monkey
10.10.2002, 20:19
(taken from hijack-bristol)
Profile: DJ Lee
Since the early days of hardcore and acid house there have been a group of jungle pioneers who driven the scene forward and kept the torch burning worldwide. Obvious name's such as Goldie, Fabio, Doc Scott, LTJ Bukem and Grooverider instantly come to mind. But there are also those who are as happy staying out of the limelight and pushing the music they believe in. One of these figures is DJ Lee. Lee has been at the forefront of the scene alongside the aforementioned luminaries since day one, having held down residencies at such seminal clubs as Speed, Metalheadz and Swerve.
Lee is one of those unique types of DJ uninterested in trend or fashion, showcasing good music whatever style it may arrive in. A true professional with an enviable history. It comes as no surprise that Lee is still one of the world scene's most popular Drum and Bass ambassadors. The UK has a lot to learn if it intends on retaining its title as the home of Drum and Bass, but with more DJ's taking on board a similar attitude toward the music as Lee then we can rest safe. Here we find out a little more about Lee's formative years and his view of the current scene.
Back in the Day...
I started to work in Our Price records Oxford and loved Music in general, this was around 1989. I listened to everything and really fell in love with Techno and the dance scene and when I went to my first Rave it all clicked into place...I was totally hooked! I used to collect records but didn't really aspire to DJ, then when I started work at Record Bassment (Reading) where all the Top DJ's used to shop I kind of fell into DJ'ing. People booked me because they new I had tunes and would promote there party more if they gave me a slot. The Brunel Rooms (Swindon) revamped a 'Long Running Friday' and I got a residency. That's when it all fell into place I gained a lot a respect there for drawing all the top plates of the time.
Residencies...
Having Residents who understand the night Is the most important thing unfortunately now days alot of places I play you come in and the residents are playing 'The Nine' and its the 1st set. Having Big name Residents who are more experienced gives the night a balance cause they are more professional and know how to build a night not just massage there own ego.
Mid Week sessions...
As a punter I think you get more of a vibe off the DJ. They draw newer tunes and deeper more meaningful sets whereas at the weekends people play the party tunes. Go to Swerve and Hear Fabio play then hear him play at One Nation its a perfect illustration of the point.
DJ-ing...
DJ-ing is all about being versatile and fitting your set into any club situation, playing your style within the boundaries of what people want and what other people are playing besides you. Any place with a good size crowd and a wicked vibe is cool. Its easier to get that from the smaller venues. I think 'Speed' and the 'Blue Note Sunday Sessions' (Metalheadz) were the ultimate clubbing vibe for me.
Production...
I used to do tunes in the early 90's but stopped cause the labels involved all ripped me off. I started off again when people stopped saying "You Should Make Tunes" and when I found the right guy to do stuff with. D.Kay is definitely THE MAN and we have a good rapport in the studio. I'm always in Austria when I get any spare time so expect much more!
DJ Lee is one of the residents at the new METRIC weekly sessions, every Thursday @ The Fez Club. Lee's debut is on Thursday the 10th October alongside fellow residents DJ Flight and MC Jakes. Lee's own label 'Atlas Recordings' launches in the next few months with the massive 'Udon' from himself and D.Kay. Lee and D.Kay also have a track on the next Hospital compilation: the sublime 'Touch'.
Profile: DJ Lee
Since the early days of hardcore and acid house there have been a group of jungle pioneers who driven the scene forward and kept the torch burning worldwide. Obvious name's such as Goldie, Fabio, Doc Scott, LTJ Bukem and Grooverider instantly come to mind. But there are also those who are as happy staying out of the limelight and pushing the music they believe in. One of these figures is DJ Lee. Lee has been at the forefront of the scene alongside the aforementioned luminaries since day one, having held down residencies at such seminal clubs as Speed, Metalheadz and Swerve.
Lee is one of those unique types of DJ uninterested in trend or fashion, showcasing good music whatever style it may arrive in. A true professional with an enviable history. It comes as no surprise that Lee is still one of the world scene's most popular Drum and Bass ambassadors. The UK has a lot to learn if it intends on retaining its title as the home of Drum and Bass, but with more DJ's taking on board a similar attitude toward the music as Lee then we can rest safe. Here we find out a little more about Lee's formative years and his view of the current scene.
Back in the Day...
I started to work in Our Price records Oxford and loved Music in general, this was around 1989. I listened to everything and really fell in love with Techno and the dance scene and when I went to my first Rave it all clicked into place...I was totally hooked! I used to collect records but didn't really aspire to DJ, then when I started work at Record Bassment (Reading) where all the Top DJ's used to shop I kind of fell into DJ'ing. People booked me because they new I had tunes and would promote there party more if they gave me a slot. The Brunel Rooms (Swindon) revamped a 'Long Running Friday' and I got a residency. That's when it all fell into place I gained a lot a respect there for drawing all the top plates of the time.
Residencies...
Having Residents who understand the night Is the most important thing unfortunately now days alot of places I play you come in and the residents are playing 'The Nine' and its the 1st set. Having Big name Residents who are more experienced gives the night a balance cause they are more professional and know how to build a night not just massage there own ego.
Mid Week sessions...
As a punter I think you get more of a vibe off the DJ. They draw newer tunes and deeper more meaningful sets whereas at the weekends people play the party tunes. Go to Swerve and Hear Fabio play then hear him play at One Nation its a perfect illustration of the point.
DJ-ing...
DJ-ing is all about being versatile and fitting your set into any club situation, playing your style within the boundaries of what people want and what other people are playing besides you. Any place with a good size crowd and a wicked vibe is cool. Its easier to get that from the smaller venues. I think 'Speed' and the 'Blue Note Sunday Sessions' (Metalheadz) were the ultimate clubbing vibe for me.
Production...
I used to do tunes in the early 90's but stopped cause the labels involved all ripped me off. I started off again when people stopped saying "You Should Make Tunes" and when I found the right guy to do stuff with. D.Kay is definitely THE MAN and we have a good rapport in the studio. I'm always in Austria when I get any spare time so expect much more!
DJ Lee is one of the residents at the new METRIC weekly sessions, every Thursday @ The Fez Club. Lee's debut is on Thursday the 10th October alongside fellow residents DJ Flight and MC Jakes. Lee's own label 'Atlas Recordings' launches in the next few months with the massive 'Udon' from himself and D.Kay. Lee and D.Kay also have a track on the next Hospital compilation: the sublime 'Touch'.