In case you didn't already know, we have a rather excellent and comprehensive DJ Course here at Ministry of Sound. It really is worth looking into, as it caters for all abilities, so even if you struggle to mix milk into your porridge, we should be able to turn you into a mixing maestro in no time at all!
Our friend here at the Ministry of Sound Blog, Sam Barlow of the DJ Academy, recently took the time to chat to one of our most recent high-profile graduates, John O'Connor, about his experience of the academy, and how it has helped him to push on with his burgeoning DJ career...
Hey John mate, how's it going? It’s good to catch up!
Yeah grand. And you?
OK, what made you want to come to the Ministry of Sound and do a DJ course?
Well I've been DJing for over 10 years, but I didn’t really have much belief in ever making anything big happen for me as a DJ and things were just ticking along. Then I saw that Ministry of Sound were running a DJ academy! And I just thought “wow, this is not to be passed up!!” You know, it’s the biggest club in the world, what have I got to lose?
I mean, I think one of the first CD's I ever bought was a Ministry annual mixed by Pete tong and Boy George? Or even a double disc mixed CD from the legend Danny Rampling.
I mean, I'm from the west Ireland and opportunities like that don’t just hang around in every corner! I have always had a serious passion for DJing, the whole electronic music scene, from an early age and I knew I had a talent for DJing, so I thought “why not?” So when my missus showed the DJ academy to me I just jumped on it. And thank god I did, because it was the best experience I’ve ever had, seriously an amazing time. I got to play in all the rooms ,which was wicked ,especially the main room ( THE BOX ) WOW, the power of that system, and the clarity, that in itself is worth the experience , but I also met some cool people who gave me great advice with DJing and the industry, which is why I was so glad I did this!
Ok so you came to the academy, got involved. You then sent a CD in to me; we loved it, and got you in the club. How did your career develop from there?
Well after the gig at Ministry it was just one thing after another. I mean it all happened very fast. Based on what I’d learnt from the academy and the tutors advice based on the dance music industry, and some seriously cool tricks too, I just got involved promoting myself, putting mixes and videos up on the internet, joining forums, Facebook groups, and anything I could find really, making some great friends too. The academy gave me a new confidence and I really went on a mission to raise awareness of myself as a DJ etc.
I run my own night over in Ireland called ‘Alive’ which had kind of come to a standstill, because of lack of venues etc. But with this new buzz and my name on the Ministry of Sound DJ list, I started to push it again. I spoke to one of the suppliers of Function One sound systems over here, and they did a background check on me (unbeknownst to me) and saw the Ministry stuff and were like “well this guy must be pretty good” and so now supply my night with a Function One setup. And because of this we’ve had a lot more interest in out night from both ravers and DJs alike.
I also got a booking to play in Ireland’s best dance club “The Tripod" with "Nomad Sounds" in Dublin, which plays host to some of the biggest names in the world! I've basically been speaking to one of the promoters a bit on Facebook. I chucked him a mix after the ministry gig, and asked him to listen to it. Then a while later, he popped up on Facebook chat and was like “Hey dude what you up to on November the 7th?” And like I obviously jumped at the chance. Then on the night I really ripped it up! There was such a good crowd there, and they just went crazy to my set. And they’ve actually asked me to play there again December 19th, which was an amazing gig.
He also put me in contact with the best electronic festival in Ireland called "LIFE FESTIVAL" http://www.life-festival.com/ Which have just confirmed that I’ll be in the line for 2010, which is just an amazing festival, so keep an eye out for me there. Dude it’s all just all just crazy right now, December was great for me, I had 3 gigs in 6 days 3 different cities in Ireland, which was wicked !! And with doing a weekly radio show now on the Housessions radio ,and guest mixes going out on RTE Pulse FM Ireland biggest dance radio station. It's all a bit WOW! And without the advice and exposure of the DJ ACADEMY it wouldn’t have been possible.
Who are you biggest influences? DJs and Musical?
There are only two people Sasha and John Digweed. Without a doubt, and my good friend Niall Tierney!!! I have more influences, but these 2 guys from an early age have just been the inspiration that has made me fall deep in love with electronic music.
What has been the pinnacle of you career so far?
Getting the call back from Ministry of Sound – and Tripod (Nomad Sounds) because that was something I really had to fight for.
Where do you see your DJ career going in say the next 3-4 years?
Well I'm producing music at the moment, and I'd love that to take off. I mean the way things are going now, I don’t know... residency out in Ibiza, after party at Ministry? You err, know of any sets/residencies going ha-ha?? I don't know, I really want to build my "Alive “night further and I will follow every avenue, so I can help people enjoy the music that I love and create that vibe that people thrive for, because that's what I love most, the feeling of making people happy ,and going home knowing that the have spent their hard earned money on a great night !
Do you feel like promoters booking agents and such take you differently with Ministry of Sound on your CV?
Yeah, totally, like it's THE MINISTRY OF SOUND, the biggest club in the world!! I mean it’s been a real boost. Also just the advice from all the tutors and that, at the academy. I mean I've really put all into play.
Alright well nice one fella, anything else you wanna add?
Well I know it’s cheesy but I saw this opportunity, I flew over to Ministry, regardless of anything. Anyone out there who wants to learn form the best, have an experience compared to no one else. And actually wants to push their DJ career forward, don’t hesitate to join the academy! Because I didn’t and now things are really happening for me.
OH! And if I can do a quick plug!!?? I've got a regular internet radio show on Sunday evening 8-11pm, here’s the link check it out
No worries man! Great to catch up. I’ll definitely be listening to the show.
Find out more about the DJ Academy course here