Some DJs learn the craft. Others are just naturally gifted. For me, Dec B is one of the most naturally talented DJs I've ever worked with.
I've known Dec for over 25 years, going right back to around 2000 when I was an 18-year-old working the lights in Diva nightclub. Dec was the Saturday night resident, and I still remember watching him mix and wondering how he made it look so effortless.
What makes Dec's career particularly impressive is that he held long-term residencies in Diva, Level 4 and Show Nightclub — three well-known venues, all within approximately 10km of each other.
Anyone familiar with that era of clubbing will appreciate what an achievement that was. Holding down a residency week after week required far more than being able to mix two records. You had to understand the crowd, know your music and consistently deliver.
And Dec certainly did.
There's something about Dec that I've always admired. He could go six months without touching a set of decks, walk into a DJ booth and mix as though he'd been playing every day.
That is not normal, even for experienced DJs.
While I've embraced modern DJ technology, Dec has always been more traditional in his approach. He has a natural understanding of music, timing and mixing that very few people possess.
The funny thing is, I don't think he realises just how good he is.
Like many DJs from that era, Dec experienced the highs and lows of an industry that was changing.
But one thing never changed — Dec's love for DJing.
And that's what makes his return particularly enjoyable to see.
We're now seeing familiar names from that generation returning to the decks, and there's something special about hearing the music that defined those nights played by the people who were actually there.
Despite knowing Dec for over 25 years, we've never actually shared a DJ booth at a live event.
That changes on October 31st at the WOH Halloween Special in Quinlans, Clondalkin.
For me, it's an opportunity to finally play alongside someone I've respected since I was 18.
We're not trying to recreate the past. We're bringing the experience, the music and some of that old-school atmosphere into a new chapter.
And if you've never heard Dec B play, you're in for a treat.
Welcome back, Dec. It's about time!
BENNY MC
WOH Records
