1. Cosmo, the last time we talked you were just getting ready for your trip to London, and playing out there. How did you fair? What was it like? Where did you play out to?

I played at the Dogstar in Brixton last December (1997) with Glen Gunner of Streetcorner Symphony. I had a great time and the crowd was really into it, as well. So much so, that I was invited to play the following week but had to decline as I was going to Scotland.

For this gig, I played old, funky classics such as Wood Brass & Steel "Funkanova", Manu Dibango "New Bell", Spandau Ballet "The Chant", Ashford & Simpson "One More Try", well you get the idea. I didn't really play any house, but that's okay by me! The best part was the two girls who do the heavy metal radio show before my club mix show in New York City turned up out of the blue.

They had read the listing in "Time Out" magazine ( A major London based magazine!!). I was jet lagged and a bit sauced, so I wasn't sure if I was seeing things. Maybe I was.

2.Was this the first time that you have played out as a Dj in Europe. If you have already please refresh our memories.

This was the first time I played in Europe, but I just got back from a gig in Italy where I played this club Matilda in Jesolo Lido outside of Venice. Great place and really into house. I can't wait to go back.

3.Did you get a chance to listen to those "famous", or infamous pirate radio shows" within London? Did you get invited to play on any of them?

I listened to a lot of radio in the U.K., and was surprised to hear Speed Garage at 7 am, Speed Garage at 2 pm, Speed Garage at 5 pm, and a little more Speed Garage at 11 pm.

I had mixed feelings about it.Overall, U.K. radio is far better than commercial American radio, because the U.K. is more musically progressive while the States are more conservative. And its great that new musical forms quickly find their way onto the radio in the U.K.

However, it seems like it was a bit of an overload as if everyone is trying to out-do the others by being the most trendy. Is it about the music or being cool? Some of it was good but it was a bit too much. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to listen to Dr.Bob Jones or John Peel - two of my heros.

As far as getting invited to play, no I didn't, but I would love to do a radio show over there. Anyone interested?

4.Whilst you were in London did you have any time to do any record shopping.Or was it a case of using the time to visit or meet up with old lost friends and relations?

I didn't do any record shopping this time as I was visiting my relatives and my fiance's relatives and friends. But next time I plan on hitting the shops, especially my boys JP and Lewis over there at Vinyl Junkies

. 5.Being a DJ, as you are. Could you see a difference in the crowds towards House and Garage in America, and House and Garage over here?

House is more accepted by the public at large in the U.K. and in Italy. Its on commercial radio and in the charts.

In the U.S. it is so incredibly underground, even in places like New York City. Aside from a few radio shows on the station that I am on, WNYU, Jeannie Hopper on WBAI and Tony Humphreys and David Morales on overnight slots (2am!), there is no house on the radio. Its a damn shame.

6.Whilst playing your set over here. Where you allowed to play a more of a "selective set" here in the Uk, than in the Usa through. Or was this the other way around.Where you expected to stick to your predetermine sound that was on the flyers that was being advertised in regard to the events that you were playing for?

Every night I play differently, depending on how I feel, the record I brought, what the crowd is responding to and what the general vibe is.

7.Did you get a chance to go clubbing and witness England's club scene as a clubber whilst you were over in England? If so, was there any major differences between Uk Clubbers and Audiences, and that of the USA?

I didn't really go out that much although I did catch a great Northern Soul night at the Sub Club in Glasgow, Scotland. I think it was put on by the Good Foot? (Yes, it run by Norman Jay- Cosmo!!!)

Is that right? Anyways, it was incredible. I love that whole sound and it was great to see a packed club dancing to this beautiful soul music. We don't have anything like that over here.

8.Do you still have a very successful radio show in New York that allows you to play Soulful Garage and House music. Is this still a God send to you? Was this hard to come by?

Yes, it is a God send! I am very lucky to have a noncommercial radio show where I can play what I want. Aside from playing house, I try to play other things that really turn me on like good drum & bass, acid jazz, new soul, etc.

Mostly, its straight up house, but I do certain classics specials like soul, Latin, jazz, etc. In the future I'm going to feature more interviews with artists, producers and DJ's. Anyone interested in sydication?

I've been doing radio for over half of my life, so I was already involved with this radio station before I even started this show. But, yes, radio shows are very hard to come by!

9. As we enter the year 2000. Is it still hard for women world wide to make it to a good level in the world of House and Garage music as a Dj? Britain that I know of has 2 that just comes to mind here that seem to be respected all over the country and most parts of Europe. Smokin Joe and Sarah HB.

Is it hard in the states for women dj/producers or radio Garage presenters to make it in this type of music?

I think its becoming less of an issue. First of all, it's hard for anybody to support themselves by DJ-ing and producing music alone. Luckily, I'm now at the stage where I can do that. But its not easy for anybody. As far as being a woman, I think its much easier now and probably getting easier all the time. Especially with techno & drum and bass and newer forms of music there seems to be a lot of new female DJ's. Its great!

10.Who, if given the chance would you like to work with in the World of House and Garage music? Masters at Work, Don Carlos, Derrick Carter, Kerri Chandler, Grant Nelson, Shazzz..who??

Well, all of the people you just mentioned sound pretty good to me! Right now I'm working on a record with Tommy Musto. Its a song I wrote and am producing. The vocalist is Alison Crockett, an incredible singer who did the vocals on Sylk 130's "Seasons Change". We should be finishing it up in the next few weeks. Hopefully, it will be out by Christmas. I'm also writing a lot of other material and have been getting requests from other labels to put out music. So watch out!

11.Who do you rate as one to look out for in the future? Who should we keep an eye out for! From your own country? DJ/ music artist/s producer From what you have heard or seen from abroad? DJ/ music artist/s producer

Let's see, one DJ and producer I really like is Adam Scott who does a party called "Legends" here in New York. He has also put out a track "Sun Juice" on Wave Music and works at Vinylmania record shop. I love the way he plays. Also, I really love DJ Gregory from France - he just did a guest spot on my radio show and I love his taste in music. He put out a track (with Adam incidentally) on Yellow called "Hypose" and I've been playing it for almost a year now!

12. Are you still at peace with the press. Do you still constantly worry about being misquoted. Or do you have a good relationship with the press as a whole?

I have been misquoted and it is somewhat embarrassing. But, overall, no big worries. As they say, any press is good press.

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