Handsome's Mark Westhenry

A long time resident of Ministry of sound, space ibiza and DTPM, Mark Westhenry is back for Handsome's Dreamlover Valentine's party this Saturday. We asked him a few questions.

What's your most epic memory as a DJ?

One of them has to be with the DTPM team. I was lucky enough to DJ at Sao Paulo Pride - OMG what an experience. Twenty-two double decker buses, decks  on the top deck  in the open air with a Brazilian flag bearer leading us through the streets. 

You started on vinyl. How has technology changed DJing?

Vinyl mixing is an art form and a very different experience, a manual craft based on physical media (and big record boxes for each set). for instance, there were no beat syncs, no showing you the BPM, So you would have to quickly work out the BPM (or time it at home and write it on the sleeve). also, there was still a lot of live music edits or disco tracks which never ran in a metronomical way. I would have to have two copies of the same track to loop a sound or use a tape to create those kinds of effects. 

The digital innovations have democratised DJing! Providing digital software like Serato DJ, Traktor, and Rekordbox and introducing features and tools such as sync buttons, hot cues, and live looping. allow DJs to remix tracks on the fly.

How do you think clubbing has changed since you were playing the superclubs back in the 90s and 00s? 

Social media and mobile phones have fundamentally altered the atmosphere on the dancefloor. In the 90s, the dancefloor was a private, "off-the-record" space. Today however, clubbers feel smartphones are ruining the experience, with many using them to film themselves rather than being lost in the musical moment. That said, if the music is good and the crowd are up for it, a dance floor can still be a magical place.

What was your worst/funniest DJ story? 

Do you mean other than the normal, "can you play some 'normal' music? Something I know? Please play house music (er...), anything by Eminem, It's my mates birthday!”

You asked me about playing on vinyl. One Saturday evening I was on a flight back from Ibiza to London to do the main set in the main room at Ministry of Sounds. My record boxes locked and loaded in the hold and everything made it through. There were two record boxes on the shelf behind the decks but when it came to unlocking them... no keys! I had to start my set playing from the first DJ’s records until the team managed to get some bolt cutters. Eek!

Which DJs are still exciting to you and you'd go out to see?

Great question. I still love catching up with the Horse Meat Disco boy., last summer I was in Ibiza and we saw Josh Baker (a manchester lad combining some of the old rave sounds with today's beats). I still love hearing Carl Cox, Louie Vega, Kerri Chandler... the greats.

DTPM was a seminal London queer Sunday party. As one of the residents, what did it mean to you? 

I have many fond memories of DTPM, the club and of course the people. My big break came when the club started at Fabric. I remember first set there like it was yesterday and how nervous I was taking over from Alan Thompson, who was a very tough act to follow. it was a hallowed space and it wasn’t lost on me how this had to be one of the sets of my life. From then on it was my home from home for around seven years. The New Year's Day parties were legendary. the atmosphere and the people have all been amazing. DTPM was like a family and I still miss it.

What advice would you give to a young DJ starting out now?

As we’ve discussed, DJing has transformed into a digital, social media driven industry, but the core principles of music selection and crowd management remain the key to success. I would say, master the fundamentals, learn to 'mix by ear' and Don't rely solely on the sync button. Create your own unique musical identity. in this era of unlimited digital access, the value lies in your taste and 'digging' ability. Finally, be professional, network (the industry is built on relationships) and never forget you’re there for the crowd so make it count!

Handsome, Saturday 14th February. Free b4 10pm.