Clubland stalwart, Huckleberry Finn, gives us an insight into his world and talks to DSI about Shiva and also celebrating 20 years behind the deck this year.....

Mr Huckleberry Finn, aside from being one of literature's most revered characters, you are also one of clubland's most loyal stalwarts - having been celebrating your 20 years in the business this year. How've you found the past 20 years?!

Like most people, I've had my ups and downs that life throws at you - but you're learning all the time to push forward. Or I've had things hold me back, depending on the circumstances, especially in this business - as it’s out of your hands. Life's always a gamble.

We also know that you are synonymous with Girls FM. For those of us that don't know, what IS (or was) Girls FM? Is it a radio station run by girls?!?!

Yeah, a bunch of big girls blouses!!! No seriously, at the time (in 1994) people felt they weren't getting to hear what they wanted - which was their love of a music genre - house and garage. Garage - which, incidentally, was everything from uplifting to soulful to deep to techno - was popular, before the word "garage" got stolen and made into something it wasn't. Garage was side by side with house for instance.

DJs including myself went onto other things after that and are still in the industry in some shape, way or form. The formula for Girls FM was simple good music, big personalities and advert free!! The jingles were done by soon-to-become club superstars!! Why it ended, well that's another story - but I do miss it. Maybe a reunion is on the cards as I keep getting asked. And now there is a Girls FM group on Facebook so we'll see what materialises from there.

But speaking of celebrations, what did you do for your last birthday?

I went to the Star Wars exhibition at County Hall.

When was that?

Are you trying to get my details for credit card fraud?!?! Let that be a warning to you, folks, if you're on Facebook take off your date of birth!!!

And, how young does that make you?!?!

21 going on 37.

What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened to you in a club?

Turning up for a soundcheck and there being no equipment installed in the DJ booth - until I told them what I wanted and where I wanted it. Now, that was weird considering some of the systems I’ve played on. They have been terrible and still are in some places!!! You'd think after 20 years the venues would get that right by now but they don't. As for a moment on a night playing out, it would have to be knickers being thrown at me in Club UK and being asked for for my first autograph - I didn't know what to do with myself and thought they were joking!!!

What's the best night out you've ever had?

That's a big question!!! It's like asking me what's my all time favourite record. There's too many nights on that list but most are from raves in 1989. Like Sunrise, Energy, Biology, Genesis, many a night at Labyrinth in the basement with Richie Fingers, had some top ones at the Powerhouse and then every time I played abroad. I've never had a bad one on other shores yet - touch wood - and today it's always a great party with Smartie Partie at Turnmills and Shiva, without a doubt.

So, what's your favourite record of all time?

I said don't ask me that!! *LOL*

What's the worst gig you ever had?

I'd rather not say!! The worst ones I try to forget - sometimes it's usually down to trouble. Why people feel they need to mix dance with violence, I never understand.

What happened the last time you embarrassed yourself?

I went very red.

What can't you live without?

My hearing.

Before you were a DJ, what was the worst job you ever had?

No job is worse than this one!!! It's a cut-throat market. Everyone thinks they can just do it. There are plenty of mixers and people who can't mix in this industry - but there are only a few DJs who have it all, from knowledge to reading the crowd to technical ability and a general love for the music. Not the fact everyone is boosting your big ego and that you think you can work two hours at the weekend and make a living from it and live the high life!! Some people see it as being some sort of status - like being a celebrity - and we know how much humans crave to be somebody.

What was the last record you bought?

I got it from a shop in Stroud called Trading Post and picked up some classics as they do get old vinyls there. They where one of the main shops for Punk music back in the day. As for the tune I bought, it was by Toni Scott and called "The Chief".

Who or what are your musical influences?

Abba, Madness, Saturday Night Fever and the whole breakdance culture in my youth. Also, original Disco, Soul and Motown. I'm a soul boy, really, under it all. And more recently, it's people like Todd Terry and Masters At Work.

Is there anything unusual about you that we should know?

I have no belly button.

If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?

I go back to when I was a child and when my mother was pregnant with my brother. I would have stopped the men who kicked her in the stomach when she tried to stop them starting on my dad because he wouldn't strike - as he felt it more important to look after his family. It started her labour early and my brother only survived for a few days.

That's horrible. I think I'd be very tempted to jump in that time machine with you and do the same....

Back to the interview, what tunes have lodged themselves in your record box and refuse to leave?

One of my own label's releases from way back - Nightcrawlers - "Push The Feeling On". It's still as good as it ever was and never leaves the box even if it’s a remix or original. I'm a big fan of MK.

Who?!?! Muzz Khan?!?!

*LOL* You wish! No! Marc Kinchen! I've been in contact with him - and watch this space as there are some new releases from him coming soon!

Cool! Actually, I discovered the other day that the mix we all know and love of 'Push The Feeling On' was all down to that MK mix. It's the mix that everyone plays to this day. I've always thought that was the original - but it turns out the original is actually a more chilled out song with more vocals - and I've worked out what he says now!!!

*LOL*

Anyway, and finally, what can we expect of you ahead of your set at the final Shiva party at the soon-to-be-demolished Canvas?

Well, it will be my last set at the complex - officially - unless my New Year's Day confirmation comes through. But it will be a trip down memory lane and pure classics from all the years I've graced at the venue up until the present day. A few of my own remixes and re-edits will be thrown in as well. Shame I don’t have enough hours to play everything I would like to, but I'm sure everyone else will supply the goods as well and I'm looking forward to catching up with Panda as well!!!

Thanks for that, Mr Finn. We look forward to some nostalgic times with you at the helm....

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