Dj Touch from the Feminine Presure Crew, London, England - The Official Interview

Name:DJ Touch and Lady G Spot
Age:30 years old
Sex:Female
Born:Both London, England
Location:Uk

1.For the not so clued up person in regards to the world of Soulful House and Garage, UK Underground music could you tell us how you got started in this game?

I had been fascinated by the Pirate Radio thing since back in the day - Centreforce Radio 88.3 fm an East London pirate which rocked the rave scene into place. I was bored with the usual ritzy pop night club thing - I have always been rebellious and when the word Rave got around - I was into the scene in bad way.. Travelling around the country to all different raves, tuning into pirate to get details of last minute underground parties - it was amazing. My feet were always kept firmly on the ground due to my eldest son. When I couldn't get a baby sitter I used to stay in locked on hard to the radio - truly fascinated -One of my favorite DJ's at the time was a young boy - he was about 14 - his name was DJ Hermit! I had always collected music and was mixing - one day I just picked up the courage to visit Rhythm FM and ask them for a show - they said yes - I nearly fell over!! For the first year or so I was so paranoid of speaking on the microphone I used to get another friend of mine to mc for me - his name was DJ Jazzy D. Both of us moved on to Freek two years later and that was were Feminine Pressure was born. MC Rankin was our MC and he used to come and sit in on my shows on a Sunday afternoon. I was playing back to back with another DJ - her name was DJ Blush - We used to tear up our Sunday Session! 2-4pm.

Who are Feminine Pressure...?

The past?

Feminine Pressure was formed by me back in 1994 - during the first 5 years I worked with several other female DJ's untill a rather unusual even took place. Two girls that I had under my umbrella attempted to steal my name and they had planned to sack me from my own movement!

A fraudulent application was made by them to the Trademark Office in London claiming that they were the trademark originators. I had a female attorney who was fantastic. I had ran out of money at a very crucial time - she was brilliant and wanted me to win so much that she worked in her own time to help me. Lady G spot and I were just friends at the time and she too was there for me - encouraging me to fight on when I was tired and ready to give it all up. On the 3rd September 1999 The London Patent Office issued me the Official Trademark Registration Certificate No. 2176429 - It was one of the proudest day's of my life.

Feminine Pressure the future..?

DJ Touch and Lady Gspot are the only two DJ's involved in the Feminine Pressure movement. Accept no imitations - we're together for good! We have been together for three years now and have been through thick and thin! Lady Gspot understands me and I understand her - thats why we work well Don't get me wrong we have our rows - but she is like family to me now and I am proud to have her as my partner for Feminine Pressure.

1.Who or what had the greatest influence on what you listen to today?

My early influence was a Capital Radio DJ - Greg Edwards - back in the eighties - his Saturday night show - "Soul Spectrum". I used to go to the Best Disco's in Town provided by Capital radio. Greg Edwards was the SOUL king AND I was heavy into the sounds of Imagination, Luther Vandros, D Train, disco and all Soul and Rare Grooves.

I used to be a part of a Soul Patrol and attended Camber Soul Weekenders and was heavily influenced by DJ Froggy who told me DJing was the best part of his life. Matt Jamm Lamont is my garage DON. You can't beat him!!

2. Who was your first musical hero? Was it Artists from the.. Soul area Hiphop scene Rock/Heavy Metal scene Motown, The Sound of Philadelphia or Stax Records artists Jazz artists Or just any particular artist?

Funny enough my first musical hero was Greg Edwards (of course)! but there has been others - Gary Numan was a major hero for me as he put the electronic music into the dance scene and I enjoyed this new-wave feeling - I could not play any musical instruments yet I could play electronic sounds on a Casio machine - for the first time I could connect to music, I have never loved just one genre.

Other heroes have been Sylvester and The Soul Sonic Force ( the Perfect Beat) The Jamm Experience always turns me on , I would say Matt Jamm is my Garage Hero. Booker T is my musical inspiration.

