The fifth and final series of my “Put My Record On.” I must say this blog was a lot of work, but a lot of fun learning all about these awesome DJs and interviewing some great talent. If you miss any of the other series, here are the links: Put My Record On – Part 1, Put My Record On – Part 2, Put My Record On – Part 3, Put My Record On – Part 4.
Today’s lineup: EC Twins, DJ Vice, Roger Sanchez, M!ke Attack, DJ Quira, Jeff Retro, DJ Reflex, Ross One, Kevin Scott.
EC Twins
Marquee, Tao, and Lavo Nightclub
www.ectwinsmusic.com/
twitter.com/ectwins
www.facebook.com/E.CTWINS
A21: The name your parents gave you?
EC: Thing 1 & Thing 2
A21: Hometown:
EC: Manchester, England
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
EC: We used to own a nightclub called “Eye Candy” in the UK, the crowd named us after an abbreviation of that moniker.
A21: Describe your sound.
EC: House music on anabolic Steroids
A21: Who are your influences?
EC: 80’s soul like Luther Vandross and electronic pioneer, Giorgio Moroder
A21: Who would like to work with?
EC: Daft Punk
A21: How long have you been spinning?
EC: 10 years
A21: What was your first gig?
EC: Eye Candy in Edinburgh
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
EC: Shopping Cart Wranglers
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
EC: Marquee Las Vegas and Electronic Music Festivals on a global scale.
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
EC: Marquee
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
EC: Hopefully at the top of the music industry ladder making history.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
EC: Follow your dreams.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
EC: In 2012, it will be easier to list places they can’t buy or download it.
DJ Vice
Tao, Marquee and Lavo Nightclub
A21: The name your parents gave you?
VICE: Eric Aguirre
A21: Hometown:
VICE: Los Angeles, California
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
VICE: Webster Dictionary when I was 12 years old.
A21: Describe your sound.
VICE: Im like a wedding DJ on steroids. I play anything and everything I want to play.
A21: Who are your influences?
VICE: Jam Master Jay, Jazzy Jeff, Julio G & Tony G, DJ Alladin, DJ E-Man, DJ Q-Bert, The Baka Boyz, DJ AM & DJ Splice who taught me at 12 yrs old.
A21: Who would like to work with?
VICE: Andre 3000, Passion Pit, Organized Noize, Eric Prydz, Kaskade, Cut Copy & Rihanna
A21: How long have you been spinning?
VICE: 19 years
A21: What was your first gig?
VICE: My first real gig was a church dance and when I got on, I let the record play out to complete silence. Yes, I got boo’d by the whole crowd. Talk about a rough start.
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
VICE: From age 10-12 I played ice hockey so I guess I may still be doing that… glad I chose turntables instead.
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
VICE: Tao and Lavo Las Vegas. Im spoiled with such a high energy party crowd every weekend. Outside of Vegas I would have to say LIV Miami.
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
VICE: That place that serves great chicken fingers afterhours. Yeah, you know where im talking about!
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
VICE: Playing my own music at bigger festivals internationally.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
VICE: Great DJ skills is one part of the job, great people skills is another. You never know who you are dealing with in this industry. Treat everyone the same and good things will come back to you.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
VICE: DJVICE.COM has it all. Thanks for the support!
DJ Roger Sanchez
Tao and Marquee Nightclub
www.rogersanchez.com/
Facebook
twitter.com/djrogersanchez
A21: Hometown:
RS: New York City
A21: What the story behind the nickname The S-Man?
RS: I named a friend of mine “Hess-Man”( his last name was Hess) and he named me “The S-Man” hence my alter ego was born.
A21: Describe your sound.
RS: Sexy, party, “lose your mind” house music
A21: Who are your influences?
RS: Sonically, early heroes such as Miles Davis,Tito Puente to Nelle Hooper, Timbaland to new kids sending me hot tracks. Visually, Philippe Starck, Basquiat, and Rei Kuwakaba (Comme De Garcon).
A21: Who would like to work with?
RS: Bjork
A21: How long have you been spinning?
RS: More than 30 years.
A21: What was your first gig?
RS: A friend’s house party in Queens, NY.
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
RS: Something artistic, designing, drawing, acting, you name it.
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
RS: I have several, it’s hard to name just one! My all time fave would likely be Stereo in Montreal.
