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Interview with Carey Lyseight |
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Written by Sizzla
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Thursday, 27 September 2007 |
How why and when did you get into Salsa?
I started off working in the cloakroom at the Mambo Inn in Brixton when I was about 15 as my dad ran it with 2 others. The Mambo Inn specialised in world music, so there was salsa mixed in with everything else. I used to go to a lot of his gigs and started to get into salsa and know people on the scene. Then I started to dance and frequent places such as Villa Stefano’s where Dave Hucker played (mostly Cuban) salsa. My interest grew and I started to collect music. I also worked at Mr Bongo’s for a few years with Luis Libres and learnt a lot there, and from my dad and Johnny G.
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
I have never officially ‘learnt’ how to dance. If you saw me, then you’d know there’s nothing technical about it! When I worked in clubs, guys used to drag me up from my seat protesting, and I eventually got the hang of it. It was a bit too close for comfort at first!
How, when and why did you get into DJing?
I was approached by John Armstrong to be a resident dj for a new Bar Cuba opening in Nicosia, Cyprus. Even though I’d never dj’d before, people expected I could do it as my dad could, so at 19 years old, I thought ‘why not’! I’ve been djing ever since.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration is initially from my father who has always had a passion for music, regardless of its genre. I’m
mostly the same and like to play salsa that I really enjoy to hear and
to move to, rather than where its from or whether it falls into a
‘fashion’ bracket. Times change and there is always a new fad, but I do have a lot of love for Latin music.
Who do you admire?
I admire anyone who has the balls to get up and do something they have the passion for and really enjoy. I
also admire the rest of the women dj’s out there who get such a hard
time sometimes, as you really feel the need to prove you know what you
are doing, and are passionate about it.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
I couldn’t say. I have so many favourites depending on my mood. I tend to go for the classics like Sonora Poncena who are timeless.
What are your all time favourite tracks?
Chan chan by Compay Segundo and Gitana by Willie Colon
What was the last CD you bought?
Kanye West
If you were not a successful DJ, what would you be doing instead? Or if you also have a full-time job, what do you do?
I work for Virgin and am the administrator for a global competition set up to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The prize is $25 million.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played?
My favourite club was when I was working at the Loughbourough Hotel in Brixton on Friday nights. The
vibe was great, you could wear what you wanted, dance how you wanted
and interpret the music however you liked without feeling like you
weren’t part of things because you didn’t know a particular shine. People
used to get on the stage and freak out on their own if they felt like
it, and the crowd were real music appreciators so I could push the
boundaries.
What are your favourite artists / albums?
Los Van Van –Llego Van Van
Sonora Poncena-Birthday Party
Edwin-Edwin Y Su SonJuan
Luis Guerra-Bachata Rosa
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
Kanye West
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I trained to be a chef
What has been your most memorable moment?
Starting my own club night. It was really hard work, and I learnt a lot from it.
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa
Oh goodness, loads! I
once sped up a track by about 40% without realising, and everyone
looked at me like I was a complete idiot as there was no way they could
dance to it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy yourself! It’s not all about how much you know, it’s about enjoying it.
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