Meet Joan: Museum Curator by Day, DJ Since the Late 80s

HRSC
13 hours ago
2 min read

Joan started DJing in the late 80s. Decades on, she's spent her career caring for museum collections and her spare time chasing white demos and Detroit acetates.

We caught up with her ahead of her first Home Run weekender to talk Shotts, her 60th birthday bash, and why she can't wait to hear Val and Lisa again.

Thanks for agreeing to chat with us. How's it going? What have you been up to lately?

Hello from sunny Greater Manchester. Not been out much lately due to work and house stuff, so really looking forward to October!

When did you start DJing?

I started playing in the late 80s, which was such a great time, as people were really up for hearing and celebrating cheaper tunes alongside the rare and expensive - something that sadly seems to be missing today.

Other than collecting records, what else are you into?

I'm a bit of a museum and culture nut, and lucky enough to actually do it for a living. It's such a privilege to care for and display historical objects, and to share the stories that bring them to life.

What are you looking forward to most about coming to Manchester?

First time at Home Run for me, and I'm really looking forward to catching up with people I haven't seen for years — decades, in some cases. I especially can't wait to hear Val and Lisa again. Big up the ladies!

When it comes to seeking out records, what's been your best recent find?

I've not been buying much lately, not big stuff anyway, it's all a bit pricey for me. I've always loved a white demo, so I've been snapping some up here and there, as well as the odd Detroit acetate.

What has been your most memorable night as a DJ or a punter?

Historically, it has to be Shotts. Couldn't be touched for the records, the people, and the sheer madness. The best! Recently, at the risk of being self-indulgent, it has to be my 60th bash at Grumpy last December. I had the night off, but the people, tunes and atmosphere were like going back 20 years. A night that won't be forgotten.

See you in Manchester, Joan!