London based DJ Fearney has been spinning vinyls, working on radio shows and generally grinding her backside off in the music scene for years – and its paid off. She has her own show on Deja Vu FM and regularly DJs for some hot London venues. I talk to the talented female DJ about the changes in the music scene, how to get into DJing and why female DJs are still so rare…
When did you start DJing and how did you learn your craft?
I actually became a DJ by accident. I always wanted to work in radio and did my first radio show at the age of 14. At 16 I got some turntables and vinyl’s, but that was more because it was cool; not because I wanted to be a professional club DJ.
But at 18, I was working at a community radio station with my own specialist show and my brother-in-law happened to run a pretty big club night in Essex. He asked me to come and play some tunes as a warm-up DJ one night. Not having a clue what I was doing, I agreed. He then asked me to do it again. A couple of the other DJs kept making digs at me because I couldn’t mix. So I got some lessons from a veteran DJ on the East London scene and they showed me how to mix properly, then I used to go to clubs, stand in the DJ booth and watched the DJs. Since then I haven’t looked back…
Why do you think female DJs are rare?
There are fewer women spinning than men, but they are certainly out there; just probably less on the urban music genre and more as house DJs. Over the years, I have had so many girls come up to me saying they want to be a DJ. Usually when I ask them what’s stopping them, their response is that they are ‘too shy’ or ‘don’t know where to begin’.
I currently DJ for a club night called Rock the Belles, which features the hottest female DJs and artists at the minute. Rock the Belles also hosted a stage at Lovebox Festival this year and I think being in such prominent places and showing that women can do just as well will help to for other women to overcome their fears and get on the decks!
What advice would you give to DJs trying to get a gig?
I think the best thing is to get decks and practice, practice and practice in your bedroom. Just keep recording yourself and then listen back to it so you hear where you are making mistakes. Once you feel you are ready for the club, find a night where you fit with the music genre and bug the promoter for a warm-up set. Whether it is paid or unpaid, take it and use it to your advantage to meet new people and learn. If you’re good, you will get more gigs from it.
As a DJ playing RnB and Hip Hop, how do you think the scene has changed over the years?
It has changed and I don’t think it is as easy to define today as what it was back in the day. RnB is definitely more commercial, but don’t get it twisted, you can still find RnB with no auto-tune that sounds like it would have seven years ago, it’s just harder to find. I think Hip Hop has also had a big change too, with its lyrics and sounds. I think it will always be around but a lot of people on the scene are saying that it hasn’t necessarily changed for the better. My thought is that those who don’t like the way American Hip Hop and RnB is at the moment will have to look to other genres of music and hopefully the limelight will keep shining on the UK scene.
Who is you favourite DJ and why?
I couldn’t possibly name only one! I think Kayper has mad skills and is probably one of the most talented female DJs in the UK. I also respect Semtex and love A-Trak, but I also have US influences such as Alchemist, but no matter what anyone says, I will always respect Tim Westwood as there “ain’t no party like a Westwood party!”
Check out DJ Fearney mixing at the following venues:
Every Friday: Artesian Wells, Clapham
Every Saturday: Giraffe Bar, Soho
Friday 2nd Dec: Ms Bratt at The Westbury, Kilburn
Friday 23rd December: Rock the Belles, The Queen of Hoxton.
NYE- The Westbury with Oxide and Neutrino and Artful Dodger.
Don’t forget to check out Fearney’s radio show on dejavufm.com every sat 4-6pm, playing RnB, Hip Hop, UK funky and Grime.
Or if you just want to say hello:
Twitter: @djfearney
Facebook: DeeJay Fearney