Please introduce yourself…
My name is Jay Hannan. I am a Dj and producer. I founded the clubs Lazy Dog and Underdog and have my own label called Society Heights. I also have made four albums - Lazy Dog, Lazy Dog 2, Underdog and Influences.

What was your first big break in the industry?
I suppose it would have to be my friend and fellow Dj Terry Bristol. He is a New York DJ based in the U.K. and got me my job at Black Market Records when he was the Manager before me. He was also a big inspiration for me in a musical sense as we spent many evenings talking about music and have Dj'd for many years together.

Originally graffiti and hip hop was your scene – graffiti: art or crime in your opinion?
Wow! Good question - i firmly believe that it is art (i am, of course referring to 'pieces' rather than just 'Tagging' and 'Bombing') but in my opinion, the element of criminality just makes it a bit more cooler. That said i think that what was inspiring about it was that Street kids showed the world that no matter what situation you are born into you could rise above it with beauty rather than violence and petty crime. There is a paradox in what i'm saying, depending on what side of the fence you are sitting, as a lot of people consider it a crime in itself and I do remember that back when i was 'writing' it was really uncool to buy your paint and every writer i know always stole his or her paint.But i go back to my point that this side of it only made it cooler, if only in an adolescent way. The fact remains though, that it is beautiful and striking enough so as to at least make you ask the question!

Back in the early 80’s you got into the dance music – how do you think the scene has changed and what do you miss from those early years?
To be honest. I love dance music as much now as i did then. Whoops-boring answer, i suppose....but true. However i do miss the sentiment in the songs.They used to be more about love and life, rather than 'putting your hands in the air' and 'lifting me higher' etc

You moved to NYC in ’86 during the heady dance years and clubbed at famous parties including Shelter? Which night had the most impact on you and why?
They all had a huge impact on me.It was a very hedonistic time of my life and i devoured everything New York had to offer.The Garage (i didn't realise how legendary it was til i got back to the U.K)The Loft, World, Zanzibar....well you name it, i probably did it or went there at some point.My overiding memory of clubbing in New York back then was that it was so fucking sleazy and so fucking brilliant!!
I've said it before that it wasn't what they were playing (i knew the music) but the way they were playing it. I'd never heard it played like that...very inspiring!

You worked in Blackmarket Records for 8 years – who was your most famous customer?
When they stepped over that threshold no one was famous! I think my most famous customer was Jerry Dammers from the Specials (he's cool) or Naomi Campbell (she came in with budding actor Jaye Davidson and were awful)! We also had people like Lenny Henry and a certain Ben Watt (i famously, didn't know who he was but we got on very well) there was also a lot of boxers like Nigel Benn and Frank Bruno and loads of famous DJ's, of course.

You set up the now legendary “Lazydog” parties with Ben Watt and toured with his band “Everything But The Girl” - ever had any rock n roll moments together? Kicked out of a club? Trashed a hotel room etc?
Ben suffers from a very bad illness so never with him [ED: I think Jay is being diplomatic!] but after hours me and people would get up to stuff...you know i'm not going to tell you the juicy stuff here on the World Wide Web! Needless to say there are still a few towns that are painted red.

From the people you have worked with - who was the biggest diva – Terri Walker or Ashanti?
I don't really mind how people are. It's just about their talent.

You have just mixed the new bargrooves album “Influences” which is based around artists that have “influenced” the series – who is your music idol?
Oh i have so many. Here's a few off the top of my head. Jimmy Page, Quincy Jones, Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder, David Byrne, Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Lil Louis, Bob Marley.....oh Fuck...all of them!
Who has been the most influential person in your life aside from musicians? Jayne Rendall - my trouble and strife!!

If you could do a gig with anyone who would it be and why? Lolita Holloway. She is so synonimous with clubs and club music. It'd be amazing.

What’s your all time favourite album?
I couldn't answer that as i don't have a favourite but if you wanted to listen to an almost perfect album begining to end then you couldn't go far wrong with Stevie Wonder 'Songs in the key of life' or Chaka Khan 'What cha' gonna do for me'

What is on your stereo right now?
A cup of tea and an ashtray.

Who is your hot new artist…your tip for the top?
Avery Sunshine. Check out 'Talk to you'

If you had to give up all the music tomorrow what would you do instead?
I'd be dead.

When it’s all over how would you like to be remembered?
Just remembered would be fine.

JAY HANNAN HAS MIXED THE NEW BARGROOVES ALBUM "INFLUENCES" ALONG WITH LABEL HEAD BEN SOWTON

To order your limited edition TRIPLE album at a SPECIAL DSI DISCOUNT OF 15% OFF simply go online www.seamlessrecordings.com and skip intro. On the home page click on the album cover of "Influences" - this will add the album to your "Basket" then press "Checkout" and type code DSIVIP1005 into the coupon box and check out!