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
RS: Right now, Marquee.
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
RS: Doing what I love, to the next level.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
RS: Get into the studio, make music and never forget your love of music.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
RS: Beatport, iTunes, anywhere that has good house music!
DJ M!ke Attack
Rain Nightclub and Ghostbar
www.myspace.com/djmikeattack
soundcloud.com/dj-mikeattack
www.facebook.com/pages/DJ-MIKEATTACK/10150124810435134
A21: The name your parents gave you?
MA: Michael Mohammednur
A21: Hometown:
MA: Vegas
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
MA: It was given to me because I attack crowds with my energy.
A21: Describe your sound.
MA: Electic sound that delivers the funk.
A21: Who are your influences?
MA: Every positive person I surround myself with.
A21: Who would like to work with?
MA: More people doing more for their city, ”Vegas.”
A21: How long have you been spinning?
MA: 8 years
A21: What was your first gig?
MA: Beauty Bar Las Vegas
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
MA: Hustling
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
MA: Shake n pop Fridays’ at Artisan Vegas
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
MA: Snitch Wednesdays at Ghostbar
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
MA: Traveling the world
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
MA: Take your time and be humble.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
MA: djmikeattack.com
DJ Quira
Tao Nightclub and Blush Boutique Nightclub
www.djquira.com/
www.facebook.com/pages/Dj-Quira/112202688800581
twitter.com/DjQuira
A21: The name your parents gave you?
QA: Quira Rae Manthei
A21: Hometown:
QA: Well, I was technically born in San Diego, CA and lived in Cali until I was 11 years old. I moved to Yakima, WA where I lived until I was 18years old. Once I turned 18, I ditched the small town and left for Seattle. I resided there for 2 years before landing in Las Vegas for the past 9 years.
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
QA: It’s kind of funny how I chose my DJ name. I actually had a few different names I was deciding between. I did a post on my Facebook, Twitter and just asked friends and family for their advice. After a survey and long thought I decided to stick with my roots and use the name my mother gave me. It’s already quite unique itself and hard to top.
A21: Describe your sound.
QA: I would describe my sound as very easy on the ears, music that makes you wanna vibe and feel good inside. I am passionate about playing sexy vocal house music, but I also like to throw down some hard stuff too that makes you wanna fist pump. I just like to keep it fresh always having new beats to share.
A21: Who are your influences?
QA: My influences come from other DJs and producers like Tiesto, Kaskade, Badboy Bill to name a few. It is so inspiring to me to see all the production that goes into their performances, some of them are so elaborate. Definitely sets the bar that’s for sure.
A21: Who would like to work with?
QA: Hmm…well, once I start producing I would love to collaborate on tracks with artists like The Dream, Tiesto, David Guetta to name a few. I would love to have singers like Britney Spears, Rhianna, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Usher to sing on tracks for me.
A21: How long have you been spinning?
QA: It’s going on 4 years now.
A21: What was your first gig?
QA: Well my very first paid gig in Las Vegas was actually for a private party at a villa in Caesars Palace. It was obviously a success and a great kick off. I was so pumped after the gig I was like a kid and couldn’t sleep. My first paid gig outside of Las Vegas was recently in Chicago, IL. A good friend of mine, Mike Felton, from the Music Trust booked me out there.
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
Well I don’t only DJ. On May 14th, 2011, I will be walking for my graduation from UNLV with my BSBA Marketing Degree. After one more 5 week summer class I will officially be finished with school on July 7th. At that point I plan to devote all my time to learning how to produce music, master my DJ skills while also cocktailing at Wet Republic pool for the summer season. It is an amazing job, I call it a “hidden gem” job.
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
QA: Marquee Las Vegas in the Cosmopolitan Hotel
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
QA: To be totally honest with you I actually don’t like to party in Vegas, I feel like I really can’t let loose because there is always eyes on you here. I would rather go to other citys like Miami, New York, LA, any where but Vegas (LOL).
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
QA: Hmm… still producing music, and djing but a marketing job isn’t out of the question. Also in five years, I would like to settle down with a special someone. I would really like to have two kids, preferble a girl and a boy and considering adoption for one of them, but I would like to have one myself as well.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
QA: Start from basics, do your homework and don’t cheat, because you are really only cheating yourself.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
QA: You can always download my music for free from my website, www.DJQUIRA.com.
