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Random Guy had a few words with Sappo between preparations for his weekly M1X show on 1xtra (Tuesdays 2-6am) |
 A veteran of the Manchester drum and bass scene, DJ Sappo has been mixing since the tender age of 15 and soon began playing out at clubs in and around the city. Self taught, he was driven by a passion for beats and developed a unique style that would become his trademark. Gaining notoriety as a DJ that set dancefloors alight, the desire to become an integral part of the scene grew strong and in 1993 he began producing tracks that would be incorporated into sets across the country. With early releases on some of the UK’s most respected labels such as Flex and Intalex, influences ranging from Hip Hop to Detroit Techno and US Garage were revealed. This, together with a deep understanding of technical engineering allowed Sappo to put together some of the most memorable tracks to emerge in the formative years of UK drum n bass including Dopeman, Ding Dong Bass and Wheel Up. After enjoying huge success from his distinctive brand of tunes a gap in the market presented itself and Advisory Records, Sappo’s own label was born as an outlet for the wealth of talent that Manchester housed. Over recent years as an artist Sappo has sold over 250,000 records, both through his own label, and on majors such as world dance, Frontline, Intalex, Formation, Flex, Rinse Out, Emotif and many others. He has played at venues all over the world including America, Germany, France, Dublin and Belgium and has achieved success with crowds in pretty much every city in England. 2005 has marked a new era for Sappo and the future looks decidedly bright. With forthcoming remixes and releases for Ganja, 3d Mode, Daddy Freddy, Broke n English, Emotif and Advisory he has also found time to perform sets at Global Gathering, Notting Hill Carnival, Fabric, Movement, Metropolis and SE1.  Where are you from? Im from Manchester, I’m a manc!! Fallowfield to be precise! What was the first record you ever brought? My first record was pass the dutchie, then the breakdance soundtrack. I’ve still got them! When did you first start getting into D&B? I’ve been there from the very start been DJ’ing since 1989. Started producing in 1995 and the rest is history. If you could say 1 artist, who would be your overall best of all time? Pete rock is an inspiration - a great hip hop producer. Someone who can make something out of nothing-a great skill! When did you first start DJ’ing? 1989, many moons ago!! Where did your DJ name come from? My second name-sappleton-everyone at school called me sappo for short even my mum calls me sappo. If you weren’t DJ’ing what do you think you would be doing? I would be a P.E teacher or a physical instructor. (I dropped out of college to do DJ’ing) or a footballer!! How did you get to become a DJ? I was always into music from an early age and my dad is a DJ, so i just rolled with the punches and got my first decks in 88. My cousin bought them for me out of her giro for 14 pounds!!!! What's the best part about being a DJ? The money-joke! Travelling all over and getting to meet fresh and interesting people/places. It keeps me alive! I love it... Which DJ would you say you look up to or aspire to? Noel Edmonds!!! What is a stand out moment that happened in your life? There’s a few. Touring America with L Double in the nineties was sick!!! He did the west coast and I did the east and we met in the middle! Playing world dance New Years Eve in 1998, and definitely being signed to 1xtra. Which famous person would you like to hang out with for a day and why? Rene Zellwegger or Kate Beckinsale - cause I have a thing for girl next door types!!!! What would you say to anyone who wants to be a D&B DJ? If you want to be a Dj you have to have an angle, be original, and have something different to give other than the norm. Never give in, even if u reach the point of giving up!!! Tune in to Dj Sappo every Tuesday morning from 2-6AM on the 1Xtra M1X Show http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/drumbass Catch DJ Sappo performing a 2 Hour set this Friday at funKtion, Blueprint nightclub Look out for “Fear The Future/Locked On” by Dj Sappo, due out in November on Emotif Records  Comment (0)  Send to friend  Print  Add to Facebook  Socialise
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