Norman Jay MBE Interview 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTED
With longstanding Dusted resident Norman Jay MBE
He is arguably one of the finest and most respected DJ's in the world today. A DJ whose talents and many years of dedicated service to his profession have now seen him rightfully acknowledged by the highest authority in the land. Our next Dusted party at Egg celebrates 5 fantastic years of Dusted! Here is your very special birthday treat... Ladies & Gentlemen meet Dusted's finest, the legend that is Norman Jay MBE
Hi Norman where you are right now and what are you up to over the next few weeks?
I’m on way to Heathrow airport right now as I’m off to Hong Kong, China. Korea and Indonesia for an extensive 3 week tour. I’ll be back playing in Australia for a whirlwind period in Dec and I’m very excited to be playing Bondi Beach on Christmas Day!
How do you like to describe the music you play?
Meaningful, inspirational & euphoric
When did you first ever get into DJing and can you remember the first time you got behind some decks?
First got into it when was a toddler. I can’t remember how old I was when I got my first set of decks but I was very very young. I was in my teens
Who and what have been your musical inspirations?
I don’t really have any one musical inspiration… all the great great artists down the years… Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, James Brown… to name a few
Who is your favourite DJ?
I don’t have a favourite dj because I’m a fan of the music not the person who plays it. I’m not necessarily a fan of the person who plays it I’m a fan of the music
You’ve been awarded an MBE from the Queen for “DJing and services to music” such a huge achievement and high accolade to you… please describe that moment to us and how it felt?
That moment was one of the most surreal moments of my life. It was in 2002 and I put a suit on for the 1st time… a top hat and tail. We borrowed Jay-K from Jamiroquai’s stretch Mercedes Limo for the drive to Buckingham Palace! When we got there I was presented with the medal by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11 herself. We've got loads of fantastic photos from the day and with the car. It was very special for me.
Who does Norman Jay like being on a line up with?
Loads of great DJ entertainers… Giles Peterson, Frankie Knuckles, Oliver Lang, 2Funky, David Morales, Terry Farley, Hoxton Whores…
One London club?
There’s lots of great London clubs. If I had to name one I would have to be Plan B, Brixton. I just love playing there
One track?
Bodyrocks ‘Yeah Yeah’
One label?
White label
Is there anything you hate about the music industry?
I don’t really know what I hate about the music industry because I’m not in it. I’m in entertainment. I’m a music entertainer and that’s very different from the music industry
What are the best things in life?
Everything that’s free
Please tell us about the first time you played carnival and how it’s changed over the years?
First time I played carnival was the baptism of fire and rite of passage and I can’t remember too much because too many bottles and cans were being thrown at me… The first time was in a front garden, not where we are now on the bus. It’s changed lots of the years. Our Original place was Cambridge Street. We’ve been doing Good Times from the top of the bus for about 8 years. On the corner of Southern Row & West Row since 1991
You had a massive success with your Good Times NYE party @ The Clapham Grand last year. The event famously sold out 2 weeks prior to the party. Please tell everyone what the NYE plan is for this Norman Jay & Good Times this year?
Well I'm happy to announce we will be returning for another Good Times party with Dusted at The Grand again this year. The demand last year was overwhelming and we’re expecting much of the same again. People are already asking me when tickets will be on sale! I’m very excited to be programming such a NYE party that’s so close to my heart. London is my home and to be bringing Good Times to London for NYE means the world to me.
2007 is going to be very special year for Good Times. We're planning a very big outdoor Good Times event for which full details will follow very soon. I can't reveal too much detail now but you heard it here first and its something we’ve never ever done before… check my website for further announcements to be made.
You are our long standing Dusted resident… what do you enjoy most about playing Dusted nights?
I love the crowd that comes to Dusted. They are young, fashionable and they bring a lot of love. One of the best fun loving crowds in London.
Please tell us about your favourite Ibiza place?
I really like the old town… I love the culture there. Right at the top where the church is in Dalt Villa. It’s a very special place for me
October is a very special month in the Dusted calendar, it’s that time of year where we celebrate Dusted's birthday. Norman, how did you celebrate your last birthday?
I had a very enjoyable quiet night in for my last birthday. It made a really nice change.
October is a very special month in the Dusted calendar, it’s that time of year where we celebrate Dusted's birthday. Norman, how did you celebrate your last birthday?
I had a very enjoyable quiet night in for my last birthday. It made a really nice change.
And finally do you have a birthday message for all the Dusted faithful?
Keep on feeling good… Keep on looking beautiful
NORMAN JAY TOP 5 TRACKS
- Azzido Da Bass - Dooms Night (Norman jay mix)
- Steelers Wheel - Stuck In the Middle (Norman Jay edit)
- The Shining Grey – Why
- Bodyrock - Yeah Yeah
- Fedde Le Grande - Put your hands up for Detroit
Thanks for the interview Norman and see you at Dusted on the 7th October!
Article Links
Article by: Nat (Dusted)