1) Where are you from and a quick summary of how you ended up in NYC?
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, shoutout to Glencoe, and recently moved to NYC back in August. I always dreamed of living in NYC. My Dad’s family is from here and I grew up visiting NY once every few months. Also, most of my best friends have made the move out to NYC so it was a no brainer. The energy in the city amazing and it’s hard to beat NYC nightlife.
2) How did you get into DJ’ing and do you remember your first gig?
I first started DJing in high school but way before that, I was making mix tapes on CD’s when I was probably 10 years old during the Napster days. My first legitimate gig took place in my best friend’s parents basement. His parents went out to a movie and the minute they left the driveway, we pulled in with decks + speakers. We rocked out for a good two hours and had to quickly clean before they came back. After that gig, I started to get calls about other parties and it snowballed from there.
3) Who are your musical inspirations? Artists that make you the DJ who you are today?
My musical inspirations stem from what I was introduced to as a child. My Dad was really into Classic Rock and my Mom was into Disco + Funk. As I grew up, I went through several phases which included classic rock, punk rock, hip-hop, electronic, reggae, indie rock, house (progressive, deep, tech, etc)
My style of DJ’ing really depends on multiple variables: the venue, time of day, who’s in the crowd, etc. I can touch multiple genres throughout one gig and it’s really important to me to keep every set fresh and not repetitive. Artists like Bob Marley, Daft Punk, A-Trak, Girl Talk, Lil’ Wayne, Yeasayer, Avicii, Frank Ocean, Richie Hawtin, Talking Heads, The Allman Brothers Band, Solomun, Axwell, Major Lazer, SG Lewis inspired me to become the DJ I am today.
4) If you could see one performer (dead or alive) who would it be?
I missed Daft Punk’s tour back in 2007 so that would be #1 on my list. I also would’ve loved to see Bob Marley at a venue somewhere in Jamaica during his prime.
5) What’s one piece of advice for someone who would like to become a DJ?
Don’t give up and find something that separates you from other DJ’s. Go to the clubs and bars, meet the staff, make friends with management and be prepared to bring a crowd once you get the opportunity to play at a new venue. Don’t follow a pre-selected track list. Instead read the room and don’t be afraid to switch it up if what you’re playing isn’t working. Also, Master the art of transitions. I can’t tell you how many times I see DJ’s not able to beat match and time their transitions.
6) So, what is your dream gig?
It’s tough to answer because I have a few that I can think of but one that stands out would be to play at Cafe Mambo in Ibiza. It’s known for having one of the best sunsets on the island and every DJ knows that nothing is better than sunset gigs on a beautiful island. If I could travel back in time, I would pick DJ’ing at Studio 54 during the peak years. That would be an experience.
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