DJ legend SMOKIN JO on 90’s clubs – “It was hot, it was sweaty, everyone was off their t*ts!”
Summary
Host Miranda Sawyer interviews DJ and author Smoking Joe about her rise from 80s London clubbing to becoming DJ Magazine’s first female DJ of the Year. Joe discusses her early days at venues like Trade and Ministry of Sound, navigating a male-dominated industry, and overcoming a traumatic childhood. The episode covers the evolution of house music, the challenges of representation, and her new book on breaking barriers in DJing.
Topics discussed
Intro ads for Toyota and ChatGPT
Guest intro: Jo's rise to DJ of the Year
Childhood, Portobello Road, and early clubbing
Discovering house music and Shum club
Becoming a DJ: raves, records, and practice
Record shops, first gigs, and house parties
Residency at Trade and winning DJ Mag award
Industry sexism, racism, and magazine covers
Childhood trauma and resilience
Chosen family and androgynous identity
Gender dynamics, safety, and street harassment
DJ techniques, regional crowds, and tech
Drug use, stage evolution, and image pressure
Dating struggles and Thelma & Louise revelation
Moving to Ibiza and the changing scene
Lack of releases, funny PA, and touring life
Best 90s moments and yoga teaching
Manumission: sex, chaos, and early mornings
Outro, playlist pick, and final ads
Listen ad-free on Castria