Alan Mackenzie - Ask The DJ...

Alan MacKenzie started out DJ'ing at various warehouse parties around London in the late eighties. His big break came after running several successful parties at the notorious Brain Club in 1990, moving on to be resident at the legendary Love Ranch In Leicester Square.

During this time he formed a musical partnership with Peter Cunnah and D:ream was born. They captured the number one spot in the U.S. and U.K. dance charts in mid-1992 with their first single, "U R The Best Thing. Along side this venture Alan was DJ'ing at some of the finest UK clubs including Wobble, Miss Moneypenny's, Cream & Up Yer Ronson..

Alan has a new monthly night Untitled ( 212 Bar Leeds) which He runs with the infamous Tristan Kelly. The deadly duo have, and are due to have some fantastic guests playing at the bar... definately worth a trip up to Leeds! Including Rob J, Mark Seven, Kelvin Andrews and next year - our favourite Idjut Boys

Here's his answers to the Ask The DJ Q's...

1. What was your first acid house moment?

Hard to say as I was right there when it all kicked off. I can remember coming home from work and listening to a late night show on radio (station & DJ escape me) in bed and the dj was playing all this Chicago stuff and I was hooked. First 'Acid House' moment was at a warehouse in docklands and the DJ played 'Yeke Yeke'. I wasn't a big user as I, believe it or not, was quite fit and sporty but I indulged that night for the first time. It blew my mind.

2. Favourite club/night ever?

I used to love playing at Love Ranch obviously. But Flying, Shoom (only went a few times) and Land of Oz were all brilliant as a punter.

3. Best acid house debacherous moment?

There really are too many. I'm actually not that comfortable going over some of them. I did really go for it for a few years.

4. Guilty pleasure always in your box?

Nothing is always in my box that I would consider a guilty pleasure. They tend to be whipped out every now and then.

5. Guilty pleasure not in the box!?

Too many, where do I start. Wham, Haircut 100, Duran Duran. There is a theme there.

6. Give us one of your favourite and hard to find records in your collection?

I still collect records & have quite a collection. Jessie Saunders - On & On from the past purely on the basis that it's the first house tune released. Although I do own an original 7" of 'The Only Way Is Up' by Otis Clay. Don't see many of them around.

7. Clear the dance floor moment?

Too many. The Cult -She Sells Sanctuary in Glasgow many years ago does spring to mind. Half the club left the building -the other half did stay... Honest

8. Favourite labels?

International Feel, Parkway, I don't really do labels Favourite producer / producers?

9. Favourite producers?

I do love Moodymann. Bit hit and miss... but when he hits. Mark Seven, Craig Bratley, Maurice Fulton

10. Who to watch from the new school?

Craig Bratley as already mentioned.

11. Current favourite track?

Four Tet - Buchla Seven Davis Jr remix or my fave of the year is the Ilo remix of Warp by New Musik (absolute quality)