Location: Brentwood, Essex, England

1. For the not so clued up person in regards to the world of soulful House and Garage, UK underground music, could you tell us how you got started in this game? Please inform us of who you are….

I started Djing because I had a lot of records and nothing to play them on. I was asked present a show on my college radio station, but I couldn’t mix, I used to take the records from the top all the time.

It got a little boring after while, so I bought some decks and taught myself to mix. That was back in 1994 or 1995. I’m now part of the longest running and most successful female DJ night in the UK ‘Girl Garage’, and we (Lady Spirit and I) want to keep it that way.

2. Who or what had the greatest influence on what you listen to today?

Definitely what my parents listened to. They have such a fantastic record collection of Motown. I think that’s how come the music I play has such a soulful element to it.

3. Who was your first musical hero?

Probably Tina Turner. My parents bought her ‘Private Dancer’ album for my 6th birthday.

4. Are you a DJ/ Producer now, or just a DJ?

I’m currently producing with Shelley Dee under the 2nd Nature guise. I have my own studio and Shelley has a huge influence over what we do. She is currently signing to the Good Looking label and in time we’ll be working on tracks for her album. The album wont be House and Garage, probably more on the down tempo tip and a bit Trip Hop-ish.

5. What is it about Djing that you like?

The feeling, the buzz, the energy and all that comes from the music. I love making people move and have a great time. I know then that my hard work has paid off.

6. What was the first club that you played at that gave you vital experience that is invaluable now? Is it still there now?

The first club I played in is now a lap dancing venue! I only played there a couple of times. The first set was for only about 45 minutes. My first residency taught me a lot. It was at a club every Sunday and I played for 2 hours every week.

It was totally different to Djing in my bedroom, for one it was louder! I never got paid for my sets, but I didn’t care, I was happy to be there and it built up my confidence when other bookings came in for clubs elsewhere.

Did it take you a long time to gain the skills worthy enough to be considered a DJ?

I think it took me about 6 months to get the hang of mixing for an hour with no real mistakes. I had taught myself, so it probably took longer than normal or if another DJ had taught me.

I didn’t know any other DJ’s back then. If I did, I don’t think I would have bothered asking them. I’m pretty independent and proud (my Leo trait) and I like the fact that I’ve achieved it on my own.

7. Have you been given the chance to play on pirate radio shows within your area of the world? Are there any around you? Do pirate radio still play an active part in the development of the dance music industry in 2003?

I’ve played on a few pirate radio stations. The first was in Essex,England and I remember my show so clearly. I didn’t say a word! I was so scared to pick up the mic and talk. My friend who got me a show on the station later told me that he thought a tape was playing because he didn’t hear anyone speak. The next week I did finally find the courage to talk.

I later went on to present shows on Passion FM - London, England. I started with them when the station first got off the ground. It was a great buzz and I stayed with them for almost 3 years. The station had a studio raid which scared me slightly, and I stayed away from pirate radio for about a year after. I then went on to present shows for Erotic, but Garage music was going through a bad time, so the management changed the music policy and that was the end of that!

I’m now presenting shows on Shine Fm in London, and I’ve been with them for a year now. It’s an important part of Djing for me. I can play all my new records that I don’t get to play out at clubs, and there’s no one there to hassle me about my own music policy. It’s a great chance to air good new music.

8. Do you ever get the chance to listen to the BBC’s 1Xtra radio shows?

Radio 1 - 1Xtra doesn’t really interest me, probably due to the fact that they advertised it as a ‘Black Music’ station. How pathetic! We all know music is the world’s language and it has no colour.

9. What are your views on the state of radio today for dance music?

It has definitely become the new pop music. It’s great financially for the people making it and the artist themselves, and I don’t think that it has done the scene any real harm.

10. Have you appeared on legal radio before? If so, which one?

In March 2002, I was Matt jam Lamont’s guest on his Kiss 100 show. It was a really nice boost and I couldn’t thank Matt enough for having me on there. He’s a genuinely nice guy who supports great music. He has asked me back, but I’ll only go when the scene has more to offer musically.

11. When you are at home relaxing, what do you like listening to? Truthfully….

I recently bought Madonna’s new album which I love. I know Justin Timberlake’s album off by heart, and Ms Dynamite’s too. My favourite album is by an Australian singer called Sia. Lyrically it’s brilliant, and I can’t wait for her next one.

12. Has Djing allowed you to travel abroad? What countries have you travelled to? What countries do you have the most fun Djing in?

I think if I wasn’t a DJ, I wouldn’t have visited half the cities that I have. I’ve been all over Europe to Italy, Spain, Norway, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and worldwide to America and also India.

Every city I DJ in I have a great time and the hospitality is second to none. I feel like a queen sometimes!

