Hi Mr Wotless

We appreciate the work you have put into the scene over the years and we think it is about time the community got to know more about you.
Below are some questions which we would like you to answer.

1. How did it all begin and what inspired you to become a fully-fledged DJ?

It all began when I was around 6 or 7, I started Playing Mas. My family had a mas band called Ruff Diamond who was involved with the Notting Hill Carnival. Gradually as I got older and began playing mas more I noticed how much passion was involved. I wanted to be a part of that passion. I didn’t know how, all I knew was music, the love I had for music was unexplainable.

I began taking a bigger interest into the band and what I could do to help. One day I was watching television and I saw a DJ on the TV, I saw the passion and excitement he was giving to the people listening to his music, I decided that’s what I wanted to do. I begged my mum to buy me some decks, which after about 2 years of begging she did. I spent all day and all night trying to mix. Trying to mix all forms of music for years.

Summer 2010 I met a club DJ, he asked me if I thought about really trying to push and become a big DJ. I decided I would give it a go and started asking people about how I could get into events. At that time I focused more on Hip Hop, RnB and Funky House. December of 2012 I decided I was going to make a change and move onto Soca. I spent most of my Thursday’s at corks wine bar when I was 18 so had a rough idea of who to approach. I began practicing as much as I could. Then I went to Soca Frenzy and saw how much people really had the same passion for soca music as I had. That was when I decided to really push and make a difference in the soca community.

2. Where did your DJ name come from?

Well its actually a funny story. Every year at carnival I used to get disowned, mum used to pretend she didn’t know me. All year I would be quiet and then on that Sunday and Monday of carnival I would be a totally different person. I got the nickname ‘cape-boy’ from the Muzik Lil Muzik Girls one year, because I was dancing with everyone and nobody knew my name, but my costume had a purple cape. One year a friend of mine called me ‘Wotless’. And it stuck, people used to see me and say ‘Aye Mr Wotless’ while they laughed. I thought it was funny and it was something different. So when I started really pushing I needed a name that would stand out, and I remembered people calling me Mr Wotless, so I decided to use that as a name for people to remember me by.

3. What was the first record you bought?

First record I brought was ‘Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff – SummerTime’

4. What kind of equipment do you work with?

I currently a Macbook Pro with Timecode control CDs and a Traktor A6 Soundcard

5. Vinyl, CD or MP3?

MP3, although with the equipment I use technically I’m using CDs however I don’t have the problem of jumping tracks with a damaged CD. So I guess both CD and mp3

6. What sets you apart from other DJs?

My personality. I truly behave ‘Wotless’ when I play. I’ll be wukkin up, jumping up and having just as much fun as the people listening to me play.

7. How would you describe your style of playing?

I guess I would say I am a bit of a well rounded kind of DJ. I won’t just play the songs people like to hear that have just come out, but I would mix some of the old hits with the new to give it a different feel.

8. Tell us how do you unwind after each gig?

After each gig I take a glass of brandy and coke which is my favourite drink, turn on some sweet groovy soca, and just relax to the vibes of the music.

9. What are your thoughts on the soca scene at the moment and what would you like to see improve?

Soca as a whole has come a long way over the last 5/10 years and has made some real benchmarks in the mainstream industry, with people like Bunji’s song (Differentology) being on MTV etc. Soca is striving and one thing I would like to see more of is for soca to be pushed to more ears. I believe everybody everywhere has a love for soca deep down and its our job not only as DJ’s or artists but as lovers of soca, to find a way to reach that love and develop it so that more people can see how powerful soca music really is.

10. What advice would you give to up and coming DJs hoping to break out on the UK scene?

Keep pushing, don’t get discouraged by people saying “No!” Don’t be afraid to ask someone about events, and when your time does come to shine, don’t be afraid to let yourself go, but always remember, before you stand tall you have to fall down.

11. What is your favourite soca tune of all time?

My favourite soca tune of all time is ‘Machel Montano – Gyal Wuk’

12. Who is your musical soca icon?

My musical soca icon would have to be Lil Rick, not only because he’s a Bajan like me, but no matter how big or small the crowd, he never fails to entertain. He also is very consistent in the sense that every year at least 3 songs he releases that is loved by many.

13. Favourite 2014 soca lyric and why?

It has to be “Fettin my on my mind, I waiting all year, I want everybody to know we out here”. It literally describes how I feel the moment I step on the road at Notting Hill Carnival.

14. Where do you spin usually and where can music lovers find you?

I Play in a number of different places and Venues. To keep up with what I am doing the best option would be to follow me on Instagram or on Facebook.

15. And last but not least 5 things that we didn’t know about you?

1. Ive got secret Passion for old  school garage
2. I have played basketball for last 15
3. Although my nationality is Barbadian my Grandma was born in panama and my granddad is ½ Irish
4. I am a huge DJ Jazzy Jeff fan
5. Despite being afraid of heights I live on the 13th Floor.

Check out Mr Wotless Soca Mix CD, Worst Behaviour.