Dave The Ruf – DJ biography
I have 30 years experience DJ’ing, yet I started out as a young mobile jock in the mid 80’s (playing anything goes!) before exploring extensively my beloved hip hop and through the rich music that hip hop sampled which included an apprenticeship in soul / funk / super disco breaks and all sorts of strange records.
I started to get regular residencies at home in Manchester, then the many Ruf Beats releases helped to raise my profile so I appeared as a special guest all over the UK and Europe and built up a good people network of dj’s, promoters, writers, artists, record labels and venues.
I have played alongside many famous DJ’s including Afrika Bambaataa, Jurassic 5, Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, Chemical Brothers, John Peel and many more. Towards the end of the 90’s I became an in demand DJ performing hip hop/breakbeats/incredibly eclectic sets at famous venues like The End, Sankeys, The Blue Note and The Concorde(in this country) and throughout Europe with the Planet Rock DJ agency. I have also played at trade fairs for the BPI (British phonographic Institute), AIM (association of independent music) and the British Council in Miami.
When the label took a breather in 2003 I founded the famous DRUM MUSIC club night (2004 – 2012) and assisted local campaigners, poets, musicians, dj’s, mc’s and sound system collectives to achieve their goals and dreams. My son put up with all this shenanigans and now is strangely put off following in my footsteps! That’s a result then!
Since 2012 I have worked largely in the North West playing and selling records (at over 150 events in 2 years)! but now after raising my son I am hoping to get out there and play wherever I can!
I specialise in playing VINYL only (wherever possible) and enjoy bringing good vibes to all.
My current musical breadth takes in reggae / ska / soul / funk / disco / rap / electro / house classics / rave / 90’s dance and a healthy dose where needed of 60’s / 70’s / 80’s / 90’s classics as suits the vibe of the night and I always try and slip in some brand new releases and unusual selections to keep things fresh.
I have various manchester based residencies currently at (every 2nd firday, 8pm til very late – FREE and very eclectic selection) various gigs at (including Disco / Gold and Rubix) the world famous community pub. I am looking for my new Welcome to Planet rock Dj sets to find guest spots around the UK and internationally. I am working on several new recordings and bringing my production, dj’ing, mc’ing, spoken word and talks together into one Ruf package!
Bar Sets:
Please call me or contact me on facebook for rates. I can play for as short or long as required. I currently have 4 residencies in Manchester but I am interested in getting residencies elsewhere in the UK and across the world!
Specialist Club / Festivals DJ sets:
Please call me or contact me on facebook for rates and to discuss what musical areas you wish me to concentrate on to suit your event. I am used to doing long sets and am a versatile DJ.
Mobile DJ / special events :
I take my turntables and mixer out occasionally as needed and have played at all sorts of functions, birthdays and weddings as required.
To book me simply call me on or contact me via facebook. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for your interest!
Dave The Ruf
Its all about magic music…
Full DJ Biography for promoters and partners – Dave The RUF
Hi my name is Dave The RUF. I’ve been Dj’ing professionally since the late 80’s, when I took out my own mobile set up aged 15 (!) and started doing local events in South Manchester. By 1990 I had progressed to running club nights before setting up record shops (Funky Banana/ Boom Tunes) and my RUF BEATS record label.
Through the 90’s I self released 39 records, DJ’ed extensively and performed live as an MC/DJ/Producer throughout the world under my aliases JEEP BEAT COLLECTIVE and MINDBOMB. I supported many artists including JURASSIC 5, JUNGLE BROTHERS and DE LA SOUL and won wide critical acclaim from the music press and regularly worked with the British Council, Tony Wilson’s In The City and industry bodies such as AIM and the BPI. My label was licensed to a multitude of other labels worldwide and my Radio Zero show was voted in the top 3 radio shows in the UK. I also set up workshops for teenagers throughout the North West and lectured at industry events and colleges.
In 2003 I founded various Manchester based club nights and collectives such as Drum Music, Stumblefunk, Hip Hop History, Style Wars, True Poets Society, State of Mancunia, Words Escape Me and Black Vinyl Imagica. All the while I nurtured and supported other collectives and nights such as Fuse, Tangled, Mind on Fire, Herbal Sessions, Dub Smugglers and many more, alongside helping local acts to develop and get gigs. I remain a close follower of the cities creative talent.
At the moment I have various DJ residencies but am looking to expand this by working with quality venues and promoters to help bring positive vibes, good atmosphere and increased footfall and dancing! I have a commitment to playing quality VINYL only, as I think it gives an extra edge to see a real DJ throwing down black magic vinyl discs (without a laptop) and always play a great selection of beloved new releases!
I select carefully from an extremely eclectic collection and love playing my wide variety of staple genre’s such as Soul, Funk, Disco, Classic party and conscious Hip Hop (No gangster-isms) Classic house, Dance / Rave, Afro vibes and Reggae. I can turn my hand to classic rock, pop, jazz, oldies and cheese as required. Having been a key player in the Free Party movement I also enjoy playing dirtier beats such as Rave, Breakbeats, Drum N Bass, Jungle.
At the other end of the scale I do amazing long chill out sets taking in mood music, mellow and funky beats, with sunshine soul and funky rap and eclectic exotic pieces working up to peak time classics designed to take your clientele on a gorgeous musical trip and keep them happy.
Please call me to discuss what you need!
Love Dave The Ruf –