Joey Negro @ The Strongbow Rooms

Virtual Festivals: How does playing in the UK vary from Ibiza or the States?
Joey Negro: I honestly think that here, in the UK, we have the best taste in music. There has always been a strong following for black music over here. You tend to have to bang a bit more in most places in Ibiza, which is why I'm not overly bothered about playing out there.

VF: The Strongbow Rooms vibe is like a small club in a festival? Sound like your cup of tea?
JN: Of course. I always enjoy playing festivals, but big tents can sometimes be hard to create an atmosphere in.

VF: What's the difference in playing clubs compared to festivals?
JN: Depends on the club, but generally people are a bit more up for getting wasted at festivals - which is a good thing if you're the DJ!

VF: What have you got planned for Lovebox musically?
JN: I always try and play a mixture of new and old music, but avoiding the obvious over played tracks. Disco, early house, funk...whatever.

VF: And non-musically?
JN: I'm playing three times over the two days, so I need to hold it together on this one

VF: When you're DJing do you prefer to see sexy people dancing stylishly, or proper music lovers dancing like nutters?
JN: Can't sexy stylish people be real music lovers then? Probably not most of the time!!! In seriousness, I think the best crowds are a mixture of all sorts of people.

VF: Out of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, where's been your most up for it crowd?
JN: I always enjoy Scotland because I've some good mates up there. However, as bland as it sounds I've had great gigs in every part of the country.

VF: What are your top five tunes at the moment?
JN: Quentin Harris 'Lets Be Young', Sunburst Band 'He Is', Reese Project 'That Means That', Cashmere 'Brighter Day' RMX, Joey Negro 'Make A Move'.

VF: Beyond playing records what can you do as a DJ to build the atmosphere?
JN: Looking like you're enjoying yourself is a good start.

VF: If you left your record bag in a taxi on the way to Lovebox, what's the most would you pay the driver to return it to you?
JN: I play all CD's nowadays, so though it would be very inconvenient to re-burn my entire library it wouldn't be same as loosing a box of vintage vinyl.

VF: What projects are you currently working on?
JN: I have my new single Joey Negro 'Make A Move' coming out on Ministry in the autumn. I have a load of forthcoming material on my label Z Records - a new Sunburst Band single 'For All Eternity', Jakatta 'Shimmering Stars' AC Soul Symphony 'What's Happening?' Also an album called 'In the Beginning' featuring a load of my early production from '88 thru '93.

VF: You've played some fairly unorthodox gigs. What's been the wierdest?
JN: I played in an underwater city at a film premiere. That was pretty special. In terms of an occasion, I was asked to drop a few tunes after the Queen Mum's funeral, which made me both proud and sad. And if I was to name a country than Transylvania is one of the best places to play. The crowds out there love to get their teeth into a good set!

For more about The Strongbow Rooms visit www.strongbowrooms.com