Miss Special K Interview

So how did it all begin?
I was very much into the hardcore scene as a teenager, and at the age of 13 myself and a group of mates hosted a pirate radio station across Torbay. It wasn't until the age of 18 that i bought my first set of decks and taught myself to mix properly while at uni studying to be a teacher! A year later in 2002 i gained my first booking at Bristol night Sectioned and a residency with the Future Sound Corporation playing at events across the South West. I only started playing hardcore when it bounced back onto the scene in about 2004, and this was about the same time I set up my event Totally 'Ardcore.

Where did the dj name come from?
I was undecided on a dj name so the Future Sound boys came up with Special K. They told me it was because my name was Karen and I was special!!! I added the 'Miss' when I became a teacher.

What gave you that initial push?
Just the love of the music and lots of determination. I knew from the age of 13 that I wanted to be a DJ and play at all the big events.

Did the Djing, Production, Promoting come 1st?
DJing, followed by the promoting a few years later, and then the production more recently.

Who’s throwing the best parties at the moment?
My favourite event at the moment is Depth Charge in Southampton. It is set on a boat which sails out across the coast and the atmosphere has to be the best I've experienced. Other events I've attended recently that I think are worth a mention are Firewall in Bridgewater (the best event in the South West in my opinion), and Fusion at the Opera House.

What’s the best event you’ve put on?
The best event that I put on was in 2005 when we had Darren Styles and Whizzkid. We had a playboy and bunny girl theme so everyone was dressed up and the crowd were going crazy on the dance floor. I remember there being a drinking competition that night because a load of us were celebrating our birthdays. It was very very messy!!!

Out of all the tunes you have, which one ‘never fails?’
When I'm playing a happy hardcore set I always love dropping My Little Fantasy and seeing the crowd sing along. Its one of those tunes that always makes me smile!

What's is your real name if you use an alias and how old are you?
Karen and I'm 21...honest!!!

Where do you live?
Bristol

How big is your vinyl collection? What do you think of CDJ's?
I have never counted my vinyl collection but must have thousands covering different genres including hardcore, old skool, hard house, scouse house, hard trance, trance, and drum and bass. I use CDs when I get promos through but still use vinyl a lot too. Suppose you could say I'm still not fully converted!!!

Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
For me it was when my brother (MC Trigger) turned up to an "anything goes" fancy dress night at my event dressed as me. It was quite a shock to see him in a skirt and having shaved his armpits!! A few people were convinced he was a girl! Later in the evening Live Lee took a shine to his long blonde wig and it all went downhill from there really!

Other DJs you rate?
Too many to mention!!! Sy, Vibes, Al Storm, Darren Styles, Joey Riot, and up and comers including Scott Devotion, Bishop, and Cruze. Also a big shout out to the other ladies in hardcore - Scar and Clodhopper...both absolutely wicked!!!

What are your feelings on the MC's?
In the hardcore scene I think the MCs are essential in hyping up the crowd. I love MCs who have there own individual styles, and some of their lyrics are pure genius!

What do you do outside of the dance music scene?
I am a full time teacher so that takes up a lot of my time. I love hanging out with my friends, having a mix and swimming regularly.

What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/Promoters?
If your determined enough then you can succeed!

When you play is this pre planned set?
No. I always look to the crowd to see their response and decide where to take my set from there. I like to be spontaneous!!

When was the 1st time you visited Ibiza? Was it to holiday or to play?
I went with my best friend when I was 18 for a holiday. I went out every night and slept on the beach during the day. The clubs were amazing and I definitely want to get back there again soon!!
More Fun questions?

Anything else you want to say? Any shouts?
A big shout out to all of the ravers who have kept Totally 'Ardcore on the scene for the past 4 years. Also to all the friends I have made on the scene over the years, and to everyone who has supported me as a DJ, including my mum and dad who do still occasionally venture out to see me play...bless them!!! Also to my brother Pete aka MC Trigger who is the best brother I could ever ask for!

If you could stage a rave anywhere, where would you choose?
Bring back the Sanctuary - Milton Keynes!!!

How do you see the scene 5 years from now?
Still as hardcore as ever!

KnightRider or A-team?
A- team fool!