Defected Interview 2006Q. So how did you two meet then?Bobby: I met Steve actually in a maternity room when my Mum gave birth to us to be honest with you because we are actually twins, this is going back to around 1963 the room was painted all white and I came out and turned round and my brother came out 5 minutes later.
Steve: Bobby was the first person I saw on this planet they call earth.
Bobby: That’s how we met baby, 18th November 1963 at Hackney Hospital East London
Q. So what’s the difference between your personalities then?Steve: I’m more laid back, the cooler, sophisticated one.
Bobby: I’m more of a rough streetwise, don’t get in my face attitude you know, no its all good, were basically parallel to what is going on with us you know, we are the divinity of twins you know everything about us is identical.
Q. Can you describe abit about the musical landscape that you grew up and tell me what your parents were listening to?Bobby: Our Father was into Jim Reeves, Johnny Nash all that sort of thing and also Elvis, to be honest the first album I ever got was a double Elvis Presley collection which I still have today and this was like 1972 and so its pretty crazy, but we didn’t really adopt any of our parents musical knowledge back then or adapt to it or take it on board, its more about our older sisters, we have older sisters and one introduced us to reggae, to disco, so basically that’s where it’s all come from
Q. Is anyone else in your family musical? Steve: Everyone really loves music, no-one really plays, bobby's daughter plays a few instruments, and I’m sure he will elaborate on that question in a minute, but all the boys and all the sisters, 8 kids in our family, we all love music but were the only ones doing it professionally.
Q. Do you want to tell us about your daughter? Bobby: Yeah basically our brothers and sisters were never musically taught or anything but my daughter is 13 years old and on grade 4 piano now and she can do everything there is to do, she’s my little keyboard session player now.
Q. So what did you two really want to be when you grew up?Steve: Footballers to be honest, yeah we were signed to orient when we were about 11 years old, this is when the F.A first started up the professional youth teams, and we were 10 when they signed us and that was 1975 we were signed to Orient until we were 15 years old, we had this dream of getting an apprenticeship but we were pretty short back then and we haven’t really grown very much since then, and the reason why Orient never signed us is because they took us in the office in 1978 and said you haven’t grown, so that was that, so we were destined to be, or should I say wanted to be, footballers but that didn’t happen, we left school in 1980, I’m a qualified gas service engineer by trade (Bobby) - and I was always in sales (Steve).
Q. Do your parents still want you to get a proper job?Steve: No my missus does! No our parents have always been very supportive and very proud of us since our downfall in our football career happened, they just sort of let us loose to do what we want to do basically and it was good, we had a great upbringing by our parents.
Bobby: I would say no to that basically, my wife wants me to get a proper job, she cant take me being away all the weekends and being travelling and everything else but its all good. But our parents have been very supportive over the years especially when our football career didn’t take off in the mid 70’s, I would say they really understand us now making money by playing music but in the beginning it was hard.
Q. Where did you play your first gigs and where did you learn your craft? Bobby: We actually started in a bar, in Simpson’s, in Forest Gate East London, we used to drink in there when we left school in 1980 and all the gang used to be up there on a Friday night. We got to know the manager called Jim from Leeds, he took over the venue and we approached him one night and said “I think you need a dj in here”, (late 1983/1984). Two weeks later he came up to us and said you know what guys you got the job, we said what do you mean? He said your djing, so we thought ok cool we had records at home we hired a citronic mixer, we had 1200’s back in the day then, we got some photocopied black and white promotional flyers done and we rammed it. We became djs and promoters on the same night.
Q. Can you tell us about what it was like at that time with the vibes in the bars and the clubs and what was happening?Bobby: The vibe back in 84/85 was very exciting because it was mainly house party’s, the clubs were good but you would do this thing called Blues where you would go into derelict houses and that’s where the whole party vibe would be. It was exciting not knowing whether or not the police were going to come and shut you down, you know. The whole illegal concept was normal and getting away with it was even more of a buzz. Everyone who came knew it was an illegal party.