3. You are a DJ/Producer. What was the first club that you played, that allow you to gain vital experience to that is invaluable now! Is it still there now; and have you gone back to play there from time to time?

First club I played at was in Cambridge City the football club lounge - it was for a bunch of underground doodes who held lots of warehouse parties. From that one gig I ended up working the whole of East Anglia for several years - I even DJ'd at the "Pitt" in Cromer, Norfolk, on the beach whilst bomb experts de-fused a 2nd world war bomb outside on the beach. It was amazing that night - very explosive !

4. I posed this question to quite a few DJ's across the world and now I'm going to pose it to you. Have you been given the chance to play on those famous/infamous Pirate Radio Show's within your area of the world; any of them at all? Would or will you play on them still? In short what do you think of the Pirate radio setup within the London area? Do they serve a purpose, or have they out stayed their welcome?

Feminine Pressure have backed the Pirates from Day One - I think they are responsible for the formation of the underground scene - without them there would be no future. Most Kids who have nothing to do - hang out on the street's with pirate radio they can be constructive with music culture - pirates in London and other major cities should be supported more by the government.

DJ Deekline has just started up the very first Dance Radio Station in Bulgaria - a culture starved country - over there he is the Music King - because he had the balls to fight the red tape to help the youth culture evolve. I understand he also funded this himself - a lot of the money came from the DJ bookings from the UK - despite being dismissed from the scene by the likes of Norris da Boss and UKG - being banned from the garage scene made him an overnight success !!

5.Still on being a DJ What would you considered to being the music that you like playing the best. USA Garage Deep House, Disco House, Jazz House or 2-STEP Garage, Soul, Rnb or Funk! Or all mentioned?

Feminine Pressure cover all genres of dance music - I play UK Garage, two step, 4 to da floor, funky house, rare groove, old skool garage etc. Lady G-Spot plays Dark garage , Underground Bass, Break Beat, Old Skool and House. Together we serve up what ever is required by the club!

6.When you are at home relaxing what do you prefer to listen to?, truthfully now!

To be honest I do not listen to garage at home. This is because I spend so much time writing it that it is the last thing me and my family want to hear after a long day at the office or studio. Home life is what I call "Real Time" - and I enjoy it so much. I have 2 great kids and they get to decided what music is played at home. My eldest son Christopher loves Eminem and DR Dre -he loves street music - he likes So Solid Crew too and he kinda keeps me in touch with street music - I don't have time to listen to pop music anymore.

7.Have you travelled abroad to work? ?(Only write down if its applies) Where did you play ..What country? Was it a success?? ..What is your favorite country to DJ in, and the favorite club

Feminine Pressure have been to Minneapolis,Miami, Gran Rapids, New York, Zurich, Amsterdam Napa and Ibiza in the past 12 months. Favorites? Gspot and I love the USA the best - we hunger for more States gigs all the time. G Spot also loves Napa's Gas Club - she did the fight night there last year and smashed Dan the Man from So Solid Crew. Any time SO Solid Crew wanna battle Feminine Pressure just name the date and bring it on down!!!

Lady Gspot with M J COle & Paparazzi - WMC Miami 2001

8.What are your thoughts on the music such as 2-Step Garage music that is busting out of London? The music has bulldozed its way into the Garage world. Its the newest hybrid of the music within the scene. Some people hate it. Some people love it. ..What are your views on the scene and the music culture?

We don't class London as the Head Office of UK Garage because so many acts which are good are not from London - ie Sidewinder - Artful Dodger etc. London is only a fraction of the market and Feminine Pressure are not pushing the London Clubs hard because we disagree with the violence and attitude that is coming from it.

There are some really good garage events held across the country and abroad which have far better attitude and appreciation of the music. - Sometimes it is a total climax to the London Club Scene. To enjoy garage in London you have to go to the underground to get the real vibe. At the moment the scene seems to be getting out of control on the dark side and eventually people will not want to tolerate this.

