Leon Sweet

Talking about what makes a great DJ can be a contentious issue at times but personally I believe some of the best DJ's out there are those that have not only mastered the art of mixing two tracks together, building a set and collecting records founded on their taste in music (yes, we bare our souls for all to see!) but to actually read a room. And that's not just taking people on a journey on the dancefloor in a club or at a festival but also if you're DJing in a bar or restaurant. The volume and tempo needs to work so they can talk without it being too loud and eat at a relaxed pace. If you're a support DJ then support the main DJ, you're there to build up to them. There's lots of lessons to learn. I've produced music for many years, highlights being featured in Mixmag for 'Tune of the Month' and airplay on 6 Music, countless other radio stations and my tracks being played by other DJ's in various clubs and festivals all over the world. My tracks have also hit the number one slot or the top 10 on major DJ download stores and my music can be found on the likes of Apple Music, Prime, Spotify, Beatport and Junodownload. I also spent many years in Brighton teaching DJing professionally. Students ranged from 4 years old, right up to people in their 70's. In fact my youngest ever student went on to be the Worlds Youngest Professional DJ in the Guinness Book of Records, definitely a proud moment. Also in Brighton in my twenties I drummed in a few bands but these days I'm more studio based, producing and of course DJing. I've always been into music, my earliest memories are sitting on the arm of the sofa at home digging out vinyl to play for my mum's friends when they'd pop round for the evening. I must've been about 8 or 9... their own personal mini DJ/jukebox! My music collection is very eclectic but mainly rooted in soul, funk, disco, jazz, afro, reggae, dub, hip hop so when it comes to DJing out there's usually an influence in there somewhere so my music styles tend to lean towards House, Deep House, Indie Dance, Tech House, Acid, Nu Disco, Disco, Re-edits. Again it really does depend on the type of gig and who's there. Although it should be noted I tend not to buy any chart music and stay well clear of the more commercial side of dance music. I've DJ'd in many locations over the years, from starting out under motorway bridges at free-parties in the early 90's to beaches, jungles, bars, pubs, clubs, festivals to wedding parties, corporate gigs and in clubs like the Ministry of Sound and countries far and wide. Each and every place is totally unique and with it you create a new atmosphere and hopefully, if you've done your job properly, a night to remember. That's always my aim. Thanks for reading, Leon