Q. So how do you think it’s all changed now with clubbing and djing being much different today? Bobby: Now the whole scene as far as we are concerned is more business orientated, we still love what we do, its our jobs. We’ve been doing it full time since 1990, everything now is business orientated, which isn’t a bad thing, as things do have to evolve, to get better back in the day then people had there 9 to 5 jobs doing it as a part time thing, its gone on it’s a business now and if you don’t treat it like a business you better go get yourself a 9 to 5 job basically………
Q. Do you think it less fun now?Steve: Not for us, it’s so much fun it untrue, I mean one of the good things about it is that we are twins and we are always flying away together doing our thing, the other advantage for us as well is that we are promoters as well so we have our hardcore crowd especially in the uk our regular crowd throughout the years and know what there going to get when they come to our parties so we know what were going to get when we open the doors to our customers as well for our parties so we still have that fun element there like the first night that we started.
Q. What it like the first night that you started at Garage City? Bobby: Wow, it was a new time then for the whole of London I would say because Kiss FM just launched then as well back in 1990 and we started Garage City 8 months later and at that time it was a whole new thing for London club land. It was very important to us and we still are holding the longest running soulful club night.
Q. How long has Garage City being going for? Bobby: Garage City has been going for 15 years.
Q. Would you agree that nobody could touch you party wise with Garage City being the longest running soulful house night?Steve: We could definitely say that as that’s one thing we are very proud of with us starting a weekly night back in '91. It is the number one party to be at.
Q. How would you describe the music policy of Garage City as it’s not just soulful is it? Steve: No it’s not just soulful, with the way the music is now there are more producers making a deeper sound and a groove which is all good as long as you have got that vibe and it’s soulful we will play it.
Q. Who were your main guest dj’s when Garage City first started? Bobby: Tony Humphreys, Roger Sanchez, generally who’s who of house, even Derrick Carter who plays a very different style of House now, used to play for us back in the day.
Q. Can you tell me about any specific amazing moments that you can remember at Garage City? Steve: 15 years is a long time, we have had so many great memories that it’s hard to highlight one particular moment. Back in 92 we had Ten City come down to the Podium (where we used to hold Garage City) and these guys came down and blew the roof off at the time and I will always remember that moment.
Q. Do you think that there is a stereotype view of Funky House music in the UK at the moment? Bobby: Yeah I mean what is Funky House music?! The media keep changing the names all the time to suit whats going on. The crowd are being misled by what is Funky House some people think it’s 132 bpm, people play Soulful House and it’s still Funky House so I don’t know what Funky House music is to be honest!
Q.How would you describe the sound of the Connected 15th Anniversary compilation? Steve: You cant capture the whole 15 years on one compilation but we tried to take some of the tracks throughout the years that we thought have been great hits at our party’s and we believe that something for everyone on there, its 70 percent old and then we’ve come right up to current up to date tracks. There is an special Earl Young drum mix plus Ten City – “Where do we go from here” There is a Kym Mazelle 1988 track from Marshall Jefferson called ‘Im a lover” few re-edits on there Linda Clifford there’s a bit for everyone on there.
Q. What’s the difference between the two mixes? Steve: Well C.D. one starts off in that true 1991 Steve Silk Hurley party sort of vibe where Garage City sort of started then it moves along to disco in the middle and towards the end of cd one were playing with the mass order - lift every voice, the original demo mix which was massive back in the day for garage city and then CD 2 starts off in that same vibe but then after track 3 it just goes bang into whats happening and whats current now and we sort of take it down towards the end of CD 2.
Q. Do you think you have reached a peak in your career? And where will you be in ten years time? Bobby: Personally I think we have just started, with all the knowledge we have learned over the past 24 years doing this in the industry now we are going to take that to go to the next 20 years, so we’ve just started, it’s still very exciting and very new for us and we have a long way to go yet.
