Hang the DJ
Are there too many djs? 2 Many DJs think so...
For all the endless talk of the DJ's original artform, of manipulating sonic textures to create new forms, of seamless beat-mixing or busting the latest new scratch invented by some hip Tokyo turntablist, one primary function seems to get ever more conveniently overlooked. The need to get people dancing.

Enter stage left 2 Many DJs, marginally better known as brothers Stephen and David Dewaele of Belgian band Soulwax.

'But that's exactly what we do,' laughs Stephen, in the band's studio-cum-cultural shine above club 69, below which the coolest of the cool inhabitants of Belgium's impossibly polar cool city of Ghent are sipping ridiculously expensive bottles of champagne through straws whilst listening to 2 Many DJs· self-titled mix album. 'it's been our motto ever since we started djing. We never set out to play limited 12s just to impress our mates. We really want to get a crowd going.'

Having been given the opportunity of producing a radio show on Belgium's answer to Radio 1 three years ago, they began cutting up songs and using a cappellas with devastating results, rather than mixing an assortment of tracks in a linear style.

'It seemed cool because as DJs you have much more freedom to fuck around. You can get away with much more,' Stephen enthuses 'but it's not anything new - Grandmaster Flash was doing it years ago. We certainly don't want to be in the bootleggers clique.'

Ah yes, the bootleg. Given that every Tom, Richard X and Harry are at it, it seems perverse that Stephen and David should release '2 Many DJs' now. However, one listen to its joyous collision of playfulness, meticulous musical memory and desire to rock the party should allay any fears. ·2 Many DJs is, in a nutshell, the sound of the best house party you've never been to.
'It's more interesting than just mixing records,' Stephen continues. 'putting Eleanor Rigby· with kraftwerk, I love that one...'

'But back then it was really fresh,' David interjects. 'now...'

Stephen: 'Everyone's using the same a cappellas.'

David: 'Missy Elliott!'

Stephen: 'we haven't heard much that has excited us of late.'

Back in club 69, Stephen and David pump out their unique high-octane rush alongside Trash's Erol and Ladytron·s Reuben. Röyksopp next to Dolly Parton, Basement Jaxx next to Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Salt 'n' Pepa next to The Stooges. Purists will hate it. You shouldn't think about it. Just dance.