New York Clitty In The House
Most parents can’t stand their children playing loud music, your parents however were much more liberal with their teenage son when he showed an interest in the art of DJing…
“Where I grew up it was pretty much ghetto, or at least, kids acted like they were. So I think my parents encouraged me to DJ just so that I would always stay at home to practice or make a mixtape instead of hanging out on the corner trying to be gangsta. I was obsessed – I remember practicing for hours! I really love my parents for this support they gave me, they would never complain about me playing music, until I played something like ‘French Kiss’ by Lil Louis. I remember them freaking out! Overall, I don’t think I would be doing what I do today if it wasn’t for their support then, and even now. I’m lucky to have them.”
What is your earliest life memory?
“Wow. I can remember being like five and getting into ruthless fights with my cousin Pete, who was actually born six hours apart from me! He is also the biggest supporter I have and has been there for me from day one!”
Your sister I believe had a huge love of Disco, Funk and Soul, it sounds a very musical house. What sort of artists were filtering through the corridors of your house back then?
“My sister would play music from Donna Summer, The Jackson 5, Roy Ayers, Barry White, Al Green and so on, then I remember her loving all the 80s stuff as well like Madonna, New Order, Lime…oh and I better not forget about her freestyle phase either!”
You were big into the turntablism back then, who were your heroes and what was it about them that made them your heroes?
“Holy Shit!!!” That’s exactly what I said when I saw Roc Raida & Q-Bert for the first time! Those two are my heroes for sure. Roc Raida used to beat juggle like it was nobody’s business, may he rest in peace – I will always remember him. And Q-Bert, well he was just an alien from outer space, that’s exactly how I felt about him!”
So you start a new decade by taking your music and productions to the next level with your DJs Are Not Rock Stars label. Last year saw some big moments, what can we expect in 2010?
“In 2010 you can definitely expect more from the very talented Lauren Flax ft. the likes of Kelli Scarr & Carrie Wilds. I’m also excited to be putting out the Perfect Loosers project from Paris – those guys are insane, then we have a compilation mix that I did, and also tracks by Junior Sanchez, Laidback Luke, Gina Turner and a bunch of other promising new artists.”
You toured with Princess Superstar under the DJs Are Not Rock Stars name – what’s she like to tour with and what were the highlights?
“Touring with her was such a great experience, a bit shaky at times but that’s what we got for dating each other! As far as highlights go we had so many, like touring Australia, New Zealand, all of Europe, UK & Asia…it was just crazy, I will never forget any of it. Overall it was some of the best times I ever had!”
How do you choose your collaborations?
“My collabs usually just happen unexpectedly, like with Larry Tee, we were room mates for like three months before he knew that I was actually making beats on my headphones in my room, he was like ‘dude we gotta try doing something together’, and we did; from there we remixed like 14 tracks in just 10 months – this included remixes for Major Lazer, La Roux, Autoerotique, Little Boots, Peaches, Don Diablo, POSR and many more…”
Who has been an absolute genius to work with?
“I would have to say Larry Tee and Junior Sanchez…they’re both genius in there own unique way and I have learned a whole lot from both of them.”
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“I love everything about my appearance – take it or leave it!”
Were you part of the ‘staying up late listening to the WKCR 89.9 Stretch & Bobbito Show’ club?
“I absolutely love you right now for asking this, lol! My answer is a BIG YESSSS…I was addicted!! I remember listening for the first time ever to Nas, Big L, Biggie Smalls, Mobb Deep and so many others on this show. Stretch & Bobbito will always be legends in my book.”
What are the Big 10 tunes you are spinning at the moment?
1. Alexander Technique & Junior Sanchez – ‘One Day They Love You’
2. Dennis Ferrer – ‘Hey Hey (Crookers Remix)’
3. Zombies For Money – ‘Bhangra Dance (Malente & Jay Robinson Remix)’
4. Junior Sanchez, Harry Romero & Alexander Technique – ‘Where You Are’
5. HCCR – ‘Jack To This’
6. Larry Tee – ‘Nasty (AfroJack Remix)’
7. Lauren Flax & MK ft. Carrie Wilds – ‘Stronger Now (Alexander Technique & Tombstone Remix)’
8. Mom & Dad – ‘The Whole SH’Bang (Harvard Bass Remix)’
9. Swedish House Mafia – ‘One’
10. Moby – Wait For Me ‘(Laidback Luke Remix)’
How would you describe your DJ and production style, you are acknowledged as being an original pioneer DJ who mixes rock with rap, electro, techno, and house…why is that important?
“The good thing about being a turntablist back in the day, is that I get to incorporate all the turntablist tricks into my set now which revolves around some dirty electro beats along with some bangin’ vocals. I like to keep my production style very simple – I usually don’t go over 15 tracks and it’s all done on my laptop using Ableton Live and Logic with tons of plug-ins. I feel that you really don’t need more than that.”
Do members of your family dig your music, have any of them ever been to one of your events?
“Yes my parents always bounce their heads when I play something in the car for them…they’re so funny…and my niece Stephanie is getting more and more into what I do; before she would look at me weird because I was not a very big Reggaeton fan, hahahaha, but after going to WMC in Miami she is a changed person!”
What has been the greatest achievement in life to date?
“Being able to live off what I do best: DJ and producing music.”
Who did you learn your DJ and production skills from?
“I learned to DJ with one of the best DJs in my hometown – his name is Juan C. He basically took me under his wing when I was like 15 and showed me how to beat match and how to never mix two vocal tracks together and so on. He is still mix king to me and I will always respect him for that; I gotta credit myself on the production skills!”
What was the last thing you stole?
‘I was like 20 and a dumb idiot… that’s as far as I’m going!”
Best and worst thing about living in New York?
“Nothing beats NYC – the night life, the people and the inspiration you get from this city is priceless. The worst thing is having paid over $1000 in parking tickets last year – do yourself a favour and get rid of your car before moving here, lol!”
Tell us about your job driving strippers around, what is your favourite story from back then?
“Oh damn…that job was actually mad fun! Most of the girls were Russian and Brazilian and they were really cool actually. Every weekend we would go to an after-hours party.”
You are throwing a house party at your crib, what 5 DJs do you invite to play?
“Tombstone, Junior Sanchez, Stretch Armstrong, Larry Tee and Gina Turner.”
What is the best club you have ever played at?
“Razzmatazz, Barcelona, for sure.”
Who is your best friend in the world?
“I have 2 best friends…… my parents.”
And finally, is it true that your name was given to you by an ex-girlfriend who complimented you on how you used er, your tongue!?
“Hahahaha…OK, you got me!”