This is where you can find out just who was who on the decks and what they like to listen to and play out. Click the name for a mugshot or the track names for a spin. Once the other guys have sent through there personal blurbs I will put it up and after each night the new guest DJ's will be placed in the hall of shame as well.
Having been involved in the scooter scene in the south east for 24 years and having been in on the organisation and dj'ing of local events, I had the great idea that the coast needed a venue and a soul night for those like minded individuals in the locale. Many beers and tears later, here we are. Personally I would like to thank those who , helped, hindered and put up with my rantings, you all know who you are so I won't name you. Welcome to dreamsville!
Used to be Kev “in Northampton”, where I grew up with what has now become Northern Soul, in the late 60’s / early 70’s. Frequented all of the local venue’s there which are now immortalised in Paddy Grady’s book “That Beating Rhythm”.
In ’72 moved to Maidstone, and wore the only baggies in town – much to the amusement of the local crowd!
I've always loved, and played, Northern. After living abroad re-discovered the Northern scene in Kent, started DJ’ing and increased my original collection 10 fold.
Currently working on a Northern Soul holiday – “SOUL CALOR” (Calor is Spanish for Heat) for 2007 on the Costa Blanca – more news on this site later.
Linda Seddon
I was born in Manchester and now live on the South Coast in Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex and was first introduced to Northern Soul around 1969 after going to The Blue Note Club in Manchester and then being taken to the ‘Twisted Wheel’ Club which was close by, I attended The Twisted Wheel all-nighters’ till it closed in January 1971, I then started going to Blackpool Mecca till early 1972.
I got married and after a divorce or two I returned to the ‘Scene’ in December 2002 and started collecting records in 2003 and have been asked to DJ twice this year firstly in Brighton and more recently at the first ‘Stolen Hours’ in Ramsgate, Kent. I really enjoy DJ’ing; I attend most of the South Coast Soul nights and often travel to Manchester to attend the Twisted Wheel all-nighters’ that are on 4 times a year.
My Top five records I own at this time are:
Art Freeman –Slippin’ Around
Julien Covey – A Little Bit Hurt
Spellbinders –Help Me (Get Myself Back Together Again)
Johnny Sayles – I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love
Barbara Acklin – Love Makes a Woman
This guy needs no introduction to most people, given that he seems to be on the decks just about everwhere and on the beer everywhere else! However here's what he said.
I’m Bearsy and got into northern soul only about 3-4 years ago, started collecting vinyl about 18 months ago and have built up a nice little collection of over 600 quality tunes and still constantly on the search for more (money/wife permitting). As for DJ’ing I got into it by chance after a mate saw my box and asked if I fancied doing a spot. The rest is history as they say.
I’ve no particular taste, as long as it’s soulful in its own way. A tune that sums it up for me at the moment is, Prince Philip Mitchell – I’m So Happy; and yes I’m loving every minute of it too.
Ok so the photo might be a bit out of date, but I forgot the camera on the 25th so appologies to John. Anyway, while I am waiting for John to send me a bit of blurb here's what I know.
John has been listening to soul and collecting for some 30+ years got into soul in the 70's and also was an extra in Quadrophenia. So get a copy out and have a look, shouldn't be able to miss the hairdo!
John has been doing DJ'ing on the south coast circuit and especially over Lightwater and IOW, does a lot in the modern rooms now (we won't hold that aginst him though) and so knows his stuff. Given the way his set went down I can see him becoming a bit of a regular on the smugglers flyers.
Ady Lupton
Needs no intro for those who frequent the 100 club or Va Va Voom's . For Ady it was a chance to return to Kent for the night and catch up with some old mates and play out some fantastic sounds normally only heard in the smoke. Big thanks to him for a great set of original tunes.
If you want to see him in action again then get yourself along to Va Va Vooms for a great night out.
John’s history on the soul scene goes back to the days of Wigan Casino and Yate's as a fresh faced teenager. Since those heady days he has travelled to just about all of the main all nighters and soul nights ever since, with particular favourites being Morecambe (“upfront modern and imaginative 60’s”) and the 100 Club (“just THE best 60’s sounds”). Together with Marolyn, he has also been involved in the modern soul/rare groove and club scenes with a passing interest in jazz funk – quite a variety.
Although he will admit to half a dozen or so bootlegs from the early days, John is a strictly originals only man and with his passion for all things soulful he has a collection ranging from early 60’s right up to brand spanking new music. He admits to being a touch obsessive with some labels, Veep, Peacock and UK Chess being cases in point and how does 8 separate versions of “Better Use Your Head” sound!
A regular DJ “back in the day” and having moved to Kent in 2000, John has just made a return to the decks with the 20 January Soul Smugglers event being the first time in a few years, and I am sure he will be back on the smugglers decks in the near future to spin some more of his collection.
Moldie
Mick Reynolds 44 years old
DJ name..moldie
Home town. Farnborough, Hants.
I’ve been into northern soul since 1976. I was heavily into oldies but now am right across the board.
I was a regular at the nite spot in Bedford and the Fletton centre. Peterborough first DJ spot 1999 at Mytchett, Surrey, started running my own event the same year now running a two room event at Lightwater Surrey.
Favourite DJ’s back then. Dave Evison. Ian Clark
Favourite DJ’s now....Tim Brown...Sean Chapman...Matt
Top 5 tunes
Tangeers...let my heart and soul be free
Ruby Andrews...just loving you
Barbara McNair...you’re gonna love my baby
Pat & Blenders...just because
Bobby Kline...say something nice to me