Deadbolt has always been committed to bringing the freshest and most exciting DJs to the audience since the first night back in 2011, and that isn’t changing anytime soon. At the upcoming tenth birthday celebrations, newcomer Chris Dempsey will be joining the resident ranks and bringing his years of experience to the team.
Chris is a well-known face in the Merseyside Alternative scene, and has brought the party every time, from local clubs such as Hotel California in the Wirral to the mighty Download Festival. To make sure he isn’t a stranger, we asked him 10 questions. Enjoy!
How long have you been DJing?
Since I was 18, so eleven years now. God, that makes me feel old!
How did you get started in the club scene?
I used to play in various bands as a vocalist, guitarist and writer. After a skiing injury at 17 I couldn’t play, but I couldn’t stop making music. From there, I got more into DJing and went from playing some crazy, insane house parties (some of them my own), to landing a full time residency at the largest alternative venue on the Wirral every weekend, to playing across the country and at Download Festival. A lot of people knew of my work already though, so that helped.
What is your worst DJ experience?
A venue I was playing at had a blackout during a storm when we were performing, outside, in a tent. It just felt apocalyptic. Everything that could go wrong did. I think Drew from The Midnight Beast was there too. Just made the whole thing so much worse.
Top 3 bands – go!
Bring Me The Horizon, Hollywood Undead & A Day To Remember. These guys just straight up grind, and massively influence both my play style and mentality on so many levels. I feel that as I’ve grown up they’ve grown alongside me, so everything they sing about has been relevant to my life and experiences at the time.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Legit? Foo Fighters at Manchester Arena (now AO Arena). The energy, the anticipation, and Dave Grohl! He truly is the nicest guy in rock and roll.
What’s your favourite track to drop in a set?
Who has favourites anymore? Mine change weekly depending on what I’ve discovered and what I’m vibing with at the time. But as a performer? Every song is my favourite, because I love watching the night progress and watching different people bond. It’s a privilege to be given the ability to make people connect in such a positive way.
What can we expect you to bring to the table at Deadbolt?
I’m bringing massive tunes, anthems and a few curveballs. Being in tune with the crowd is what I live for and I intend to bring the party hard. Expect the unexpected!. I’ve been in the game a long time and at this level there’s no messing around. You’ve got to keep your ear to the floor, be passionate and love what you do to commit as long as I have. You need to live that life and never quit.
We all have secrets. Musically speaking, what’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
I love Maroon Five. Even saw them in Amsterdam at the Ziggadome. But I’m majorly into soundtracks too!
Favourite food?
My dad’s Paella. We’re half Latino, half Irish and it just feels like home. That or a proper Irish stew!
Big one to finish… what’s your #1 song of all time?
Personally it’s Toploader – Dancing in the Moonlight. Did you know that’s a cover, the original is by King Harvest? The original is frankly awful. But the cover? That takes me back to being a kid and watching my dad dance around the kitchen whilst cooking dinner, it’s precious. But beyond that, it shows to the world that there’s no right or wrong with music, which I firmly believe in.
Catch Chris Dempsey on the decks at the Deadbolt Tenth Birthday specials, coming this Summer to Manchester and Liverpool.
