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Jim Shaft Ryan DJ Biography:
Dance culture arrived in the UK in the late 80s as a result of the pioneering spirit of a few individuals, Jim Ryan has
certainly played an integral part in its formation.
He is without question one of the most respected, knowledgeable, talented and hard working figures in club land today.
Having had his finger on the pulse of dance culture for the last twenty years, being involved in Djing, promoting, radio,
TV, writing, music production, developing record labels, running a record shop, fashion, clubs and bars. He is also one of
the brains behind the Chuff Chuff parties held in opulent venues up and down the UK.
Jim’s pioneering approach led him in the mid 80’s to open the fashion boutique the Depot’ which was soon to
become the epicentre of dance culture in the Midlands selling tickets for parties throughout the UK. It was from the ‘Depot’ that the early ‘Chuff Chuff’ parties were born, the first being boat parties down the River Severn for 200 like minded party people. With Jim at the helm playing a mixture of funk raregroove and house music, such outings became regular occurrences. It was only a matter of time before Jim’s Djing skills were being appreciated by a wider audience.
With major musical influences such as Marvin Gaye, George Clinton, D-Funk and the great Isaac Hayes, one soon gets an idea as to where his ‘Shaft’ moniker appeared. “I was into early 70’s disco music at the time and thought the name had a sense of ambiguity. It always provokes questions and intrigue”. Jim’s reputation was beginning to take off with gigs at ‘Back to Basics’ in Leeds, ‘Lakota’ in Bristol and ‘Venus’ in Nottingham.
At the same time public pressure was demanding Jim and his colleagues to come up with a weekly version of the Lavish ‘Chuff Chuff’. It did not take long before ‘Miss Moneypenny’s’ sprung into life. Its reputation spread and rave reviews from the music and fashion press such as ‘Mixmag’ and ‘The Face’, led to an abundance of elegantly dressed queues eager to being entertained.
After more than a decade behind the decks, Jim has decided to lend his mixing hands to some of his other talents. With an honours degree in English to his credit, Jim is keen and competent in exploiting his writing talents. He is often requested to write articles on dance music, youth culture, fashion trends and other related areas and wrote the monthly ‘Behind the Scene’ column in M8 Magazine for 3 years, which was an in-depth look at the dance scene.
Jim has also recently ventured onto the other side of the Vinyl by investing in a recording studio. He has produced a number of critically acclaimed remix projects: - Blu Rooms “All this love” and DJ Shahroch’s “Phunk Communication” for the new Miss Moneypenny’s label, Cynical Blend’s “Crossing Bridges” and All Blu’s “The Prisoner” in which Jim is featured on a remix package with The Masters at Work and Ruff Drivas. In 2001 Jim’s production ‘Happy Daize”, was picked up by Concept Music reached number 5 in the UK dance charts.
Jim is also heavily involved in Miss Moneypenny’s Music, the record label that is responsible for releasing the Moneypenny’s compilation series. The label has released seven highly acclaimed Moneypenny’s club albums with Jim’s mixing skills on all seven. In addition to mixing Jim has compiled the track listings as well as co-ordinated the projects. In 1999 Jim initiated and developed a new DJ album series the first of which featured the musical talents of Norman Jay. Another vital role that Jim plays is that of A&R to Miss Moneypenny’s records. The label has to date two top 10 hits in the Buzz and Hype charts. He presently works under various guises, House of Wisdom, Jam Jar Project and Disco Untouchables.
The newly networked Galaxy Radio has been quick to recognise Jim’s Djing talent and he now performs regular mixes giving their audience an opportunity to experience his unique funky underground house style. He also contributes regularly to BRMB, Kiss FM and Ministry of Sounds internet radio station.
Jim’s charisma, presence, personality, experience and knowledge have opened doors to numerous TV appearances and he is often interviewed to offer his expertise in dance culture. In the recent ITV production “Dance Years” hosted by Dave Pearce Jim was a regular contributor.
Jim’s diverse talents were reflected in the 1997 general election when he masterminded and played an integral role in placing a Miss Moneypenny candidate in the infamous Hamilton versus Bell constituency of Tatton. This project attracted massive media attention both here in England and internationally.
Meanwhile, the Moneypenny’s bandwagon keeps on rolling. Tours and gigs around Europe and the world; Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Russia, USA, South Africa, South America, Israel, Beirut to name but a few. Summer residencies in Ibiza, Majorca, Benidorm, Tenerife and Cyprus monthly residencies. Chuff Chuff is as elegant as ever and a fantastic new Moneypenny’s venue ‘Liberty’s’ in Birmingham is proving a phenomenal success. Jim’s ‘Depot Records’ shop is now a major force in the dance music explosion, being one of the premier vinyl retailer in the Birmingham area.
Although pushed for time Jim is still managing to find the time to fulfil the ever-increasing demand for DJ appearances both throughout the UK and internationally. 2001 he was resident alongside Danny Rampling at Miss Moneypenny’s weekly in El Divino Ibiza and in 2002 alongside Joey Negro. He has just finished an extensive tour of the US. As well as regular gigs in Dubai, Canada, Switzerland, Moscow, Malaysia and Austria and in the past to Australia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel and numerous other countries as well as the annual trips to the Mediterranean resorts.
Despite such a busy schedule life couldn’t be better for the man they call ‘Shaft’.
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