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Getting all funked UP^^ with Toronto's finest — Brad 212 Finlay
Reported by benz
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Submitted 14-09-05 21:09
You ask most DJs over here how they got into DJing, the answer is usually pretty standard. Sure, it’s usually pretty interesting anyhow, but the descent into the depths of disc-spinning obsession usually follows a pretty standard pattern. One DJ however who has a rather more intriguing and unusual tale to tell is Sedition DJs house music hero Brad 212 Finlay.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Brad’s story is both mightily impressive and interesting. He has been in London for the past 7 years forging out his new life here, and has been immensely successful in following his DJing dream. A versatile DJ who covers the whole house music spectrum, he is a truly clued-up jock who has been following the global house scene avidly for a long time. One must know one’s roots as they say. He had a long spell of promoting massively popular nights at The Chapel Bar in Islington and has for some time been part of the very impressive Sedition DJ roster. He is one of the most popular DJs on the London house circuit and has played at all kinds of different parties in the scene, from City Loud at Turnmills to DirtyFunkySexy at Studio 33 to PapaDiso at The Egg and becomeone at Sublogic.
Brad will be appearing in the UP^^ room at NastyDirtySexMusic at Ministry of Sound on October 8th — now officially London's most popular (and best some would say) house music night! It’s sure to be a killer night and I for one am rather excited about checking these two promotions out for the first time. I think Brad may be a *little* more excited than me however...
OK let’s get this out the way first. What the hell is the 212 in your name all about?!
Haha, well to be honest it comes from back home in Toronto. *queue flashback sequence*. At a time when my older brother and I were out every/all weekend (I was about 16) we began hosting our own parties wherever possible. We’d usually rope-in whatever out-of-town DJs were in the City to play by bribing them with contraband.
We eventually moved into an old warehouse conversion which doubled as our venue. We’d stamp hands out front (much to the dismay of our very square neighbours) and even setup a bar in the freight elevator which came straight into our flat. People would sometimes recognize me when out partying as ‘the DJ from that apartment 212 on Ontario St’. I took on the name DJ212 and it just went from there.
So, you hail from Toronto in Canada. You were playing out from the age of 14. Was it weird DJing to crazy party people this young? Was it a while before you totally understood the whole clubbing thing or were you pretty clued-up even then?
It was very surreal actually. I’d come back up to my parent’s house after a crazy weekend to meet up with some school mates for ‘ciggies in the park’ and we’d swap stories of our last couple nights out. My tales of 7 foot drag queens, girl-girl action, guns, drugs music and money always seemed too crazy to be true at that age (well, even now I guess). I suppose I grew up pretty fast due to my brother who’s 6 years senior.
What made you decide to come over to the UK in the first place?
Definitely music. I wanted to pursue my DJing and thought the only way to be taken seriously was to swim with the big, drunken fish. At the time though, I was studying chemical engineering and wanted to pack it in, but without a massive assault from the parentals. I told my dad I was thinking of working the London stock market as a junior whatever-ya-wanna-call-it as a ploy to soften the blow on him. I think he knew what I was up to though considering I sacrificed one-half of my luggage allowance to a record box.
Did you ever think you had made the wrong decision? Did you know many people when you came over or was it quite difficult at first?
Very difficult at first yeah, definitely! I found people more difficult to talk to than those back home and, considering I moved to Bromley, was rather out of my element as a baggy pant, street-talking, 20 year old little punk. I just couldn’t relate to all the long white shoes, slicked down hair and pink cardigans! (Ahh, adolescence… how crap). I eventually met up with some like minded people at the Velvet Underground (RIP) where I saw my first UK DJ set — Carl Cox (in a room of 125 guests...how quaint)
Where and how did you get your first gig in London?
My first London gig was at some early morning afterparty in Bethnal Green playing really hard dance. The house I lived in (The Avenue in Queens Park.. also RIP) was full of totally crazy hard housers... it was a vast adjustment from my usual deep, chunky Chicago and NY house, but after biting the bullet I fell in love with the vibe!
And what really got the ball rolling for you after that?
