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Q&A: 'Fatboy Fin' shares what it takes to be Jersey's top rookie DJ

Q&A: 'Fatboy Fin' shares what it takes to be Jersey's top rookie DJ

Monday 23 December 2024

Q&A: 'Fatboy Fin' shares what it takes to be Jersey's top rookie DJ

Monday 23 December 2024


An islander who went from a rookie record-spinner to top DJ in just 10 weeks for charity says he has "still got a buzz" from his big win last month – and now wants to make it in the industry.

Finley Mckay was crowned the White Collar DJ Champion at MacMillan Jersey's unique fundraiser in November.

The trainee production technician took to the decks in front of hundreds of islanders and wowed judges with his final set which he had compiled over a 10-week training camp with his fellow rookie music makers.

Alluding to one of his musical inspirations, Mr Mackay performed as 'Fatboy Fin' at the L'Horizon Hotel to earn the title.

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Pictured: Finley – a.k.a Fatboy Fin – was crowned White Collar DJ Champion in November.

After winning, Express spoke to him about his journey and where he hopes it might take him in the future...

What made you sign up?

I signed up for the White Collar DJ Event because I am very passionate about music and it was a skill that I wanted to learn. I also wanted to help out an amazing charity, MacMillan, as they don't get funding from MacMillan UK or Government of Jersey and solely rely on local fundraisers. 

What was DJ training like? Was it harder than you expected?

The DJ training was amazing, we were coached for eight weeks by the wonderful Spim, who is a true inspiration. 

I found the course quite difficult as we started off learning vinyl and as we progressed throughout the camp it got more and more confusing as we were learning digital, how to use Rekordbox and all of the admin that came with it.

But I still loved every minute of it and we all pushed through together.

Walk me through what you had to do in the event – what was your final set like?

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Pictured: The training course was "challenging", but the rookie DJs "pushed through together".

Before the event, we had a sound check to make sure our USBs were compatible with the DJ decks and to get a good feel for them as they were different to the ones we used in the training course.

When the event started, Steph from MacMillan opened it up with a lovely speech followed by another short speech from Spim.

Soon after, the first DJ – A-Leen – took to the stage and started the party with a bang. Before I knew it, Fatboy Fin was being called to the stage. The crowd didn't disappoint, the feeling was incredible and my set couldn't have gone any better in my opinion.

Was competition tough? Did you expect to win?

The competition was very tough and everyone brought their own unique style which made the competition open to anyone. I was blown away by the talent and did not expect the win although I still have a buzz from it and I am very grateful for the whole experience.

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Pictured: Fin is "looking foward" to the possibility of future music opportunities.

Is 'creative fundraising' the way forward?

Absolutely, I think creative fundraising makes a younger audience aware of what MacMillan and other important charities do, I can say for myself I feel very inspired by the work that they provide.

Is a DJ career on the horizon now you have been crowned Champion? 

Yes, I am looking forward to seeing what opportunities arise in the near future, as I can only dream of making it in this industry, but I am determined to make it happen.

SUPPORT...

The creative event was a first for Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey who aid cancer patients and their families on the island with free emotional, practical, and wellbeing support. They are not funded by Macmillan UK or the Government.

Find out more about their work or make a donation here.

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