What job did you do before taking up DJing full time?
I was an electrician before I had to give it up so I could practice,  I need all the time now to buy records and get over the weekend, that takes me until about Wednesday.

So when and how did you get your big break?
At Perception in Cirencester back in September 1991 although New Years Eve at Fantazia was a big break.

A lot of DJ's at the moment seem to be putting out records, do you have any plans to do this? 
Yeh, I've just put out one with Tango, Mickey Finn is remixing the A side - Tales of the Darkside, should be out in about 2 months.

Is your set pre-planned or do you just make it up as you go along? 
Certain parts are planned - the warm up is usually planned then I watch the crowd for their reaction to the records I'm playing.

Do you get nervous before you got on the decks at a venue?
I've got over that now, when I first shot up was worse because everyone was watching me, a lot of jealousy I think, especially at the beginning, people just waiting for me to make a mistake.

How many venues do you play a week?
Between 4 and 6, 2 0r 3 on a Friday and 2 or 3 on Saturday.  Sometimes I play on a Thursday but its usually empty at most clubs so I don't bother.

Do you have a girlfriend / wife, if so do you find you sometimes have problems with having to be away from home so many nights? 
I've got a girlfriend but there's no problem, because she come everywhere with me.

How many records do you usually take with you for a nights set?
About 100 records, some DJ's take more but I think that's enough.

How long do you usually play for? 
1 to 1 and a half hours at most.

Some of the DJ's have been on the rave scene for quite some time, do you welcome young fresh names on the scene?
Yeh, definitely, its about time a few names came through. Donavan, Randall, Pilgrim, Bukum all came through last year.

Do you scratch when you play?
Yes, I used to be a hip hop DJ for 5 years.

Why don't a lot of DJ's scratch then?
Basically because they can't.

How do you think the music has changed over the last few years?
It has definitely changed, the music has gone very fast, 145-150 BPM.

Will the rave scene survive another year?
Definitely, last years it went too commercial, its getting good again now, really dark, deep.  its hard to explain but there was a lot of idiots last year, people are starting to care about the music now, last year there was no meaning in the music, about 5 months ago was really bad, I was buying records for the sake of buying new records, I didn't really like what I was buying.

How much further do you think the rave scene can go or do you think its reached its peak?
The rave scene had reached its peal, it can definitely get bigger though, the security needs sorting out, especially at big events, they do play a big part in the scene, security in the crowd may be a good idea.  Police are running the scene and all the blaggin on flyers has got to stop.

Do you like having an MC or does it ruin your mixing?
I like have an MC who doesn't talk while I'm mixing, I like one who introduces me and comes in a bit but not to much.  I like Robbie Dee, he works with me.  I want to be respected for what I'm doing.

Who's your favourite MC?
Has to be Robbie Dee but Ribbs is wicked as well.

Who's your favourite DJ?
Carl Cox is my favourite DJ, you can never predict what he's going to play, a good mixture of music, he inspired me to mix.  Also for mixing Easygroove and Seduction, Grooverider and Top Buzz for the music they are playing,  I like Micky Finn, Bukum, Tango and my favourite female DJ must be Fallout.

How about favourite club?
Quest in Wolverhampton, and Fibre Optics first event in Leamington Spa, was my first event as well, that's where I met my manager Danny.

Are your resident at any clubs?
No, I'm too busy.

What's the best event you've done?
Must be Fantazia Summertime at Bournemouth and Perception, The Ultimate Event at Cirenceter in 91.  Last year there were a lot of crap ones, the last Vision was wicked, everyone really enjoyed it and most DJ's even stayed after their set till the end.

Well thank you for your time, is there anything else you would like to say before we finish?Respect to everyone  who has supported me and helped to get me to where I am, especially the crowd.

by DJ Spin & Tim Furnish

DJ Ratty's links to Fantazia

DJ Ratty played at many Fantazia events including:

Fantazia New Year 1991
Fantazia Second Sight
Fantazia Summertime
Fantazia One Step Beyond
Fantazia Showcase
Fantazia Club Tour
Fantazia New Year 1992
Fantazia Birthday Party
Fantazia Australia Club Tour 1994

CDs of these sets can be bought here