Interview with: DJ Vinyl Vera

Interview By: Kidson @ Epidemik Crew 

Hello Vera just want to say a quick thanks for taking the time to chat with us

1. How did i get into the music scene, have i always been into since an early age?

Music has always been in my life..My late grandmother was piano/guitar teacher so was always exposed to alsorts of music.My parents were always playing their vinyl and 8track tapes plus a ree2reel.I got into the music scene by starting out in the local disco's, have always adored dancing as it is a very good form ofof excersise. Getting into nightclubs form the age of 14 and always ended up stood by the DJ console requesting tracks and finding out what the latest ones were. Have always bought vinyl since i was 8 years old, my first track was "Summer Loving"from the Grease film in 1977. Mainly buying vinyl from places like Wooworths and WH Smiths.....7"'s used to cost 15p and 12"'s used to cost 30p to give an idea of how old i am.Here i progressed into the Rave Scene from 1990......experiencing some of the best of the top nights out in clubs such The Labrynth, Gas Club, The Arches, Ministry of Sound, The Dungeons the list is endless.

In 1992 I met up wih some producers called Steve Scratch Wurly and DJ Mindy who had just started a record label called No Beats Dropped (NBD). I introduced them to the very early garage scene and talked them into making this kind of music. I helped with the PR side of thins as i wasnt a DJ at this point. We made 13 E.P's, some of which was played on Danny Ramplings "Love Groove Dance Party" on Radio 1. We then moved on to get a record shop/internet cafe in Norwich called "Play It Buy Ere" which is where I taught myself how to DJ. With all those record around me i was in DJ/Vinyl heaven. I also was a promoter for many nights here in Norfolk, putting on various parties and club nights throughout the region.

2. What made me chose the DJ name i have now?

I was 1st called Miss Chief for the 1st year, but then read DJ mag one day and discovered that a female DJ had won oneof the thier DJ competions and here name was Miss Chief.....was gutted! Later on that week I was watching "Only Fools & Horses" ....it was the one where DelBoy had bought a load of dolls for to flog at Xmas. He thought they was Tiny Tears, they ended up being faulty, self-inflating rubber dolls. He called one of them "Polythene Pam" and the other "Vinyl Vera"....it made me laugh, and i thought it would be a great name for myself! I now have a mascot called "Vinyl Vernon" who is a blow-up male rubber doll, who we dress-up as a woman ....we have had many a laugh with him over the years!

3. You have been around for a while now, from owning your own shop to a full-time DJ,
you must have seen the Rave Scene over the years?

In the early days it was very very underground. There wasnt no fashion attached to it either. For instance, Cyber Wear didnt exist, neither did glowsticks. People normally wore dungerees, jeans, T-Shirts...the girls normally leggings or catsuits. So fashion has changed immensly, some shops/labels only do cyber wear now, so new business has def grown from it. There arnt as many illegals raves as there was back then due to the Criminal Justice Bill this I have found has pushed the scene into the clubs, even pubs/winebars, making it more widely available. I also remember when the CD first reared its head, they all said that vinyl would die. This has not happened due the DJ and there turntables keeping it alive. Thank God!

4. What events stand out as the best you have played at?

They would have to be the illegal parties that used to carry on round in Norfolk, far too many to mention, but as you can imagine the atmosphere was alwway electric! Other events that come to mind are the E1 and E2 festval in Norwich, Club-M, Newmarket residency I had with an event called The Twirl Girls, The OOPs Crew,London (Off Our Pickles).

5. What music really makes you move?

It has to be the Old Skool area me, this style is so varied with so many beats and vocals. And what with Nu-Skool and Hardcore Breaks getting big in the scene now.. ..most definatley the Old Skool

6. If you have any equipment set-up for a venue what would it be?

First and foremost, a decent sound system, the most important thing ever! Then it would be lots of UV as i love the light it portrays. Obviously a set of Technics 1200's and a set of CD decks for the DJ's that do. And last but not least a decent
mic...not enuff DJ's use the mic like they used to...I love getting on the mic and gee-ing up the crowd...works wonders!

7. Ever though about writing your own tracks?

Yes of course......i did have some input into the tracks we made on NBD Recordings, but i wasnt a DJ back then so i my name wasnt attached to them. I have been approached by a couple of producers and it is def on my "Things to do" list. Watch this space.

8. I see you have a few radio sets you have done and have weekly slots. Do you enjoy
mixing from that point as much as playing to the crowd?

I would they say are equal within their own right. Radio, especially the internet is a totally different area completely so far as a DJing is concerned because not only do you have to mix, you have to talk and also check the chatroom for shout-outs and conversations that are going on and respond accordingly also the mobile phone for texts etc, a mightychallenge which I love. So far as mixing to a crowd, this alot easier as you only have to mix and you cant do shout-outs if there isnt a mic. But the crowd reaction is a good feeling and one I hold close to my heart.

9. You seem to have a big part in the music scene. What companies/organisations
do you work with?

Raindance I am a ticket agent for here in Norfolk. Others are Vibe/Kiss Fm alongside female Nikki Elise. Nu-Dawn who have a alot to do with the famous Ratpack, Grant from Epidemik,Flipside Feamle Dj's.com, have a been a resident for The STUFF Crew here in Norwich for the past 4years, cheers Peaky Raver and Tom Wilkes, love these guys!

10. Have you got any tips for those up and coming DJ's out there?

Practise makes perfect..Once you have learnt to mix it is like driving a car...you will never forget! Always believe in yourself and find your own style, dont try and copy someone else..it wont work. Always, always make a new mix every month or 2, put it on a CD and go hand them out.

11. Any words you want to add?

As a female DJ it is alot easier for me to get work as there arnt so many of us, we have definatley found a gap in the market. We need more though, so come on all you budding females, get on the case!

Music is my life....I worship and sing praise to it every day of my life, and thank you for taking the time to interview me.

Thanks for your time Vera

Take a look at Vera's Profile