Dj scrub hub a dub dub

I grew up in North Belfast and was lucky enough to experience and be a part of the burgeoning music scene that existed there for a few short years at the end of the eighties and start of the nineties. Growing up in that part of the city at that time was not easy. One run a daily risk of extreme and furious violence being inflicted upon one, and for young people like myself at that time, there were few options to choose from. All schools had been closed down since 1969 in a joint effort between the state and the clergy, leaving young men and women to fend for themselves. 90% chose to join paramilitary organisations; a select few chose the lonely rainy life of the fisherman, out on the open seas. I chose music as my path. I was drawn into the creative circle that centred on a few collectivised households on Glenburn park near the Westland road. This was a haven of peace and understanding distinct from the rest of the sectarian mindlessness raging in the city. Manu Chao appeared in town and stayed with us for a few all-too-short weeks. He learned a great deal from the local musicians and many of the influences can be heard on seminal albums such as Clandestino. It was from Manu Chao that I discovered my love of the bongos. A tear comes to my eye when I think of Manu sitting cross-legged by the bonfire drumming his little heart out, while Cerys (on the verge of fame with Catatonia) wailed out ”I’m the king of bongo-bong” into the mild summer night of North Belfast. Many wanderers kipped on our floors between 1987 and 1984. One of the ones whose memory we most cherish is DJ Pablo Gargano. He truly galvanised the music scene bringing together the tribes for a new summer of love in 1993. It was from Pablo that I learned everything I know about mixing and producing. I spent many years playing in clubs around Belfast,occasionally fleeing to warmer climates such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji or the salt mines of Sierra Leone. Here I gathered inspiration and musical influences that have informed the recordings that I present here on this page. I feel these first three tracks are imbued with optimism and a spiritual depth that reflects how far I have come in my life; to have seen so many wonderful things around the world and to return home to spread a positive message to the youths. Enjoy!