The UK Garage Scene will not show their true respect for the female DJ - unlike every other genre of dance music. Booker T -London, England tells me to get into the house scene because they believe in superstar females. For the second year running the UKG Awards still have not got a catogery for Best Female DJ. That is one of our main political gripes within the scene.

8a. More on 2-Step Garage music scene. There seems to be a divide as we speak. There are those that prefer the Soulful approach to this music. And there are those that prefer the BreakBeat, Hiphop and Drum and Bass style to the music now being called "Breakbeat Garage" music. Are you comfortable with all styles of 2-Step Garage coming out of England at the moment. Or do you prefer one style over the other?

Like I said Feminine Pressure are all about both sides of the garage coin!! I agree there is a divide between the two styles - I think also that there is gonna be a huge Break Beat revival - its just round the corner.

Fortunately that flava is Lady G-Spots department so I don't need to get involved!!!! Our label will be covering all styles of garage music. The concept of Pressure releases and Feminine releases just about sums up the future of the garage scene.

8b. It seems as if there is a new breed of Garage crews DJ/production teams coming out of London, at the moment with regards to UK Garage. There's yourself, The Solid Crew, The Heartless Crew and the Genius Crew are all big names now on the Underground 2-Step Garage scene. Is there room for all of you? Is there any rivalry between you all? how do you get on, or don't you?

Theres plenty of room - the world is a big place - and we don't worry about room in the London Garage scene. The Genius crew are cool - even better now Scott Garcia has left Chronic Records!!!

Heartless have done Freek FM Credit - we love them enough. So Solid Crew is ever expanding and I can't keep up with them all - I love Romeo's voice and I think Oxide and Neutrino have done very well. BIG UP ! I don't like the violence that is related to any of the garage scene - especially as I have children myself who will be out there very soon. I think So Solid Crew should show good harmony more often in their approach - I don't like the "Up middle finger" attitude as they are role models for young Britain.

9. There seems to be a love for GARAGE at the moment that resembles the early days of Hiphop within the USA. Labels are being sought after; the pirates are canning the music. Underground clubs via word of mouth are becoming "Sought after places to visit". Is the bubble going to burst soon though do you think? Can Garage (especially UK Garage remain Underground for long?) Will the majors move in, in a big way to take their share of the profits? ..What are your thoughts?

The majors have already moved in - and its all good. However there will always be an underground scene - most tunes that make it to the charts have been tried and tested in the underground first. No Garage track does well if it flops on the underground. I think the UK/2-Step Garage thing will burn its course but on its way it will create different flava's for young and old to enjoy - it will evolve into a much more stylish vibe of Garage - I think M J Cole is the key player for the development and continuium of great UK Garage music. All the time he is about - things can only get better Anyone who wants to contest that must think again - he is the back bone!.

10. Do you like the traveling that is involved in this type of work? It seems glamorous going from one town to the next but is it? ..What are your views?

Traveling can be a nightmare!!! G-Spot and I are always on the move. One of our classic traveling stories was when we were on our way to Miami and my passport and tickets were stolen - It was madness !!! We missed our connection flight in NEW YORK, Usa because we had no tickets and the next flight was the following morning. We were both in bits!! Fortunately we were rescued by the Continental Airlines International Concierge who put us up a first class hotel night with complimentary dinner and extras! He said he had to do the same for Elton John the previous week! We couldn't believe it!!

11. As you are a Women DJ team is it harder to prove yourselves towards promoter in getting booked within a traditionally all male environment?

Feminine Pressure will never have to prove anything - the name says it all. Women succeeding in this industry is down to bloody hard work and I am sure most men don't do half as much as a woman has to to get anywhere. Women DJ'S put men under pressure and men can't deal with it! So many times I have heard about women sleeping their way to the top - well you can forget that one - at Feminine Pressure it is the other way round - they want to sleep with us and we haven't got the time!

