Welcome to the 19th interview in our series, ‘Stories About Records’ where we ask our members and some of our favourite Djs about their most cherished 45.
This is not about perceived or discogs monetary value but personal value that is tied up in memories, stories, love, loss, life, family and a passion for this particular 7″ vinyl record.
We want to know what the record is, what it sounds like and why it is so important to you.
If you’re interested in being apart of this series drop us an email or sign up for our Newsletter to be informed when these wonderful stories drop.
Now to the interview and it’s great to present Boca 45 from the UK.
1. Firstly, tell us about yourself as a Dj and Collector of 45s, how long have you been playing and collecting, why 45s, what was the first 45 you were given and also the first 45 you bought? Do you still have them?
Howdy Forty Five Kings (and Queens)!
I’m Boca 45 from Boogie Down Bristol in the UK.
I’ve been obsessed by music since way before I hit life’s double figures!
When I hit that milestone at the age of 10 I discovered Street Sounds Electro Albums and the 1st wave of Hip Hop culture and I’ve been hooked in ever since.
I collected records before I became a DJ (around the age of 16) and 45s were a cheap way of having music on wax.
You could buy 7”s from big apartment stores in Bristol such as Woolworths for as little as 49p each!
This was great for me coming from a working class background where money wasn’t sloshing around the families trust funds!
The 1st ever 45 I remember buying was by Jo Boxers & called “Boxer Beat” – I think I’ve still got it somewhere??
To me 45s are the best vinyl format – they’re loud / concise – normally the BIG / Banging track from the album and they’re easier to travel with.
Playing with 45s will make you technically a better DJ as you are constantly having to deal with different levels / warps pops and crackle – all the good stuff !
2. What is your most cherished 45? Why is it so important to you? What is it’s story (label, year, artist, musicians), where did it come from? Is the B-Side any good?
My most cherished hip hop 45 would be Big Daddy Kane’s “Set It Off”.
It’s such a banging tune by one of the greatest MCS in the game to grace the mic and I take it to pretty much every DJ set I play at..
I hate to tell you diggers out there that I picked it up about 20 years ago at Plastic Wax in Bristol and part of 4 45s for £1 so it cost me about 25 pence!
Thanks Boca 45!
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