An Interview with Femi B

This article is about Shiva @ The White House (London) in London, Sun 04 Apr 2010

You're playing a classic sets at Shiva this Easter Sunday. What are your top 5 tunes of all time?

It's hard to whittle it down to just five as I've been spinning for nearly 20 years now, but as Shiva are doing a celebration of all-things-house night on Sunday - I'll tailor my answers towards some dancefloor bombs.

1. "My My My" Armand Van Helden
2. "Disco's Revenge" - Gusto
3. "Finally" - Kings of Tomorrow
4. "Strings of Life" - Rhythm Is Rhythm
5. "Bodyswerve" M Gee ft Mica Paris

What productions / releases have you got coming up?

Coming up (with my production partner Leggz) is a track called "You Can't Fake It" with Shena. It's still in the production process for now, but throw in an amazing disco sample and her trademark vocals and you have every reason to be excited. Can't wait for that one to come out. I wrote a vocal called "Come Together" for Leggz and Gary Bardouille which is out and blowing up on the Born To Dance label. I've also got to mention our massive vocal track which features on the Ministry of Sound 'Annual' - Inaya Day vs Leggz and Femi B "Take Me Up" (CR2) which kicked off the year with a bang!

You're renowned for your energy behind the decks. Where do you get it from?!?!

Am I? That's nice to hear! I've always played like that. I just lock in to the groove and find it somewhere. I guess when you're feeling it and play from the heart, it's all about the energy. What you bring and what the crowd bring to the dancefloor. Remember, I was a clubber too before I became a DJ! Come to think of it, even if I'm playing a set at home, I'll be bouncing around my living room. People pick up on this, even on a mixtape.

The last set for Shiva you played was in Spring 2008. Did you enjoy it? Are you looking forward to playing again?

The last time I played for Shiva was brilliant. I remember stepping into The Island and being taken aback by the large crowd of clubbers and friends Liam had assembled in there. It felt a bit like a big house party, only in a club - loads of smiling, friendly faces and people who knew how to party. I came on, and within a few tracks, the crowd took to me like I'd been their resident DJ for years. I took them left, right and even threw in a couple of Femi B red herrings(!) to the grins of those hanging around the booth.

I'm looking forward to it again, as I know the crowd are up for it. When Liam gave me the brief, you know, party classics, bit of old skool, anthems, I smiled and asked him to make sure the Technics 1210's were working that night! Yes, I'm playing on vinyl people! There's loads of good stuff in terms of classics that you simply can't find in cyberspace (or I can't be bothered to burn to CD!). I'm dusting off the bombs for this night.

Remember, it's Easter Sunday and that means no work Monday, which is always a big night in clubland. I've also got to say that me and The Whitehouse have some history, so it's always great to return back to Clapham.

Any hot Miami WMC recommendations for the Summer ahead? (Apart from your own productions, of course!)

I've already received my Miami promo package from sources on the ground and I must say I wasn't disappointed! The Dimitri Vegas Mix of "Pump Up The Jam" is on replay at home. You've got to check out the DaDa Life mash up of "Perculator" and "Satisfaction". Tim Burg's new track "Alcoholic" is going to be big. There's also a new joint by Axwell featuring Errol Reid called "Nothing But Love For You", which has elements of "Pjanoo", a great chorus hook and that signature driving sound. This track's certain to smash Ibiza this season. Those Swedish House Mafia guys really do have their swagger on at the moment and the new track "Gangsta" is a killer.

What does the B stand for in Femi B?

This question always make me giggle inside! As you've guessed there is no 'B' in my real name whatsoever! Back in the day, even before I started out as a DJ (way back in 1988), my mentor DJ Mr C discovered that I could DJ. He then, very kindly gave me unfettered access to his record collection and my first gig. I guess all I needed then was a name! I know he won't mind me saying this but the 'C' in Mr C stands for Mr 'Cunt', clearly as his sidekick and soon to be DJ partner I would then be known to friends as.........wait for it.........Femi Bastard!! There you have it, how do you like me now?! *LOL*

Oh dear! Well we'd better put a halt to the interview there! Thanks for taking the time out to speak to us Femi. Here's to another EPIC Shiva party. Our 3rd birthday and Easter bash all rolled into one! Have a great Easter all of you - one and all. See you on Sunday.....

Words by Muzz Khan

Article by Zoelee, viewed 358 times

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