DJs turn back time

A group of DJs is turning vinyl and jamming old-school music at local bars and clubs in an appreciation of timeless hits.

Vinyl Sundays, a monthly event held at O’Ryans Bar and Restaurant in Manukau, has taken a step back in time. It provides DJs with an open deck opportunity to play music using exclusively analogue vinyl records – not laptops and gadgets.

The event was created by entertainment manager Anthony Stowers, also known as DJ Grooves, who first started off hosting R25 parties.

“I just started hiring various DJs who have years of experience to come and jam,” he said.

Mr Stowers said he had a love for old-school music and set up the events to allow people of older generations to vibe to the music they enjoy.

DJ Terry Kea, who goes by the moniker of DJ Deviox, said old-school music from the 60s to the 90s would never die.

“To me, a jam in the 70s is still the jam today. People call it old-school but I can guarantee people are still dancing to it. If you're not dancing, you're singing to it. If you're not singing, your feet will be tapping and your head knocking.”

Mr Stowers said the interesting thing about the R25 parties and Vinyl Sundays was that young people also appreciated the music.

“Ninety per cent of the younger generation these days, I guarantee you, they would have been listening to old school music when they were young with their parents,” said Mr Stowers.

Twenty-two year-old John-Paul Foliaki, who grew up listening to classic sounds with family, said he noticed old-school being played at clubs.

“I love old-school music almost more than I love pop music. They seem to have more of a personal connection to listeners than pop music does,” he said.

“It can take you back to a time or memory with a person, or even just leave you in awe of their vocal and melodic genius.”

Another group DJ, Brent Makata - known as DJ Whatever - said whether or not the events were held, retro music would continue to have an influence on people.

Vinyl Sundays and R25 parties provided a platform and space for old-school music to be celebrated, said the group.

Mr Makata said some Russian tourists at the last event appreciated what the DJs were doing – even though they were not able to communicate with them.

“[They] pulled out their phones to record what we were doing. And it shows how music transcends different languages, cultures – it’s a universal language.”

Mr Kea added there was a difference between younger DJs today compared to older ones.

“For all of us, it's all about the art of DJing. It's all for the love of the music,” he said.

The group said other DJs in Wellington and Auckland Central were also playing old-school music.