Well over the next 3 years I carried on playing at hard house events and eventually got myself a gig at Match Made in Heaven playing funky house in the VIP room (1999). That was around the time funky house was just kicking off in London and I was very excited to have my kind of music from back home, in the unbeatable environment of London clubs! I just fell in love with the city (again). I started playing house anywhere I could and, after playing many small bars in the NW London area, finally got my first residency at The Chapel Bar in Angel. I met the owner after a guest set and a few days later I was given Friday nights to promote as my own. Fresh Fridays is where I really learned a lot about my trade, the industry, people and most importantly, promoting. It was invaluable experience.
What styles do you play? Do you feel more natural playing one style over another or is it all just part of the package for you?
I really have a hard time pigeon-holeing my style, as I’ve gained such varied influences over the time. Obviously my soulful element comes from having top US DJs on our doorstep back in T.O. and my hard house spell *shudders* is definitely responsible for all my mad, twisted, relentless dirty UK house and the bits of electro I like to play. I guess it really depends where I’m playing and to who. At the moment I really like driving, crazy house. My friends and I always say that the best tunes are the ones so mental, that when you think back to them the next, you have no idea what was being played — pure lunacy.
By the sounds of it you’ve been following house music closely for years and really have a passion and knowledge for the roots of house music and its many sub-genres. Has there been a golden age for house music in your opinion?
Ahh, so many golden ages in fact. I’d have to start with the whole Chigaco and NY influenced house — basslines that devastated dancefloors the world over between 93–96. Professional Widow and Todd Terry’s ‘Somthin’ Goin’ On’ were unbelievable around that time. So was ‘The Bomb’ — The Bucketheads. ‘Spin Spin Sugar’, then Eddie Amador with ‘House Music’ shortly after... WOOSH!!!… THAT was a heavy period.
The Jungle movement in Toronto was also huge with me at that time. We’d get massive UK names over every weekend and I just couldn’t get enough.. haha, I remember ‘partying’ so much I’d nearly be sick with dancing so hard every weekend *blows horn… thrice*
The icing on the cake though is actually right bloody now! Take a look around — we’re in the middle of a huge transitional faze, seeing every boundary broken, re-invented and broken down again. It’s so exciting and I’m just loving it right now... possibly more than ever in fact! *gets up to shake booty to the NDSM album*
How did you get involved with Sedition DJs, who co-promotes UP^^?
Matthew Duffield of Sedition approached me to secure a date at The Chapel Bar for a new night. We got chatting about his then budding agency plans and I became interested when I realized how professional the guy is — honestly, a stand up bloke — I have endless respect for him and the work he does. I joined the roster and I’ve never been happier. I’m lucky to be part of some of Matthew’s more alluring projects — namely Going Places coming up at Turnmills on Sept 30th. It’s the 2nd birthday event so he’s secured the whole venue and is making damn sure people have a good time — Hernan Cattaneo, Satoshi Tomiie, Aldrin, Syke n Sugarstar, Tania Von Pear, Ben Dela Pena, Cheshire Catz, yours truly and many many more… it’s honestly going to rock and just punctuates why I love being a Sedition DJ.
October 8th sees you play once again for UP^^ at NastyDirtySexMusic (at Ministry of Sound). What have you experienced of these two parties?
Well the first UP^^ event I played was purely electric — people looked sweaty, nuts and happy. I can’t wait for it to be honest! The one and only NDSM I’ve been to (August) was mental. The music really took me back to some early-day Chicago and Detroit house and I don’t remember being musically gob-smacked so heavily in a LONG time. The fact that we’ve got UP^^ on a NDSM night is just crazy… things will break open.
Have you played at Ministry Of Sound before? How would you describe the club to someone who’s never been there before? It’s such a famous club that people’s expectations of it can be quite different from the real thing...
‘What?! HUH?! Sorry?! I… no. Can’t quite hear you?! What?’
That’s how — bloody loud. The system in every room is just, well… amazing! The layout is such that there’s always a vibe going, PLENTY of eye-candy… (dear lord) and everyone just seems to be going insane... Ministry’s rep wasn’t so good a few years ago and, admittedly, even I was put off going. Lately though, wow... It seriously rocks and is possibly my new favourite venue (don’t worry Turnmills, I’ll always love you too).
