My London: DJ Yoda

My London: DJ Yoda

30 August, 2011
by: Lowri

Lowri Clarke talks to the infamous DJ Yoda about his experiences of this fine city.

DJ Yoda is Duncan Beiny. Scratch extraordinaire, globally known hip hop aficionado: the man has earned various accolades for his exceptional turntablism – including DMC Scratch DJ of the year. He is also a London native. We invited him to feature in our My London series ahead of his new AV show – 'The Wonderful World of DJ Yoda' – which premières at The Roundhouse on September 10th.

So, you're a Londoner – how would you describe the city to someone who's never been here?

It's a great big, exciting, expensive mess, and you'll always find something new and interesting to do.


Tell us about a London venue that has surprised you.

Recently? Nightjar in Old Street, a proper old school cocktail bar with 1930s jazz and ridiculously amazing cocktails.

When you're away, what do you miss about London? and why?

Pirate radio. Londoners' speed of talking, and politeness. BBC.


Where is home? Where did you grow up? What are your childhood memories of London?

I live in North London, near Archway. I grew up in Finchley, also North London. One of my earliest memories was a classical concert my parents must have taken me to at the Royal Albert Hall. I was there again recently for the BBC Proms, where they performed the Concerto for Turntables.


Favourite London haunts?

Depends on the event and the company! The pool on the roof of Shoreditch House is pretty cool. But there are about five amazing gastropubs near where I live, so that's a more likely place to find me!


Favourite London venue for music? Favourite venue to play?

I don't think I could narrow down one venue for music, there's so much different stuff on every week. But I love Jamm in Brixton and Koko in Camden. Favourite venue to play – gotta be The Roundhouse in Camden, I'm so excited about the big AV show I have coming up there.


It's 4am, you're ever so slightly wasted, where do you head for?

The bagel bakery in Brick Lane. The one with the white front, not the yellow one.


Where would you take someone for a wild Saturday night?

Cottons – a Jamaican restaurant in Camden. After the jerk chicken the DJ plays dancehall in the bar and you can drink as much rum as you can cope with.


What would you do with the in-laws on a Sunday afternoon?

Hampstead Heath – done.


Scuzziest London memory?

Walking from Battersea Bridge to Brixton on Millenium Eve.


Tell us a story...

Chiswick is called Chiswick because in medieval times "wyck" was a market, and it was the "cheese" ("Chis") market.

Click here to see all London hip hop.

Lowri