Manchester DJ Moo has put together this month’s mix for AMF. Expect house, disco, and all the good stuff. We spoke to Moo about his move to Manchester and how he’s gotten himself established in a new city.
Catch Liam’s interview with him below:
Hey Moo thanks for coming on the blog, I always like to start these interviews by asking our guests to introduce themselves and tell us about their musical journey. When did you start DJing and why?
Hey Liam, firstly thanks for having me! It’s an amazing opportunity to be on the blog so I’m very grateful. I’ve been into dance music for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been DJing on and off since around secondary school. Small private events, pres, that sort of thing. I got into it seriously at university. Music is really important to me as it always makes me feel good, so I think it’s a really beautiful thing to curate a mix for other people to enjoy. It’s kind of like having ‘healing hands’! Haha
What prompted the move up to Manchester? Was it purely for the music? How have you found the Manchester scene so far?
The Manchester music scene was a big part of why I chose to come here after uni to be fair. Whilst I was finishing up my Master’s, I often visited my mates here for nights at Gorilla, WHP, Blues Kitchen etc. When I got offered my current job, the only office I put on my application was Manchester. I love it here.
You’ve recently played at Parklife and are on the bill for an Unfazed event too. How have you found breaking into the Manchester scene and what advice would you give others looking to do the same thing?
Yes indeed! Parklife was an absolute madness and it was a pleasure playing b2b with my partner in crime Joe Heys. Playing Disco bangers on the VIP stage was such a vibe. The Unfazed show was also sick. Such a sweaty night!
In honesty, I’ve found breaking into the Manchester scene quite difficult at times and I’ve still got a long way until I get to where I want to be. My main advice for people trying to break into the scene however would be:
* Approach venues and promoters on a regular basis. The old adage ‘If you don’t ask you don’t get’ really holds true here, so be incredibly proactive and don’t be afraid to follow up.
*Give, don’t take. Be that person that promoters love to work with. You want help promoting the event? No problem. You want a personalised mix, based on the vibe I’ve noticed whilst being at your events? Sure. Think about how you can add value or make their lives easier, but don’t be too disheartened if you don’t get a reply. It happens.
*Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Network like crazy and absorb as much info as you can. People are always willing to help people who are genuinely crazy about the scene. It’s such a nice thing. If anyone reading this wants any advice or to chat things through, just hmu.
Moving on to your mix can you tell us a bit about how you put it together? When you’re recording a mix or playing in a club is there a process you follow to put together banging sets or do you just tend to wing it?
I’ve got ADHD, so my brain is always going at 100mph with random ideas. I can be washing a plate and get this random thought like “That 4 bars in Cece Peniston’s ‘Finally’ could be looped into some very horrible and nasty techno” (Yes this is a true story).
It’s a blessing and a curse though, as these ideas often leave my head as fast as they enter. I tend to make spotify playlists if I’m planning an event, and will have loads of notes open on my phone should inspiration take me whilst attending to any crockery-related tasks.
Some of my best work does come from ‘winging it though’. My girlfriend Emily and b2b partner Joe will find that last sentence hilarious.
Are there any standout tracks from the mix you can share with us? Anything you’re really enjoying right now and why?
So the mix I sent you for this is very disco house sun shine vibes. I’m taking a lot of inspiration from the weather at the moment, so this is one of those mixes you should listen to with All your/(My) Friends, sunglasses on, beverages out.
My fav song from this mix is probably Ghetto Rock- Friend Within. It’s proper punchy with some really cool rap style lyrics. I dare you to try stay still when you hear this being played out.
As far as what I’m listening to recently, I’m so gassed that Speed Garage is making a comeback on the UK scene. I love playing Disco House, but if the night takes a turn I am in no way opposed to getting a bit spicy as the night progresses.Fav Garage tune atm? Ghetto Strut – Hans Glader.
It sits nicely in the middle of my two main styles. You’ve got the Disco element of a nice light and bouncy horn/sax section, with the classic signature Garage bassline.
It’s my perfect transition tune. If you hear this whilst I’m playing out, things are about to get wobbly!
Lastly, what events have you got in the pipeline that you could tell us about? Any other events or club nights that we should get down to?
So I’m playing in the upstairs bar at Stage and Radio on the 10th of September 2100-2300. I’ll be bringing a USB bristling with Disco House and breaks so would be good to see some heads there. I’ve got a few gigs lined up at Docks Brewery in Grimsby (sick venue). I’m also playing with some of my boys back in Scunthorpe on Sticky Floorz and Instigate events too.
As I said earlier though, I’m fresh on the Manchester scene so I’m always on the lookout for opportunities here! HMU on my socials!
Cheers
