7 Questions feat. Romo Weeks
It's 7 Questions: ElectroMarkets spotlight on the nations biggest & boldest characters in music.
Today we're sat with the remarkably talented Romo Weeks!
Romo is a legend amongst Birmingham's restless nightlife scene and resident DJ at the MOHO club night in Digbeth. Spinning her inimitable blend of classic hip-hop / RNB with the latest tunes releasing has had the entire midlands and beyond flocking to her headline set month after month. Also a music producer on the side, Weeks does what she loves and has inspired and developed a huge degree of influence in her community and has joined us today for a quick natter.
EM: Yes Romo! Thanks so much for joining us today it's a pleasure to have you on board, let's get straight into it. What was the very first record you ever bought for your decks?
RW: I think probably Voodoo by D'Angelo. Best album in the world but an absolute nightmare to DJ. He uses so many different timings and nothing is on the beat, absolute legend.
EM: Wasn't expecting you to say D'Angelo, he is the smoothest! So at what age did you decide mixing tunes was the life for you?
RW: I got into it at about 10 years ago but never properly started DJ’ing out until about 6 years ago.
Romo deep in the mix
EM: Well it's clear you're making quite the splash in your career so far! How has being a DJ impacted your social life?
RW: You make loads of amazing friends through DJ’ing and you don’t have to pay to get into clubs which is great haha. It’s also helped immensely with anxiety. I used to go to clubs and feel quite awkward, but if you’re going out and DJ’ing it gives you something to do and something to focus on. It also pushes you in front of a lot of people which forces you to be more comfortable with yourself and take yourself less seriously.
EM: I'm sure a lot of folk can relate to that. Really inspiring stuff for anybody looking to approach this lifestyle and speaking of inspiration you work a lot for inclusion at your sets which is both fantastic and admirable in equal measure, so since you began DJ'ing have you noticed a spike in LGBTQ+ clubbers living the dream in the dancehall?
RW: Yes and no. Gay pride in Birmingham in recent years have put on some really amazing artists. There are people working really hard at making spaces better for trans and non-binary people but largely in most cities, it’s the same promoters that have been going for a long time putting club nights on. These promoters tend to pick from their own small circle and don’t often look outward. I think for things to drastically improve we all need to support promoters that are genuinely trying to create a better landscape in clubbing.
EM: Completely agree with you, we're all just trying to crack on with own lives really so it'd be amazing to have more safe spaces throughout the UK to blow off some steam and just enjoy great music! Keeping it moving onto the next question: if you could broadcast one big request to all club goers to make your life a little bit easier, what would that request be?
RW: Haha to not request songs. Drunk people screaming song names into your ear when you’re DJ’ing is possibly the most annoying thing in the entire world. This guy I know has a ‘no requests’ tattoo on his arm and I think he’s got the right idea.
EM: Haha what a hero! Can imagine that gets pretty infuriating while trying to beat match tracks. Okay time to think back a little for the next question: any memories particularly stick out to you that you've witnessed on the dance floor?
You dare spill that on my decks
RW: I’ve seen some pretty amazing impromptu dance competitions. I DJ at Digbeth Dining Club and occasionally they do a dog fancy dress event, it’s pretty great seeing dogs in Dracula outfits. But I think my favourite memories are of our new years eve events. We put on a big party with a high capacity, it gets pretty cheesy and it’s lovely looking out and seeing everyone having the best time.
EM: Haha no way! that sounds hilarious! I imagine your NYE Parties will only get bigger and better as the years go by too! Romo I've got one last question for you... what aspect of your performances makes you feel proudest to do what you do?
RW: I love playing my music and friends music and seeing peoples reaction. I have a friend called Phundo Art, he’s a super talented rapper and every time I play his music everyone loses it. That’s the best feeling ever.
EM: Artists championing artists, you really do love to see it! Thank you so much again for joining us today, we wish you all the best in your career and hope you continue to change the face of UK nightlife!
Once again, huge thanks to Romo for taking part in our very first '7 Questions' - links to her socials can be found below.
Be sure to check back regularly to see who steps up next.
7 Questions is our monthly Q&A session with some of the nations most influential and boldest characters.
You can catch us here over on the ElectroMarket blog interviewing a selection of heavy-hitters in the entertainment industry.
