DJ Debbie D has made her presence felt in the electronic music community. She has the power to not only spin breaks as good as she does but also to spin anything from "House" to "Drum n Bass". DJ Debbie D is fueled by her fans and a passion for music. Through that passion, a musical energy is formed. This energy that she creates reflects on the parties she plays. Debbie D will be seen headlining parties for a long time to come.


INTERVIEW by Graham Robinson

What is your real name?

Debbie D, no kidding! Not very exciting, but true. My initials are actually DDD.

What type of music do you play?

Funky Florida-style Breaks, Jump up Jungle.

Are you under any companies or labels?

I am the Co-founder of Juice Recordings. I just currently sold my 1/2 of the Label to start up my own Break beat and Jump up Jungle Label entitled "D-Style Records". which is solely my music.

How long have you been a DJ?

Almost 10 years.

Why did you get into DJ'ing?

It was inevitable. I spent most of my days around Deejays, roller skating rinks and clubs.

What are some other DJ/Producers that you admire?

For DJ's; Magic Mike, DJ Dan, Sasha and Digweed, Roni Size. For Producers; Dynamix II, Icey, Brad Smith, Tony Faline, DJ Moon, Sharaz, Infiniti, Aphrodite Please note that this is only for Dance music... I have a lot of Rock, Jazz, Blues favorites!

What has been your biggest gig so far?

Spooky 6 in Vancouver was pretty big as far as Raves go, but I have spun at the Harvest Festival in Gainesville Fl. for 3 years in a row. There were well over 65,000 people at all of those. I also had a big gig at the Cyberfest in Fl. , Ultra Beach Fest at the Winter Music Conference in 99 had but loads of people too.

What are your current top five tracks that you like to play?

WOW! Just 5... that is hard! Hmm. Breaks wise: DJ Debbie D "Put that Record On", Sharaz "I hear ya", DJ Debbie D / Mike B "Gonna Make you Freak", Dave London DJ Punk Roc Remix "Blow my Mind", DJ Neutron "Party Rocker", Jungle wise: DJ Debbie D / Mike B "Feel my Energy" Jump up Remix, Backstreet Boys " No Diggity", ALL OF APHRODITE!

What are your future plans?

Well, that is a pretty broad question. Way more tracks, more gigs, hopefully a live show!

How would you compare the scene in Vancouver to back home in Florida?

It is like comparing apples to oranges! Vancouver seems to be about Love, with lots of support and beautiful scenery, where as Florida has a lot of fighting and backstabbing going on, and the land is entirely flat.

What do you do when you are not behind the decks?

Run my Record Label, Produce, work on my garden, kickboxing, step aerobics, yoga, running, biking, cooking, cleaning, play with my niece, and of course the infamous family gatherings.

What was your first gig?

It was at Simons. I was the first and only girl to play at Simons for the first 5 years he was open Raves: The Day One Rave with Kimball Collins, Rich Rosario, Lieven, AK1200, thrown by old Juice Partner in Crime... Wes Smith.

Do you read the crowd or do you have something put together beforehand?

Read the crowd always! The crowd gets what they paid for, always!

What has been your best DJ experience?

Simons 6th And 8th anniversary, The first House of Blues in Orlando, and right here at Spooky 6.

What was your worst DJ experience?

Fever parties in Fort Lauderdale... all of em! Bunch of ganster jerks!

Do you prefer playing in clubs or bigger shows?

In Florida, definitely clubs, in Vancouver the raves are tight!

What do you think about the dance scene and the direction it is going?

The dance moves the kids have haven't changed much.......they are still break dancing! But you know what? If it ain't broke...don't fix it. As far as the scene in Florida, it is thinning out! Rave ordinances, committee hearing to shut clubs down, animosity, fights and a lot of jealous Producers and Deejays. I don't live in Vancouver, so I don't know where that scene is going.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your career?

Great! I knew this question would be asked. Well, it is always embarrassing when you eject a disc that you are playing or pick up a needle; dead air. Done these! Yes indeedy! I was also embarrassed at Cyberfest when I was sweating so hard that my headphones popped off of my head and landed in the crowd. Being called "Debbie Debs" is always a beautiful thing. And, oooh, and one time I said " WHAT'S UP ALABAMA" and I was in N.C. It was a 3 day gig weekend...cut me some slack.

Why did you pick breaks over the other genres?

Love those kickdrums bass, and extra snares. Besides, I grew up on Miami Bass.

From your experience what advice can you offer to up and coming DJ¹s?

Uh, just mixing records is not enough anymore! Have tracks out, mixed Cds that are properly licensed out, have good bios, promotional tapes or cds done and looking professional. Also, develop your own style, we don't need anymore copycats! Be nice to the kids that support you, the promoters, and fellow djs and producers! Remember be nice to the people on the way up the ladder of success, because you will see the same people on the way back down. May the force be with you all!

If you could pick any career besides a DJ/Producer what would it be?

I would love to pick the music for Commercials and Movies.

Have you always been musically influenced?

Hell yeah! I grew up on Opera, Classical, Jazz, Blues, Acoustical and Electrical Guitar, Rock, Metal, Progressive, you name it........I have heard it.


AUDIO SAMPLES FROM DEBBIE D

Mike B & Debbie D - Gonna Make You Freak
Mike B & Debbie D - Feel My Energy (Jump up Jungle Remix)