Interview with Norman Jay
Your career has included three decades of Sound System at Notting Hill Carnival, numerous radio shows, the establishment of your own record label and the receipt of an MBE; did you ever imagine you would have such a successful career?
No, no idea and I’m still bunking it, in the early days it was like a white knuckle ride with no aspirations as such. I just wanted to perform and ran with what it would be.
Will you ever retire and pass on the Sound System mantle or will you DJ for as long as you can?
Yes as long as I can what’s the point in retiring, you may have to stop for health or whatever other reasons come along but I shall continue as long as I can and want to. Let’s face it, you only retire if you do a crap job you don’t enjoy, I’m enjoying myself.
What are you looking forward to at Winter Sessions Weekender apart from the DJing?
To catch up with some DJ sets I won’t be skiing. But there are some great acts and loads going on. I’m looking forward to some nice restaurants, nice bars and the food. Lots of people go with no intention of skiing or ski boarding; there’s loads going on, lots to do.
Looking at the winter session line up, which DJ’s do you see as the ones to watch?
To be honest I don’t know who’s coming through. Apart from playing I don’t really go and watch a lot of other DJ’s. I’m more into the crowds and the people. You get a really friendly vibe and it’s here where you can seal life long friendships. I’m only at winter sessions for a couple of days so I won’t really have time. I would like to catch Zero 7 and perhaps 1 or 2 more though.
How much did you miss Notting hill Carnival last year?
I really missed it, I was out of the country with no phone and no laptop but it was good to take a year out after so many, it gave us all a break. It was time to recharge our batteries and become re-energised.
What was the first record you ever bought?
My Boy Lollipop Millie. But actually my first purchase was for 6 maybe 12 records in total. My dad used to give me between £5-£10 when there was a birthday, christening, or wedding and I would go out and buy up a bunch of records.
How much easier is it for you to get hold of your unique music now compared to when you started?
Yes it’s much easier but I’m not into sitting on the computer to listen to a track or downloading music and sound clouds. My sons and nephews are into that and they love music. Even my 7 year old nephew goes on the computer to do it for me.
After Djing around the world, apart from England is there another country you would like to work in?
Australia; I have been going there the last 10 years and I have a huge following there. I like to go there for the weather in January / February when its winter here but the middle of summer (and the summer festival season there.)
Do you think receiving your MBE influenced the next generation of Djs?
It was a great honour for me but I don’t think it was just the DJ’s. I think younger people in general, from all different professions, saw what could be achieved. I forget about what I have achieved until someone tells me. I have had a good life; I don’t work every weekend and I have got my work load to a nice steady level. It’s balanced now and I’m happy that I can work when I want. I’ve never had targets or goals but I just love what I do.
Are there any festivals that you particularly enjoy?
Yes there are a few but I thought Vintage at Goodwood was amazing. I am into vintage clothes and brick a brak and I could revisit the music from my childhood. The northern Music and the 60’s Mod music, all the things I’m into.
To Listen to Norman Jay's radio show and find out more about his tour dates visit his website here
For more details about the festival click HERE
Full bespoke travel packages! FRIDAY 30th & SATURDAY 31st MARCH 2012 CHAMONIX, FRANCE
THE boutique snow and music festival in the heart of the French Alps
Confirmed artists so far: NORMAN JAY, ZERO 7, TROJAN SOUND SYSTEMMR THING, DK (NINJA TUNES), SOUNDCRASH SOUND SYSTEM CHEEBA, LAZY HABITS, RUNNING NUMBERS, JON KENNEDYRUSS JONES, PADDY FREEFORM and more to be announced…
Daytime mountain activities:MOUNTAIN TOP STAGE & SOUND SYSTEM, SKI & SNOWBOARD COMPETITIONS, MOUNTAIN TOP BAR & BBQ, ALPINE CAKE BAKE OFF, I-POD BATTLE, SPACE TURKEY WRESTLING, BEST ONESIE KING & QUEEN and much more….
Tickets are now on sale for the festival via Ticket Web and 
