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Ratty
DJ Ratty, one of the Midlands and UK’s top DJ’s, had made his mark
over the last year. Slowly but surely, Ratty has now started to
progress no to 3 decks. So here we go…
What is your real name and how old are you?
David Smith and I’m 23 years old.
Where do you live?
I live in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, with my mum.
Is your mum pleased with what your doing?
She’s very pleased, but she hates the music.
How long have you been DJing now?
Ever since I was 16, for about seven years now.
How did you come up with the name Ratty?
It’s an old nick name. Whilst at school I used to have big teeth, I
use to look a bit like a rate. Lucky enough I lost those teeth in a
bike accident and replaced them with caps, they now look a lot
better.
What did you do when you first left school?
I became an electrician for a couple of years.
What made you decide to become a full time DJ?
All my mates said I would be really good, so I took their word for
it and done it. Also my manager Danny gave me a lot of help and
encouragement.
What do you like best about being a DJ?
I don’t have to get up early and you get a good night out.
Do you think you made the right decision and are you pleased with
the way your career has gone?
Yes, especially over the last couple of years, people have really
started to take notice of my work.
Where was the best event you’ve ever played at?
Perception at Cirencester in 1991. This was also the first big break
I ever got. I managed to blag my way on to play that night and I was
well chuffed because I got the crowd going.
What about your favourite club?
The two that I love the most have to be Quest in Wolverhampton,
Milwaukees in Bedford and all Fibreoptic events.
Where do you get your records from?
I get a fair few through the post. I do buy most of my records out
though from Fibreoptic in Leamington Spa and Basement Records in
Reading.
How many records do you take out with you on an average night out
DJing?
About 100 records.
How many records do you play in an average set?
Around 20 to 25 records.
How many events do you play a night on average?
About 3-4 on a Friday and 2 on a Saturday.
How far in advance are booked to play out?
My manager Danny is now taking bookings for July, but I’m not
totally booked out between now and July.
Have you ever played abroad?
Only in Germany so far.
What do you think of the music scene in the UK?
I didn’t like the sound of the music at the end of 1992, too much
Jungle. I like some of it, but it was the same old breaks. The music
this year has got a lot more feeling to it with a lot of dark
sounds.
Have you made any records yourself?
Yes, I’ve made a couple with Tango which sold really well.
What do you think of the rave scene at the moment?
Well I think the club scene is taking off again in a big way because
it’s better value for money.
What do you think will happen to the rave scene over the next year?
I don’t think the scene will grow any bigger in terms of numbers of
people going out, but it will still be going strong.
How do you see the music going in the future?
I think people will cut down on the breakbeat side and start mixing
in a lot more techno. The bassline will be still there, but I think
rave music will become more unified with other types of house music.
Do you listen to any other types of music other than rave?
No, I don’t have time.
Do you get any promoters do bad things against you?
There are a few promoters who knock me, but there’s nothing I can do
about it except never work for them again.
Some promoters put your name on their knowing you not booked to
play, is there anything you can do about this?
No there’s nothing I can do, except phone them up and have a good go
at them. Also, I would need to think twice before playing for that
promoter again.
Which other DJ’s do you rate out there?
For mixing Carl Cox, Easy Groove and Seduction. For music Groove
Rider, Top Buzz, LTJ Bukem and Randall. There’s a lot of good DJ’s
out there including unknown DJ’s. It’s a shame the unknown boys have
great trouble making it. Two DJ’s to look out for the in the future
are Fallout and Tango.
Have you any advice for any up and comin DJ’s?
Basically, keep going and don’t give up. Always try to be original
and try not to copy an other DJ’s specific style.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment as a DJ?
Once, the last tune of my set at the end of the night, I put the
record on at the wrong speed, I put on 45rpm instead of 33rpm.
What are your ambitions over the coming year?
To go and play abroad and to make a lot more records.
Finally, we hear your DJ not on the telephone, why is this?
Basically I don’t want people to phone me for work, I want them to
phone my manager Danny. Also, you get a load of dodgy phone calls. I
did once try to get a mobile, but they turned me down.
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