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DJ
Blakey
Interview
interview 0147 added
20.06.03 words: Muncible technical:
QED
You don't know your hiphop, if you don't know that THE DJ is the foundation.
And as 'being a DJ' has become increasingly fashionable, it now seems that every man and his dog has got a best mate who can get live on the one's and two's, but not everyone knows someone who competes in the DMC's.
The talent showcased at this esteemed competition evolves and develops year
on year, I caught up with DJ BLAKEY (Truesician member) over the internet to get the low down on when he's gonna walk away with the gold plated decks.
Q. How did the northern DMC's go?
 DJ Blakey: It went really well. I won it for the second year in a row which means I will be at the UK Final again.
Q. And what about the finals?
DJ Blakey: The final will be on the 4th July at the Shepherd's Bush Empire. Should be a wicked final, because there isnt anybody who is in the clear to win. Whoever wins, it will be a surprise!
Q. DMC insiders have been quoted as saying you will be a future champion. Realistically when do you hope to achieve such a coveted title?
DJ Blakey: Well, as soon as possible of course! The way I'm looking at it, is if I ever do get there, it will just be a great bonus for my DJ career. I have a lot of good things going on right now and as I see it, things really haven't even started. I don't want to rely on a title to boost my career. However, saying that, I know I have it in me to be there one day.
Q. What DJ has had the most influence on you?
DJ Blakey: Ahhh mannn...loads of people! Obviously all the American DJ's like The Allies, Piklz, Beat Junkies etc, plus all the great UK DJs like the Perverts.....but right now, it would have to be Skully. He's a very rounded DJ, and he can do something a lot of Turntablist's cant. HE CAN ROCK A CROWD!
Q. What do you think of the state of DJing right now in the UK?
DJ Blakey: Right now it seems to be getting' to a very critical stage. From what I have seen over the past couple of years from a lot of HipHop DJ's, especially in London, is that the majority of them don't seem to have everything locked. Some have great skills, but on the other hand, couldn't move a crowd with a gun, and vice versa. Only a handful of DJ's seem to have every corner locked. I am trying to be as rounded as possible, and am getting an awful lot of club work lately, which is VITAL to any DJ's progression, especially when it comes to competitions like DMC.
At the end of the day, it's all about pleasing whatever crowd is in front of you. That's the DJ's job, right!?
Q. Whats the deal with The Truesicians?
 DJ Blakey: The Truesicians are a 5 man DJ crew originally from the UK consisting of myself, 2 Tall, DJ Whut!, Daredevil and Beware. We are all on our own thing which makes it something quite special when we all put our minds together on the turntables. We will be doing the DMC teams later on in the year too. Check out http://www.truesicians.com for more info!
Q. How have the sales been with The Essence?
DJ Blakey: Pretty good! It was never a money making thing to start with, just a self promotion tool but I have pretty much covered costs now which I'm happy about! Its my first mix CD, and I've kind of been holding it back for a while now, because I wanted to make sure that when I did release a CD, that I did it properly.
Q. Any plans for another mixtape yet?
DJ Blakey: Mos def. I've already started thinking about it. Maybe in the new year or something.
Q. Do you have aspirations to get into producing?
DJ Blakey: Well...its a natural progression for any DJ. I am starting to learn more about it and am learning how to put ideas into work. It's very hard for me to keep with one thing though. Sometimes I just go off and start working on something else and forget about what I was doing before!
Q. Tell us about your DJ lifestyle, bitches, money and free drinks yeah?
DJ Blakey: Its all good! Sometimes, when travelling a lot, it can get pretty tiring. But in a good way. There's nothing more satisfying that being busy with something you love doing. I love it.
Bitches? Yeah Yeah! Money? I could maybe be in a better financial situation than I am, but I'm living comfortably. Free Drinks? Some promoters are tight you know!
Q. Where can our readers check you out, any residencies or upcoming guest sets?
 DJ Blakey: Sure. I have a residency at Eclectic Breaks (http://www.eclecticbreaks.com) every first Sunday of the month at Herbal in Shoreditch, E2. Every month they have a special guest DJ down there and the vibe is always amazing. Come check it out! They will also be starting a new weekly Friday night at The Mass in Brixton in September which I will also be resident at. Should be live.
As for radio, I am in talks right now with Rinse FM about a weekly show. Nothing confirmed though. Keep checking the site for any info on that. Plus...in the week running up to the DMC UK final, I will be guesting on Skully's Kiss 100 show, Monday night/Tuesday morning 2:00am till 4:00am.
Q. Do you have any big plans for the future that we need to know about?
DJ Blakey: Hmmmmmmm.....no comment! ;-)
Q. SHOUTS?
DJ Blakey: Yurrrr....to all the Truesicians, EB, Snatchcon, everyone I know basically, and you guys. LATER.
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