DJs Make the World Go 'Round 2

Dr. Chris Jones isn't a doctor but he plays one at the disco where he's a genius at prescribing great beats, remedying all types of boredom and giving out tips on how to best nurse a hangover. He's one of the very few Vancouver DJs that actually dances and his way with the decks is so endearing you'll want to sprain your ankle hoping it'll garner his attention. Must say, though, the Doctor is showing his age... the Sasha party wasn't held in a garage but in a loading dock. (Whoever pulled that maneuver is also a genius).

Vancouver residencies (past and present)?

Past: Cheeky Classix night - (2001 - 2003), Nordic Trax/2guerilla crew (2001 - 2003)
Present: Big Trouble Wednesdays @ Lotus (started October 2004), Believe Saturdays @ Red Room (started April 2005)

First introduction to music?

My dad's collection of show tunes and classic vocalists. Believe it or not. Growing up, I listened to rock, punk, pop, jazz, torch song (piano players who sing too - like Bobby Short, Dianne Schuur, Rosemary Clooney), swing, vocal (think Dean Martin, Barbra Streisand, etc.), Broadway, old-style filmed musicals, rap (I was the first kid in town with the Ice-T and NWA tapes. That's right, tapes.), symphony, heavy metal, the list goes on and on.

Favourite all time party/set in Vancouver (doesn't necessarily have to be yours)?

Of this year: Me, James E and OJ's beach party tag team set.
From my early partying days: "Dynasty" at Victoria Arena
Recent memory: "The Gong Show"
Best DJ set EVER: Sasha for six hours at some little garage in Burnaby

Are you happy with the Vancouver scene?

Having been a part of this scene for about ten years now... I've seen many people come and go... obviously I enjoy it, otherwise I wouldn't have stuck around this long. The Vancouver scene has tons of fabulous good people which easily overpower the malcontents and grumblers. The folks that are part of this scene for the right reasons (music, music, people, music, music) are the ones who not only stay in the scene, but end up contributing something of their own, whether they realize it or not.

Why do you reckon the scene is smaller than other cities of Vancouver's size?

Vancouver's scene EXPLODED in the late '90s - you may remember weekends with four or five "flyer parties" were commonplace! Unfortunately, this was part of our scene's downfall... as unscrupulous promoters tried to tap into new markets and bring in a whole different crowd - some of these people had absolutely no interest in music or being friendly to others and others would promote to children (13 year olds? Really) - these disastrous moves alienated a whole lot of people who were part of the scene. So there was no other option but to go back underground. And that's a huge part of why Vancouver's scene is smaller than other cities of similar size. In my opinion.

Would you relocate as a DJ?

I'd prefer to stay here. But all suggestions will be considered.

What makes Vancouver the best city EVER?

I came here in May '94 just for a visit and never left. Why? Maybe it's the air. Can't explain it.
- great people
- living downtown so I can go everywhere on foot
- live music
- club music
- The Lotus

Anything to add?

Life is a work in progress.
Let's make the best of it.