the day were your favourite clubs?
“Two clubs stick out – The Central Club and Iceni both in London. Many, many a late night…”
Okay, so we mentioned the Indiana Jones film soundtrack you play, we could also mention ‘The Goonies’ and ‘Ferris Buellers Day Off’ film soundtracks that you have also been known to rock out. What has been your craziest moment of deck history at say, a festival or club?
“Ha ha. Well people expect the unexpected from me. I could be playing in front of thousands and play a track without a beat, something Classical perhaps – it’s all about having fun. Too many people do the same thing.”
DMC are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year – we have put on some amazing competitions all over world in countries such as New York, Japan, China and of course London with some incredible Turntablists – who has been your favourite DMC star over the years?
“Wow there have been so many over the years. If I had to pick a couple out though, Q-Bert and The Scratch Perverts, the latter way ahead of their time. But the thing is, different eras conjure up different styles of Turntablism – things continue to evolve and with it different superstars.”
Were you ever nervous about judging a DMC competition – something you have done three times?
“No never nervous. It’s just like DJing. Being honest to yourself and being true…”
So the HBO Comedy Festival you played at – who was funnier Steve Martin, Larry David or Chris Rock – and why?
“What an honour to be on the same bill at an event as those gigs. Larry David is so just up my street, so him.”
Best album ever made?
“Big Daddy Kane’s ‘It’s A Big Daddy Thing’.”
You’ve also played alongside Amy Winehouse – is she as mad as the press make out?
“Don’t believe everything you read in the press.”
Proudest ever musical career moment?
“Something happens to me every month that I just think is incredible. Have to say though, when I recorded my track with Biz Markee, who is my favourite ever rapper, it meant so much to me.”
What’s with The Sesame Street idea?
“Ha ha. I’m just a huge fan. I want to do an album with the entire cast of Sesame Street, I think it will be hilarious.”
You have also played with Fatboy Slim – if there was a downpour that day and you were DJing on stage and got drenched. If he offered to lend you one of his shirts to replace your soggy one – would you?
“Great question. Knowing his dress sense, I’d have to be really careful before selecting one.”
Craziest city and crowd you have every played to?
“Another easy one. The ‘Lake of Stars’ Festival in Malawi in Ethiopia was stunningly beautiful with a mad crowd.”