12. BBC Radio 1 seems to be championing the cause of dance music. But is this fools gold. Is this only a case of dance music being fashionable so the BBC are panicking and getting pressurised in putting on these soul, drum and bass and garage shows in fear of getting left behind?

No - Radio one (England) know exactly what they are up to - since the Dreem Teem joined them things have taken a turn towards dance culture more than ever. Its good. I love it. The only thing about radio one I don't like it the Annie Nightingale Show - (Zzzzzzzzzzz cor blimey I'm bored or ..What!) - isn't it about time she retired to Radio 2 ????

13.If it were possible would you prefer the playing of the long, long sets that are given to American DJ's such as Danny Tenaglia of ..What UK/ European DJ's can only dream of at places like the "Tunnel" in New York, etc., etc. Then the customary 1 or 2 hours that is given out to most European DJ's? ..What is the state of play where you play? How many Hours per set do they give you?

D7 Management book us in New York for exclusive 3 hour sets - thats why we crave the States. In UK there is about 25 DJ's per night and that aggravates me because there is no chance to get the real talent of the DJ to come out musically. Todd Terry's early Ministry of Sound (London, England) Sets used to blow my mind - he used to do marathon sets and every tune was his own production. No wonder they call him Todd The God!

14.Dubbed the New Ibiza by music critics and fashion experts alike. Do you fear for the islands (Ayia Napa, Cyprus) beauty? Do you think that the island will attract all the wrong types of people? Watching the film called the "Beach" starring Leonardo Da Capiro. We all saw ..What could happen if rules are bent and relax to accommodate wealthy holiday makers Do you think that Ayia Napa, as a holiday resort could be spoilt? ..What are your views as a Brit (UK)? Have you been before?

Lady G Spot is the Feminine Pressure Ayia Napa Correspondent - she is out there at the moment - she loves it and so does the likes of most UK Garage Heads. I have no fear for the Islands beauty - if the Government over there are prepared to let their standards slip that is up to them. They set the rules - people should abide by them. All those that don't - then its on their own head be it! Having a good time never hurt anyone - those that over step the mark and put others at risk should be stopped and deported. Zero tolerance is a good idea - but give it a couple more seasons and I bet the government will be in on it!!!!

15. The program called "Ayia Napa -Fantasy Island" shown on Channel 4 (UK television documentary) shown towards the ending of 1999, was a huge success on British Television. Have you seen the show at all? If so ..What did you think? There were a few complaints here in England, via the Cypriot community that found the show distasteful. If you have been given a video copy of the show, and did manage to watch it. ..What were your views?

I understand the Cypriots point of view - but I am sure they don't mind the fact that it is extremely expensive to holiday there and they have had a roaring trade for the past two seasons. I think the Cypriots are hypercritical - this kind of holiday business has been going on for years - they need to liven up a bit !!!!

Spain and Ibiza have made millions out of British travellers - I think its about time they showed the British some respect as we have lined their pockets for long enough.! Lady Gspot is a club tv presenter for UK Uncovered - when that is screened you never get an uproar from the UK Government - G Spot's UK Uncovered Tour is screened on Sky One and Channel 5 during the auaumn.

16.Do you still do your own stint of record shopping or hunting? Or do you leave it up to being supplied by labels, etc. to keep you up to date? When you play out?(If you play out) A lot of DJ's nowadays survive by living of ..What given to them by Record labels of all shapes and sizes. ..What about you. Does this apply to you?

I get music from all angles. I am lucky to receive lots in the post - and I am also making my own - I do occasionally go shopping - but I'm always on an undercover one!

17. As labels go..Have you a favorite One that you always stop by as you flick through the piles of Records in your specialist record shop?

I no longer have a favorite UK label as no label seems to be able to keep up a continuum of good releases - they seem to start off good then it all goes down hill!! Obviously major labels don't have this problem, - BMG & Talkin' Loud for a start seem to do lots for new talent. Love Bug Records are cool - hot on my list at the moment is Solid Soul-this is a new label by Frankie Dark - its one of my fav's at the moment. He is one underground doode!! - check him - he's fat!

