 VERY NECESSARY: Spinderella drops in on Portland. |
[DJ EXTRAVAGANZA] The classic, East Coast accent and honey-dipped voice coming through the phone is just as sweet, sincere and sassy as it is every week on Deidra “Spinderella” Jones’ nationally syndicated radio show, The BackSpin. Jones—the L.A.-based, Brooklyn-bred Salt-n-Pepa DJ who’s been at the decks since 1985—took a moment in between hectic travel-prep errands to talk about the glorious ’80s and how’s she amped to guest this Thursday at weekly Portland hip-hop/dance party the Fix. Bust out the jellies and Lip Smackers—it’s time to reminisce.
WW: When Salt-n-Pepa started out, did you have any idea you were pushing boundaries for other young women?
Deidra Jones: I would hear from a lot of our fans out there...“This song made me do this and it was because of y’all that I got the strength to leave that abusive situation.” It was fun at first, but then it became something that had a little bit more responsibility in it.
How did it feel to see girls rocking your style of asymmetrical hairdos, stretch pants and over-the-knee boots?
It was funny because we started some trends...we’ve been responsible for a lot of girls losing their hair because...all their hair was blond. I see how it’s come full circle. Some of those looks are back and I’m like, “Wow, that looks cute. Wait, we used to have that!”
What do you think about the Top 40 music out today?
I enjoy some of [it] and...oh my gawd, a lot of it is redundant. I love Ne-Yo, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne. They’re passionate. With the newer generation...a lot of times there’s someone who makes the wheel turn [for them], but you’ve got to have that within you.
Have you heard of the Fix’s resident DJs?
I’ve heard of them [and] that I can just be me [at the Fix], zone in. My love is when I can go into a set [and] really play some joints.
Please do. There’re some heads out here. Give it to us.
[Laughing] Give it to you?! Do you want me to give it to you? Because, listen, if you tell me that, it’s on.
SEE IT: Spinderella guest DJs at the Fix Thursday, June 26, with Rev. Shines, Ohmega Watts and DJs Kez and Dun Diggy at the Someday Lounge. 9 pm. $10. 21+. Read the extended Q&A, complete with a game of “this or that,” on LocalCut.
