He’s the guy from the east side of Säo Paulo who has overcome EVERYTHING life has thrown at him to reach his 5th World Final! “Gringos ask me, how do you make it without sponsorship, support, etc? Then I answer, my motivation is to have none of it, because most DJs in my country are used to difficulties, that makes us stronger. Thank you HipHop! I don’t know if I’m important to him, but I know he saved my life.”
Here’s his story…
Erick a huge welcome to the home of Turntablism! What is your earliest memory of music?
Hey Dan Prince! I remember when my dad gave me my first 7”: Michael Jackson’s “Thrilller”. I also remember my brother watching videos from Fat Boys, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy.
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Can you recall the first time you touched a pair of Technics turntables?
Yup! A very good friend of mine bought a pair. And it was hard to get or see one. So it was through this brother. RIP DJ Navalhada.
How/why did you get into the world of turntablism?
I was already a DJ and I watched the DMC 95 Finals. Roc Raida was the one performance that made me say: that’s what I wanna be! I’ve always liked the art of the turntables, always pushing boundaries, everything is possible. I also liked the scratches on hip hop songs too.
Early heroes/inspirations from the DMC Turntable world?
Roc Raida, Total Eclipse, Akakabe, Dexta, Noize, P-Trix, Babu, D-Styles , Kentaro , Rafik, DJ Netik, DJ Fly, C2C, Nelson, Tigerstyle, Skully, P Money, Craze, A-Trak and Vekked …amongst others!
Best legends set you have ever witnessed?
DJ Koco Shimokita, DJ Jazzy Jeff , DJ Kentaro, Kid Coala, DJ Qbert.
What are you most looking forward to about competing in the World Finals in San Francisco?
Mainly because the finals will happen in the country where most of my inspirations come from!
How have you overcome such hardship in Brazil – from the east side of Sao Paulo to a 5th World Final!!!
Unfortunately in Brazil everything is way more difficult for the DJs. There were a bunch of setbacks specially when it comes to equipment because even though we have a good number of DJs in my country, the big brands don’t believe or invest. I think that’s because of high taxes and too much paperwork. But they still invest in EDM and electronic DJs.
How was your route to San Fran – where you confident winning the All Vinyl?
Very difficult as usual specially because now I can only compete in the DMC world categories. Since this might be my last year in competition I gave my all to win one of the categories.
Where you confident winning the All Vinyl?
Yup! Definitely!
What is your best skill/quality as a turntablist?
I really like my beat juggling.
Would you enter a DMC Party Rocking Battle?
No doubt about it!
What is the greatest track ever made?
Michael Jackson – Rock With You.
What is the turntable scene like in Brazil?
Very strong. We got a good number of turntablists and, despite the difficulties, they practice hard for national and international competitions.
*****
Erick Jay competes in the Technics DMC World DJ Championships at The Midway in San Francisco on Friday November 3rd