18. Record mixing. Your technique when playing out. Do you use a style of blending when you playing out; or are you a person who like to jump straight in and out of a track without warning! ..What styles do you like to use?

I have always been a mix and blend girl - I love good mixers which allow you to swap the tops, middle and bass - I love to swap baseline s in the mix. I love to be creative - I like to show others how to mix !!!

19. Are you running a label of anykind? And if so, who have you got signed to the label? Any important Releases that we should keep a look out for?

F P Recordings is our own label which we launched at the Miami Conference 2001, Usa. It was my tenth year in the industry so couldn't think of any other way to mark it. Our label concept is F = (feminine side) feminine soulful, funky house, UK 2 Step and other soulful mixes - all to be released on the red F label - P = (Pressure side) all break beat mixes, dark baseline mixes, deep house and any other darker edge remixes will be released on the blue P label. Similar to the old Strictly Rhythm label colorings - for those in the know!

20.Deep House maybe isn't your cup of tea. However, this form of House music is probably the most followed style in House music in the world. Are you a lover of the music? Do you listen to tunes from the labels such as Paper, Guidance, Glasgow Underground, Wave, Yellow, Panhandle, Naked Music, Red Melon, Track Mode at all....???

Yes Deep house is big - I used to play Deep house before UK garage - funky Green Dogs "The Fog" was one of my favorite's at the time I used to love the old Strictly Rhythm label red and blue too.. Nowadays deep house pops up in my set every now and then - Eric Kupper Demon Dubs blow me away every time....

21. Who do you rate as one to look out for in the future (DJ Wise?) Who should we keep an eye out for! From your own country?

M J Cole will have many more years to come representing UK Garage - Up and coming DJ's? I have discovered Uluvit and - these two are hot on the heels of Artful Dodger Duo - (a.k.a DJ Grin and DMS) - another excellent sound engineer is a guy called K Jessop - a south london talent just waiting to explode!! I love the G N T ladies too - they are ripping it!.

22.Todd Edwards (New Jersey, USA) is a constant inspiration to many people around the world especially with the UK Garage/2-Step Garage fans. Is he an inspiration to the feminine Pressure Crew ?

Yes I have been a Todd fan since back in the day - he is linked to our site because I studied his engineering technique for my Music Degree. Zed Bias also has good technique in his worl which makes him original. Love these two so Much!!

23.The term "Funky House", (which is really old style Usa House and Garage music) is constantly being used up and down the country. More so in London, as USA Soulful House and Garage is becoming fashionable again to promoters over here. Is the tide changing with regards to USA House and Garage music having more of a say within London Clubs?

I have integrated Funky Soulful house into UK garage for a while now - I felt that the UK garage was not quality enough so I reverted back to some of my older styles to get the quality sounds back into the dance floor. Funky house is making an unprecedented return to UK clubs - and about time too!

22.What's your most favorite House and Garage track at the moment. You know the one that gives you goose pimples when you hear it?

Curtis Mayfield "Astounded" - took it out to Miami and it ripped up South Beach! Love the Old Skool Curtis Mayfield sound all day long!

22a. Where's the next event that we can see Feminine Pressure crew perform. Have you got a residency for instance?

Yes we have a weekly residency at the Loft in Maidstone, Kent, England. I have been there for 2 years - I love it! We are also set to got of to New York and we have plans for the blonde bombshell tour.

23. Have you got any advice for any aspiring record label producer, DJ or club owner within the world of House and Garage? Any rules that he should adhere to?

Don't be scared of the politics' of the Garage Scene - rise above it and do your own thing be your own style and push for vibe and be original at all times.Remember the world is your Oyster and if one door is closed - another one opens!!! You are the future..........you can make a difference...

Interview conducted by Dj Touch

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