I met 2Shay a year ago when we played at the same night (Orpheus & Friends) in Kent. I really enjoyed his B2B set that night and found him to be a lovely guy with a wicked sense of humour who didn't really take himself too seriously and who likes to put on a show.

As a dj he plays a variety of styles from hard trance through to hardstyle through to hard house, has a residency at Orpheus & Friends in Kent and has played for the legendary Twist on their 5th Birthday @ Crash in Vauxhall and alongside Lisa Pin-Up. Ahead of his next gig at Subtronic Dance featuring Rave Nation on 22nd March I caught up with 2Shay to find out more about the man behind the skirt!

How did you get into dance music and djing and what was the first tune you bought?

It all kinda started when I was about 15 working at under 18s disco called KAOS, it was a wicked thing at the time and I wanted to be a dj from there.

I think my first decks were a set of Numark belt drives (dj in a box), I think they're in the loft, and I may go and dig them out nowyou've reminded me!

The first tune would have to be Paul van Dyk and the remix "Found an Angel (JPS project remix).

How did you get the name 2Shay?

For being a little too quick witted and jovial ;)

You have a trademark that makes you stand out just slightly when you are djing – tell me about the skirt wearing!

It all started at my second gig for Orpheus and friends I just fancied doing something different and having a laugh really. However it seems that it worked for my sets people enjoy it, it's certainly something that no one really forgets!

What’s your favourite djing memory?

The Fridge main room for my London debut is near the top however closing set at Twists 5th birthday has gotta rise to the top. Although I was competing with Karim it was unbelievable, every one had an awesome time and I would love to go back again.

Who do you take inspiration from?

For his lunacy on stage Proteus is an absolute legend and for tricks and effects on stage Andy Whitby is a very technically gifted person on the decks.

If you could play a b2b set with anyone who would it be and why?

Hmmm that’s a hard one said Eve, no seriously erm, I think it would have to be Nu Energy Collective (K-Complex), I would love to play a battle of me djing and them on the live PA what a buzz that would be!

What are your top 5 tunes of all time?

K90 – Red Snapper
Spoiled and Zigo – More and More
BK – Bad Ass
Paul van Dyk - For an Angel
Carl Nicholson - Streamline

What are you favourite labels?

NEC, Oblivion, Tranzlation plus a load more I cant name all of them but as long as they are thumping hard and very uplifting then I'm all for it.

Have you ventured into production yet or do you have any plans to?

Yeah I've given it a bash and it seems that I've got a good lil' track however it could do with a bit of beefing up. It's called UNLEASHED and I will hopefully try and get it released when I can find the help to finish it off, originally the guy who helped me with it is called Matt Hilton, an absolute rising star in the world of production.

What producers feature heavily in your sets?

The hard the driving and really trancey: Dark by Design, Technikal, carl Nicholson, NEC

You come from Kent – what’s the scene like down there?

It's been getting really strong down here. Theres are some good promotions doing really well; Stimulation, Subtronic Dance and my residency ORPHEUS & FRIENDS all of which are absolute stompers to be at.

You’ve got an exciting gig coming up at Subtronic Dance in Lydd, tell me more about this and what you have in store for the Kent massive?

Extremities ranging from hardstyle through to trance through to some really driving filthy hard house and if all goes well beforehand an entrance that will have you giggling and wanting more.

Intriguing! What do you like to do in your spare time?

Just the norm really hanging out with the lads playing a few hands of poker, practising my djing or working on production.

A few quick fire questions!

McDonalds or KFC? Mcdonalds I think

Vinyl or CD? Both!

Spice Girls or Girls Aloud? Girls Aloud without a doubt.

I’m going to the bar – what should I get you?

I'll have a pint of ……… erm whisky! Yeah grab me a pint of whisky and a shot of what ever beer they got on ;)

Nice one mate! Catch 2Shay next at Subtronic Dance featuring Rave Nation on Saturday 22nd March at the Heron Club. He'll be the bloke in the skirt ;)