Fat Ass Funk Presents The Scratch Perverts

Morecambe Dome Saturday 7 June

Reviewed by

Fat Ass Funk are two mates from Warton who used to put on nights at The Crypt, Lancasterand are now hoping to promote hiphop at Preston Uni with the likes of Jazzy Jeff and Adam F.

Supporting the Scratch Perverts in the main room were The SK Crew, and the Fat Ass DJs; with The Outbreak Collective playing the Waterfront bar.
I was lucky enough to interview Prime Cuts (what a nice geezer) for virtual-lancaster.net on the night of the gig:

INTERVIEW WITH PRIME CUTS (JOEL) OF THE SCRATCH PERVERTS

What was the first record you ever bought?
Walking on Sunshine, Rockers Revenge. I've got so much respect for Arthur Baker (producer)

What are yr musical influences?
The other guys. We take direction from each other. Also the West Coast DJs - from the Bay area.
Years ago I did some session work as a drummer, using a 60's jazz kit. Done some stuff for Soul Jazz Records, and played with Melvyn Sparks.

What music do you listen to? What music is on the tour bus?
There is no tour bus… but we like drum n bass. We like Fabio & Grooverider's show. Got a lot of time for Fresh (ex Bad Company), also Dillinger, the Aphex twin…

How much vinyl do u own?
Ooh! Maybe 8000, but never counted.

What influenced you to scratch?
Being involved in hiphop from the age of 12 or 13. Through breakdancing and graffiti. I started scratching using me mum's belt drive turntable, on an Amstrad stack system. It had a Rotel amp!

Do u ever go on the dex at a mate's party and just beat mix!
Yeah! Course I do! We'll have a few drinks round someone's house…

Equipment! Don't you go thru loads o needles? What needles do you use?
I've had the same needles for 2 years - Sure 47's.

Favoured mixer?
I like Vestax 07 Pro.

Are you constantly inventing new moves?
Used to, 2 or 3 years ago, when I was on the battle circuit. We've got 6 world titles between us, and that feels great, but there comes a time when you move on. Now we're ploughing all that creativity into making records.

Is it boring practising constantly?
Don't any more - that's for battles. But I can tell you that it is draining practising constantly. When I was defending my ITF title in LA in 2000, I practised 12 hours a day for 3 weeks. This can affect relationships.
(Aaagh! from both Prime Cuts and me)

What's the next move for the Scratch Perverts?
There's an album coming out next year - we're in the studio now.

How do u incorporate your social life with all dat practice?
You get a social life being a DJ. Sometimes all me mates come down; if we're close to home.

Do you like dancing? Can u shake that thing?
Yeah, used to be a break dancer! I jump about to D&B.

What's your idea of a good night out?/night in?
Good nite out? Big group of mates, in a pub, having a laugh.
Nite in? At my house, again with a bunch of mates. Must include a film (I'm getting the DVD of Donnie Darko soon), cooking some food, and some nice wine.

Do u get recognised by fans? If so. Is it weird?
Sometimes get recognised abroad. It happened in Australia and Japan.
Did you blush?
Maybe, but it was great as well - these lads leaned out of a car and shouted 'Prime Cuts'!

Wot's on yr rider?
It changes. I think its beer, vodka, water at the moment.

Do you have an entourage?
Yeah! Of 1. It's my mate Dusty. He drives us around, and we've known each other since we were 13.

Are you nice to people or are u a bit of a star?
(Laughs) we really are just ordinary blokes!

Lots of people said 'come up here again soon'
Love to. The crowd were amazing up here.

Are you all actually perverts…
(Laughs a lot) Yes! Completely!