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10 Questions with ... DJ Beatstreet
March 3, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Instagram: @djbeatstreet Twitter: @djbeatstreet
1. How did you get into radio?
Persistence and cat-like reflexes is how I got into radio. A street teamer by name of JC turned night jock, heard me play and basically had me send in mixes non-stop for almost a year to convince his PD at the time run a Thursday Night Mix show. I think the PD didn't get to any more submissions and just gave in to our Jedi Mind powers and put me on.
2. Favorite equipment to DJ with?
If I'm playing out or live, my go-to is the classic Technics 1200 with a Rane 62 or Pioneer DJM 900 mixer. When it comes to DJing for mix shows, Abelton Live all the way. I know some "purist on-air" DJs may disagree, but ask any programmer how would they like submitted mix shows and they most likely would say "perfect." Abelton has allowed me to always turn in a perfect show to my PD every time.
3. Twitter or Instagram ?
If I was a 13-year-old kid, I would say Twitter, but I'm not. The heart-throb like me is going to say Instagram. And after I invest in this selfie-stick, it's really gonna be game over IG and all my followers. On a social media tip, the accessibility to quickly see and image and judge its popularity via hearts gives the user better engagement reactions than retweets or passive aggressive "favorites" from Twitter consumers.
4. Who are some of you favorite DJ/remixers out right now?
I like them all! From Carnage to Flosstradamus and Cashmere Cat on trap and future vibes to Vice, Cash Cash, Nicky Romero and 3lau for great big progressive sounds, along with making with some sonic sense that translates great to radio.
5. Do you take requests in the club?
I tell people that I take suggestions and then stare at them blank in the face and see how long it takes for them to process what I just said. Selfish requesters only want to hear a yes or no from the DJ and even if you say NO, it somehow translates to a Yes! If it take more than three to five seconds for someone to figure what a suggestion means, I automatically dismiss them and assume their IQ is quite low and hope they spend more time in school than they do in the club.
6. What can record labels do better?
Everything. LOL. It's a hard question, since there are many facets to a label/DJ relationship. I will name off just somethingsthat we could all do better: 1. Communicate more effectively with the mixing community and listen to feedback. Some projects get killed early because "research" is showing negative results, but the club reaction shows the complete opposite of the labels are seeing dictated to them. 2. Stop only going to big-name producers; there is great talent all over the Net, who can do these remixes some justice. Limit the big names and see who is young and trending.
7. What's good/bad with radio these days?
Radio is still free! Free is good. What's bad in my personal opinion is believing 100% on "research methods" and being afraid of "new music." Yes, I understand the niche of new music consumers is a small percentage of listeners, but also many of your listeners are tuning out and tuning to Sirius, mp3 devices, Internet radio and the other million listening platforms available at their fingertips because programmers who are afraid to play "newer music" in the evening or allowing it to live in mix shows. The rush to be the first station/DJ to play a record is gone. If a station or DJ wants to play something first, it is because this record has a street buzz that is growing or it could be a style of music like trap/twerk that is overly popular, and you are going to want to be on this train when while the coal is still hot. I would also like to thank PDs and MDs like Dan Hunt and Buster Satterfield or Bennet and DJ Grooves for being forward thinking on mixes and understanding what their demo wants and needs and allowing mix show DJs to execute that on-air. They make me look good.
8. Who is the next big thing in music?
Me! I'm the next big thing in music. Point Blank Period.
9. Where is the best Philly Cheesesteak in Philly?
Son, there are levels to the cheesesteak game. Level 1 is a newbie/tourist level. You can do Pat's or Geno's and take pictures and say you were there and get like 100-plus likes on Instagram. They both are whatever, but for taste and political reasons I choose Pat's over Geno's. Level 2 is get your money's worth level. This goes to The Original Tony Luke's. (Hands down) If I'm going to drop $10 or more on a chees steak it better be something worth it. Level 3 is the my money is on fleek level. Barclay Prime takes the win on this. $100 cheesesteak made with real wagyu beef. Cheesesteak game on fleek!!
10. Please explain what the word "fleek" means and how to use it in a sentence
Based on Urban Dictionary it means "on point." Yo! Promo Only Summer Session always be on fleek! I hope that sentence was suffice.
Bonus Questions
Favorite place you have DJ'd at?
Man, everywhere I play is my favorite spot. I just love what I do and always try to have fun when I'm out playing. When it comes to Philly, Voyeur Nightclub is at the top of my list. Besides being the biggest room in the city, I also do whatever I want and that type of trust from management is what allows it be such a great place to spin at.
Could you take Kanye in a fight?
Man, Kanye is light work. I would just let Ray J handle that, can't scuff up my Yeezys while scuffing with Yeezy. Ya.
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