DJ Smoke – Interview – A Hot Minute

DJ Smoke – Interview – A Hot Minute – by Liam Sweeny.

RRX: A good DJ is a good mix. A good DJ can bend time and sound like no other. And it’s not just for the art of it; it has to move people. How did you get into DJing? Was it following a music you grew up with, or did you come up on it by accident?

DJS: I always had love for music and created mix tapes which a lot of people liked, I Truly got into DJing , while practicing becoming an MC, there was just something about bringing the record back and forth and using the crossfader to blend records together it grew in to a passion. Me and a friend rock a house party and after that night he handed over his records and turntables to me and said “you were made to DJ.”

RRX: I wrote a story about a drum break that’s been sampled 4,500 times – the “Amen Break” sampled from the Cliftons. So there are popular samples out there, some even foundational to a good mix. Can you name a sample you feel is foundational and why?

DJS: Legendary Funky Drummer. Sampled in over 1000 plus songs , great break beat

RRX: DJing is live music, but a lot of people only consider “instrument” music as live. There’s so much preparation that goes into mixes, it must be hard to have people just think your spinning records, so-to-speak. Take us through a mix from that first idea

DJS: Lately with the new update of systems , You are able to take away elements of a song such as bass, melody, vocals, drum. I am loving this feature especially for remix. This can elevate your mix to a whole ‘nother level. I really like using wordplay to mix also , Like say I had Kesha Tik Tok and Just dance Gaga , The Part of Kesha’s song before the hooks say just dance tonight…….. I come in before dance tonight with Gaga saying just dance dance dance ….

RRX: DJs rock parties. It’s a very social thing. It’s dance music, meant to get in people and move their bones. Music, in a band, might be appreciated differently, as a thing to analyze. Do you think people can appreciate a DJ in the same way as, say, a rock band?

DJS: Definitely!!! does all depend on the DJ, and using the music to just create a vibe or using the music to create entertainment along with feelings in the moment. If you are good at making people feel great for a moment and forget about all the stress they might have a guarantee they’ll be a fan and show up to all your shows and buy your merch or support anything you have offer

RRX: People who want to become DJs have to learn a whole bunch about a whole bunch. Mixers, audio programs, turntables. And the tech changes every year. So, someone’s starting out. What gear would you recommend tried and true?

DJS: I would say we are blessed with technology. So one doesn’t always necessarily need traditional turntables and mixers. I’ve seen someone rocking event with iPad , computer , phone nowadays so I would say my main recommendation is the source of where you will be playing your music from is one of the most important, and format you’ll be sourcing your music or sound from. It’s easy with the internet, you can purchase all items used or new on Amazon you could probably get a whole package for around $500, sound, DJ system, cables, almost everything. Every year there new equipment coming out so it’s tough to say what is right today. Subscribe to mile High DJ Supply , Sweetwater , Guitar Center, IDJNow , YouTube there’s a new reviews daily. Or text me lol

RRX: I like stories. I believe that’s all any of us have that are of value. As a DJ, you’ve rocked parties, and you’ve probably been in the presence of some crazy stuff. Can you give us one story that’ll make me want to become a DJ?

DJS: A time that really inspired me to want to become a better DJ is the night I actually met you Wiz Hoffa at Tillys night club. That night there was a DJ spinning and had the crowd buzzing going crazy it was probably one of the best nights that I can remember at that spot. We were in the DJ booth sitting behind while he was spinning I was sitting right next to you we just met and I was watching and I noticed something very different. Then I asked you, “Am I buzzing right now or is he have Braille on his vinyl?” And I learned from him that he was he was blind, his name was DJ Witts. Watching him do that with records matching beats blending perfect timing but also going off of the crowd it was an amazing moment.

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