Confessions of a DJ Simon Rohrer
Resident DJ Simon Rohrer gives us the lowdown on Pet Sounds, the Leeds Academy's new weekly Saturday night clubbing experience
Confessions of a DJ: Simon Rohrer
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Are you excited about the opening of the Leeds Academy and what will it bring to Leeds?
Leeds has always been an exciting, vibrant city in terms of both quality live music and great club nights. The addition of Leeds Academy and Pet Sounds will enhance what Leeds already has to offer for lovers of quality music.
What kind of music will you be playing?
A pretty eclectic mix that will be centred around contemporary, classic and cool indie. Also expect to hear some leftfield pop thrown in for good measure and a soundtrack that will keep you dancing all night long.
Are you the kind of DJ who takes requests or do you stick to your own favourites?
I’m sure that people will be more than happy with what we play. Pet Sounds has been running for six months at our Academy in Sheffield and is packed every week. The idea behind Pet Sounds is we play quality tunes that music lovers would like to hear. I have been DJing for years all around the country and pride myself in the ability to read a crowd, as it can be the difference between a good night and a great one!
How did you get into DJing?
I spent time in clubs frustrated with what the DJs were playing. I have always loved music and knew playing records would be a way for me to choose some quality tunes for others to enjoy. It worked out just fine and there is no better feeling than looking out over a packed dancefloor of people enjoying themselves. I feel really lucky being a DJ and think it’s probably one of the most rewarding things I have done.
Any bizarre experiences in your DJing career so far?
Gosh, probably too many unprintable ones - but memorable highlights include DJing for The Prodigy, to playing to 3,000 students who were only there to see Chesney Hawkes!
Who are your all-time favourite bands?
The Smiths, Kings of Leon, Queens of the Stone Age and any classic Motown act.
And who are your favourite bands around at the moment?
Vampire Weekend, Crystal Castles, Florence & The Machine - and still the Cribs.
What gives you most enjoyment: DJing to an ecstatic crowd or listening to live music?
Both in equal amounts and both inspire each other. Of course they’re both also just as bad for my ears but I keep on listening to everything way too loud.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself.
I have two degrees, I’m learning Japanese and I bake a fine chocolate cake.
Pet Sounds is every Saturday at Leeds Academy’s Underground club
Posted on Tuesday 19th August 2008
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