Just a quickie, we always seem to question the lack of young people on the scene but on Friday night @ Leeds Irish Centre myself,

Steve Luigi and Lucy Locket had the pleasure of deejaying with a youngster called Alex Simms (son of John Simms who used to go to the Central in the early 70's).

This kid was great! He's not only a serious DJ with several well-stacked boxes of his own originals and his own sound system but he clearly loves the music and dances with all the passion and energy a 16 year old can muster.

Yep. 16 years old! Credit where credit's due.

He clearly has the same passion about what he does as many of us did when we started out at the same age and it was refreshing to see someone less than 40 yrs old behind the decks who could play with a level of professionalism which would put many to shame.

Check him out if you get the chance. This is exactly what the scene needs IMO.

Nice one Alex. Pleasure to work with ya!

Ian D

Great post Jayne. I was going to add something along very similar lines, in that most DJ's start off in their own way and pretty much develop organically anyway. I'm sure Alex is no exception.

What I was really trying to get across in this thread was more a sense of jubilation that there are actually 16 years olds who want to play Northern Soul! Given the fact that I have a 14 year old myself (she's an R'n'B freak) and that I don't get to see too many young Northern DJ's, it was a cause for celebration just seeing Alex play. And a refreshing change.

I just think he should be encouraged. This scene's not the easiest scene to DJ to. I think we all know that. So I'm all for encouraging anyone who has the gumption to get in front of a staunch Northern crowd with his own rig and play a great set at such a tender age. It'll be a bonus if he starts breaking his own sounds! We all started somewhere and he's looking in good shape @ 16.

Also I should point out that I have no connection with Alex or his Dad or anyone else for that matter. None of 'em knew I was gonna throw a thread down......

But I should also point out that I asked on several previous threads where the next Northern Soul audience will come from and my guess was that there would be a new younger breed of DJ's who would take Northern Soul to tomorrows young audiences. I guess it helps if you also know your stuff and are technically competent like Alex seems to be.

It's a hapless job but someone's gotta do it.....

Ian D

Hi Ian,

I totally agree, same reasons that Neil and I have always given spots at Bury to these young DJ's. If they're serious, enjoy it and want to do it, I'm all for encouraging them.

Nice one - you've just cheered me up!. I'm feeling all positive again. LOL

Jayne.x

Hi y'all, I was there on the night DJing with Ian, Lucy and Alex, and i can say 'That Kid Is Good'. Alex is a breath of fresh air, although the tunes that he played were mostly oldies I feel that he could have more than confortably played the newer stuff too had it have been right for the event or the time of set that he played. I think that DJs young or old(er), should play what they prefer to play, and even more importantly, what's right for the crowd on the night (the sign of a good DJ). Alex is 16 and although he is now good, if he get's the chance to prove himself, could be brilliant.

Alex really does remind me of when I was a young 'n', Hungry, willing to learn and listen, and desperate to be a Northern Soul DJ. and I can catagoricaly say that if you try hard enough, keep at it, and have the passion, that i think Alex has, you will get what you want.

hang on in there Alex, MUCH bigger things are afoot.

Hiya Steve!

Good fun wasn't it?

Nice wide age range on the stage LOL...

Ian D

Hiya Steve!

Good fun wasn't it?

Nice wide age range on the stage LOL...

Ian D

Dewhirst & Schofield out together again......but where was Wilbert Longmire, Lonnie Liston Smith Greg Diamond, Wardell Piper et all......Botties over Britain ride out once more????

Dewhirst & Schofield out together again......but where was Wilbert Longmire, Lonnie Liston Smith Greg Diamond, Wardell Piper et all......Botties over Britain ride out once more????

It's one thing having 300 nice young arses hanging over the balcony @ Blackpool Mecca in 1975 but quite another to have the same 300 arses doing it 33 years later Al.

Hang on a minute, is there a Guinness World Record for O.A.P. mooning...................?

Ian D

It's one thing having 300 nice young arses hanging over the balcony @ Blackpool Mecca in 1975 but quite another to have the same 300 arses doing it 33 years later Al.

Hang on a minute, is there a Guinness World Record for O.A.P. mooning...................?

