Quenched Unsigned caught up with Factory 251 Stone Love resident DJ Tom Corney, who will be Djing for Quenched Unsigned at our night, No Right to Be Here.

1)      Hi Tom cheers for taking the time for a few questions, how’d you first get involved with Djing?
I first got involved with DJing doing a few hip-hop sets at house parties and that towards the back end of my school days. I even had a dabble with rapping but we won’t go into that. But yeah, that led into alternative djing. I did the hip-hop stuff because my mates liked it, but moved into the alternative scene because it was what I liked. 

2)      What music would you say made you really passionate about getting involved with Djing?

Growing up in Peterborough, the scene was awful. Rarely a gig to go to, let alone a good one. Actually, Larrikin Love, now there was a quality band I saw in my hometown. I suppose the bands that really got me into it were Editors, Milburn, The Strokes, Radiohead, Interpol. I love all them bands, but Editors and Milburn were the first two bands I properly loved. Also seeing Oasis at the City of Manchester Stadium, made me want to play music to a lot of people.

3)      How’d you get involved with Djing at Factory?

I’d been DJing at The Warehouse in Preston for about 3 years and then decided to up sticks and move to Manchester. After putting my name about a bit, the guys gave us a chance to show them what I was all about and I’ve loved every minute of it, a quality place to DJ.

4)      How does the Manchester music scene compare to others you have been a part of?

The Manchester scene is fantastic from top to bottom. There is always something going on. I’ve not lived anywhere like this. It’s all credit to the promoters, bands, dj’s and punters who make it what it is.

5)      Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the heritage of what Factory stands for and you feel pride playing the music that keeps it so popular?

Factory has had a massive influence on me, way before I started Djing at the club. It’s an honour for me to play in there every Saturday. Anyone who knows their music are aware of the history of Factory and I’m well happy being a part of what is going on now.

6)      What keeps you playing the music you do in Factory?

The majority of the music that I play in Factory is music that I love. It’s not like I’m djing a cheese night or a wedding. I always like to play different stuff every week, but there’s a fine line that way too many people cross. I love playing alternative and rock’n’roll, so it’s not a problem for me.

7)      Do you see yourself playing any where else or are you at Factory for life, also are there other genres, which you like to play at Factory?

I’m enjoying it at Factory at the minute and as long as they continue to put me on, I’ll happily keep on doing it. I wouldn’t mind doing a few small festivals though. If I’m going to go anyway, be nice to do a set while I’m there, two birds one stone and all that. Also, genres wise my floor is rock’n’roll and I like to keep it that way. However the good thing about Factory is over the three floors, I’m sure you can find something you want to dance to.

8)      Is Djing something you have always wanted to do and have you met any good bands on the way?

Yeah I’ve always wanted to do it and had some great times. Factory is the first residency I’ve had with bands on before me, but have DJ’d at some good gigs in the past. Recently DJ’d with a new band called Techniques (@techniquesmusic on twitter). The lads I’ve known for a while, well worth keeping an ear out for. I’ve met loads of great people so far, that’s the best part of the job.

9)      What is the worst and best experience you have had djing?

Best: My last night of my previous 3 year residency at The Warehouse in Preston. Most of my mates there along with all the regulars I got to know over the years. It’s a great club and my last night was top.

Worst: Where to start. Getting slightly merry on a staff do last xmas and turning up to DJ. Lets just say silence was one of the most heard noises of the night. Actually, that was quite funny. The worst is probably drunken idiots who think they know more than you do when in reality, they probably don’t.

10)   Finally have you got any advice for anyone trying to get into Djing? Also, who is looking to break through musically in 2011.

Anyone looking to Dj I would just say always remember, it’s about your crowd and not you. When I first started doing clubs, I kept forgetting that. If your crowd is happy, you are sorted.

Musical tips for 2011? Factory Floor, Young British Artists, Funeral Party.

Twitter.com/tomcorney

Tommytank.tumblr.com

www.factorymanchester.com