When you enter the Garage there is a big neon sign that reads ‘Ended up at The Garage’. I’ve now had the privilege of ‘ending up at the Garage’ as a DJ for 25 years. I’ve climbed those iconic entrance stairs so many times that I’m pretty sure I’ve exceeded the Proclaimers 500 miles.
In 1997, as a regular customer at The Garage, coupled with my love for music and entertainment, it quickly became my dream to work there. All the DJs were male, however, as a gallus student with a cheeky glint in my eye I was determined that wasn’t going to deter me. I basically just pestered them until they gave me a shot and I’m very grateful they did.
Being a girl in a male dominated industry can be challenging as there’s always going to be people who don’t take you seriously. There were many times, in the 90’s especially, that I felt I had to work twice as hard as those around me to prove myself, but I never let it get me down. I saw the fact that I was different as positive, that people would remember me for it and talk about it.
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I knew from the beginning I didn’t just want to play music. I wanted to dance and party along with people, engage with them, and create an experience. I wanted to do everything in my power to make sure they had the best night and left the club talking about it. The late nights and working weekends were hard because you miss out on the things your friends and family are doing, but those that are your true friends will always make time for you. It’s all about finding the balance.
A lot has changed over the years. I’ve had to reinvent myself numerous times, keeping up with changing technology and fighting for what I believed would work. What hasn’t changed though is the great camaraderie of the staff, plus the fact you can always fill a dancefloor with an Abba song.
I’ve made some of my best friends in the venue and have created so many great memories over the years. I may be a bit older than many of the customers now, but I still enjoy interacting with them. My only complaint being when some of them come in and suggest I might know their mum or dad.
Recently I discovered that in 1972 my mum and dad met in the Locarno Ballroom which now forms the main hall of the Garage. They celebrate 50 years together this year, I am celebrating my 25 years there - perhaps it was destiny that this is where I would end up.
The buzz I get from DJing has never died. The sight of the crowd bouncing up and down, hands in air and cheering for their favourite songs is addictive. I’ve also shared a DJ box with some famous faces including Paulo Nutini, Huey from the Fun Lovin Criminals and even Bruno Mars.
More recently I've made my film debut in Jono McLeod’s ‘My Old School’ alongside Alan Cumming. Getting to film in the Garage means that I’ve now been immortalised as a DJ on the big screen.
Music will always be a huge part of my life as it creates such powerful memories and I count myself very lucky that I have a job that I’m hugely passionate about. I’ve DJ’d lots of other venues over the years, but the Garage will always hold that special place in my heart. For as long as they will have me, I’ll be behind those decks. I’m not quite ready to hang up my headphones just yet.
A massive thanks to all the management, staff and customers over the years who have made it a joy to work there and to Donald Macleod MBE who has supported me every step of the way. You have all made it the most amazing experience.
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