Next up in our Last DJ Set series, where we’re talking to a wide range of artists about their final gig before government-ordered lockdowns and travel bans went into effect in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is London-born, Berlin-based Spencer Parker.
Ahead of the release of the disco-charged “Youreoneofakind”/”Somebody Scream” on July 24 on Patrick Topping’s Trick, Parker recounts his last set and fills us in on his eclectic weekly podcast, Playing Records, and more.
When and where was your last DJ gig?
Spencer Parker: It was 12th March in Leamington Spa….I think!
How did it go?
It (somehow?!?!) sold-out within 24 hours of tickets going on sale a couple of months before. I was expecting a full house and a lot of fun — and that’s exactly what I got [laughs].
What was your mindset going into it? Where had you played previously?
My mindset was no different to usual, really — just go in there and hopefully make people happy,
Did any tracks, in particular, go over especially well during that gig?
I was pleased to see some of my new unreleased tracks go down pretty well in addition to a couple of jams from the new EP by Ryan Elliott on his label, Faith Beat.
What is your best memory from that gig?
The favorite memory you can have from any good gig: a room full of people dancing and having fun!
Everyone can’t wait for clubs and festivals to begin again. What do you miss most about DJing? How are you keeping your skills sharp?
Although a lot of DJs seem to complain about the constant travel; it’s one of the things that I actually enjoy the most. I’m still so interested in all these moments, whether it’s just the time to have a diabolo menthe on the terrace of a Parisian cafe, grabbing a pastel de nata in Lisbon or a cold beer in Madrid. It’s a total privilege to be able to see so much of the world, and I treat it as such. I think it’s all how you choose to look at it. Sure, there’s lots of hours on planes and airports but until they invent a quicker way to travel, I can deal with that. I used to sit on a till in Marks & Spencers for eight hours so I can handle two hours sitting on a plane.
On the actual DJ side, I simply miss playing to people, because it’s the reason I got into DJing in the first place. It’s that simple. The joy of “I hear this record – it’s great!!! Listen!!!” I still DJ a lot at home because I always have since I began, so doing that. My weekly podcast Playing Records has ensured I’ll be just as shit when all this is over as I was when it started. [laughs]
A lot of DJs have been doing live streams and working on tracks. What have you been working on during the lockdown? How can fans support you right now?
I’ve done one or two live streams from home just for fun, and I’ve done a little production here and there but not too much as and when the mood takes me – which is my normal style anyway, to be honest. If people want to check out the Bandcamp from me or my label (work them records) they are more than welcome. I’ve tried to keep the prices low so that all my fellow DJs (or clubbers) can grab some cool music for a pretty low price. But I’m very aware that times are tough for everyone all over the world right now, so I’d rather everyone just looked after themselves, to be honest, stayed safe, and that way we can all party once again when this is all over.
Any last words on your last gig?
Yeah, big thanks to the Access Events gang and everyone that showed up to make it such a great party, and, err, hopefully, it wasn’t my last gig!
Thank you for your time. Stay safe and be well.
Right back ‘atcha!