We caught up with DJ Betty Ford for a quick drum&bass themed interview:

“DJ Betty Ford” how did your unforgettable dj name come across?

I actually chose my DJ name 12 years ago when I was playing a lot of techno and tech house. I saw some slip matts with “Betty Ford Clinic Resident DJ” on them, and something just clicked. For those who aren’t sure of who Betty Ford was, she founded the first celebrity Rehab Centres in Hollywood, back in the 70’s. As a DJ your job is to bring people back to life, after a week on the grind. Rehabilitate the mind!!

What intrigued you into the world of drum and bass?

Growing up in London, I was exposed to a variety of cultures. I’ve always favoured music styles with big Bass line’s, this obsession with bass started with my love of Reggae and Dub. I remember being given my first jungle tape in 1993, I was 13 and sold! I Would listen to this tape religiously to and from school, and occasionally during lessons, any opportunity I got. Back then I was mainly listening to Ragga, and the Jungle music of the time was influenced massively by Dancehall tracks. I’ve followed the scene ever since, and although over the years I have dipped into other styles, Jungle and Drum and Bass has and always will be number 1 for me. I love the broad spectrum of different sounds and styles within the genre, it’s so diverse, and as a result, this is reflected in the Drum and Bass Community. Have always had love for the broken beats, and Urban styles.

Do you have a icon or role model in drum and bass?

Hmmmmm an Icon……I should probably go for a female, but I’m going to be honest and say Goldie. I have a massive amount of respect for Goldie and his HUGE contributions to the scene over the years. The geezer’s a legend! I also have lots of time for the fact that he recognised credible women on the scene long before it became fashionable. Can’t leave this question with mentioning DJ Rap and Storm either though. From a female point of view, these ladies paved the way, and set the bar!

So what can we expect from you in the future?

2012 has been busy for me so far, and I have lots more projects in the pipeline. At the moment I’m working alongside Asbo Audio in London. I’m set to launch a sister label “Rehab Records” within the next few months. I’m also a Resident DJ for Asbo who have a weekly take over on Waxfm London, and promote nights all over the city. My official label launch is on the 18th May, at club P.S.T, Digbeth, where I will launch my own “Clinic” night also.
My aim this year was to focus on production, however with the opportunities that have been presented to me so far I’m thinking that producing may have to take a back seat this year
so I can focus on establishing the label, and continuing to promote my own nights, as well as co-promoting with others. And of course continuing to push forward as a DJ is always a priority.

You can catch me on Waxfm Fortnightly on Friday’s, next slot 9th March, Beatfreakz 6th Birthday, Boat Party on the Thames 21st April, Asbo Take-Over, Revolutions, Croydon, Clinic, P.S.T, Digbeth 18th May

Finally, who do you think will smash it in 2012?

There is so much good Drum and Bass coming through at the moment, and so many awesome Producers and DJ’s around that it’s a really difficult question to answer. But for me Dub Phizix are the one’s to watch in 2012. BIG, fresh beats and working with some great MC’s. Marka was a great kick off to the year, and is really starting to get some recognition across the scene. I also think that Jungle is coming back in a massive way this year, so Serial Killerz, Jaydan, Serum I predict will do well with that sound.

DJ Betty Ford’s February promo mix can be downloaded here