Bobby & Steve DJS / Producers / Radio Presenters /Promoters London
Bobby & Steve were brought up on and inspired by the greats of soul music, such as Teddy Pendergrass, Loose Ends, The Chi-Lites, Leroy Burgess, McFadden & Wh..tehead, Barry Wh..te, Thelma Houston, and the Jones g..rls. Born and bred East End twins Bobby & Steve’s musical heritage rests firmly on the shoulders of soul funk and disco.
In 1984, at just twenty years of age the tw..ns landed their first regular DJ gig at a local wine bar, ‘Simpson’s’, and soon afterwards were holding regular Saturday night warehouse parties, searching out illegal venues which were big enough to hold the hoards of followers as the word spread. Bobby & Steve soon became both instrumental and respected figures in the eighties warehouse party scene, through playing their favourite soul and funk music at their own parties alongside fellow guest DJ’s Norman Jay & Jazzy B from Soul 2 Soul Fame.
From the early days of their influential soul haven Klub Zoo, to their monumental 10 Year Anniversary ‘Garage City’ party at Fabric. IN 2000 to their ten year show on Kiss FM, Bobby & Steve have been constant figure heads in championing the soulful House Sound. Two of the most respected names in dance music, Bobby & Steve, Zoo Events, and now Zoo Groove Stereo Records, continue to command respect for their huge success, past, present and future.
- AUSTRALIA / ASIA -
Bobby & Steve made two trips to Asia, the first was HONG KONG and playing for the MTV ASIA MUSIC AWARDS & CHIVER REGAL PARTY and in 2002 they were invited to play for THE ALFRED DUNHILL LAUNCH PARTY for their new and recently opened store in the City. In 2005, Bobby & Steve were invited back to Hong Kong and performed at the Dragon- I club and have added another date to there 2006 Asia/Australia tour, which kicks off mid February at the Dragon- I in Hong Kong and then to Sydney & Melbourne in Australia for a four date tour.
- MIAMI -
Bobby & Steve have been DEEJAYING and PRODUCING events for 12 years at the Miami Winter Music Conference, their “Soul on the beach party” takes place at the Clevelander hotel on ocean drive every year, and the boy’s rock the party with 4 hour sets.
- IBIZA -
Bobby & Steve hit Ibiza for the first time in 1991 and have been playing on the White island every summer since. They’ve held summer weekly residences at, Es Paradis – El Divino – Eden and have played regular at Pacha, Space and Amnesia.
- RADIO -
News of the success of the boys’ parties soon spread, and it wasn’t long before Bobby & Steve were approached by Gordon Mac, initiator and pioneer of London’s biggest (then) pirate radio station Kiss FM, who offered them a weekly slot. The already established ‘Zoo Experience’ was born. Ten years later and the ‘Zoo Experience’ was Kiss 100 FM’s longest running specialist show. Hosted by Bobby & Steve, the ‘Zoo Experience’ broadcast each and every Friday night between the hours of 10.00 pm and 12.00 am.
- AWARDS -
Bobby & Steve were awarded the “Best Newcomer Show on Kiss Fm” In 1997 and also nominated for the ‘Best Gospel Group’ at the 1997 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards. In 1999 they won the “Best Overseas Radio Show” at the Miami Winter Music Conference. In 2001 they were presented an award for there contribution to music at the “Volkswagen italian Music Awards” In Riccione and in 2003 they were presented with an award for “Best DJ & Promotional Company” at the Underground House Awards in London. In 2004 they were asked to present an award at the “House Music Awards” in London.
However, it was a trip to New York at the tail end of the eighties that was to mark a major turnabout in the futures of Bobby & Steve and Zoo. A visit to Larry Levan’s infamous Paradise Garage club gave the twins their first taste of a new sound dubbed ‘Garage’ music, a sound which American jocks such as Levan and Tony Humphries were championing. Evolving from the more soulful and gospel parts of disco, garage music with its soaring vocals, intricate melodies and jazzy instrumentals, captured the ears of the twins. They had found their sound, dance music that still contained their beloved soulful influences.