Ian D

Count the zimmer frames at any event and it must be close.....if it was'nt for colostemy bags and calipers i dare say we would be witnessing de ja vous.

Yes at one time perhaps about '77 onwards the Jazz Funk crowd seemed to be outnumbering the Northern fraternity at some dual offering venues.

Possibly the Northern troupe at that time were either dissilussioned with the whole Northern thing and had, as some did,including some DJ's moved over and donned freaky New York disco style threads complete with resplendant pixie boots i can just see some of those Funkateer chicks now....mmmm

But where i am leading with this is WHAT happened to all those people?

OK for a few years after their was Caister weekends and such but i could be wrong but you dont seem to hear of organised events/reunions etc for that ilk?

Perhaps the JF crowd dont wake up like us humming to some long forgotten US flop most mornings.

But that then is what Northern Soul is all about

Count the zimmer frames at any event and it must be close.....if it was'nt for colostemy bags and calipers i dare say we would be witnessing de ja vous.

Yes at one time perhaps about '77 onwards the Jazz Funk crowd seemed to be outnumbering the Northern fraternity at some dual offering venues.

Possibly the Northern troupe at that time were either dissilussioned with the whole Northern thing and had, as some did,including some DJ's moved over and donned freaky New York disco style threads complete with resplendant pixie boots i can just see some of those Funkateer chicks now....mmmm

But where i am leading with this is WHAT happened to all those people?

OK for a few years after their was Caister weekends and such but i could be wrong but you dont seem to hear of organised events/reunions etc for that ilk?

Perhaps the JF crowd dont wake up like us humming to some long forgotten US flop most mornings.

But that then is what Northern Soul is all about

Well LOADS of people seem to be turning up again Al.

From the Northern scene on SS alone we've seen Ian Levine, Andy Simpson, Kegsy and Swish in the last couple of weeks alone, all alive and kicking which you wouldn't have laid bets on for some of 'em some 35 years ago LOL....

And the last Soul Revolution in London was like a Central Jazz-Funk reunion with a good 20 odd of the old Central Jazz-Funk crowd there like Ocky, Douglas from Manchester, Lesley, Maureen from Ravensthorpe etc, etc. I couldn't believe it. Couldn't believe Steve Caesar wasn't there but I bet he'll be there next time......

Also I highly recommend the Wakefield City Soul Crew do's @ The Red Bar in Wakefield on the first Saturday of every month as you never know who's going to be there and it's a great mixture of old Northern and Jazz-Funk/Disco era bods from the Central.

Sites like SS probably do more in terms of reuniting long-lost friends from the various eras then a zillion MySpace, Friends Reunited and Facebooks. As I've said before, this is a brilliant facility for which we should all be very thankful, so hats of to Mike and the Mods for THE No.1 Northern Soul forum on the net. Also the threads are always exciting and thought provoking which shows you how active this scene is around the world.

Job well done!

Ian D

Well LOADS of people seem to be turning up again Al.

From the Northern scene on SS alone we've seen Ian Levine, Andy Simpson, Kegsy and Swish in the last couple of weeks alone, all alive and kicking which you wouldn't have laid bets on for some of 'em some 35 years ago LOL....

And the last Soul Revolution in London was like a Central Jazz-Funk reunion with a good 20 odd of the old Central Jazz-Funk crowd there like Ocky, Douglas from Manchester, Lesley, Maureen from Ravensthorpe etc, etc. I couldn't believe it. Couldn't believe Steve Caesar wasn't there but I bet he'll be there next time......

Also I highly recommend the Wakefield City Soul Crew do's @ The Red Bar in Wakefield on the first Saturday of every month as you never know who's going to be there and it's a great mixture of old Northern and Jazz-Funk/Disco era bods from the Central.

Sites like SS probably do more in terms of reuniting long-lost friends from the various eras then a zillion MySpace, Friends Reunited and Facebooks. As I've said before, this is a brilliant facility for which we should all be very thankful, so hats of to Mike and the Mods for THE No.1 Northern Soul forum on the net. Also the threads are always exciting and thought provoking which shows you how active this scene is around the world.

Job well done!

Ian D

Yes totally with you there

Mike & Crew has done a fabulous job and all credit to them.

