Queens of Jungle: An interview with DJ Rap

Queens of Jungle: An interview with DJ Rap

7 October, 2008 | 12.50PM

• Written by: Caleb Rakes
• Filed under: Music News: dj rap

Originally from the east end of London, DJ Rap, aka Charissa Saverio began producing drum & bass in the 1990s, and was best known for her tune ‘Spiritual Aura’ on Dee Jay Recordings.

Now residing in Los Angeles, DJ Rap runs the Propa Talent and Impropa Talent record labels and produces everything from house through to drum & bass.

Recently voted No.1 female DJ in the world by shejay.com, you can expect Rap to be playing anything from Toolroom style electro house (which she cites as being her favourite label at the moment) through to d&b.

In an interview with DJTimes in May 1999, British drum & bass pioneer Grooverider, whilst pointing towards DJ Rap, was quoted as saying, “"I’m telling you, watch out for her.” He wasn’t wrong.

Read on to check out our interview with DJ Rap.

What and who got you into DJing, and what contemporary producers do you feel are heavily influencing you presently?

When I first started in ‘88 I heard a DJ called Marvellous Marvin.

He was an amazing DJ because he created remixes while he played, and all his mixes were in key and just beautiful.

I wanted to make people feel how he made me feel that night.

Also, a duo named Dem2 were the first to play breakbeat and were simply amazing.

These days I am influenced by many: Deep Dish, Nic Fancuilli, Danny Howells, Deadmau5 as DJs and producers—too many to name!

On your blog, propajournal.blogspot.com, you recently posted a passionate piece regarding file sharing and the support towards legal downloads. Do you find that file sharing has made a damaging impact on your returns, and do you see legal sites such as Beatport as being able to compensate for the lack in revenue from physical sales?

File sharing has simply killed this scene and unless you are on one of the larger, more established labels like Toolroom, for example (great label, my favourite!), it is incredibly difficult to get by financially, both for the labels and the artists.

We are not major labels so I feel bad for the indie.

You have no idea how hard it is; these days you can’t make a living from making music, which is sad if you are a new artist who does only that.

You have to spend a lot of money to get noticed - having great music isn’t enough with so much out there.

At least with Beatport you can make money compared to the other terrible sites out there that give you 10 cents back and basically rape you with no lube. Don’t get me started!

When it comes to DJing are you a vinyl purist? If not what technology are you now using?

Of course I have all my vinyl collection which I will never part from, but I am a Pioneer girl.

CDJ1000 and 800 mixer are all I need.

That’s my personal choice though; there are many great products out there and so much to choose from.

I play long sets in house - sometimes five hours - so it’s impractical to carry five boxes of records around and God forbid the airport loses them, which, sadly, has happened to me and so many other DJs.

Having been involved with drum & bass for some time now, do you have any thoughts about the distinct lack of female producers or DJs within the scene?

Hmm, tough question.

I guess it boils down to a few things: You have to be a nerd, a geek that is prepared to be obsessed with the technical aspect.

I live in my studio and have produced and engineered all my own music, though I love to collaborate and do so often, so that means no love life!

This comes first every day.

Also, the music has to appeal to you and drum & bass is bad ass tough, so it appeals to the guys more than the dolls.

I guess you have to have a tomboy streak in you too.

That is why I produce all types of music from house to songs to good ol’ d&b.

Again, if you go through DJ Mag’s Top 100 poll there is a distinct lack of female DJs. These kind of polls are obviously a poor representation of the scene in general, but why do think this is and what are your thoughts on them?

Those polls are stupid and misguided.

I’ve sold 2 million records and tour heavily and never even get a place, so I find them funny.

It’s sad that people and promoters actually believe them when it comes down to it. It’s for people who don’t know.

What current direction are you taking your labels, Propa Talent and Impropa Talent?

Propa is for drum and bass and breaks, Impropa is house all the way, with 10 amazing artists.

You’ve got future album releases planned with Ministry of Sound. Can you indulge us any more information regarding these? 

No comment, you will have to wait and see what is coming!

Finally, do you have any funny stories about doing live shows that you’d like to share with Beatportal?

Sure, but they are too rude to share.

One cute thing does happen when I play sometimes, is that just as I am about to go on the decks whoever is on before me always feels the need to explain how the mixer works.

I patiently let him get on with it, then turn and say “I always wondered what those buttons were for, thank you!”

I never get offended because I actually think it’s kinda cute how much they want to help, even though I am totally capable.

It’s sweet you know?  Guys just wanna please. Bless ‘em.

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