Funkademia & Good For The Soul DJ spills the beans...

Some years ago I interviewed Jamie Scahill, during D:Percussion in the Catalan Suite of Barca, as he was preparing to go onto the balcony to play under the Slammin Boys moniker. Sometime before that day, I'd already interviewed The Slammin Boys at the Galaxy FM station HQ in Manchester and so when it came to writing this interview up, I was more than aware that Jamie Scahill has a long and successful career as a professional club and radio DJ. Thankfully, he has plenty of new stuff to talk about, as his DJing has moved in several directions over the last few years and in particular his work under The Good For The Soul umbrella and his new residency with the perennially-popular Funkademia bring us bang up-to-date. Ready? Let's roll...   

Can you explain how you became involved with Funkademia?
"I've known Dave Payne who runs Funkademia for a few years; we used to host some parties at Zumeba, which he owned. Good for the Soul had played for Funkademia a few times and when I heard it had no home we did what I could to find it a home, which is now One Central Street. We also got a more involved with DJing and promotion."

The move to One Central Street seems to have worked well. How do you see it?
"It has gone better than anyone could have imagined as it has been sold out by midnight since we started in February, it proves that two strong brands working together in Manchester can have a massive impact." 

One Central is one of only a handful of venues left in town that supports decent music. Do you agree or disagree?
"I do agree as commercial factor is the main focal point of any club or bar owner in any city and this will stand in the way of emerging music and the underground styles of music. I think the percentage of venues supporting decent music in Manchester is growing again though and there are a lot of venues who will gamble on new music and this is what keeps Manchester what it is."

What is your favourite drink on the One Central menu?
"This is usually a Corona but there are a whole host of drinks there that I have tried and liked!!" 

Can you give us an idea of a typical playlist for your sets at Funkademia?
"Early on it can be anything from downbeat hip hop and RnB through to laid back funk, later on it gets more hands in the air with some classic disco and party stuff but can also be quite eclectic."  

Are you buzzing off the fact that you can play loads of different genres and styles, rather than sticking to the rigid house tempo that you have been known for in the past?
"Since the formation of Good for the Soul in 2003 playing different styles has given me a definite buzz. I think any DJ who can do this is very privileged."

What music is exciting you currently?
"I am and always have been very open with my music and bands have played a major part of my life even though I don't play anything like that. I really like the Klaxons, The Cribs and Arcade Fire but I'm constantly buying new tracks to try out at Funkademia as well as keeping my finger in the house pie as there is some really good stuff coming out."

You play as part of duo as Good For The Soul DJs, are you happier playing as part of a double team?
"Yeah I think it's the blame game, if something goes wrong you can always blame the other one."

Are there any plans for special guests at the night?
"Back in March we had the very first guest DJ, outside of the regular residents, this was Greg Wilson and he blew the place apart and we hope to have him back soon. We've also had Dave Haslam and Andrea Trout (Mrs Scruff) is booked for the 21st July. We celebrate Funkademia's 12th birthday in a couple of months so expect something rather large for that."

How would you describe the crowd?
"The crowd is made up of a wide range of clubbers, it's amazing that Funkademia has this history that seems to get passed on and new people come down each week and get hooked."

What's going on with Slammin Boys?
"Me & Mark are still playing gigs but not as many and haven't played in Manchester for a good while. We were in Swansea the other week and we're at V North for Bacardi again in August. The house scene is changing at the minute and has certainly gone a lot more underground, I think this is for the better." 

Where else in Manchester do you like going out for food / drinks / music?
"I love eating and Manchester has lots to offer. Lounge 10 is my favourite restaurant and close behind that is Albert's Shed. I really like Socio Rehab for cocktails and I do enjoy a proper pint in Cask. I usually go drinking before or after DJing but my favourite places are the places I work, Label & One Central St"

How has Manchester changed over the years you have been Djing?
"It has changed massively over the past 15 years, since my days of clubbing at the Hac and there not being that many nice bars to go, to having one on every street corner. The city itself I think was done a massive favour by our Irish friends as it could be behind city's like Leeds and Birmingham if it hadn't been forced to redevelop itself. It's a big old cliché but the city is a melting pot for talent and entrepreneurs and I love it for that."

Related links

Funkademia website: www.funkademia.net
One Central Street website: www.onecentralstreet.co.uk
Manchester AD Funkademia listing
Manchester AD Funkademia Gallery