Everybody likes to eat. That doesn’t make us all chefs. There are a select few who are born with the gift of a musical ear, and more importantly the talent to share it with the world. This is the story of DJ XTC. From “connoisseur” to “guru”, Neal “XTC” McFarlane comes from the “old school” but can kick it new school and still graduate with honours. Educate yourselves.
His X•pertise
Old School - classic house - drum 'n bass - jungle - reggae - classic rock
His X•amples
Scarborough, ON seems to be the breeding ground for many a DJ talent. DJ XTC who also hails from this musically and culturally diverse borough of Toronto has his earliest influences rooted in the music of Percy Sledge, Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, and Kenny Rogers that used to transcend from his mother’s stereo (read as: old school ghetto blaster). He earned his gold stars as a popular house party DJ in west end parts of the city including Brampton, Malton and Mississauga where he eventually set up his tent.
His X•perience
In the 80’s, DJ XTC made his mark (prologue to X Marks the Spot) through regular deejaying gigs at Changes (Mississauga), Superstars (Mississauga), The World (Mississauga), NRG (Burlington), Barracuda (Toronto), and The Concert Hall (Toronto). Later on, the 90’s were defined by one of the longest running radio shows on 89.5 FM CIUT with “Project Bounce” which featured “Red Light Radio” – a segment that focused on Old School, Funk, R'n'B, Vintage and slow jams. From 1995 to 2000, XTC took a hiatus from club and party deejaying to focus on his family life; however he remained relevant on the airwaves through “Project Bounce”. His knowledge of music was not limited to just the turntables, XTC was also the owner of the popular all-ages Club 404 in Brampton where old school favourites like Maestro Fresh-Wes and Redhead Kingpin blessed the stage. Having affiliated himself with one of the most celebrated urban event promoters, XTC has had a hand in bringing several U.S. artists to Canada for your listening pleasure.
His X•cellence
DJ XTC as a true “guru” has not aspired to be hailed as a “mainstream” DJ. His gift to the universe has been through sharing his acquired knowledge as a teacher, mentor and partner to others, and to foster a genuine love and following of the music of our roots. Currently, DJ XTC (in co-ordination with Hyped Entertainment and United Force) produces a serial event called “X Marks The Spot” which is a night dedicated to celebrating the vintage sounds across all urban/Caribbean genres from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Keeping the spirit of a generation alive, he is taking us on a throwback journey every season with the “official” Club 404 (Brampton) Reunion parties. These parties are now so highly coveted, that you shall soon see them in a city near you. In addition, starting February 2010, join him at “First Fridays” where he will spin alongside a special guest DJ the first Friday of each month who also shares his love of kickin’ it Old School. The final treat is his return to radio with his online radio show “REWIND” on
Globe-Radio.com every Sunday from 7 to 9 pm. All gurus come with a guide, and you can find yours at
www.djxtc.net where all of his wisdom is yours for the taking.
As far as vices go, there sure are a lot to choose from. But from what I can tell, some XTC and a love of great music is a cocktail I cannot live without!
Written by Nicky Phillips a.k.a. Darling Nicky
