Report by Faye, website producer
Thanks to a DJ course in Wood End, some of the next big talents to hit international clubs and radio stations could be from Coventry. A fortnightly class is teaching dedicated teenagers all the techniques they need to make it big as DJs.
I went along to meet the young talents and to hear what they had to offer. And I was very impressed. I met four lads - Anthony, Stephan, Nyron and Shadrach - all aged 13-14.
I also recorded some of their jamming, just click on the audio links on the left to hear their music.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Anthony on the decks
|
The DJ course started around two years ago when Dave Mills, a music producer with years of industry experience, started teaching a few interested teenagers. Students have come and gone over that time, but now the course finds itself home to a small hard core group of dedicated kids.
Despite them modestly saying "It's just something to do on a Sunday", I soon realised this was more to them than just a passing hobby. They are serious about making music and performing live.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Wayne Henry, one of the DJ course mentors
|
When I asked what their friends thought, they all smiled. Apparently friends drop in occasionally to hear them, but the group are really looking forward to being able to show off their skills fully in up-coming live gigs. Stephan said: "They will be really interested - when we're getting somewhere and we've got money."
They all have ambitions for their music, from playing in Ibiza, in Ianappa or on the radio. And I see no reason why they won't be able to follow in the footsteps of their idols Trevor Nelson, Oxide, So Solid Crew and the Dreem Team.
As one of the teachers, Wayne, said: "They are such a talented group, they're really good. We've put beginners on hold now for a while so we can concentrate on these lads and progress them further because they're really getting it and could make something good here."
ÌýThe mentor team, which includes Dave, Ray and Wayne, teach the kids to perfect a range of techniques, including mixing, beat matching, cutting it up and using spin backs. They learn all the skills that pro DJs on the circuit have. And then they practise - loving every minute of it.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Anthony with Shadrach behind
|
Despite being shy and modest when talking about their DJ talent, when it came to getting on the decks, the lads were straight to it. Not fazed by my presence, they jammed with an impressive professionalism and enthusiasm.
With just quick breaks to jam with a basketball in the court next-door, they took it in turns to spin their favourite vinyl.
ÌýThe group has been invited to guest in the hip-hop tent at this year's Godiva Festival in June. This is the main focus for the DJs at the moment, as they all want to get the perfect set together for the big day.
They have also been working with a dance group at the centre, so they can DJ for a break dancing event sometime in the future.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Nyron and Shadrach jamming
|
The decks and DJ equipment is provided by the centre, but the kids always want more vinyl. So far the organisers have bought all the records, guided by the kids, but they're planning a group trip to Birmingham's record shops so the young DJs can start selecting tunes for themselves.
In return for playing at the Godiva Festival, they will each be getting record vouchers to spend on their vinyl wish-lists, building the group's collection.
ÌýThe most immediate ambition the group has is to set up an internet radio station. As well as being a music station, the kids said they'd want to have chat and interviews on air. As one of the DJs, Anthony, said: "We want to deal with things like peer pressure so we can help people as well."
So far the project is in its early stages, but the centre has been promised a new computer to get the output going. At the moment the organisers are researching what other internet radio stations are already available and which other Coventry groups they might team-up with to share the broadcast time.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Stephan and Nyron on the decks
|
Hear some of the jamming from my visit by clicking on the audio links on the top left. These are recordings of the live sound in the room, so they're not recording-quality but they have the atmosphere of the jamming session.
The group is planning to record demos soon, so you might be able to get hold of one when they play in the Godiva Festival hip-hop tent.
ÌýAll the lads said they really enjoyed the DJ course and said anyone with the opportunity should try it. Anthony said: "They [interested kids] should just try it and see if they're any good at it. And just keep trying and not give up. It's worth it."
The centre expects to start another beginners' DJ course sometime this year. To find out more, call Tracey Coombs on 024 7661 8816.
| 
