DJ Storm: Sounds From The Start
One of the most influential DJs within drum & bass and a core founder of Metalheadz alongside her great friend and DJ partner Kemistry, DJ Storm approaches a huge milestone in her career. Ahead of her much anticipated takeover at Outlook UK, we sat down with Storm to look at the tracks, moments and discoveries that have defined the past 30 years.
THE SONG THAT STARTED IT ALL
D-Shake - ‘Yaaah’ / ‘Techno Trance’
“When it comes to the beginning in our raving days, Kemi and I were still avid buyers of vinyl, we would hunt down all the tracks we loved and heard at Rage on Thursday at Heaven dropped by Fabio and Grooverider. The song that cemented our obsession of wanting to be with this music was D-Shake’s ‘Yaaah / Techno Trance’. We had noticed this new installation above the middle of the dance floor and as Grooverider dropped the tune, the installation started to open and the ‘c’mon’ vocal seemed to be urging this installation to do its thing and as the infamous ‘yaaah’ hit, the light exploded from this installation and we were hands in the air with it, mind, body and soul sorted. Every time I hear or play this track I am transported back to that moment in time”.
FIRST RECORD EVER BOUGHT
Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye - ‘You Are Everything’
“Twee but true, this is the track I danced to as the last track of my school disco, with a guy who became my first boyfriend and this became our track. Ah”.
FIRST GIG I WENT TO
Japan at De Montfort Uni, Leicester
“I had become aware of Japan for a couple of years and I was in love completely with their sound, buying my first imported vinyl directly from Japan to find all their tracks and even their first glam rock tunes. They were so different, experimenting with new technologies, their fretless bass player Mick Kahn made their sound so original and I could go on for hours about David Sylvian. They were awesome that night and I got so close to the front I touched David Sylvian’s shoe, happy happy joy joy. Have to give a shout to first dance in London I went to - Labyrinth- Silver City in Wood Green - that was a life changer”.
THE FIRST TRACK I BOUGHT ON MY ROAD TO BECOMING A DJ
Sterling Void & Paris Brightledge - ‘It’s Alright’
“What a tune straight in with the snares, on to the piano riff, techno bass line kicks in and we are off. A tune that celebrates the virtue of music whatever is happening in the world and I couldn’t agree more. As a DJ you realise that as you travel the globe, music is the only perfect and understood language between us all and I always feel privileged to be able to share my sound and my story with others, and hopefully people are happy to join me for the ride”.
THE SONG THAT REMINDS ME OF HOME
Cilla Black - ‘You’re My World’
“I just remember my mum and sister singing it to me and my niece when we were young - it’s a happy moment that always stays with me”.
THE SONG THAT MAKES ME FEEL SENTIMENTAL
Johnny L - “Hurt You So”
“The sentiment of this tune is nostalgia for me and the ultimate reminder of my DJ partner Kemistry - it was as though this tune was made for her - it epitomised all her requirements in a wicked tune and still today it stands the test of time. When I play it now I still feel like Kemistry is playing it and that gives me a good feeling”.
THE SONG THAT MAKES ME WANT TO DANCE
Zero B - ‘Lock Up’
“Well there are too many to mention but I am going to go for a classic - ‘Lock Up’ by Zero B. This track has it all. Opens up with some fantastic arm waving chords to express yourself then we are off, nice break down before, yeah time to get down and dirty on the dance floor, gorgeous uplifting middle break. I deny anyone not to dance to this. Oi oi!”
ALBUM THAT CHANGED MY VIEW ON MUSIC
Goldie - ‘Timeless’
“The way this album changed my view on music - this was not just purchased by our scene, but was purchased on a global level and by people who knew little of the underground scene of drum and bass. This was an album that was a game changer. And it is still one of the only albums I own that once I start it, I have to hear it all, and only Goldie with his genius was able to make a 22 minute track that still never feels too long.
When I heard this album years later performed by The Heritage Orchestra at The Southbank Centre, it truly sounded amazing and as fresh as the day it was made, and have to say I shed a tear when Kemistry was performed. An album that takes you on an incredible journey of gloriousness”.
THE LAST RECORD THAT LEFT ME SPEECHLESS
Digital & Spirit - Remote Control (Killjoy Remix) - Unreleased?
“When Digital sent this to me I was excited - the original is such a wicked track, so the anticipation was high, and boy, it did not disappoint. It has everything you want and more from a remix - crisp beats, naughty bass - and I mean proper naughty bass - when you are not expecting it. The arrangement is perfect and so much respect is paid to the original and to Digital & Spirit. In a nutshell, Killjoy has absolutely smashed it”.
NEW DISCOVERY
DRS Ft. Dogger & Mindstate - ‘Wake You Up’
“Have to shout out two new discoveries for me in the last few years and that’s Basic Rhythm and Dogger & Mindstate who are both making amazing DnB tracks on many different levels”.
Catch 30 Years of DJ Storm at Outlook UK on Saturday 2nd July for a special history set featuring Digital, DJ Flight, Bailey, Rebel Clash, Alley Cat, Blackeye MC Flux and Moose on the Sinai Stage.