You Make Me Feel Like Dancing ...

Automatic's new boy Rich Parker speaks exclusively to Toast Magazine. Superstar D.J.? Here we go ...

Toast: How did you get started as a D.J.?

Rich: I started when I was asked by my friend Veitch to DJ at his wedding, playing Eiffel 65 and Mambo No. 5, and I really enjoyed it.

At the time, I was already doing some artwork for Automatic, so I approached the promoter, Damian McDonald, and asked if I could do a set. He told me I should give them a demo tape, but I didn't like that idea, and suggested I do a trial night instead. That went well, and now I do a set every Saturday night, alternating between the two rooms.

How much of the set is your choice, and how much do you get told to play?

It's about 50/50 really, but I like to play what people want to hear if possible. (Oh yes, that's why I have bought White No Sugar by The Clint Boon Experience!) I like to please the punters.

Have you ever been told to not play a record?

Only the “No Oasis” rule, which I agree with anyway. I don't think Damian liked it when I played B-52's Love Shack though!

Have you ever cleared a dancefloor?

Yes, with Fire by Crazy World Of Arthur Brown. I think it was the scary voice at the beginning that puts them off.

Have you played it since?

Oh yeah. I still play it every week!

What's the most bizarre request you've had?

The other week I got asked for the new one by N-Sync. I was like, “Sorry love, that's just not cricket!” Besides, I'd left it at home that week! (laughs)

One of the records I wish people would ask for is Stay Young by Ultrasound.

Why do you think they don't?

It's too slow to dance to really, and some of the crowd can't relate to the lyrics 'cos it's about townies. Plus, it mentions Gary Glitter, which isn't a good thing at the moment, is it?!

Do you get DJ groupies?

I seem to get followed round by oriental girls and Norwegian girls. I don't really like it. None of them have asked me out yet, but it's still a bit scary. I wouldn't be interested anyway, unless they were going to buy me records! (grins)

How much do you spend on records?

I don't have to buy everything, but I can spend £80 some weeks. Some DJs get free records through the post - Damian does sometimes - but I'm not on any mailing lists yet.

What kind of bands do you listen to at home?

It depends on what mood I'm in. This week it's been Adam & The Ants, because they remind me of being young. They were the first band I loved.

What do you like about them?

I like all the glamour and the showbiz, they used to make an effort and dress up. And of course there was that make up!

Any other bands?

Obviously the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but also the Beach Boys. Pet Sounds was the album of the 60's, apart from ... erm ... apart from some other ones!

What about recently?

Recently it's been bands like Death In Vegas, Ian Brown and Super Furry Animals. The last gig I saw was Clint Boon at The Cockpit.

Could anyone be a D.J.? What makes you so special?

I've got looks, charm and movement (laughs). I like to create an atmosphere, and to see the punters happy.

When I played Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf I got a cheer, even though Damian told me not to play it.
Sometimes I feel like it's just me playing records at home, then I see other people enjoying what I'm doing. I get a buzz out of it.

You used to be in a band yourself (Rich was the drummer for local favourites Jack Planet). Do you see DJ'ing as a performance, like being onstage with the band?

Definitely! People are watching you up there, so you might as well perform to them. Performing is in my blood, I love dressing up smart and getting up there.

Do you prefer DJ'ing to being in a band?

Yes, because I am in the spotlight. I always think I should have been a frontman, but I can't sing! (smiles) I would have been alright if drummers were at the front of the stage like they were in the 60's.

I never thought I'd end up as a DJ, because when Jack Planet split up we were on the verge of getting signed. I suppose I wanted to stay in the public eye.

So what are your plans for the future?

To take over the world!

No, really.

No really! Okay then ...

I hope I'll stay at Automatic for a while but I want to do a more 60's/70's oriented set. I'd like to do some more Glam Rock, but I've been warned it might attract bikers.
I'd like to have a go at the Lava Lounge and Brighton Beach, I'd like to get Brighton Beach back to how it was a - a mod night. The crowd there just isn't the same anymore, it's all too mainstream now.
Eventually, of course I'd like my own club night.

Finally, what are Rich Parker's top five tunes? (no particular order)

  1. Suede - Metal Mickey
  2. The Small Faces - Tin Soldier
  3. Beastie Boys - Fight For Your Right (To Party)
  4. The Selector - On My Radio
  5. Gene - Fighting Fit
Catch Rich's set at Automatic every Saturday night. It's at Think Tank, opposite the Corn Exchange in Leeds. £6/£5 NUS or with flyer. Music policy: indie/soul/funk/60's. No Oasis!

by Debbie Howard.