Interview: Raymundo Rodriguez

This Saturday will see London's house music community unite at Hidden for One Life - a 3 room all-night party in aid of the Nathan Bovell Appeal.

Nathan has an un-diagnosed condition. Some of his problems include severe uncontrollable epilepsy, a movement disorder which has left him unable to move for himself or even hold his head, he is severely visually impaired/blind, has significant developmental delays, feeding problems and reflux.

He needs 24 hour care and lots of input from specialists, such as physio etc and specialist equipment for postural support and comfort.

One Life aims to raise enough money to fund for his care where the NHS cannot afford it. With the help of excellent DJs like Raymondo Rodriguez, pulling in a crowd shouldn't be too much of a problem....

Your name is very Latino sounding…do you have any Latino blood in you or is it just a stage name?

I do have South American roots, but it is just my DJ/Production name. My real names is…(whispers)

Where and when did you start your clubbing adventures? Do you pine for those days again or are you one for living in the moment?

I discovered House clubs and London’s Sunday scene in ’98. Those were pretty special times because it was all new to me. I wouldn’t mind popping back for a boogie, but I am rather loving the present.

How long have you been DJing for and what have been your proudest achievements?

It must be around 15 years. Hip Hop in the early days, House for the last 7. There have been quite a few proud moments - my 1st gigs abroad, my Vertigo residency, playing the Ministry box for the 1st time (anytime actually)…being nominated alongside the likes of Pete Tong, Norman Jay and Roger Sanchez for my radio show, and most recently seeing Jaded and Wrong in the mainstream and music press…proper chuffed.

Have you ever felt disheartened with the whole DJing thing or have you never had any doubts?

It’s not always easy, but I know it’s what I want to do…no doubt about it.

The radio show…where can we hear it and what can we expect?

I do indeed have a radio show, and you can catch it every Wednesday 1800 to 2000 GMT on www.pushfm.com and you can expect to hear my waffling and some quality upfront house beats.

What’s Jaded like? Do you feel that it is different from other afterparties in any way? What’s the atmosphere like there?

Jaded is an amazing party, and it is unique in the sense that it has truly kick-started a new way of clubbing in London. Before Jaded there were no weekly mixed morning parties, you had to go to parties like Orange and Beyond if you wanted to carry on, now everywhere you look there are new afterparties springing up, clubbers really do have their pick of the best from Penetration to Formulate. Jaded is obviously very special to me, not only because I have been involved since it began, but also because it has the perfect afterparty home. There is nothing like turning up to Egg on Sunday morning and seeing a huge queue of clubbers itching to get in and crack on, and anyone who spent time in our Jaded garden last Summer will tell you how special it is…Jaded rocks!

You are playing for the One Life event at Hidden on March 25th, in aid of the Nathan Bovell appeal. What’s this all about?

Nathan is a very ill little boy, and in this day and age it seems the more ill you are, the more money it’s going to cost you. One Life is a chance for us to give Nathan a chance at a life that many of us take for granted. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness, money and have a whole heap of fun at the same time, and I’m very proud to be involved (thanks Tiffany) I expect to see you all there!

Have you had many nights out at Hidden? What’s the place like for the benefit of those who haven’t been?

One Life will be my 1st time at Hidden, so I’m extra excited about it, I’ve heard very good things..

Who else on the line-up would you recommend seeing?

Mmmm…There are too many to mention, lots of fresh talent so I will be rushing around listening to everyone, a perfect cure for anyone with the Miami blues.

Interview by Benz