As you mentioned Ian Levine, and his current thread is just dynamite and a popular read by judgeing the hits.

Like Ian or loath him he did contribute a lot in the early days and i think his productions were not only well composed but ahead of their time. I remember a TOTP with Evelyn Thomas and the OJays being on and i couldnt help but think.....theirs not much daylight here between these...cracking productions that always contained atmospheric string arrangements n things. For me Barbara Pennington 24 Hours a day....ive got 12 inch dont you know

Keep it up Ian....errrrm did you bump into Sally at Central.....or i wonder whats she's doing these days....

Well LOADS of people seem to be turning up again Al.

From the Northern scene on SS alone we've seen Ian Levine, Andy Simpson, Kegsy and Swish in the last couple of weeks alone, all alive and kicking which you wouldn't have laid bets on for some of 'em some 35 years ago LOL....

And the last Soul Revolution in London was like a Central Jazz-Funk reunion with a good 20 odd of the old Central Jazz-Funk crowd there like Ocky, Douglas from Manchester, Lesley, Maureen from Ravensthorpe etc, etc. I couldn't believe it. Couldn't believe Steve Caesar wasn't there but I bet he'll be there next time......

Also I highly recommend the Wakefield City Soul Crew do's @ The Red Bar in Wakefield on the first Saturday of every month as you never know who's going to be there and it's a great mixture of old Northern and Jazz-Funk/Disco era bods from the Central.

Sites like SS probably do more in terms of reuniting long-lost friends from the various eras then a zillion MySpace, Friends Reunited and Facebooks. As I've said before, this is a brilliant facility for which we should all be very thankful, so hats of to Mike and the Mods for THE No.1 Northern Soul forum on the net. Also the threads are always exciting and thought provoking which shows you how active this scene is around the world.

Job well done!

Ian D

Hi Ian, Douglas came up to the last Prestwich(he lives in Brigton now), and he was telling me he has just got in torch with Ocky again after about 20 years.

Caesar was at Douglas,s 50th in Brighton, but i didn,t see him(something to do the state i was in)

Dave

Edited September 3, 200816 yr by davetay

I relieved my dad of a few records!

On the subject of youngblood DJs, Brett Franklin (who's 17) DJed at Rugby a while back & had some people stunned at the quality of his records-all orginal, all his own!

Oh you've made my day....that really tickled me

Our youngest son, Joel DJ`d d and had his own records (although I paid for most of them!) He DJ`d around and won deserved praise, (yep, I'm biased) but Yocky & Sam Evans & Andy Baskett all encouraged him, as did others. He was a great dancer (still is) and won the dance comp at Skeggy 05. (15). At 17 he found a girl, modern clothes and night clubs. Still dances to the tunes in the dining room but sadly (apart from occasionally) doesn't do soul nights. Time marches on.

Chris

Hi Chris,

What your Joel did a few years back was something to be proud of mate , I DJ'd with him a few times and he always did a crcking job, also showed him some of my best dance floor moves , shame in the end he got a bit of stick off certain soul police and a few venues all of a sudden realised they had a "No under 18,s" policy

Isn't it time you started wearing long trousers and wondering what those dangly bits are for

Ian.

Something else young DJ's have to put up with is that many many people feel the need to give them advice or express their opinion of the young 'uns in a patronising and condescending way, I know sometimes the advice and support can be invaluable but in other ways its just negative. Many folks have an opinion on what they're doing and choose to put it across in a way that they wouldn't dream of doing to older DJ's.

Another thing to bear in mind is that grown men (theoretically.. ) take and accept criticism in a very different way than a teenager would.

What a grown man would just brush off can really affect young teenagers. I dont expect many of you will have sympathy with that idea or agree with me, but I really believe it. It's a bit like telling a teenage girl she's fat I guess - its often the trigger for anorexia or extreme reaction,etc, tell me the same thing and I wouldn't give a damn. .. I wish some people would bear this in mind when they start telling young DJ's what they should and shouldn't be doing..

Jayne.x.

Are you saying i,m fat

another one who only reads posts in a negative way big big problem on here !!

anyway whats this about last nighter at Bury town hall ???

Ian.

Are you saying i,m fat

another one who only reads posts in a negative way big big problem on here !!

anyway whats this about last nighter at Bury town hall ???

