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As Tauntons only ecelctic night, Hijacker is fast becoming one of the most talked about nights in town. Arguably taking over where Chambers Funk Night left off. Weekender caught up with these terrorists to discuss music DJing and their hopes for the future.

The Ring of Bells pub is not usually the sort of establishment these lads frequent, and tonight the locals seem a little perturbed (like lions - when David Attenborough is around), but carling is a pound a pint so all are happy.
Introducing DJ's Rob Butler, Matt Frankiln, Andy Sharman and Edge, fly-by-night socialites and Hijacker residents.
Do you ever Compromise your set to please the crowd?

"We don't really know, although we found that someone else is called Psycadeliasmith, but we didn't copy it, honestly. It came to me subconsciously or something, I think it was a dream"
When was the band formed?
AS:"I'd like it to be known that I dont compromise whatsoever THEY CAN EITHER LIKE IT OR LUMP IT"
Do you have a pre-planned set?
MF: "I dont go to a night knowing what i am playing. I'll know my first record" EDGE: "If you know how to mix one record into another ten, you're alright, you've got loads of options"
What makes a good DJ?
EDGE: "Personally I think its somebody who plays to the crowd, not themselves. You're an entertainer play with yourself in your bedroom" AS: "I often do that!"
Why do people, especially in this town, prefer DJ nights to watching live bands?
AS: "Because most of the DJ's in this town are better than the bands"
You are actually saying that most DJ's in this town are better than the bands?
RB: "I sometimes find the bands are'net exciting enough, Djing is a simple thing, you play records that the crowd will love - Dj's are more adaptable"

H I J A C K E R S
E D G E
Age... 23
Style... Hip Hop / R&B
When did you start DJing?
19, two reasons, fed up with
albums, wanting to do my
own tapes & hearing Funk Master Flex
Favoutie DJ / record...
DJ Skribble -
Album: Funk Master Flex
'Mix tape vol 1'
Favourite 45...
DMX 'Ruff Riders Anthem'

R O B  B U T L E R
Age... 18
Style... Hip Hop
When did you start DJing?
15, I've always loved music
Favoutie DJ / record...
DJ Craze - Album:
Pet Sounds
Favourite 45...
DJ Kool 'So let me clear my throat'
HIJACKERS TEXT ED & TOWSER IMAGES NEIL WHITE
A N D Y   S H A R M A N
Age... 24
Style... WWF, pointless
entertainment.
When did you start DJing?
22, it was either DJing or smack
Favoutie DJ / record...
Bruno Brooks & Fat Boy Slim
Album: Plump DJ's
'A Plump Night Out'
& anything by the smiths.
Favourite 45...
Tipper 'Get up on your feet'
What was your reaction to Psycadeliasmiths comment: 'Playing instuments is hard work, buying records to a DJ isnt'?
Edge: "That quote wasnt a true comparison. You're talking about buying something and playing something. Thats slike saying buying a Guitar is easy, but learning to DJ is hard. Its the reverse to what they said. Thats waht annoyed me most."
Do you think DJ's with bands on the same bill works?
AS: "I think the problem with supporting live bands is that a lot of people will only come for the one band. They won't come to see the entire thing. People in this town seem to be very narrow minded when it comes to bands. They'll only come down because they go to college with them or they are mates with the band, as soon as the bank finishes they all fuck off! That, to me is very disheartening"
Have you ever thought about incorporating any House DJ's at HIjacker?
RB: "It's shit" MF: " A lot of our music comes from the same background, so the night works well together. You normally got to a club for the same style of musicall night, but we are different. Some people luike it , but I don't like the fact that for five hours your normally listen to the same tempo beat, I like the fact that Hijacker is all different styles.

So HIJACKER is still a fledgling event on the Taunton scene, whether it continues to grow remains to be seen. Some would argue that to step away from the tried and tested formula of House DJ's, is a mistake in this town, but with the obvious enthusiasm and talent that these guys have the future looks bright.   BACK
                    
M A T T   F R A N K L I N
Age... 17
Style... Ecelectic
When did you start DJing?
17, heard Liam Howlett
on Breeze Block
Favoutie DJ / record...
James Lavelle
Album: Blue Lines &
Screamadelica Favourite 45...
Chemical Brothers, Chemical Beats.

 
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