There are no limits for Peake, only plateaus

For Penwortham DJ Ryan Peake summer’s end will bring a career highlight as the South Ribble spinner stars on the bill at the Southport Weekender Big 50 event at Camelot next weekend.
Ryan PeakeRyan Peake
Ryan Peake

A veteran of the North West DJ loop, 28 year old Ryan – known as ‘Soulboy’ has been honing his craft in Preston since his teenage years.

“I got into DJing when I was 17,” he said.

“My mum went into Loft and asked the DJ at the time how her son could get into DJing. He said I should go in and see him midweek and see what music I play. I went in on the Wednesday and not knowing how to use the equipment, he showed me.

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“I picked three songs – he heard them and said you can DJ with me Fridays and Saturdays.”

It is Ryan’s eclectic taste in records that sets him apart from other local DJ’s, with influences ranging from Luther Vandross to Marvin Gaye.

He said: “I always collected soul and RnB music from a very young age.

“When all my friends liked chart music I was in Manchester looking for tracks by artists that my parents liked and other underground music.”

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Ryan does not forget his roots when constructing his sets, with elements of Northern Soul evident, yet when asked about who he is most looking forward to performing with at his other big event of the summer at Camelot, Ryan’s choice hails from a little further afield.

“I’m most looking forward to playing alongside Dimitri from Paris. He plays ultra cool music which mixes old soul and disco with soulful house.”

The DJ scene in Preston is thriving at the moment with the Lock In at Baluga hosting radio 1xtra last month.

With a wealth of new DJing talent in the city, Ryan claims it is difficult to choose one stand out individual, but is an admirer of Fam resident Jay Whalley.

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“My pick for a new local DJ would be Jay Whalley. He plays good tunes, is very hungry and loves his music.

“I’ve worked with him on a few gigs and have been very impressed with him.

“The future of Preston in terms of DJing looks bright. With money coming into the centre through the redevelopment of the Guild Hall, and the opening of numerous new clubs, the city offers fertile ground for people looking to express themselves behind the decks.”

Meanwhile martial arts enthusiast Ryan adopts Bruce Lee’s immortal mantra of ‘There are no limits, there are only plateaus’ in regards to his own future and progression.

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“My main focus is sorting my set for Camelot, but the future for me is just to keep getting my name about and doing gigs as much as I can.

“I’ve been signed to BPZ entertainment so that is a step in the right direction for me.”

You can listen to Ryan’s mixes on his website www.djsoulboy.com and contact him directly on 07578094400 for tickets to his Camelot set.

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