I was blown away by a visit to Whirl-y-gig in Shoreditch in 1994 and by Danny Rampling's Glastonbury Mix 1995 (still my favourite mix). I knew I had to play and make this music (still working on the second part) and so bought my decks whilst supposedly studying in Southampton in 1996. I have only played a few free parties and one short-lived nightclub slot, but have continued to collect vinyl and mix. It's fun and therapeutic. I don't get the same joy from mixing using CDs or laptops (I have tried) and for me, mixing is similar to playing an instrument when done well. I have never been paid for DJing and would never expect to be. It's pure joy.