We caught up with the bearded boss, Paul Joseph, a man of many talents who is also our DJ of the Month!
Tell us a bit about your DJ journey so far.
In 2016 I started a cabaret night called PopHorror at The RVT and decided to play the post-show music. DJ Jo Bunny showed me the basics as part of Bar Wotever’s trainee DJ scheme and it went from there. Later that year, I covered a gig for my friend Gareth Hackney at The Eagle. The owner, Mark Oakley, liked my set and invited me to do Carpet Burn there. Soon after, I came up with the idea for Athena, my 80s night which has become a monthly fixture and since spawned a spin-off, 8020 in 2022. I’ve played various gigs since including Beefmince, The Lipsinkers, DTYM in Bristol, and — in possibly my campest moment — The Golden Girls Fan Convention.
What’s a song that sums up Athena and 80:20?
For Athena, I’d have to say Love Will Save The Day — it’s a complete banger but not the most obvious Whitney track. With 8020, I’d go for He’s On The Phone by Saint Etienne. Pop perfection!
Give us a record you’ve fallen in love with in the past year.
Joyride by Kesha was an unexpected treat.
And what’s an oldie that never fails to please?
The Visitors by ABBA.
Which artist do you turn to when a dance floor needs bringing to life?
As far as the gays are concerned, Kylie can do no wrong though I’d often opt for Madonna. On 31st January, I’ll be joining my 8020 resident Wayne David for Ultimate Madonna at The Eagle — all Madonna, all night!
Do you have a guilty pleasure when it comes to music?
No music should be guilty — if you love it, you love it! However, when I’m DJing, I do like to throw in an unexpected movie soundtrack curveball, like Cool Rider from Grease or Magic Dance from Labyrinth.
When can we catch you DJing in the upcoming weeks
8020 on 15th Feb, and then on the 20th, we launch Athena’s Epic 80s karaoke party at The Karaoke Hole!
80:25!
Right, hold onto your wigs ladies because we’ve got a BOMBSHELL announcement — 80:20 will be 80:25 for this month only! If that means nothing to you, let us elaborate. 80:20 is a monthly club night from the same brains behind Athena and it’s so named because resident DJs Paul Joseph and Wayne David only play pop, indie and dance tunes released between 1980 and 2020. However, for the February party, they’ll be dipping their toes into the 2020s as well, hence 80:25. Come get your fix of Sabrina, Chappell and that APT song.
Saturday 15th February, 9pm-4am,
Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, SE11 5QY Nearest Station: Vauxhall
