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10 Questions with ... DJ IZK
March 10, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djizk Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djizk
1 - How did you get into radio?
I've always wanted to have my own radio show since I can remember. I've been playing in my market for over 10 years at all the popular clubs and bars but never got a chance to be on the radio. I had asked the PD for KVLY years ago but he never gave me a shot. Two years ago, a spot opened up on KVLY for a mix show DJ. I asked for a chance and he reluctantly gave me "trial." The conversation came up recently about why he never gave me a shot. His response was that I was arrogant years ago, which was never the case but now he has me mixing 36 hours a week on the station.
2 - Favorite equipment to DJ with?
I started like all the old school guys, on Technics. I will always be fond mixing on turntables but lugging 200 lbs. worth of gear starts to suck when you play four nights a week. Lately I've opted for the Pioneer Nexus setup. Three CDJs 2000s, DJM 900 Nexus, Serato sl-4, MacBook Pro and Sure se535 in ear monitors.
3 - What do you like/dislike about Shazam ?
Shazam ... hmmmmm. I like it that I can scan a track I don't know; I like that I can see what's been scanned in my market and I like that I jack tracks from other DJs ... just kidding. The part I dislike about Shazam is other DJs trying to steal my set lists.
4 - Who are some of you favorite DJ/ Remixers out right now?
Always been a big fan of Flipside and the Jumpsmokers. Marc Stout (Mixin Marc) and his Papercha$er project always do great work. Suraci and Smash Mode kill it on the House remix side of things. Dzecko & Torres, Cash Cash, Mikael Wills, and Tjr. Favorite DJs are DJ Scene and Laidback Luke.
5 - Do you take requests in the club?
That all depends on the request. Usually if it's in format, I'll play it but if it's something out of format, it isn't getting played.
6 - What can record labels do better?
Stop forcing records that suck! A turd is still a turd, no matter how much you polish that thing up. If the record is good, I'll support it. I think multi-genre remix packs are needed for mix show guys.
7 - What's the next trend in music?
On the Pop side, you never know. I like that Pop music is influenced by Electronic music now. I think we will see more stuff in the 120-125 bpm range. Deep house, Future house, and I hope Disco house comes back.
8 - Who is the next big thing in music?
That is hard to say. The major Pop stars will continue to rule the charts. I think the "big room" sound has hit a brick wall and now groovier stuff -- like this new Bobby Green, "Changing Me," I've been playing -- will start to see more of the charts. You can tell with tracks from Kiesza, Clean Bandit, and Disclosure that music is definitely changing.
9 - Tacos or pizza?
What kind of question is that? I'm Mexican! Tacos, baby! You haven't had amazing tacos till you have had some from South Texas. I'm 15 miles from the border of Mexico.
10 - If you weren't a DJ in the music business, what would you have been?
I studied computer science in college now I'm actually going back for Mechanical Engineering. So I'm sure I would have been doing something with computers.
Bonus Questions
What's the magic formula for success?
My Dad told me when I was growing up that it didn't matter what I wanted to be as long as I loved what I did. When you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life. I think the key to success is just that, love what you do, pour your heart and soul into it and success will just happen.
Where have you had the best steak ever?
I can make a pretty damn good steak being from Texas, a grill is a must in the backyard. But if we are talking restaurants, Ruth Chris has a damn good ribeye, probably the best I've had, next to mine, of course.
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