On with the Q&A series and what better way than with DJ Prestige, on a visit from the mighty Fleamarket Funk. It’s a bit of a coup for me personally that he’s agreed to do this as he’s another great blogging inspiration, Fleamarket Funk is choc-full of educational snippets, suprises and funky mixes and well worth a visit (but you must already know that). Get on over there when you’re done here and see what’s shaking his tree right now! You are definately gonna dig it!
1. How would you best describe what you do to the uninitiated?
I dig for out of print, forgotten, and under appreciated Funk, Soul, Jazz and Reggae records. I then review them at Fleamarket Funk and most likely include them on mixes which I give out for free.
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2. Where would you say you are with regard to your career right now?
I would say that it’s definately on the upswing. I’m at a place where I can choose to play gigs or not. I am known for a certain style, and for the most part, people like it. I do all the DJ stuff outside of a full time job, so it’s definately a juggling act. I make it all work though.
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3. Which song (not neccesarilly yours) best sums you/the band up and why?
Roy Ayers Ubiquity: Life is Just A Moment. I say this because it is, so you need to enjoy it. I found that in my life, besides my family and friends, records bring me the most happiness. I’m grateful that I can combine the three and make it all work, and I do enjoy it.
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4. Who would you say has been your biggest inspiration (musically or otherwise)?
My biggest influence I’d have to say are a combination of the actual people who were making the music I spin, their hard work and determination to do what they wanted to do at any cost is admirable, and DJ’s like DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Kool Herc, Pete Rock and all the original cats who paved the way for a digger and DJ like myself.
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5. Is there anyone amongst your influences that you think would surprise people and why?
Most of my influences are from the music area, so I don’t think that anyone I mention would surprise people. Now if I said I was influenced by Wayne Rooney (I’m a Liverpool Supporter), then most of my friends would say I’m out of my head.
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6. What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the whole FleaMarket Funk package I put together: the writing, mixes, the DJ nights, and the small community of DJ’s and diggers that has come together from it. I know there are a lot of cats out there like me who appreciate this music, but have no means to get it. I’m fortunate that my secret spot is ‘vinyl rich’ and I can keep contributing to the record community, and hopefully make a big impact in the music blogging community.
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7. In the quest to get the music ‘out there’ have you ever done or agreed to anything you’ve later regretted?
Not really, I’ve learned even from the bad times. I’m finding as I approach 40, the experiences, as crazy as they were back then, have made me a better person.
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8. What’s the most ridiculous request that’s been asked of you/the band?
When I was touring in a band (I was the DJ), we played in a strip mall. I thought, what major label band with a legit booking agent gets booked at a restaurant in Canton, Ohio?
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9. What do you think is the secret to a good working relationship amongst musicians?
Being honest with each other about what’s going on in the band. There’s nothing worse than thinking things are going great to find out you were dropped from the label 8 months prior and no-one told the band members. As far as the relationship I have with DJ’s I work with, honesty about the gigs and money up front are a huge plus.
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10. If you could have played on one song (that you don’t), what would it be and why?
If I could have played on one song it would probably have to be ‘Easin’ In’ by Edwin Starr. There is something about this record that moves me. I play it almost every gig at the beginning of a set, to let people know to get ready, because I’m about to drop a whole bunch of stuff on you. Stuff you might know, or might not know, but you’re gonna have a good time while listening to it.
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11. How do you make the balance between music and personal responsibilities?
It’s not always easy. Like I said, I work a full time job. I’m married, and my wife works opposite hours, so in a way that works for the writing and making mixes. I most typically will try to write all my reviews in a few days, so I can spend my time with my wife and our dogs. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s needed.
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12. In light of the internet and downloading do you feel that fans are missing out on the record buying discovery/experience?
Absolutely. I mean I feel like I’m a kid, buying that Eric B and Rakim ‘Paid In Full’ 12 ” every time I find records at the flea market, thrift store etc. There is definately loss today, because you get instant gratification with a download. Before you got records, liner notes, great cover art that you could actually examine on an Lp, a tangible product. Times change though, and of course I download music and have an mp3 player, but 95% of the music I buy is vinyl. I’ll never stop that.
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13. Do you think that success is your motivation and do you have a preset gameplan for your music/the band?
I do believe that motivation has a lot to do with it. I mean, for most weekends, I’m the guy getting up at 5 to get records before the next guy, while lots of people are going to bed then. I don’t really have a preset game plan, more like just roll with what’s going on. I know what I’d like to get accomplished, which is helping to get obscure and forgotten music back on the radar. i think I’m getting there slowly but surely. I’d eventually like to do an out of state or country DJ gig a month, so that’s a huge goal as well.
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14. DJ’s are now as famous as a lot of the bands they play, what are your views on this and do you think it’s deserved?
I believe that some are deserved. Guys like DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Z Trip, the original DJ’s like Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc, DJ Premier, man they all deserve it. These fly by night dudes who get a Serato set up (not that there is anything wrong with Serato), and instantly have file of rare records that took me 10 plus years to get, I don’t think they deserve it. The people that put their time in, the ones that actually carried their record flight cases to gigs, dug deep in the field, and did it for the love and made a name for themselves absolutely deserve it. They’re furthering the art and also keeping this music alive.
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15. To date, what has been your most memorable gig (either as a performer or as a fan)?
While I was in a band, we played the Playboy Mansion, which was a cool gig. As far as just me, without a doubt it was opening for Bad Brains last year. they headlined a festival here in Asbury Park,NJ and I played a straight classic Reggae set before they went on. To have a band that you idolised growing up giving you props for the music you play was the biggest compliment I ever got.
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16. How do you overcome pre-gig nerves (if you get them)?
I relax by either having a huge meal or just by breathing.
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17. When did you last write something?
I write just about everyday. It’s absolutely necessary and therapeutic.
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18. Have you ever reached a point where you’ve thought about throwing the towel in and walking away (and if so, what persuaded you otherwise)?
I did when I was in the band, I actually quit after 3 years on the road. I mean being in a band is hard, especially when you are not in control of your own destiny. That’s why I like DJing, I can control my own destiny, and do my own thing. Finding rare records and just good music that no-one else is spinning in my area keeps me going. I will never stop in that respect.
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19. What are your views on electronics muscling in and replacing live instuments during recording?
Being a DJ, and not very good at playing an instrument (although I really want to play the organ), I’m ok with embracing new technology. However, you’ll never be able to replace that vintage recording sound. Imagine James Brown done without the JB’s and just electronics, i mean it would have changed the face of sampling and music as we know today.
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20. Lastly, thank you for your time. What made you agree to answer these questions?
Anyone named The Beat Collector is alright in my book.