Which producers and labels are floating your proverbial boat at this minute? Is there a distinctive sound you are going for at the moment?
My flavour of the week is probably some of the dirtier stuff I get recommended by the Dan (Catz). He’s been in the electro scene steady so I’m tailing him, but really enjoying mixing some of the Trentemoller sound, and the like. I like some of the more obscure Axwell stuff, Switch and Etienne De Crecy are hot. On the pumping soulful tip, there’s a Sunburst Band record called ‘We Will Turn You On’ (Brian Tappart Mix) which is great.
Which producer or DJ would you most like to DJ with? Who do you really respect and why?
DJ-wise, even after 18 months of playing alongside him at City Loud, I’d have to say CJ Mackintosh. The guy practically gets records before people have even invented them and he really knows ‘house’ music. I hold a lot of respect for him.
CJ Mackintosh and Brad
What has been your most enjoyable party, event, festival or weekend this summer?
That dreadfully long August Bank Holiday seems to be the only thing I can remember of the summer... It was relentless (4 days, no sleep) but the best parts were sharing a bill with Seb Fontaine at the White House and cruising the carnival with some jerk chicken listening to bone rattling bass – wicked.
And finally — are you bigger as a DJ in Toronto or in London? If you had to choose one over the other...?
I’ll never forget my roots, and often re-live them when I hunt through the records I brought over with me. In all honesty though, I feel I’ve finally made it home — after 7 years, I belong in The Smoke.
xxx
Brad ‘212’ Finlay
www.brad212finlay.com
Photos courtesy of Brad 212 Finlay. Not to be reproduced without permission.
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Other Features By benz:
Introducing: Salerno - part of Chemistry's NuWave selection
Eat Static return for Lost In Space
Coburn bring their live show to UP^^
The return of The Colosseum
Modernism, Politburo and Sedition: Matthew Duffield’s manifesto
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Richard Launch on 15th Sep 2005 10:33.27
Top stuff Brad - see you on the 8th mate. 
From: Yojo - Cyberkitten on 15th Sep 2005 11:27.41
Great interview Benz. Well done Brad212 - very nice to see another Torontonian make good in the Big Smoke  xx
From: Stevi D on 15th Sep 2005 14:03.31
Quality DJ and definately one of the best house dj's on the scene and has been for awhile. Nice one Brad!!
From: Tim Davison on 15th Sep 2005 15:29.16
A really top notch DJ
From: Dan Cheshire Cat on 15th Sep 2005 16:20.22
I remember when we first played back to back at cheshire st brad, 2 years ago, and i was in awe of your natural mixing (I didn't tell you at the time) - you put the record on, wacked up the pitch controller and it was in time. Made my careful-listening-to-the-record-all-the-way through look painful and primitive. We will get 'drop it' signed, just you wait! Dan Catx
From: Brad 212 Finlay on 15th Sep 2005 19:33.33
Hey everyone thanks for reading all that (i do go on a bit .. ) and the flattering comments!
From: House Mouse on 16th Sep 2005 01:28.44
Excellent interview Brad, i think I actually learnt a bit more about you too!
From: Not Marcus on 16th Sep 2005 09:33.30
Brad you legend  Nice one mate, hope to see you soon mate, it's been way too long
From: benz on 16th Sep 2005 13:47.48
see you on Oct 8th buddy! look forward to meeting you
From: Karl Alexander on 19th Sep 2005 15:38.37
Legend !!!
From: grooves on 20th Sep 2005 11:52.31
great interview! x
From: sunvisordude on 20th Sep 2005 16:18.17
Ha ha ha, The Avenue........I live on brondesbury Park 
From: Brad 212 Finlay on 20th Sep 2005 18:51.06
sunvisordude, Do you really? We used to throw insane parties at ours back in the day.. ever make your way to 23 The Avenue?
From: Tania von Pear on 21st Sep 2005 10:56.02
Hey 212
See you 8th October and can't wait til 30th...firin funky tunes from the BDP n the 212!
xxxxxxx
From: Lizzie Curious on 22nd Sep 2005 13:52.20
nice one, great interview!
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