Jim Shaft Ryan is defiantly one of club land establishment figures, an internationally respected DJ, a talented remixer and producer, owner of Miss Moneypenny’s and Chuff Chuff brands, owner of Miss Moneypenny’s Records (Miss Moneypenny’s singles label) and MP’s Music (The label that releases Miss Moneypenny’s compilations), owner of the futuristic HQ club www.clubhq.net in Birmingham, the home of Miss Moneypenny’s.  

 Jim started to DJ as a result of being an avid record collector in the early 80s.  ‘I owned the fashion boutique ‘The Depot’ and started putting tapes together for the shop’. These tapes were noted by many of the customers, which spurned me into playing records at friends parties and bars in Birmingham city centre, I played a feel good mixture of  rare groove, funk and reggae and was known at the time as DJ Shaft as my signature record was Isaac Hayes’ ‘Theme from Shaft’’.

It wasn’t long until Jim started his own parties after being inspired by boat parties his friends were putting on in London.  He was seduced by the atmosphere of the legendary Geoff Young playing an uplifting soulful vibe.  As a result of owning ‘The Depot’ he had a ready made crowd who were craving for an escape from the staid club scene of Birmingham at the time. ‘We put our boat parties along the River Severn in Worcester they were wild affairs, as the dance scene evolved I evolved musically mixing up the new house sound of Chicago with rare groove’. These parties were the beginnings of the legendary Chuff Chuff parties as the audience got bigger the venues became more elaborate using stately homes and country hotels and Jim was beginning to invite his DJ contemporaries to join him on the decks.  Over the years virtually every big name in the business as graced the Chuff Chuff decks, Paul Oakenfold, David Morales, Roger Sanchez, Sasha, Danny Rampling, Eric Morillo, Norman Jay to name but a few.

 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. 

Music Production has certainly become a priority for Jim over the last few years. He has produced a number of critically acclaimed remix projects: - Blu Rooms “All this love” and DJ Shahroch’s “Phunk Communication” for the  Miss Moneypenny’s label, Cynical Blend’s “Crossing Bridges”, All Blu’s “The Prisoner” in which Jim is featured on a remix package with The Masters at Work and Ruff Drivas and FABs ‘Inside Out’ 

Jim’s first production under his DJ name Jim ‘Shaft’ Ryan; ‘Happy Daize”, was picked up by Concept Music reached number 5 in the UK dance charts He also produces under the name Jam Jar Project releasing ‘Ali’s Prayer in 2002, The House of Wisdom releasing, ‘Corporate America’ and ‘We need Love’ and is presently embarked on an album project under the name Groovallegiance. 

Jim is also the inspirational MPs Music, the record label that is responsible for releasing the Moneypenny’s compilation series. With a new worldwide Miss Moneypenny’s release Music 2 Dance 2 Volume 2. This is Miss Moneypenny’s ninth compilation to date.   In addition to mixing all the albums Jim has compiled the track listings as well as co-ordinated the projects. 

 

 

 

 

 

Another vital role that Jim plays is that of A&R to Miss Moneypenny’s records. After dance chart success during the late 90s, Jim has relaunched the label with four releases already last year and a very busy release schedule for 2005 the label is beginning to become a recognised force for picking up new production talent and giving them a platform.

Jim’s charisma, presence, personality, experience and knowledge have opened doors to numerous TV and radio appearances. 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.  He put mixes together regularly for Galaxy, Radio One BRMB and Ministry of Sound Radio and Vibe FM.

Despite all this diversity it is as a DJ that Jim has made his name and is his number one love. His sound is forward thinking mixing with ease soulful funky and deep house, but always maintaining a real understanding for the needs of the dance floor. A DJ who is not afraid to stick his neck out because it is experience that has crafted his skills by Djing over the world. Demands for him go as far away from Australia to the USA, from Kuala Lumpa to Europe.  He is the only UK DJ that has had a residency in Ibiza for the last 10 years at Miss Moneypennys at El Divino., a window to the world for one of the true pioneers of British dance. He is one of the few DJs who owns his own club HQ in Birmingham, www.clubhq.net , where he can be seen djing once a month, allowing him time to spread his musical message to a wider audience.

Jim concludes, ‘I am always looking to the future, there is an endless power and beauty in music, I aim to keep that vibe alive through my work’.

For all enquiries about Jim ‘Shaft’ Ryan, please don’t hesitate to contact ~ at the following address:

For booking enquiries, or to gain further information about Jim ‘Shaft’ Ryan, please contact Brian or Cath @ Ultra Management 02074022119

                            cath@ultradj.co.uk

                            jim@jimshaftryan.com