Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Aug 01/01) - James Howard is probably one of only a handful of individuals who take being called moody as a compliment.

The Rankin Inlet disc jockey says just about anybody can spin a tune with the proper equipment.

Music of any style is OK with Rankin Inlet disk jockey James Howard, as long as it leaves people wanting more at the end of the night. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

However, creating a positive atmosphere is a whole different story.

Howard says when he works a dance, he likes the people to leave with the feeling they were just somewhere quite special.

"If you put people in a dark or dull room with a bit of music, chances are good that they're not going to have the greatest of evenings," says Howard.

"I use my lights and bubble machine to try and create a positive atmosphere and a fun mood people at the dance can build on."

Howard started spinning wax at the tender age of 10 and has been involved in the "biz" for the past 30 years.

He's been running his Pearl Sound business for the past four years in Rankin and enjoys every second as the hamlet's dance-floor commander.

He says while he does receive a fair number of requests for tunes by such artists as Great Big Sea and Shania Twain, it might surprise a lot of people to hear rock and roll and dance tracks rule Rankin's musical landscape.

"I'd have to say the '80s are the most popular musical era in Rankin.

"When it comes to classic rock, Credence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is very popular."

Howard says Rankin is about three years behind the music scene in the rest of the country.

But he quickly adds that the style or era of music is nowhere near as important as the enjoyment people get out of hearing the tunes.

He says he's played at every venue there is in Rankin, for just about every occasion a person could think of.

"I love it at the end of the night when people are still asking me to play one more song.

"That tells me they've had a great time and I've done my job well.

"My wife (Jacintha) and I really appreciate everyone in the hamlet who supports our business and that's why we always try and give a little something special back when we can."