Like To Get To Know You Well: DJ Bex

Wedding Jam: Let's start at the beginning. What was the first record - single or album - you bought with your own money? HONESTLY! We know that hardly anyone starts off with something achingly cool like the Velvet Underground or DJ Shadow - we've all gotta start somewhere!

Bex: I have a feeling the first record i bought was a 'Now That's What I Call Music' album, probably volume 8 in 1986. I loved my pop music back then and used to buy 'Smash Hits' magazine so I could learn all the lyrics!

How did you get into DJing?

I got into DJing after being a band manager and promoter. Back then my group of friends used to go clubbing in 5th Ave, 42nd Street and Funkademia - I always used to think what I would play next, and the DJs at these clubs became my idols! I was always the person who would sit my friends down and play them records, so after the band split up, I got my first turntables and started to play at the club after parties! And then with the support of the Funkademia promoter, I got my first bar residency and eventually managed to become a Funkademia DJ!

Ace! So what for you are the key cornerstones of a great DJ set?

I think for me it's about reading the room, picking up on what people are singing along to, a band t-shirt, when and how to raise the energy. Don't even think about it too much, sometimes it's just instinctive. The other thing is set programming, I don't mean plan your whole night but have enough tools in your record collection that you can go anywhere with your set.

What 3 records are impossible for you to leave out of any DJ set?

Now this is tricky - I play parties that are funk and soul heavy to metal, goth and rock to dance and pop!

1. Take on Me -Aha

2. Red Light Spells Danger - Billy Ocean

3. Set You Free - N-Trance

Tell us about a favourite wedding DJing experience of yours...!

One of my favourite weddings was a night when I was asked to play a '5th Ave' style night at Victoria Baths, it was one of those nights where the guests were so up for it that I just couldn't put a foot wrong - the night was full of bangers and all the records were being cheered. On the last song I was dragged on to the dancefloor by the guests to get involved and then had huge cheers at the end! Was quite emotional! (However I am known for getting on the dancefloor of my own accord!)

Haha! Love that. So what 5 artists best represent your variety and diversity of musical tastes?

Great question!

1. Fall Out Boy

2. Pendulum (and The Prodigy) can't choose between them!

3. The Jam

4. De La Soul

5. Motionless in White

Oh the temptation to put more!

Well you snuck an extra one in there but we'll let you off. What one track is your surefire guaranteed floorfiller?

Fireball - Pitbull!

What's the most unusual or memorable first dance record you've ever played?

The most memorable was actually a father-daughter dance. The couple had their first dance outside and then came inside for the father-daughter dance...I started 'My Girl' by The Temptations and then at the perfect moment switched into 'Low' by Flo Rida! The bride and the dad did a routine which was brilliant! Only the couple, the dad and I knew. A priceless, hilarious and unforgettable moment.

What 10 albums would be your Desert Island Discs?

Foo Fighters - One by One

Superfunky Compilation

Morcheeba - Big Calm

Motionless in White - Scoring the End of the World

Electric Callboy - TEKKNO

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

De La Soul - 3ft High and Rising

Blur - Parklife

Pearl Jam - Ten

The Beatles - Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Do you have any big DJing no-no's?

My biggest no-no is playing the same song twice in a set. I will only do this if it's important for any reason for the couples. I've even been offered money to play a track again!

Haha! And finally - fundamentally, what can a couple expect from you as their wedding DJ?

If a couple book me for their DJ, then they can expect full commitment to giving them whatever they want for their party! I always like a call and have lots of questions to build the ideal night for them and their guests. I am naturally a high energy DJ so if it's a crazy wild club vibe you want then I've got you - however I can also do sophisticated and cool! My music knowledge is good over a wide range of genres, and I'm good at reading the room, building energy and creating memorable moments.