With this in mind Bobby & Steve went back to London and wasted no time in launching their legendary Saturday night venture ‘Garage City’, hailed as the UK’s most established Garage night out, playing the best in soulful, funky and uplifting house each and every Saturday for a phenomenal 15 years, and seeing them joined regularly by the biggest names from the house arena. ‘Garage City’ has had visits from the likes of Louie Vega, Tony Humphries, Eric Morrillo, Todd Terry and Danny Tenaglia. ‘Garage City’ has also enjoyed two successful seasons at Es Paradis in Ibiza, plus the release of the ’10 Years of Garage City’ album mixed by the twins via Defected Records to mark it’s 10th anniversary. Since September 1991, and after 15 years of weekly Garage City parties, the twins are now concentrating on promoting one-off monthly “Garage City” tribute parties throughout the UK.
Connected: 15 Years of Garage City Mixed by Bobby & Steve
The latest in Defected’s renowned Connected
series sees Bobby & Steve present the sound of
the Legendary Garage City across an album of
the finest soul infused house music from classic
tracks to upfront dance floor bombs –
A true reflection of Garage City and the perfect
way to celebrate 15 years of a clubbing institution.
Garage City’s 15 All-time Anthems
1. Mass Order ‘Lift Every Voice’
2. Jovonn Running
3. Sandy B ‘Make’s Me Fel Like Singing’
4. Donnel Rush Symphony
5. Michael Watford ‘Made For 2’
6. Maw – India - ‘To Be In Love’
7. Kot ‘Finally’
8. Frankie Kuckles ‘Tears’
9. Michael Proctor ‘Deliver Me’
10. Black Magic ‘Freedom’
11. Azmina ‘Happy In The Rain’
12. Arnold Jarvis ‘Colour Of My Skin’
13. Barbara Tucker ‘Beautiful People’
14. Kerri Chandler ‘Atmosphere’ Dub
15. Spring ‘No Time For Crying’
..
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BOBBY & STEVE, GARAGE CITY, BOBBY & STEVE PRESENTS OR ZOO GROOVE STEREO VISIT
Its Finally Here,"Crying For Love" The New Track from Henri Leo Thiesen & Houseboy with a Vocal from Joeboe is a massive track with a grewling bass line that will hypnotise you and take total control over your moves on the dance floor
If you like the release, please purchase it and help us reach the TOP 100 on beatport, your support would mean alot to us! Thanks!
Remixes By: Slin Project, Josh Beat among others SUPPORTED BY: DJ WHITESIDE SLIN PROJECT JAYBEE GABI NEWMAN NOLL & KLIWER
•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?• ????? SMOOTH N SEXY ????? •?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•?•
DJ’S & ON ROTATION
MARC HOUSE LAMONT (shine fm) NAUGHTY(kiss fm) MARVI SWIFT FINGER (hyperadio) M.A.D.D.N.E.S.S(sub jam) JAZZY D(shine fm) BROTHER J (house fm) SLIPPERY D (phatbeats.net) F SWIFT (Ice Cold Fm) DUBPLATE MASTA (Hightz fm)
MC’S ON ROTATION
JUBILEE 2HYPE KLASS MC BROOKE BEE LADY KTB
SPECIAL GUESTS ON ROTATION
RICHIE DAN (call it fate) LENNIE’D’ ICE (we’re) SKT (Another love) (MHP) MARC HOUSE PRODUCTIONS (bigbrother) DJ NAUGHTY (kiss fm) ALL THESE BOTTLED DRINKS *** 3 for £5.00 *** ALL NIGHT!!!!
MUSIC: Club Bangers ? RnB ? Hip Hop? Bashment ? Reggae/ Lovers? Funky House? Bassline ? Old Skool Uk Garage ?Club Classics ?Slow Jams? 80's, 90's, only the party ones, so lets party!!!!!!!
