MUSIC

"Lose yourself in the music"

An aspiring DJ talks exclusively to Fratello about all things music: how this very old trend is coming back around, the influence of current chart music and how DJ culture affects the independent fashion industry in the UK. 

Imagine being the next Calvin Harris, standing in front of thousands of screaming girls, pushing a few buttons and watching the atmosphere explode. 

DJ’s have always been around, but it seems that they are now diving into the mainstream music industry with a bang, inspiring many to pursue this exhilarating career. 

Being a DJ is a career that has always been available and a trend that has been present in the music scene from the early 80s. With the rise of DJs within modern day charts, this once forgotten scene is bursting back onto our radios. As well as the return of the DJ, this genre is having an influence on fashion, shaping new style and representing independent labels. 

Jonny Cruickshank, 22, is an aspiring DJ in the UK working with a small self-created label to perform at University venues around the country. He began DJ-ing at the age of 16. 

He said: “My best friend’s dad was a soul DJ in the 70s so he had a pair of Technics in his garage. Between us, we brought a few records and just messed around trying to beat match. I was around 18 when I brought my CDJs. I used to be in a band but this dispersed and I wanted to keep pursuing a musical career.”

Jonny is now DJ-ing in Stoke-On-Trent with an independent label ‘Sealed’. This is something that took a long time to achieve, but something he does for enjoyment outside of his degree course in Biomedicine. 

Although DJ-ing has always been around, he too believes that the rise of certain genres in the charts has strongly influenced the public to think more positively about a career in music. 

“I think the resurgence of house music is bringing a lot of people out. People like Disclosure, Breach, Duke Dumont and Ben Pearce are all doing well. There’s also the commercial DnB area with Rudimental and DJ Fresh and I think these are really having an influence on people.

“With these artists all over our radios and TV screens, more people are deciding DJ-ing is for them and also deciding that this is a genre they want to listen to,” he said. 

Jonny believes that DJ-ing is far from a new trend, but instead is developing into something slightly different for the 21st century. 

“These days, its all about fluidity, nice transitions, people losing themselves in the music then being swept back in by the vocal hook of a tune they know. I think dance music being in the charts has made people jump on the bandwagon a bit more than previously,” he added. 

In recent years, the music industry has had a direct effect on male fashion especially in conjunction with the independent clothing scene. Record labels are developing brands which are being represented by DJs across the UK, such as ‘Rinse’ established in 2012 and Spinnin’ Records who now sell a range of t-shirts which showcase their label. 

Jonny feels that the clothing ranges are important as the mindset of a DJ is to be seen in things that people haven’t seen before, similarly to play music that the audience wouldn’t have heard. 

“It’s also the genre that dictates the clothing labels DJs choose to represent. Fashion and music are linked and you can represent a lot about yourself through what you choose to wear.” Jonny added. 

“You get DJs with the rolled up jeans, white socks and Nike Airmax look at almost every house night, yet wouldn’t see one at something like SYSTEM (a well-established underground dubstep night). I do see a lot of DJs in labelled clothing and big established labels in certain scenes. I myself have a few, but that’s because I like the clothes and what the label represents.”


As well as the developing fashion around DJ-ing, the accessibility is changing. Gone are the days when you are required to spend thousands of pounds on vinyl decks. New technology such as the introduction of ‘Virtual DJ’ and ‘Trakor’ has meant that young aspiring DJs can pick up their equipment for a fraction of the price. 

“Controllers can be as little as £200 so people are far more likely to buy one of those and then they can just play the songs already on their iTunes. I personally felt like I’d be a bit of a cheat by using a controller so I bought CDJs, which still aren’t as good as vinyl decks, but I always saw the laptop/controller way as a simpleton’s choice as it does all the work for you.”

Jonny plans to continue his pursuit to becoming the next big DJ but for the mean time he will carry on with his degree and DJ in the evenings. 

It’s clear that DJs have returned into the mainstream music world, but are they here to stay or will a new music scene claim the top spot? 

We’ll just have to wait and see.  

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Music's most wanted - The new acoustic boys

Lewis Mokler, 21, Cambridgeshire

Lewis began his career by busking on the busy streets of Cambridge whenever he had a chance. Gradually stepping into the music scene he performed at open-mic nights, making himself known through social media and heavy promotion.
After years of trying, this summer Lewis finally broke into the industry and has now been signed by an independent record label. He now plays supporting gigs and has been touring across the UK. Lewis said: “Inspiration comes from everywhere so it’s hard to have a main one, but the inspiration for me is the journey of ups and downs and people coming and going there is with life.” Lewis now aims to pursue his dream further, with the help of his record company. He will be working on taking over Radio 1’s play-list in 2014 and says he aims to have an amazing year before his first national record is released. 
To listen to Lewis’ music or to find out more go to: www.lewismokler.co.uk

Oliver Daldry, 19, Cambridgeshire

Oliver began writing and performing music at the age of six and is an extremely accomplished musician. He is classically trained to grade eight in guitar and has studied music academically for most of his life.
Throughout, he was always singing and song writing, saying there is not a significant event in his life that he hasn’t written a song about.
Song writing is something Oliver feels incredibly passionate about and he feels is pinnacle for his success as an artist. “Being your own songwriter is an absolutely massive thing. There’s nothing wrong with collaborations and a bit of team work, but having the ability to write songs for yourself that you know are right for you is paramount.” He said.
Oliver, like Lewis, has a huge following on social media and has now moved from open-mic gigs to supporting and performing on small stages at festivals. He is still pursuing a record deal. Fans are something that Oliver is grateful for. “It’s absolutely crucial if you want to go far, you have a fan base who you know love and buy your music,” he said.
 To listen or find out more about Oliver Daldry you can visit his website: www.oliverdaldry.com