NORMAN JAY INTERVIEW for HOUSE RULES

How did you get your DJ career started?
By accident really, I didn’t set out to be a DJ, it was something I morphed into. I was a buyer and collector of vinyl from a very young age, and when I started going to parties it was always me who was asked to put the records on. It was cool in some respects, but I always ended up missing out on all the girls because I was sorting the sound track!

House Rules has been rocking South London for the last four years, you’ll be headlining the Bank Holiday weekend in May, anything special we can look forward to?
Bank Holidays in Brixton are very special, so I can’t wait. There’s always a fantastic, diverse crowd at Plan B, and I’ve heard great things about House Rules, so it promises to be very memorable. I’ll be playing soulful music, lots of vocals, mixed in with some edgy underground cuts and some old favourites. It will be an amazing party.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you during a gig?
I actually DJ’d in a coffin once, in Brixton actually, at The Academy. It was a Halloween party, the place was decked out as a cemetery and the turntables were inside a coffin. That was pretty spooky. The atmosphere was dead…

How would you describe the mix you play?
Emotional, wide and varied. I like to take things as far as the crowd will let me, but not too far. That’s important, sometimes obvious is necessary. The crowd put a lot of faith in a DJ, and it’s important that is repaid.

What makes you groove?
Music and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. The recent League Cup final was one of the best days of my life, I love the club and the supporters.

Tell me about some of the large live shows you've put on?
NYE at The Clapham Grand this year was very special, a complete sell out. Of course there’s Good Times at Notting Hill Carnival in London which is one of the most famous parties we do. I’ve been away touring a lot over the last year, its very rare I’m in London, so I can’t wait for House Rules.

Have you ever had to take a massive risk musically?
I only take massive risks at my own gigs. When I’m playing for a promoter, I don’t push things so far. I’m there to do a job, and it’s important to remember the crowd are the most important people in the club, not the DJ.

What do you think is going to blow us away this year?
I don’t follow DJs I’m afraid. It’s all about the music for me, always has been.

What musical trends of 1998-2002 are you glad to see fading? What were the most overblown?
The superstar DJ tag was a media invention in the first place. It raised the profile of our profession, but also enabled some not so good DJs to become really quite famous. Quality always stays around though, and that’s what you see happening now.

What was the last book you read?
I’m writing my own autobiography at the moment, so that!

What is your most treasured possession?
My family.

What is your favourite venue to spin at?
Any London venue. This is my home, and I love the place. It’s rare I’m in town these days. I’m really looking forward to House Rules and a warm loving reception at Plan B. I’m looking forward to breaking some rules!

----- NORMAN JAY will be performing alongside GARETH WYN and residents David Griffiths and Haran de Lucas in the main room at Plan B, Brixton for HOUSE RULES' May Bank Holiday SPecial this Saturday 3rd May -----

House Rules Bank Holiday Special
Plan B, Brixton
Saturday 3rd May
Norman Jay, Gareth Wyn & guests
9pm - 5am
2-4-1 drinks before 11pm
£8 advance / £10 on the door
www.houserules.tv