Ian.

LOL... I would never say that Sir!...

Yes indeed, We've decided to make the next one, the last night at Bury. I wont hijack this thread about it though,

I'll keep it my own and be a good soul sourcer..

Jayne.x.

Hi Ian, Douglas came up to the last Prestwich(he lives in Brigton now), and he was telling me he has just got in torch with Ocky again after about 20 years.

Caesar was at Douglas,s 50th in Brighton, but i didn,t see him(something to do the state i was in)

Dave

Yep, I hear Ocky's doing the Brighton commute a bit these days!

Good to see 'em getting on and good to see 'em both in good form again!

Ian D

Oops!

Perhaps i should get on with some work & stop posting!

See you at Rugby!

You're classed as an oldie on the scene now Kylee...I mean 25 and you nearly past it...

In and around the Stoke, Crewe & Nantwich area, we have our very own up & coming young DJ, by the name of Ben Astles. Ben has played at most of local nights over the last 4 or 5 years, I remember one night around 6 or 7 months ago, in particular Ben getting a real warm reception from the dance floor after he finished his slot from everyone at Lea Hall.

I think Ben can actually buy us all a drink legally now!!

He's supported by his both his Mum & Dad, Tina & Nigel who are regulars on the scene.

All the best Ben for your DJ'ing career.

We could do with afew other young 'uns coming through.

Cheers

Amo

Bretts got to be well into his 40's

Yes he was once upon a time Simon

You're classed as an oldie on the scene now Kylee...I mean 25 and you nearly past it...

Deffo an oldie to young Alex then Kylee!

Ian D

Youngsters should be encouraged whether they DJ or are just part of the crowd. At the last 100 Club there were some (teenage?) girls dancing their little hearts out and they hadn't just stumbled into the venue by accident. Also two mods who looked about 16 but stood there soaking up the atmosphere!

Can remember getting into a "discussion" several years ago at Warrinton Parr Hall with some old timer, told him it was a great to see a younger element there and he looked at me and said "Nope, don't like youngsters at venues - they make me feel old".

Hope this type of opinion went out the door when Warrington closed!

Mark C

In and around the Stoke, Crewe & Nantwich area, we have our very own up & coming young DJ, by the name of Ben Astles. Ben has played at most of local nights over the last 4 or 5 years, I remember one night around 6 or 7 months ago, in particular Ben getting a real warm reception from the dance floor after he finished his slot from everyone at Lea Hall.

I think Ben can actually buy us all a drink legally now!!

He's supported by his both his Mum & Dad, Tina & Nigel who are regulars on the scene.

All the best Ben for your DJ'ing career.

We could do with afew other young 'uns coming through.

Cheers

Amo

Hi Amo

Have to agree with you there mate, Ben has a record collection to die for and has now secured a regular spot at Keele All-nighter.

He spends every sunday morning at car boot sales buying records and then selling them on ebay, so that he can buy the records he requires for his collection.

Earlier this year he Dj'd for me and kept a packed dance floor for 90 minutes, and Maxine Brown wanted to put him in her suitcase and take him back to the State's

Regards

Brav

Heheh! all this banter reminds me of the time years ago stood in the Casino. Me and a few friends had been on the scene for some years by then, and one of htem commented 'they're getting younger in here', to which one of the others replied 'No mate, it's us that's getting older' . I agree that we need new blood in the camp DJing or not. For God's sake, we can't last forever, so someone has to be there to carry the scene on when we have all shed mortal coil

Edited September 3, 200816 yr by steveluigi

This can only be a good thing for the scene and whoever it is promoting then must feel they can try and get young people to DJ at events.

I hope a lot of promoters can do this but i know a lot don't and i never get a chance to DJ anymore locally because no promoter here would ever care to let me do it again so that problem lies i do it once or twice and never again

Heheh! all this banter reminds me of the time years ago stood in the Casino. Me and a few friends had been on the scene for some years by then, and one of htem commented 'they're getting younger in here', to which one of the others replied 'No mate, it's us that's getting older' . I agree that we need new blood in the camp DJing or not. For God's sake, we can't last forever, so someone has to be there to carry the scene on when we have all shed mortal coil

Woke up with a hangover and then read this! Thanks mate. I'm getting measured for my coffin now........

