UK music organization Punch launches 2005 DJs for Life Conference

Birmingham-based music organization Punch has announced the launch of “DJs for Life”, a groundbreaking conference and event celebrating worldwide DJ culture. Taking place in Birmingham on the 9th and 10th of December, DJs for Life is set to be this year’s biggest event in the DJ calendar.

DJs have, in recent years, established themselves as a prominent force in the music industry. Arbiters of taste, superstars of the club scene and global icons for a generation of young music fans, their influence is huge. DJs for Life features discussion, debate, masterclasses and performances from some of the world most influential DJs.

US and UK DJs performing and representing include: The Original Jazzy Jay, GrandWizzard Theodore, Steve Dee, Rob Swift, D-Styles, DJ Quest, DJ Supreme (legendary UK DJ formerly of Hijack), Cutmaster Swift (DMC World champion), DJ Disk, DJ Pogo, Mr Thing, Rapzcallion, First Rate, Mark Rae, Charlie Dark, Normski, Ras Kwame, DJ Woody, DJ Skully, Shortee Blitz, DJ Blakey, Dave VJ, Dodge, Dego, Masterstepz, DJ 279, Tigerstyle, Phil Asher, Diggz, Nihal, DJ E Double D, Sacha Brooks, Captain Boogie, Weetamix, DJ Roc 1, DJ Moyma, Sparra, Wooligan and more!

DAY 1: Friday, Dec. 9th begins at 10 am and goes through to 6 pm with discussions, demonstrations & master classes. Topics include: The Role of the DJ in 2005; Turning Techniques into Performance – Creating the Perfect Routine; Moving from the Underground to the Mainstream; The Business of Music in the Music Business – Where Does the DJ Fit in?; Advanced Turntablism Workshop with D-Styles; Careers as a DJ; The Importance of the DJ and MC Relationship; Back in the Day – the Founding Fathers Speak; and more! The Drum Arts Centre 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, England.

Later in the evening, on Dec. 9th, from 9 pm – 3 am, a phenomenal lineup of the US & UK DJ legends, including Jazzy Jay, GrandWizzard Theodore, Steve Dee, Rob Swift, D- Styles, DJ Quest, DJ Supreme, Cutmaster Swift, DJ Pogo and more will rock Birmingham’s AIR nightclub at 49 Heath Mill Lane Digbeth Birmingham, England.

DAY 2: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005: Master classes and panels continue from 10 am – 5 pm. Topics include: Bronx, Harlem, Brixton, Handsworth & the Importance of Place to the Development of the Artform; The Equipment Surgery; What Makes a DJ?; The Joy of Crate Digging; The DJ as Producer; The Development of Turntablism & Practical Demonstrations and Discussion from the Legends of the Artform; Crossing Genres & Similarity, Difference & Mutual Respect; Where to Begin – How to Get from Beginner to the Best; and more panels, demonstrations and masterclasses! The Drum Arts Centre 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, England.

The UK’s biggest ever DJ event, this is a rare opportunity to see legends of the DJ world discuss their artform, pass on their skills and perform. For all the details and how to buy tickets to each and all events, please check out the website at www.djsforlife.com.

About the presenter: PUNCH

Punch is a dynamic, artist-led organization, known throughout the UK as a retail store, promoter, producer, marketing agency and highly acclaimed education organization. As well as a range of projects targeted at young people, Punch also commissions and produces work in a range of artforms including theatre, dance, music, visual arts and film. DJs for Life is an typical of the projects Punch initiates. As an organization based around popular music culture, Punch owes its existence to some of the pioneering DJs profiled at this conference, and sees this conference as an opportunity to reflect on the history of the artform and inspire a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs. DJs for Life forms part of “What is Urban?” ? a two year exploration of the term “urban” and its application in music and popular culture. For more details on DJs for Life please visit www.djsforlife.com. For more details on Punch please visit the website at www.punch-records.co.uk

Christie Z-Pabon
Tools of War
email: toolsofwar@aol.com