Based in Lincolnshire, Michael Society is one of the region’s most exciting up and coming DJs. Well known on the local scene for his famous Society night, which hosts events in both Lincoln and Cleethorpes, Michael has also played Funky House over the UK to launch Bank Fashion stores. On the scene, Mike has done guest DJ spots at Lions Lair Gay Afterhours in Sheffield, Hull Pride 2008 and his infamous carnival float!

We caught up with Michael Society to find out more.

How did you first get into DJing?
I started out as a promoter aged 19 when I set up my own event in the Manchester gay village. The night didn’t last but, by hanging out with DJs, I soon got bitten by the bug and spent my next student loan cheque on a set of 1210s!

What was that first set like?
It was complete rubbish - I really didn’t want to do it, but my friend was short of a DJ!

What were your early musical influences?
My dad was into the Pet Shop Boys and Queen so that's all I listened to when I was young. Then I went though this silly teenage indie phase. But then, aged 17, I came out and ran away to Manchester! I used to spend all my weekends in clubs like Breakfast Club (RIP), Federation and Essential, so they had an influence on my music.

So how would you describe your DJ style?
It varies a lot depending on what venue I am playing in. I have three main sounds - funky soulful house for the trendy bars, big room funky house and, at my Society night, I play mainly remixes but they have a credible edge to them - a bit like the stuff you hear on GaydarRadio.

Does modern music owe a debt to gay culture?
Gay culture has had a massive impact on music in the past – in fact, you could argue that house music is gay music. But, sadly, I think the influence of gay culture is not strong at the moment – the real innovation can be found in the straight clubs and there are few gay recording artists of note, probably because the record labels want the guys to play it straight to sell records! 
 
So, is the gay scene a good place to experiment with music?
Sure, the gays will give any track a chance, but they soon let you know if it's not for them!

What do you think of the state of dance music on the gay scene at the moment?
Dance music on the scene is at a crossroads in 2009. In the last six months there has been a real trend towards commercial music. I went to Soho recently and the really packed bars were playing commercial – the bars playing house music were quieter. There are still fabulous parties, though - Wildfruit is still a great night and the other month I was a DJ at this wicked little after party at Lions Lair in Sheffield. I hope venues can keep the faith and keep the music alive.

You've played all over the gay scene, what have been some of the most memorable nights?
The Society foam parties! The atmosphere was another level - I could have literally played anything. I saw some right sights that night, too - it really was an eye opener what a bit of foam does to people! No names mentioned! Playing funky house alongside The Saturdays in a shop window in the middle of the Bullring Shopping Centre was pretty cool, too.
 
Ever had a disaster?
The biggest disaster was at a certain venue in Lincoln. I was short for someone to do the door, so I paid one of their staff to do it. The guy charged everyone a quid when it was really three quid in! Then the bouncers threw out my star drag queen Hoochie! Needless to say, that was the last time I worked with that venue.

"You do get a lot of people flirting who do anything but suck your cock! They usually want free entry, too, and yes, I usually fall for a pretty face."

What's the worst DJ cliché in the world?
That DJs and promoters get paid big money and are loaded - I wish!

Where can people hear you playing out at the moment?
I have a few residencies at the moment. I play at Society Lincoln (my own event) and am Bank Fashion’s launch DJ - I have literally played their stores all over the UK! I have also just started at Fuel in Hull - it is very exciting to be playing there as it’s a wicked venue. I also do loads of guest sets as and when they come up.

Where do you go clubbing when you're not behind the decks?
I love the Wildfruit events in Brighton – their DJs always put in great sets. My favourite bar is Christophers in Lincoln and I sometimes pop up to Manchester. To be honest, I travel all over anywhere where the boys are cute and the music good! I see my hometown Grimsby as my hotel – I don’t use the local scene, it's appauling bad.

Name five tunes that you'd like to play for us right now?
This is my current Society Lincoln chart, showcasing the remixed part of my sound: David Guetta Ft. Kelly Rowland - 'When Love Takes Over'; Love Assasins - 'Just Fine'; Lady Gaga - 'Love Game' (Dave Aude Mix); Miley Cyrus - 'Fly On The Wall' (Digital Dog Mix); 'Blue Monday 2009' (Vandalizm Mix).
 
And one that you'd never play in a million years…
Darren Styles - apparently, it would be 'banging' in the middle of a house set!

Is DJing really as good as they say when it comes to picking up the guys and girls?
It’s a bit of a myth, I'm afraid. You do get a lot of people flirting who do anything but suck your cock! They usually want free entry too, and yes, I usually fall for a pretty face.

And finally, if people wanted to say 'hi' to you during a set, what would be the best opening gambit to elicit a smile?!
Buy me a drink and don’t talk over my mixes.

Anything to add?
I want to say a big shout out to the following people - Hoochie Mamma, the lovely Joshua, Ryan Jagger, The Cell, the guys at Fuel, the acts and DJs who come from all over the UK to Society, the promoters and venues who give me guest spots and, last but not least, the regulars who have supported my nights over the past few years!

For more information, visit www.michaelsociety.co.uk.