HOSTED BY : MARC SMOOTH/ MARC HOUSE LAMONT n FRIENDS FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm £5 AFTER NO DRESS RESTRICTION JUST A FUN NIGHT OF CHEAP DRINKS N GOOD MUSIC EMAIL OR ADD US ON MSN AT SMOOVE@BRITPOST.COM WWW.SMOOTHANDSEXY.TK
After the successful launch party of Groove Odyssey at Club Colosseum, we are very proud to announce our 2nd date on Saturday 5th December at London's Scala in the heart of central London. This beautiful multi-purpose venue will play host to an all star line up of DJ's & Pa's including all the way from the USA, very special guest's, MR V & DJ Disciple in the main room alongside residents Bobby&Steve's (birthday set) plus an exclusive Groove Odyssey showcase.
Tickets are on sale now from all the usual outlets, and they are selling fast!
Hey Here is the latest release from FAADA! the link to listen to the clips and also purchase are below the picture....Oh! and here is the link for the FAADA site with the rlease page! http://www.faada.co.uk/?page_id=569
CIRCLE OF FUNK FEAR OF TIME EP SLAPPED UP SOUL RECORDINGS
Supported by Domu, Phil Asher, Sy Sez, Daz I Kue, Melchyor A, Footloose, Abicah Soul, Velanche from Urban Landscapes, Booker T, Paul Trouble Anderson, Lady Duracell, Eddy Meets Yannah, Laurent Garnier, plus many more.
MIKEWHITEPRESENTS: "Timbuktu (Night of the Hunter Remix)" Here's our latest mix for you to enjoy. Download from the widget, or take a look at the video we made to accompany the tune. Radio with pictures..now there's a nice idea! Many thanks for your ongoing support. Best wishes from all of us in London.
"Larry and I would blow up balloons, set up the food bar, prepare the punch, and give out acid, but we also spent a lot of time in the DJ booth, watching Nicky's every move. He pretty much taught us what he was doing". says Frankie Knuckles We're doing another Love Fever Party on November 7th... This time we've got NYC Legend Nicky Siano over for a proper disco session. We'll be putting our usual Love Fever attention to detail into the sound system, decor, staff, artwork, balloons, roller girls, projections, etc. And music wise we're got a Funktion One system and two rooms of underground disco new and old. Expect a night of disco fuelled Love Fever debauchery. www.lovefever.org for tickets and info ..
Thanks for the ongoing support.. As a treat from us to you, here's a download of our latest tune "Leskovac (TJO Acid Edit)" for you to enjoy. Click PLAY and download from the widget thingy. Best wishes from London!!
AND if you like what you hear, you can download more of our tunes FOR FREE from this great website, which donates a portion of proceeds to the charity of your choice.http://www.gimmesound.com/MikeWhitePresents
HI, Klam Records Presents his new release. Simple EP. is a wonderfull job with deep house lines made by DJ AX, from colombia! www.beatport.com/label/klam THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT,AND FEEDBACKS! Click on Pic for listen and buy!
CHECK OUT MY NEW SLIDE VIDEO FOR "IM FEELIN YA" PLUS CHECK OUT THE "PROM QUEEN REMIX" WITH LIL WAYNE FEAT YOURS TRULY BOTH PRODUCED BY T.CHARLES. HER ALBUM (THE WAY) IS NOW ON ITUNES, AMAZON, NAPSTER, AND CDBABY. TO ALL DJS THAT WOULD LIKE A COPY OF MY SINGLE SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. TO FANS THAT WOULD LIKE TO HELP PROMOTE ME YOU CAN PUT ME ON YOUR TOP FRIENDS LIST, PUT MY SINGLE ON YOUR PAGE, OR PUT PICS OF ME ON YOUR PAGE. PLUS FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/LILBABYTCP.
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