December Profile:D-Jabe Website: E-Pro Recordings + E-Pro Graphics + E-Pro Animation+ EpiK Entertainment Contact: Personal Address / Book D-Jabe Real Audio: Neutralize / Exhaustive / Trancemit 02 / Trancemit 01 / Independance v.2

How and when did you get started?
I started playing music when I was in kindergarten with the piano. Through my middle school years, I learned to play the cello. During my junior year in high school, I bought my first sl-1200 turntables that I still use to this day. That is when I first began spinning funky breaks. At the end of my senior year, I shared some keyboards, sound modules, and sequencing gear with my brother, and my sophomore year in college I finally bought my JP-8000. That was also when I started to spin progressive trance.

I love all different styles of music. I used to listen to rap when it was truly hardcore RAP such as Ron-C (Dallas) and Public Enemy. I think it's kind of funny that many Nu-Energy and UK Hardhouse tracks that I spin contain samples from Public Enemy songs.

Who inspires you musically and why?
I was first inspired into "techno" by the music of The Prodigy. Then I found out that they made the music using certain keyboards and equipment, which was a turning point for me. Later I realized out how DJs perform using turntables. This was in early high school and with my own simple research and observance (this was in 1993, before real internet was implemented). I began looking at the music in a whole new way.

I also had CDs like Hit the Decks (volumes 1-3) and Speed Limit 140 BPM (volumes 1-4). That music always kept me going in my life. I would bring taped copies of CDs and EDGE CLUB 94 (from 1993 and 1994) to track meets and even to listen to while mowing my lawn! It just felt right to do it for myself.

I also always had an itch for being in front of people. That combination of music and performance has made a nice mix for my current lifestyle and for future shows.

How much have you changed musically since you started?
I have changed quite a bit since I first bought my turntables and synthesizers. I applied my knowledge of theory from piano and cello playing towards my DJing when I first started spinning. I learned that techno really did work well with the standard 4/4 time signatures.

Now, I use my extended education skills to ensure that I am musically precise in any aspect possible. Music theory helps my knowledge of producing a good melody. My technical, self-taught skills help me to create an overall quality track or CD using technology.

Name two of your favorite tracks.
On the hard side: Arome - Hands Up! [DJ Scot Project Remix]
On the melodic side: Hemstock & Jennings - Mirage (Of Hope) [Original]

What was your favorite event to play at? And why?
I would have to say "Arktic 3" November of 2000 because of the feeling I gave to many people and the feeling those people gave back to me during my set. I played after Derrick Carter, which was a "chill" type of set, where everyone was winding down for the evening. I came on, not with a care in my mind to match his mood, but to play my style of music. I played a mixed set with a custom intro, mid-set break, and outro for my Audio-Visual-Attack. I played an intense progressive trance set laced with UK hard house and hard trance. The best part was at the end of the set when the lights went up before I was finished and the crowd was still dancing. It just felt great to make the crowd change from almost standing around to going crazy.

What is the best thing about djing??
The best part about performing is getting that connection with the audience during and at the end of a set. I am talking about the kind of feeling that makes you genuinely happy because people enjoy supporting your music with you as you are performing it.

Another great part is when I interact with the audience or play a track that sings to their souls; it's those moments when the audience shows they are just as happy as I am.

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