Talented, clearly defines Norman Jay. Having mixed the 70s vibes to club anthems, Norman Jay has done it all. With shows and festivals to host worldwide there is really no end to Norman's passion.

In the golden period of the 70s Norman Jay worked beyond the norm, Good Times prevailed and saw an escalated response. Even, until today Good Times still remains the number one sold out event. Now with plans to put Good Times on a larger scale, yes larger! Norman Jay talks to Reminiscin' about his plans for 2007 and what it means to DJ for an audience.

What are the perks of being Norman Jay?
There's not many actually. One of the perks of Norman Jay is being alive (laughs) and being healthy. In all seriousness, I don't get anymore perks then anybody else really. I'm a regular guy. It is not something I look for, I'm not a freeloader. I still buy my music.

What kicks do you get out of Djing?
It is still the greatest feeling in the world to play the music you feel so passionately about to a crowd that shares that passion. There is no substitute for that; it is the reason why you do it. I am just as passionate about it as I ever was.

As a DJ for many years have you had any hiccups whilst Djing?
Yeah, you know life wouldn't be right if you haven't had any hiccups. I think you need things to go wrong so that you learn from it and you make sure you don't make that mistake again, or you know how to cope with it or deal with it. I have had them (mistakes), but I don't make an issue of them. You know, if things go wrong they go wrong I don't get put off by it at all. Sometimes if the music stops, silence can be the best sound in the club, or it could be the loudest sound in the club.

What's your knack for getting a party going?
No two parties are the same. There are clubs, festivals, one-off theme nights - all manner of gigs. It's about making friends with your dance floor as quickly as possible, especially if you have got two hours to do so. A few crowd pleasing tracks, whatever it takes to get people moving to know that they are apart of the night and the music. In fact we are secondary (the DJs) the people are the entertainment, the people who pay to come out.

Do you ever get distracted while Djing?
It is apart of the course, it goes with the territory you learn how to deal with that. You are always gonna get some people who want to tell you their life story and don't realize what you are doing, essentially you need to concentrate on the matter at hand which is playing music. I usually have security or some people around me, but sometimes that is not possible, but you just gently let people know with a smile on your face. You can't answer the questions, you can't even hold a conversation with loud music going on so you have to concentrate on the job in hand. Sometimes people are cool with that, but sometimes there are people that are worse for wear and it can be trying, but you got to learn how to cope with it. It goes with the territory.

In regards to touring and Djing at events what has been the extremes of schedules/dates you had to meet/or experience?
Sometimes there are dates that can be too close, but I cope with that, I just deal with it because it doesn't happen all the time. I never complain about being too busy, if I wasn't I would be concerned. There are a lot of DJs that are not doing as much as they were or not at all, so it is a fantastic position to be in, to be that much in demand to pick and choose when and where, and how often you work.

When playing at different venues worldwide - what makes one country differ from the other in regards to your sets?
Loads of little things. I always cater; there is always a bit of tweaking. What works in London doesn't translate or work in Cornwall, Edinburgh or New York. There are different clubbing attitudes to music. It is slowly coming together thanks to the internet; people are listening to the same things at the same time, but that doesn't always mean they are gonna be exposed to music in the same way, 'cos the UK in terms of club culture are still ahead of most places around the world.

How do you psyche yourself up before a set?
I don't. I kinda have a calm disposition I don't get flustered or nervous. I am not sort of animated behind the decks. I don't do drugs and I don't drink alcohol, I am just chilled and relaxed about it. Hopefully that is the vibe the audience pick up on as well, and it relaxes them and encourages them to be apart of a great night.

Do you still consider yourself as a party animal?
Yeah, when I am playing, but I don't go to parties and stuff in my free time. My free time is my time.

Djing around the clock how do you keep your energy levels up?
I eat well; I live well-no junk food. I eat good food. My moments away from it (Djing) I get a lot of rest. I am really busy but I have my own time as well.

As a DJ late nights are involved - Do you get much sleep?
Yeah, I do but it is something that I have been doing longer than most. I have been a night worker since I was in my teens. I have always played at night so it's nothing new to me - it's not difficult.

Away from the decks what else do you get up to?
I am just a regular guy with regular habits with regular interest - quite boring really. Don't court the showbiz lifestyle - I am not into the celebrity thing at all.

As with this year you are DJing on News Year Eve - have you ever celebrated New Years without your decks?
Yeah, I have many, many years ago before I had a manager, as I chose not to. The great thing about being me, I suppose, I am able to choose where and when I work. For a few years I didn't want to work on New Years Eve for various reasons and other times I didn't want to play in the UK for various reasons, but last year I made a conscious decision after traveling around I thought I need to be in London on New Years, it has been a while. Loadsa people have been suggesting and prompting me to do an event that I would be there all night and I thought that makes perfect sense to play to my fan base and any other interesting party. We managed to secure a fantastic Victorian theatre in Clapham The Grand. We did our first New Years Eve party there last year and the party sold out within four weeks before Christmas.

Having a night off for New Years Eve what would your celebration entail?
Just a quiet a one that I would do with friends. I have so many friends I need a big place to put them all (laughs).

What makes a flight endurable?
I go into semi comatose state. I spend so much time in airports and on board airplanes I subconsciously switch off. Journeys, even when I go to New Zealand, Australia or South America don't seem that far now.

Who or what would make an ideal traveling companion?
Someone who stays quiet (laughs).

What's in store for Norman Jay in 2007?
Well hopefully the biggest thing for us is hopefully to enter outdoor arena. We are planning to do Good Times in the park for July next year.

What projects do you have on the go now?
I am just concentrating on this (outdoor arena project) securing the artists and DJs that I want to appear with me for our outdoor Good Times in the park festival. That is taking up a lot of time. All other projects are basically on the back burner until these contracts are locked down.

If you were not a DJ what would you be?
Not a lot, 'cos I am too lazy and laidback by nature (laughs). When I need money I would work, when I didn't need money I would not work. I would have been a writer hopefully, or black cab driver or probably into films or marketing or art. Fashion or art probably.

What is your most precious vinyl / record you own?
I don't know, but I think it would be easier to list artists rather than individual records as every record has a special place. If it be artists it would the greats, Aretha, James Brown, Marvin, Stevie Wonder and all our British acts, Young Disciples and Soul II Soul.

What do you do to slow down the pace away from your hectic schedule?
If there's a rat race I don't run in it. Everything I approach I don't feel flustered. I just take things easy; whatever happens it ain't the end of the world. You crack on in your own time and space. I just never feel the need to hurry or be pushed - it's great.

Related Links:
> www.normanjay.com