The music world is gripped in a recession at the moment. Record sales, attendance’s in clubs, DJ fees all coming down. However, the DJ Magazine Top 100 poll year after year receives more and more votes from the people on the dance floor – those that matter. When you took over the magazine there were 7000 people hitting you with their favourite DJs – now it’s 350,000 and rising – why has it become such a global phenomenon?
“Well I think that sometimes in the UK and also USA, we forget how lucky and privileged we are to be able to enjoy a Friday or Saturday night out in the company of such legendary DJs that appear in our clubs every week. But the world is catching up. These amazing places pocketed around the world are now getting avenues into clubbing via technology and also simply, incredible venues and DJs are wanting to play at far flung places. It amazes the DJ Mag staff year after year where some of our votes come from.”
Where in the world, this year, are you keeping an eye on with interest from clubbers?
“I’m really looking forward to the feedback from China, Russia and Brazil – they are such giant’s in the making. DJ Mag now has publications in Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Mexico and The Ukraine too and the word is spreading everywhere. But those three territories are exciting.”
So you are one of the leading ladies in dance, you know music like no one else… We head back to yours after a night down the pub, what CD do you stick on for us to jump around to this week?
“2020 Soundsystem’s new album ‘Falling’… incredible”.
How important to a DJ is The 100 Poll?
“Well let’s be honest Dan, for most of the DJs who are earning the big money, they maybe don’t appreciate it as some of the up and comers. But our poll is about feet on floors and it’s all about the clubbers who make our competition so important.”
DMC is about to embark on our 25th DJ Mixing World Final – how important do you think DMC has been to the DJ World over the years?
“I think it has laid so many corner stones and foundations. DMC have been a super talent that has brought so much to us all!”
Your magazine is respected worldwide as a DJ magazine that went down a route following the heart and soul of the people we jump around to everywhere across the globe covering every aspect of dance music rather than publications such as Hip Hop Connection or NME – so, how as an a Editor of DJ does it feel seeing Trance DJs figuring so highly so often in your poll?
“Dan – everyone knows I’m not a fan of Trance. But as an Editor of one of the biggest music magazines in the world, I have to obviously cover and respect everything. My view on the popularity of Trance is this – it’s the way that most clubbers get into club music, it’s uplifting, easy to the ear and kind of like when we were getting into music as teenagers, just how Pop music got us into it all. But I would like to make it clear that I so appreciate what the likes of Paul, Armin and Tiesto do every weekend, touring stadiums, bringing out huge albums and singles, rocking everywhere they go…”
Who do you personally, think is the best ever DJ a dancefloor has seen?
“Piss off. It changes every year. For me Francois Kevorkian. What he has achieved over time spinning in two continents week after week is baffling.”
What has been the best ever DJ Mag Top 100 After Party?
“Anyone who knows the DJ Mag team will always remember the Chilli Beers parties up in North London. Just wrongness, every time.”
Best memories?
“Steve Lawler playing the most amazing set on a shit system but blowing the dancefloor away. James Zabelia whenever he plays. Getting a call from the owners of the venue two days later telling me a cleaner had just found someone asleep in a cupboard under the stairs.”
What is the story behind regarding the ‘Christopher Lawrence and DJ Dan’ cheat allegations regarding DJ 100?
“Truthfully? They were named and shamed in some areas, but we accept they were not involved. Someone in their camp perhaps, is another story…”
Lesley, why did DMC’s favourite ever DJ – Danny Tenaglia call you up on your mobile whilst you were on a way to a club and and have a go at you regarding your magazine?
“Fuck me, you do your research Dan. It was nothing at all to do with the DJ 100, but a funny story. It is very surreal looking back thinking about it now. I have so much respect for Mr Tenaglia. Well, I was on the way to the club ‘Bangers & Mash’ in London on a double decker bus. That week at work was the only time I’d ever let a front photo of our cover star go without their approval. It went to print. He went mad. I still giggle.”
Last year saw Deadmau5 smash into your top 100 at number 11. Who is your tip for a major entry?
“We are really looking forward to see how a certain Mr Calvin Harris does. A number one record under his belt, a major star…we shall see. Also, from a personal point of view, really interested in how the whole DubStep scene hits us.”
As an Editor with a real love of dance music – how does/did it feel over the years filling your publication with adverts for speakers and headphones in the back?
“You are right to an extent. But technology has changed, yesterday’s pieces of equipment for a DJ are now vital to a DJ. Everything has moved on and we have to envelope it all.”
You have admitted in an interview years ago that Geography was not a strong point for you at school. What country that you received a nomination for a DJ in the DJ poll, did you think – what the fuck – where did that come from?
“Kasmacan.”
What is the best festival / gig you’ve been to this year?
“Not been to one this year, but looking forward to ‘The Burning Man’ over in America soon.
I hear you are not the party girl you were of yesterday?
“Ha!” I have teamed up with our old friend Toni Tambourine at Defected and this year started doing Triathlons – don’t laugh. I just felt it was time in life to get disciplined.
Why?
“For me, Ketamine, in my opinion, ruined club world for a long time, it messed people’s heads up far too much. It killed the party.”
Have you a message for the school career advisor who laughed in your face when you told her/him you wanted to follow a career in journalism?
“You have done your job here Mr P. What I would tell him? Different eras, different ages, different people. Reevaluate your outlook maybe.
What is the best ever DJ Mag feature someone has ever written – David Davies sited Andy Pemberton’s ‘Would You Let a Horse Into Your House’ as his finest…
“You as a leading journalist know this answer Dan. The next one we bring you…”
If DJ Mag Editor Lesley Wright organised a party what 5 DJs would you book?
“Francois Kevorkian, Danny Tenaglia, James Zabielia, Greg Wilson and Paul Woolford.”
And finally, are you coming to DMC 25 at The O2 this year?
“Yup”
