HOW THE HELL DO YOU DO IT?
I’ve been shaking up the art of Djing since the late 1990s. With my unconventional approach to both subject matter and artistic production. The passion and love for music in me makes me a curious person to make it a reality for me to be part of the industry. I refer my guidelines that is patience, passion perseverance and lots of practice.
HOW DO PEOPLE INSPIRE YOU?
The more people you meet, whether face-to-face, or via phone (or even online. The more you are exposed to. And the more you have to react to others’ individual contexts. This could be introducing two people and watching what they create; sharing an idea and watching for the ‘a-ha’ moment; or finding a solution to a problem.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF J-STYLES?
Around the age of 16 I bought my first mixer from saving up from my part time job. I used to blend from cassette tape to the Radio. A few months later I bought my first turntable and a few months later my second. I started spinning freestyle and Hip-Hop, Although always leaning more towards the Hip-Hop sound. I have always had a ear for all type of sounds but for me Hip-Hop was what had my ear the most. I enjoyed spinning House but I always felt like I needed to do more while the first track was playing, Just letting it flow wasn’t enough. Since the price of records was increasing, keeping up with a multi genre of music was a bit too much. I decided to stick to what I loved most ,Hip-Hop. Learning to scratch, cut and blend different elements and beats to make my own unique sound.
It was around 1998 when I noticed a big change in Hip-Hop. I became more focused around “Gettin Paid”. I started watching DJ battles and getting more resources. I began to focus on my talents that leads to be my career. Putting more effort in to scratching, and beat juggling, then parties and clubs. Watching dj’s Like Roc raida, Craze, Q-bert put me in awe. I began having many practice sessions with a good friend. Practice in my room overnight, & refining my skills to enter in a local & major DJ Battle circuit. I’ve won numerous local DJ Battles. But the one that change my life most is after I’ve crowned the Champion after winning the Technics World DMC DJ Championship in Singapore. And thats brought me to the world final in London to represent my country in 2000. Until now im still doing what I like to do best.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST WORK?
I’m preparing for a mixtape that should be out by June. Hopefully. And getting involved in couples of party nights with Bedsty Music Party Design. “Good Times, Donuts, 808” just to name a few.
WHAT IS YOUR WEAPON OF CHOICE FOR YOUR PASSION?
As a Dj, my weapon of choice would be the turntables, vinyls and a scratch mixer.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
I’m currently a instructor at the DJ Live Academy.You can get the info at www.headlinestore.com/dja
FAV PEEPS IN THE BUSINESS?
That will be DJ Q Bert, D Styles, Mixmaster Mike, Roc Raida, and the list go on.
WHAT TURNS YOU ON THESE DAY IN THE ONLINE WORLD?
I like to visit Skratchworx.com. They review more on the dj technology. Engadget.com for overall technology news and reviews. Basically anything that related to music and djing.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Casual, simple, streetwear.
WHO IS YOUR FAV LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER?
Ashley Isham
FAV FASHION MAG?
Favourite DJ / Music Magazine: DJ Mag, Urbs, Jockey Slut, Mixmag.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO NOW?
Hiphop, Dubstep, Funk, Fidget House.
WHAT ARE YOUR PEEPS GETTING INTO THESE DAY?
Most of the peeps around me is either they getting married and settle down & some of them planning to run their own business.
WHO ARE THE BEST LOCAL MUSIC DJ / ARTIST COLLECTIVE THAT YOU HAVE SEEN?
Seriously there’s a lot of them that have not been seen before, but I do like most of the djs that is still around, still spinning, still humble. For me everyone is the best. Because everytime when we djs get down to business. Our goal is to rock the crowd, deliver a good show, and give all our best to make it a best one.
WHAT MUSIC GADGETS ARE YOU INTO THESE DAYS THAT YOU CANNOT STOP PLAYING WITH?
Iphone Apps, Serato, Audition, MPC.
TOP
3 DJS IN YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL TO YOUR GENERATION?
DJ Q Bert (Turntablist/HipHop) DJ MixMasterMike ( Turntablist/Hiphop) KRS One.
WHAT INSPIRATIONAL WEBSITE DO YOU FREQUENT?
Looking at a dj products website and watching dj videos gave me an inspirations to get new ideas and how about that I could improve my skills and to learn and gain new knowledge. Well i’m looking at Skratchworx.com. About a new dj software eyeCanDj that uses the human eyes to operate the jobs of a dj.
WHERE CAN WE FIND THE BEST EATS IN YOUR CITY?
Stall No 55-57 Ming Yen Seafood. Reasonable price. And the “Butter Sotong” is a must try. Its wicked.
WHAT IS YOUR FAV TRAVEL DESTINATION?
Bristol City. All over Europe. The weather is cooling. Get to see hills, mountains, nice beaches, lots of different kind of foods, clubs, and a paradise for digging music.
WHAT IN YOUR OPINION IS BEST HOLIDAY YOU HAVE EVER BEEN ON?
That would be Bristol in UK. There will always be a gig 7 days a week. And thats include big name artist and DJ. I’m not kidding. The popular venue is Lakota. If you still doesn’t know, the reason is because its still underground.
WHAT IS THE BEST FESTIVAL YOU HAVE BEEN TO?
The 1st ZoukOut, Kuala Lumpur Music Festival. There’s a few, but I couldn’t really recall.
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO DRINK IN YOUR CITY?
Zouk Wine Bar, Cafe Del Mar, Peppermint Park.
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO SHOP IN YOUR CITY?
Da Cave, Leftfoot, Topman.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
