Nice write up.

However, reading between the lines it does somewhat devalue Lora's winning set slightly and my judges decision.

I am confident that the correct two DJ's went through from London in the correct order, and I adore them both.

Just to explain, the way I have constructed the scoring system does not fully sway towards technical ability. As an extreme example, its not good if a DJ is scratching, crabbing, looping their head off and we have an empty dancefloor and then having to console them when they don't understand why the heck they didn't win.

I have left the technical format to DMC (who I have followed from DAY 1) and ITF as they do this very well. There is no definitive competition for House/Mix Dj's, to which I have geared this competition towards, as well as having some great parties along this way.

We are looking for someone with good dj skills and also star qualities, who has what it takes to make it out there on their own as an A-List DJ, and be able to hold their own at clubs like Ministry of Sound, pacha, Turnmills etc.. etc...

As a dj, technical ability is a key element, I have been DJing for the best part of 20 years along the way meeting and becoming friends with DJ's who would WIPE THE FLOOR with most of today's A-Listers HANDS DOWN in a technical battle. After all these years, they are still slugging away in some back room or bar somewhere, slaving away unnapreciated for the TALENT that they are and wondering "why have I never made it".

I believe what they lack is, alongside mastering the turntables and all the tricks and flares, you also need to master your charisma and appeal, which is what Star DJ's do so well and is why they are in so much demand.

with this in mind The scoring system is as follows.

Technical Ability - maximum 20points
Mixing - maximum 20 points
Track Selection - maximum 20 points
Charisma - maximum 20 points
Crowd reaction - maximum 20 points

Maximum total points 120.

The scoring criteria speaks for its self, you need to be a well balanced DJ to succeed.

The DJ's competing in the UK Final are...

MARTIN DOORLY - HUDDERSFIELD
MATT McKINLEY - ROCHDALE
DJ WILSON - WORCESTER
RANIER WILSON - BIRMINGHAM
DJ LORA - LONDON
ROLAND LONDON - LONDON
BENNY BLANCO - BRISTOL
MAX HONEYMAN - NEWQUAY

This is the Final 8 dj's out of over 500, they all have what it takes. At the UK Final they will meet on a level playing ground as equals, what has gone before will not be considered. Its down to their performance on the night.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF THEM!!!

~andy~

I am never one to comment about anything...but
I have been djing for the last 7 years...and let me say being a women has huge disadvantages..
you are automatically labled with the " she looks good but probably can't mix"...an unfair comment to make I think..
the amount of gigs I have lost due to not wanting to "get it on with the promoter"...
I still have a day job and am still trying to make my mark in the DJ world..and believe me when I say it " ITS TOTALLY A MANS WORLD"
Djing is about everything...fine I may not scratch up a storm..but I take the time to study my crowd and see what they want..rather than just play for myself..an easy mistake to make..
In this particular competition...I AM THE ONLY FEMALE..and I really need to stand out...even more so than normal....its about time women djs are taking more seriously...we totally have what it takes to make the Dj world a more balanced one..

hey guys- I was totally NOT trying to devalue Lora's winning or the judging AT ALL.

I had already agreed to do the article from Roland's point of view and only had his interview comments to choose from. The point I was trying to get across within that though, was that yes- a gorgeous woman in a catsuit is going to stand out and yes- people will think exactly what you said Lora- UNTIL they actually hear you play and see the way the crowd reacts. That's why I finished off that segment with Roland saying that he would have been a lot more nervous if he'd known how good you were.

I was a DJ back in Canada years ago and I got loads of attention because I was the first female DJ in the whole region- BUT I was a novelty and wasn't really taken seriously. So I understand. Anyway- as I said- the views expressed in Roland's quotes are purely his own.

And I don't think for a second that your outfit affected the judges- but I think it got the crowd going and that's the point isn't it? It's all together in the whole package. Personally I think men should dress up too! Wear a tux-do something! Use whatever you've got to get the crowd going and do something special! But that's just my opinion and the article wasn't about me. At the end of the day- if you win any competition - some of the losers will say that it was because you're this, that or whatever, not because you're more talented then they are- that's just human nature and the cynical world we live in.

So anyway- if you're reading between the lines- you're reading words I didn't write. I certainly didn't intend to upset anyone but you can't please everyone all the time, can you. Just make sure you don't confuse someone elses quotes with my own sentiments. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and we all know how much those opinions can vary. I just don't want someone elses opinions getting mixed up with mine.

Anyway, I say again- Good luck to both DJ Lora and DJRolandLONDON.

Big up the London Massif- innit.

xx

Hi Mrs Kitten

Thanks for taking time out to feedback. I agee with your comments.

This thread is a testiment to how much passion this competition can evoke. the Finale on Tuesday will be electric.

Unfortnately you got the brunt of my feelings regarding a number of comments I recieved, my apologies for not making that clear.

I have posted a brief profile and pic of all 8 Finalists on myspace - www.myspace.com/djandymilford

I hope to see you @ the Ministry on Tuesday, please let me know if you would like to come early to chat to all the competitors.

GROUP HUG!

~andy~

By the way your photography is fantastic...

Big Big Big hugs for everyone!!!!!

aw guys, big hugs right back! Unfortunately I was ill again and not able to go at all. Really sorry I missed it but sounds like quite a night.

Thanks again for the hugs and the compliment- both greatfully received!

Take care guys. And Lora- I'm sorry I haven't got those shots to you yet- but this is the first time I've been out of bed and on the pc for a while. 5 chest infections since June have taken a bit out of me. I'll try really hard to get them to you by the end of the weekend.

Lotsa luv guys,

kxx