MEL-O- DJ
Sunday | 14:00-16:00
Mel-O- DJ (Musical Entertainer Loud Original Disc Jockey)
When did you begin DJ’ing and what made you start?
I started DJ’ing as a boy at family parties on one turntable and a tape deck. I commandeered records from my parents and tracks I painstakingly taped and put into a specific order from weekly radio shows from pioneer London DJ’s such as Robbie Vincent and Greg Edwards.
What made me start DJ’ing is a bit more protracted. Music has always been a massive influence in my life and I spent my first pocket money on a 7” version of Althea & Donna’s Up Town Top Ranking way back in 1978. Prior to that, I was fortunate enough to have visited Kingston Jamaica and New York New York where respectively early forms of DJ’s “toasting” over a reggae dub, and Disco were emerging with an irreversible force. The commonality and attraction for me was that both genres were designed to make people dance. Those sounds and their energy captivated me at an early age.The musical seed had already been planted by my parents who had an eclectic mix of music that permeated through my household and broadened my appreciation. Reggae from Bob Marley to Marcia Griffith, Soul from Aretha Franklin to Barry White, Funk from Cymande to Manu Dibango, Jazz from Roy Ayers to Airto, Soca from Max Romeo to Lord Kitchener – I loved the lot! Years later Froggy’s Monster Mix inspired me to buy my first set of decks. My biggest single influence was my uncle “J” aka John Dee (Piccadilly 261FM) – Manchester’s equivalent to David Rodigan in the 70’s.
What would you say influenced you towards House music?
Unity and freedom of expression. In circa 1987/88 a cosmic shift occurred in clubland where colour, creed, gender and social status didn’t matter. Differences were put aside and we danced like we didn’t care. We came together for the love of House. Further to that the arrangements, variety of instruments and sounds layered together have always excited me.
Of the many genres of House music, which are your favourites?
Deep, Godly, Soulful and Uplifting would best describe my flavour. Sultry influences of Latin and tribal African sounds add to the mix. Even better if complemented by a “phat” bassline.
Which artists, producers and tracks stand out for you, both now and from the past?
Artists: Barbara Tucker, Y Tribe, Arnold Jarvis, Erykah Badu, Donell Rush, Ann Nesby, Robert Owens, Kathy Brown, Kenny Bobien, Ultra Nate, Roy Ayers, Jill Scott, Angie Stone, India, Ledisi, Fantasia
Producers: MAW, Booker T, Armand Van Helden, MJ Cole, Kerri Chandler, Bump N Flex, DavidMorales, Frankie Foncett, Mark Kichen, Wookie, Mood II Swing, Grant Nelson, Ron Trent, George Morel, Sandy Rivera, TJ Cases, Victor Simonelli, Steve Hurley, Roger Sanchez, Joey Negro, Peven
Everett, Quentin Harris, Terry Hunter, Black Coffee, DJ Spen, Dennis Ferrer, Mike Delgado
Tracks: Lood - “Shout-N- Out”, Barbara Tucker – Think, River Ocean ft. India – Love & Happiness, Chez Damier – Can you feel It, Jill Scott – Not Like Crazy, Mutiny – Bliss (MAW), Quentin Harris ft. Cordell McClary – Travelling, Round One – I’m Your Brother, Roland Clark – God is Good, Donna Allen – He is the Joy
Name some highlights or a profound moment in your time as a DJ
I’ve had great times playing at various clubs in London including Hanover Grand, Turnmills, Kensington Roof Gardens, Emporium, Wax Bar, Verve, Eurosions, Soul Bar, and Loom Bar. I’ve also presented on London based radio stations playing different genres of music including Climax,
Flames, RnBFM, and Vision. A profound moment was hanging out with Carl Cox and Eric Powell at Pepe Rosello's villa in Ibiza this summer before they tore up Pure nightclub. That experience inspired me to get back to my first love – music and DJing.
Have you done any production? If not is it something you intend to do?
Not as yet but I fully intend to. I’ve got so many ideas and hope to learn from the concentration of talent on HouseFM.Net that have been producing for years.
Going on from that, what are your musical plans for the future?
To continue to develop my style as a DJ internationally; to develop my skills/knowledge of music production; and to give opportunities to the wealth of emerging young talent to help make their dreams a reality!
When did you begin DJ’ing and what made you start?
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