Terry Waites is one of those hardworking DJ’s that you see in every city in the world. Bubbling with enthusiasm and passion for what he does, he rarely lets anything get him down. His commitment to the scene has led him to build a reputation as a consistent house DJ over the last few years. You can now catch him out most nights of the week, whether it be at the Apartment, or the very sophisticated Box Deli.

I’ve heard many DJ’s describe how they first got into dance music. For some it was hearing a single track, an album or even attending an event. What was it that initially got you hooked on dance music?

Well as a matter of fact I was actually influenced by friends of mine at the tender age of 14, I was always one of those kids that hang around with dudes 5-6 years older than me, I benefited from this as they were already right into the dance music scene and were dragging me to the big clubs and gigs, always hanging around each others house party’s getting stoned and listening to music, I was amazed at the attraction everyone had so decided I would love to take it a step further.

So how did you end up as a DJ? Where was your first gig and what was it like?

After trying out my mates decks I decided to buy my own straight after (Yeah I was a bit spoiled) after spinning for months in my bedroom the oldies were kinda getting pissed with the doof doof coming from the room so I decided to approach a local Club/Centre (in U.K) and see if they would let me practise on there sound system, so I went in week after week, on a Sunday morning and the owner approached me and asked if I would like to play to the regular crowd on a Friday night. This lasted for about 6 months, which was great fun.

Describe the ‘Terry Waites’ sound…

Always House but generally stick to- Deep, Funky, Soulfull, Groovy, Sexy, depending on the mood of the room, i may even slide in some G-Swing to make the oldies throw their hats.

You are obviously very much into house. Are there other genres that you enjoy?

I love all formats of music i think everyone can find there own strength and depth in music so i take that on board.
Away from house music you may catch me out with some Phil Collins, Dire Straights or even some Doris Day (not)

Who are some artists or DJ’s that influence or inspire your chosen sound?

There is so many that has influenced me but to name a few internationals Lord G, Roger Sanchez, Halo-Hipe, Groove Junkies, Undercover Agency. Mike Dixon, Jay J and Chris Lum and who could forget the bassline monster KasKade.

What tunes are rocking your crate at the present moment?

Do what you wanna- Richard Earnshaw
Love song for you – Chris Lum
Keep the funk alive – Soul Avengers
Soundtrack to my soul – Kaskade

What are your thoughts on Perth’s dance music scene?

Considering how many people we have in Perth I think we have an absolute awesome dance music scene. Unfortunately for House music I feel like it has taken a down turn over the last few months but I’m sure it will pick back up again. We have some world class local talent and our promoters have the ability to bring over the best in the world, so we can make our scene just as good as anyone elses.

Within the local arena there are so many talented DJ’s and producers. Who would you say has impressed you and why?

For DJ’s you couldn’t put it better, its so funny when you go to the bigger events and see the locals rip up the turntables and show up the travelling guest, which is telling me we have some of the best right here in Perth.. As for local DJ’s who have impressed me -Max Landy, Adam Kelly, Judith Elund, Pulse the support these guys have shown me over the last few years has been brilliant and I couldn’t ask for better people to share the love with.

Perth sometimes misses out on headlining acts and big name DJs at festivals/events due to its location and size. As a result, many events/club nights held are quite reliant on local talent and support. Do you think this has a positive or negative impact on the development of the scene?

Well I say it’s their loss, I have never questioned Perth’s ability to bring over the finest acts. I have seen more international acts here than I did in the UK, in my eyes the DJ/Mixing talent here is brilliant the only thing we lack is the production of music. (some-one buy a vinyl presser :P) we are limited in Perth to record companies/labels which makes it hard to push the locals to the top.

Have you ever done any production work or do you plan to in the future?

I have completed two tunes and am just finalising the third at the moment, all of which I will try to release on vinyl over the coming months.

When you’re not cranking the tunes what else do you do besides DJ’ing? Do you get much spare time and if so what do you do for fun?

I enjoy a kick around on the weekends with a local Soccer team but at this moment in time I’m very unfit so I need a kick up the ass, someone can put a treadmill under the console if they want I suppose then it would make DJ’ing a sport. I also work during the week so time gets quite valuable but I don’t think I have ever refused a pint down the local with mates.

Food and drink wise, what is it that cranks your tractor?

Hmmm hard question eh, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Malay so yeah I am starting to turn into a lump of rice- I love a pint of Becks, Stella or sometimes Draught cider.

What have been your favourite gigs that you’ve been to and/or played at?

Been to would have to be Sunshine people 2003,Lord G @ Empire (Middlesborough) Mike Dixon @ Tall trees (Middlesborough). Played at would have to say Nu-Tribe @ Marble, Neil Fearnley @ Geisha, Funky Fridays @ Big apple PaulTrouble Anderson @Magic (U.K) and GoodVibrations Festival!

So, what’s next on your agenda? Do your future plans involve dance music and if so, to what extent?

I think dance music is in my blood and if I don’t have House music what’s the point in being here!! My passion lies with music and to make a career out of it would be awesome.