Jeff Retro
Vibe 94.5, Blue Martini, and Rehab
www.facebook.com/jeff.retro
www.jeffretro.com/
A21: The name your parents gave you?
JR: Jeffrey David
A21: Hometown:
JR: Born in Kent, Ohio but raised for the most part in Sarasota, Florida.
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
JR: I felt I got into the business a bit late, came up with “Jeff Retro” and liked how the word “retro” means something from the past, which can come back and be hip in the present day.
A21: Describe your sound.
JR: I prefer “vocal progressive and vocal house,” pretty much anything with vocals. However, I enjoy playing all types of electronic music.
A21: Who are your influences?
JR: My Mom hands down and local DJs who have made it in any city!
A21: Who would like to work with?
JR: Any female vocalist whom are talented and have not yet been discovered.
A21: How long have you been spinning?
JR: 13 Years
A21: What was your first gig?
JR: Club Cairo in Orlando, Florida
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?3
JR: I’d be home in Florida, spending time with my mom, sister and my chocolate lab “Guinness,” being a beach bum and trying to find a good woman to settle down with and have kids.
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
JR: The Patio on Wednesday Nights at Blue Martini and now my new summer residency at Rehab on Sundays (thanks AMG)!
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
JR: Love the vibe at Vanity on Sunday nights and Marquee on Monday nights. However, I would choose a great dinner and drinks over a crazy night out. I love having cocktails at the Chandelier Bar in The Cosmopolitan.
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
JR: Living in a beach town and traveling around the globe doing gigs.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
JR: Set goals and know the direction you are going.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
JR: BeatPort, YouTube, and my Soundcloud page under “DJ Jeff Retro.”
DJ REFLEX
Rain and Moon Nightclub, Ghostbar
www.facebook.com/DJReflexLA
twitter.com/djreflex
djreflex.com/
www.myspace.com/djreflex
A21: The name your parents gave you?
RX: Anthony Jaramillo
A21: Hometown:
RX: Barstow, CA
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
RX: I found “reflex” in a 7th grade health class and thought it was great in a sense that music and DJing are completely natural to me and it just happens on its own. A “DJ reflex” occurs.
A21: Describe your sound.
RX: I’m a bit of a chameleon, I love to go from playing The Rolling Stones and classic hip hop at say Kate Hudson’s house party. Then go play a dance club with all house music, then go on the radio to play top 40 and break new artists. I love every genre of music, and I love to make them all connect into an experience.
A21: Who are your influences?
RX: Musically I’ve studied Coltrane, The Beatles, Bob Marley, N.W.A. I suppose I’m influenced by every type of music I absorb. I have an amazing DJ crew, The Unrivaled Djs, that inspire me everyday and challenge me to get better. They are DJ Melo D, DJ E-Man, DJ Spryte, and DJ Kevin Scott.
A21: Who would like to work with?
RX: I’ve been able to work alongside Kanye West, Rihanna, Gaga, so many people. I’m looking forward to possibly working with Adele. Other than that, a lot of legends before the year 2000.
A21: How long have you been spinning?
RX: Sixteen years, officially started DJing when I was 14 even though I can remember playing music for people as early as 3rd grade.
A21: What was your first gig?
JR: My first gig was a high school dance. I made $125 and only had one lighting effect for the dance floor that required to be turned off and on every ten mins because it would overheat. So the kids would get excited and then it would just blackout and they would hate it. It was a funny night.
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
RX: It’s hard to think of my life without music in general. I think I’m kind of good at everything, so I could see myself selling clothes at Barneys, or perhaps in the legal field. I also have considered moving back to Barstow and running for mayor if this DJ thing doesn’t work out, but I don’t think that will happen.
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
RX: Anywhere with an open minded crowd. Right now I love my residencies at Sutra in Costa Mesa, CA and SupperClub LA in Hollywood since we just tear down the house every time my team is there.
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
RX: I play a lot at The Palms so I spend most my time running around there having a blast.
