Five Wickerminutes with... Bass Camp DJ Jay Wykes

Carlisle based DJ Jay Wykes plays in the Skiddle tent at The Wickerman Festival's Bass Camp later this month. We pinned him down for a quick chat.

Coffeshop 36 tune by cameljay555

Have you played at The Wickerman Festival before? What was your best memory of it?
Yes I played there in 2009, it was one of the best sets I have ever had. 1000 plus in the dance tent, all up for it. Sound was ace as was the lighting and visuals. I'm looking forward most to playing again, and coffee and doughnuts!

What can the crowd expect from your set?
The crowd can expect a very energetic set, with fast beats and "techy sounds" And a bit of live improvisation.

How does your set differ when you’re playing at a festival to when you play in clubs?
The sound differs somewhat due to the fact I like to play quite ad-lib at a festivals. I have a sketch of the set outlined, but depending on crowd reaction I can deviate and morph the sound.

This is the Wickerman’s tenth anniversary. Can you remember what you were doing ten years ago?
Ten years ago I was playing in bars and polishing shoes for a living.

Have you had chance to look at the rest of The WIckerman line-up? Anyone else you’re looking forward to seeing?
I'm looking forward to seeing Riva Starr and Tim Forrester.

What’s your top festival survival tip?
Top festival survival tip has to be to stay drunk until it's time to go home!

What summer tunes are really working well for you at the moment?

Sleepy Hollow - Stefan Godman, Bad Bread -Mark Knight, and on a chart tip, Magnetic Man -I Need Air.

If you were DJing at the end of the world party and the moment was upon us, what would be the last track you’d ever play?

The last track I would play in that scenario is ‘Redemption Song’ by Bob Marley. (Good one eh?)

What have been your personal and professional highlights of the past few years?
Personal highlight has to be going to Amsterdam for my birthday this year, it was one of the best holidays I've ever had. And professional highlight has to be putting on the Radio 1 big weekend and hosting the essential mix from our club!

What are you hoping the next few years will bring?
Steady but progressive advancement in all things.

What makes a great DJ?
Having intuition and the ability to feel a crowd, while not deviating too much from your own preferred style or sound.

Thanks Jay, see you at the front!

Tickets are no longer available for this event