Smokestack DJs & Selectors
Behind The Music goes a little deeper — into the tunes, the records, the influences, and the people behind the decks. Each DJ shares a playlist and a few words about how they got here, what shapes their sound, and what to expect when they play at Smokestack.
Name | Adrian Playle
DJ name | DJ Ade1/ dot9
Regular night: Pass da Peas, the Cooker
How did you first get into DJing?
The moment, the place, the record, or the accident.
Music was a big part of our home. I started playing piano at the age of five. When I was nine, I’d take the family boombox up to my room and spend hours making mix tapes. At secondary school, I had a mate who had an older sister who introduced us to loads of cool music. We became the musical experts among our friends, then the selectors at parties. DJing was a natural progression.
What was the first record you remember obsessing over?
No judgement. Guilty pleasures encouraged.
When I was a kid, I begged my mum for Michael Jackson’s Bad for my birthday. I listened to the tracks repeatedly, writing down all the lyrics. Later, when I got a Walkman, a friend gave me a Pink Floyd tape… it blew my mind! I couldn’t get enough of it. After that, the music for me changed forever.
Who or what shaped your musical taste early on?
People, places, radio shows, record shops, older siblings, late-night TV.
I grew up in Tokyo and London- 2 cultural capitals that were also bubbling with counterculture. As a teenager, at first I was into indie and alternative music, but was soon exposed to hip hop, reggae and electronic music just from hanging out at cool places- Harajuku, Shibuya, Soho and Camden were where I spent a lot of my days.
Which artists, labels, or scenes still define your sound today?
The names that never leave your crate.
I’m not going to list artists because if you don’t know, you don’t need to dig too far nowadays. Still, some of my favourite labels, particularly for reissuing music you can’t get your hands on, are Soul Jazz Records, Mr Bongo, BGP, BBE, any Jazzman-related label, and AOTN.
If someone stayed all night at Smokestack while you were playing, what would they hear?
Genres, eras, moods — sell the night without listing tracks.
I love the idea of being at a night and going on a musical journey. I play everything from Funk, Soul, R&B, jump blues, Ska, Reggae, Latin, Afro and Hip Hop. I want someone to come to Smokestack to hear all these sounds and how they are connected. Maybe introduce them to something new they want to discover more of.
There are a lot of great reissues, but also many current artists and producers making music that honours the old sounds with a contemporary edge. The great thing about Smokestack is you’ll hear all of this in one night.
What kind of room do you love playing in?
Locked-in dancers, casual listeners, late-night chaos, early-evening groove.
I love it when the night’s been going for a few hours and everyone’s locked in. You can feel the atmosphere on the dancefloor; everyone is feeling it.
I also love playing more relaxed events where the music isn’t necessarily for the dancers, chilled head nodding grooves. Less intense, but you still get those locked-in vibes if it’s a longer set.
What record always gets a reaction when you drop it?
Dancefloor weapon or emotional closer.
There are some great mash-ups that I always drop, and then there are some classics, covers, or versions that always get people moving. Soopasole is releasing some amazing edits, loving all the echo drop and Si Cheeba edits, but if I were to name one track, I’d go for classic hip hop; everyone loves some Know How – Young MC.
What’s the most unexpected track you’ll happily play if the moment’s right?
Curveball energy.
I love the crossover and intersection of Blues, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Afro, and Latin. I suppose, unless you’re really into music, it might not resonate, but everyone who likes good music recognises rhythm and composition. I love dropping Lalo Guerrero – Los Chucos Suaves. It’s 1940s Mexican street music- a hybrid of jazz, pop, and Latin sung in Spanish Chicano slang. It’s got such an amazing feel and rhythm that you can’t help moving to it.
Which DJ, selector, or musician do you think deserves more credit?
A name people should know.
A local talent, musician, producer and label that’s consistently been making awesome records in a garage in Leeds for over 10 years. I’m loving everything that comes out of ATA. If you haven’t, you need to check. Neil Innes and the many bands have been making some truly amazing music, and their commitment to the craft from musician to recording and production shows in the record you get.
Describe your DJ style in three words.
Short. Punchy. Honest.
No style, just music (sorry that’s 4!)
What’s your rule behind the decks?
Read the room, trust the bassline, never clear the floor…
Read the room, yes, but trust your instincts too and enjoy the moment. Music and dancing are a celebration (serious!)
Finish this sentence: A great Smokestack night should feel like…
Sharing a superfine moment – everyone is welcome to enjoy this joyous gathering! (sorry if that sounds cheesy x)
Playlist link:
(Spotify / Apple / SoundCloud — represents your Smokestack sound)
A short playlist for Smokestack. If you like this, check my others.