India was amazing. I DJ’d in a place called Bangalore on a roof top for 3,000 people on NYE 2002/2003. My singer friend Shelley Dee came with me and we put on such a great performance because the reception was so welcoming and responsive. People just wanted to dance!

I’ve been to Germany 4 times in the last year, and it has to be one of the best places in Europe to DJ. Like India, the people are fantastic and they really appreciate what you do. I’d go back each time and have so much fun, and I’ve made some nice friends from my trips there.

13. Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of travelling from one city to the next? Is it as glamorous as we expect it to be?

I love it! I have ants in my pants and I would do it every weekend if the work were there. I love getting on planes and the thought of going to an airport doesn’t stress me out at all like some people. It does get a bit tiring though. If I have an early morning flight and have to DJ in the club at 3am that night, I hardly get any sleep, so when I get home, that’s all I do…… zzzz

14. Do you keep in contact with old DJ collegues from around the world, or have you gone your separate ways?

I meet a lot of DJ’s from all over the world, and I always keep in contact with them. I’ve met some fantastic people over the years and I do try to stay in contact as much as possible.

The power of the internet has helped dearly. I’m a very loyal person to my friends and I don’t get the arse if I haven’t heard from them in a while, it’s a pleasure to hear from them.

15. Underground clubs “via word of mouth” are becoming sought after places to go, will the bubble burst soon though?

Never. When too many people know about it, they just move on. Those who don’t, end up selling out. It’s important to keep people on their toes because you know they’re the people who genuinely want to be there, and aren’t there for the sake of it.

16. How many hours does a set usually last for you? Would you prefer to be like the American DJ’s where their sets last for hours?

In the Uk, my sets only last for an hour or 2 maximum. When I go abroad it’s a minimum of 2 to 3 hours. You have to have quite a lot of stamina to play on for more, I’d love to, but I’d need to stop for a toilet break!

17. Do you still go record shopping? Or do you rely on what the record labels supply you?

I always go record shopping. The records that people send from record pools have usually been around on the underground for a while, and they aren’t always up to standard. Now and again a little gem will be sent, but it’s important to check out the shops too. I love record shopping, it’s all part of being a DJ.

18. What was the first House and Garage record that you bought?

I can’t remember. The record that springs to mind is Todd Terry’s unreleased project 4, but I don’t think that was the first, probably in the first 100.

19. Do you have a favourite record label?

Naked Music Records. I hardly ever play their stuff out, sometimes on the radio, but it’s a personal thing. I own every single Naked Music record that was ever brought out. I’m such a nerd! Haa haa haa

20. What style of mixing do you prefer? What do you use?

I prefer the blending style of mixing. People seem to forget that blending 2 records is an art form a you can make a totally different record from the mix.

21. Do you run your own label? Do you have anyone signed to it?

I have my own label Bubalicious Beats. I don’t have anyone signed to it but myself. It’s purely for my own productions and the work of 2nd Nature (myself and Shelley Dee).

22. Have you ever appeared on TV or on talk radio to talk about your craft?

I talked about Djing and gave advice for a DVD on how to DJ. It turns out that it’s one of the best selling ‘how to DJ guides’ in the world.

23. What are your views on dark 2 step / UK Garage music? Are people moving away from buying that form of music?

I think there is still a call for that kind of style, but it’s not my cup of tea and I don’t really know a lot about the darker side of UK Garage music. The last I heard they had renamed it as Sublow. I have been out to a few events that play Sublow, but I can’t feel the soul in it.

24. Is there anyone that you would like to place in the House and garage hall of fame?

Matt Jam Lamont. He’s done a lot for the UK scene and stuck to his guns regarding his music policy. He only play’s good quality music.

25. What is your most favourite House and Garage track of all time?

Abstract Truth - We had (a thing) - Wave. My parents bought it for me when they were in Atlanta. The guys in the shop told them that the record was a ‘must have’. When I got given it, it was still sealed in the plastic.

26. Where is the next event that we can see DJ Jolie perform at? Do you have any residencies?

You can check out my site www.DJJolie.co.uk for my latest diary dates, and the last Saturday of every month I’m at my residency ‘Girl garage’ @ Storm in Leicester Square, London. I also have a residency at Dirty Cash in it’s new home of Propaganda in London on the first Saturday of the month.

27. If you had a chance to DJ / Produce with anyone from the House and Garage field, who would it be?

Grant Nelson (London, England). Nice guy and very talented

28. Do you have any advice to any aspiring DJ?

Doing the hard work yourself is more gratifying, never sell your decks because it’s a fact that you will never bother getting them back, and only play the music that you love with all you heart. DJ for the love and not for the money. More importantly have fun!

All rights of the text and the images belong to Carl Brown,(Ipswich, England) and Dj Jolie (Ilford,Essex, England). If you which to use any of this interview. Please contact us. Copyright laws apply - 2003.