Ian D

Thanks for the menthion ian and liam, the northern scene means a lot to me and spend every bit of my time on it and my money great to see other people my age coming onto the scene, hopefully keeping the faith Also thanks for all the support of venues and yocky, and my dad , for getting me spots in the venues.

thanks again alex simms

Alex is an excellent DJ, Dancer and mate. I'm am also oneof the upcoming soul venue go-ers and at the moment he is one of my idols.

He's going to be great and he will really help the scene to carry on when the main generation passes on the torch so to say.

There's a lot of people to thank for his success also, one of which been Yocky. Without his support I don't think any young DJ can be as good as Alex is. Remember also he's only 16!

Pete (aged 17)

This is a lovely thread. Good luck with your ventures. It is just the beginning......

Youngsters should be encouraged whether they DJ or are just part of the crowd. At the last 100 Club there were some (teenage?) girls dancing their little hearts out and they hadn't just stumbled into the venue by accident. Also two mods who looked about 16 but stood there soaking up the atmosphere!

Can remember getting into a "discussion" several years ago at Warrinton Parr Hall with some old timer, told him it was a great to see a younger element there and he looked at me and said "Nope, don't like youngsters at venues - they make me feel old".

Hope this type of opinion went out the door when Warrington closed!

Mark C

Mark,

That must have been me and my mates you were referring to! (I was probably not much more than 17/18 when we used to go there in the early-mid 80's!) Agree with you entirely, young blood is a plus anywhere (imho) whether it be on the soul scene or elsewhere, keeps things fresh!

over the past few years I have been fortunate to watch alex,rosie and peter dj,these are three outstanding young people ,who are a credit to their parents ,friends and the northern soul scene . they are definately the future. I know they will look at this thinkin its a wind up , but I mean every word .I am blessed to know them . thanks .barney

Edited September 6, 200816 yr by barney

Alex is an excellent DJ, Dancer and mate. I'm am also oneof the upcoming soul venue go-ers and at the moment he is one of my idols.

He's going to be great and he will really help the scene to carry on when the main generation passes on the torch so to say.

There's a lot of people to thank for his success also, one of which been Yocky. Without his support I don't think any young DJ can be as good as Alex is. Remember also he's only 16!

Pete (aged 17)

And good luck to you all!. .

I'll keep my eye out for Alex's name on flyers and come and have a listen. I only heard Yocky DJ for the first time last month and loved what I heard. If they're on at the same place anytime, that's me sold! LOL

Jayne.x.

Thanks for the menthion ian and liam, the northern scene means a lot to me and spend every bit of my time on it and my money great to see other people my age coming onto the scene, hopefully keeping the faith Also thanks for all the support of venues and yocky, and my dad , for getting me spots in the venues.

thanks again alex simms

Yer welcome Alex. Your passion and energy were inspiring mate! I've mentioned you to a couple of big promoters so hopefully you'll be getting a few calls............handy that you have your own rig too.

I'll catch ya next time I'm up!

Ian D

I am lucky enough to be a Yorkshire man who doesn't live too far from their neck of the woods and I have visited the venue a few times. It's not a bad night with some very passionate local soul fans. The young ones who DJ have an infectious manner and the dance floor is never empty.

I personally like the mix between oldies and seventies newies, my fave!

KTF!

And good luck to you all!. .

I'll keep my eye out for Alex's name on flyers and come and have a listen. I only heard Yocky DJ for the first time last month and loved what I heard. If they're on at the same place anytime, that's me sold! LOL

Jayne.x.

They're both on at Annesley this Saturday,

and i also saw them do a sterling job together at Carl Pipers do ( Kingsway Hall ) a couple of weeks ago .

All the best

Steve B

On the subject of Alex Simms (3 years later) LOL!, he has played for me a few times and has stunned me every time with his ability to fill a floor and please a crowd. A great young talent. Now 19 he has progressed amazingly and I would never think twice about giving him a spot.

On the same subject Alex and his dad John will be playing at 'The Happening' @ 'Leeds Irish centre' again on the 26th August 2011, with 'Keith Minshull' also on the line up.