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
RX: I think I will be even more focused on producing music, exploring my creative side and hopefully still striving in the DJ circuit.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
RX: I think new aspiring DJs may see the Serato DJ era as a shortcut to being a good DJ and it is. However, I think it’s a detour from being a great DJ because you don’t get to learn the authentic way on vinyl. A lot of new DJs may learn to mix by beats per minute and genre as opposed to the actual feel of the music. It’s rare to hear a DJ play sonically correct anymore as opposed to a set of forced energy. Sorry if I got a little deep with that. I’m a deep guy.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
RX: www.djreflex.com and www.unrivaleddjs.com
DJ Ross One
Tao and Lavo Nightclub, Tao Beach
www.myspace.com/djrossone
twitter.com/DJROSSONE
A21: The name your parents gave you?
R1: Ross David
A21: Hometown:
R1: Cincinnati
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
R1: I was crippled by anxiety trying to pick some random name that sounded cool. When I was a kid, one of my favorite rappers was KRS-ONE. Somehow because “Ross One” kinda sounded like that, it was ok with me. Plus adding “one” to your name was about the most hip hop thing a kid from Cincinnati could do so I was for it.
A21: Describe your sound.
R1: I just like to keep things moving. I usually end up having to play a pretty commercial mix, but I try to make it a little more interesting. I tend to mix pretty fast, and I try to have the musical progression of the night make sense.
A21: Who are your influences?
R1: I was influenced by a ton of DJs along the way. Kid Capri, DJ Spinna, Stretch Armstrong, DJ Riz, and a lot of my friends like Roctakon, DJ Five, Crooked and others continue to inspire.
A21: How long have you been spinning?
R1: I got my first DJ setup when I was 16 so… a long time now.
A21: What was your first gig?
R1: The first place I DJ’d that I sort of got recognized for was during college at bar in Rochester, NY called the Bug Jar. Other than that I spent a lot of early years DJing in my bedroom and the occasional house party.
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
R1: Maybe taking pictures? Probably hustling in NYC like everyone else I know.
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
R1: Tao Las Vegas
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
R1: I can have fun just about anywhere in Vegas if I’m hanging with a few friends. Luckily there’s always someone from the SKAM fam or other DJs from across the country to grab dinner with or go check out a club.
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
R1: Probably not DJing! Hopefully on a plane once a month rather than once a day.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
R1: Just to work hard, stay positive, and don’t become preoccupied with the success or failure of people other than yourself.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
R1: www.skamartist.com/djrossone
DJ Kevin Scott
Moon Nightclub and Ghostbar
www.itskevinscott.com
www.soundcloud.com/djkevinscott
www.twitter.com/djkevinscott
www.myspace.com/djkevinscott
A21: The name your parents gave you?
KS: Kevin Scott
A21: Hometown:
KS: Orange County, CA
A21: How did you choose your DJ name?
KS: It came pretty naturally actually since its my given name. I was DJing a lot of house music when I started out, so using your name was a very normal thing to do.
A21: Describe your sound.
KS: Clean mixing, tight programming and always building energy.
A21: Who are your influences?
KS: The late, great DJ AM was the biggest influence on me by far with everything from DJing to music to how to conduct business. Over the years, some others that have influenced me, DJ Dan (early 90s rave days), Bad Boy Bill (mid 90s “Bangin the Box” days) and Fatboy Slim (late 90s big beat era).
A21: How long have you been spinning?
KS: Since 1987
A21: What was your first gig?
KS: A backyard high school party
A21: If you weren’t a DJ, what you would be doing?
KS: I would be a lawyer. I actually dropped out of law school to pursue music and DJing.
A21: Favorite spot to spin at?
KS: Moon (Las Vegas) and Sutra (Orange County)
A21: Favorite spot to party at in Las Vegas?
KS: Wherever my friends are.
A21: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
KS: Winding down my career with DJing, raising my family and continuing my online music pursuits.
A21: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
KS: Create your own unique style, don’t imitate others and DJ because you love music and not for any other reason.
A21: Where can fans download or buy your music?
KS: www.itskevinscott.com, www.directmusicservice.com, or www.unrivaleddjs.com
Well, that’s a wrap folks! Thanks again to all the awesome DJs who took the time to be featured and best of luck to all of them! Please join DJ Karma and myself at The Bank Nightclub this Friday, April 29. Open bar for all ladies, 10:30-Midnight, and free entry for those who RSVP at SpyOnVegas.com. The guest list closes at 3 p.m. today. See you there!
Agent 21 @ SpyOnVegas.com 