Well, it really is about time we caught up with this hugely talented DJ/Producer. He has been hustling hard for years. Mixtape after mixtape has been put out and fortunately for anyone with good taste in music, he got signed to Breakin Bread in the middle of last year. His track ‘You Never Change’ was released toward the end of 2007.

Let’s get you started with an exclusive. Although his skills lie in scratching and producing beats, Para’s tune selection is also not to be tested. When I approached him about doing a BITS! mix he brought it to my attention that if he was going to do it properly, it would take him at least 6 months. Instead he’s put together a compilation of some of his favourite tracks, no mixing, no scratches, just dope tunes…

The DJ Para Compilation

Tracklisting:

1. Para - Intro
2. Freestyle Fellowship - My Fantasy
3. Larry Coryell - Morning Sickness
4. Dynametrix - I’m not a weakling
5. John Klemmer - Free Soul
6. Organized Konfusion - Releasing hypnotical gases
7. The Shocking Blue - Love Buzz
8. Pip Skid - These colors don’t run
9. Jacques Lousier - Pulsion
10. Q Bert - Scroll of the Wrist Beam
11. Eyedea - Powdered Water
12. Of Mexican Descent - Money is Meaningless
13. PD3 - Rehearsing live at the Jumbo
14. RJD2 - The Chicken bone circuit
15. 4 Hero - Third Stream

Download: The DJ Para Compilation

Now for the interview:

Right, first stop, can you introduce yourself to the masses -

Hello.

What are you first and foremost, Scratch DJ or Producer of dope beats?

I guess firstly I would be considered a scratch dj. I got into production at a later date but now I probably spend the same amount of time making music as I do practising scratching.

I know that you spent some time in the United States – can you tell us a little more about that experience and how it affected you?

The first time I went out was in 1999 to San Diego. Within 1 day I had hooked up with a crew out there called the Creatures and moved from my motel into one of their houses. It was surreal to say the least, the whole crew was kind of living there, everyone had their own room with set ups to make beats.

Everyday something was being recorded. That’s also where I met ‘Tenshun’ probably my favourite scratch dj I heard to date. We would practice a lot together, it opened up my mind considerably, he was like a Jazz scratch Musician. I went out to San Francisco a year later and again stayed with Destin; he had moved up by then and was working at Amoebas record shop. I loved every minute of both trips, came back with a truck load of records and a lot of inspiration.

What was the name of your first mixtape and is it still available?

The first mix tape I put out was called ‘Complete Paranoia‘ I think I put out around 100 copies or so I know a few are still floating about somewhere but its definitely not available anymore.

You are Swindon born and bred. What was it like growing up as a hiphop head in that town?

I wasn’t actually born in Swindon but definitely bred there. I was born in Bournemouth then moved to Wales for a few years then moved to Swindon around 1986. The hip hop scene in Swindon always was and still is pretty hardcore. I was taught from the very beginning about every element of the culture and the importance of knowing the history. I grew up with a lot of people I genuinely looked up to.

I was also given ‘tough love’, I remember when I first started writing I had my torch pen stamped on for being too much of a toy to use one. Another friend got slapped for peering into a crate of records that wasn’t his, haha. It was brilliant it was like being in the military every day you would get challenged on something. The hip hop scene was intense, really intense; we never had any backing from clubs or bars so it would literally be lino’s in the park for the b-boys and street cyphers for the mc’s.

I know that for myself and the other members of Hiphopalypse, we took a lot of inspiration from yourselves and the scene in Swindon. How did you find playing out in Oxford as opposed to Swindon?

Well when you play in Swindon a lot of time the music you play is falling on deaf ears. It’s a very fast growing town but it still frustrates me with its attitude towards music policies in clubs and bars. I have had countless run ins and arguments with club/bar owners who try to get to involved with the music instead of running their business.

They still have dress codes! Nuff said. When I play in Oxford I’m usually playing to a crowd where the majority are there for the music itself. Oxford has shown loads of support for me personally and I always love playing there. Hiphopalypse also gave Baila and me the chance to support some cool artists so word up for that.

My first memory of you was going to see NoMoHo at Riffs Bar back in 2001. How did find playing in that band?

It was consistently funny, every single time we played together we had fun and I think that’s was the main reason we became popular. We were essentially an improvised hip hop/funk band. At one point we were playing once or twice a week every week for about 2 years. The crazy thing was the band never rehearsed, I honestly think in the 4 years we were together the band rehearsed about 5 times no joke.

Still to this day I get people asking if they can book The No More Horses, sometimes I wish we took it more seriously and worked on material, especially nowadays considering the amount of funk/hip hop bands that have had success since.

One of my favourite releases from you and Baila was the Saxton Collection. It really seemed like that release was the one that set you on your way – Yeah you’re probably right, that was hard work though. Baila would come to mine in the morning and we would work on that mix till about 5 or 6 in the eve and probably get about 30 seconds done.

We would put a lot of thought into each section and argue every step of the way on best ways to flip drums or where the scratches should go and so on. This would be followed by fits of laughter and a quick game of darts. This became the daily routine. That and Baila always arriving with some kind of cake to eat. We really wanted to make it as detailed and musical as possible. I’m still really pleased with that mix.

What has been your favourite project/release to date?

The one I’m working on right now…Until I start the next one.

You and Baila played NYE for Breakin Bread, how was it?

Yeah it was really cool. Thanks to everyone that came. We had a full dance floor to play to which always helps as well as Stig of the Dump hosting and getting the crowd lively. Thanks as well to Skeg for putting on the night and putting us up.

Quickfire:

Favourite meal?

Roast.

Worst item of clothing?

Polo necks (destroy them all)

Made any NY’s resolutions?

None whatsoever.

You are obviously making moves and I expect to see you continue in your ascendancy this year. What releases have you got lined up for 2008?

The fifth battle weapon should be out any day now; I’m hoping I can get another 3 or 4 out this year. Also I have been working on a solo album for a while and looking to get that wrapped up this year, the first release from this was the Breakin Bread 7″, and hopefully there will be another 7 dropping soon. I just finished another cut and paste style mix and plan to start working on something with Baila and Acme later this year (look out for that!)

Right, people who haven’t heard any of your material need the knowledge. Aside from checking your beats on LMFLH’s Vol.1+2, where can we hear your stuff?

Most of my earlier releases are now only available through my web site (djpara.com). Everything else you can get hold of via online stores or independent record shops. Boombox Distribution carries most of my releases.

Where are you next playing out?

Oxford at The Cellar for The Dugout. That should be a good night.

Fancy, coming down to Brighton and playing a set at Blunted?

Sounds good.

Lastly, have you got any shout-outs/thank you’s?

Yes… But because once I mention a few a very long list will appear so I’ll leave it at “Thanks to everyone”.

Now here’s your chance to win a copy of Para and Baila’s amazing Feats Per Minute. We have 3 copies up for grabs. All you have to is complete the following:

“I deserve to win a copy of Feats Per Minute because…”

Answer in the comments box below. Make sure you include your email address. The winners will be announced on Friday 18th January.

Words: Tyranny