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January Profile:DJ Taki
Crew: Goodtime Tribe / New Life Movement / Collective Harmoniks |
How did you get started ?
I spent many a nights watching them and Michael Meacham light up the dance floors at Tracks and the old 9:30 Club. Thus began my journey, a few months later I was spinning at the random one-off's, renegades, and the aforementioned bridge parties around Washington. During that time, my friend Jon Forbis and I landed our first residencies at Neon, an old theater turned club located on the strip of Ocean City. Eight months after our residency, I got stationed in Japan, not knowing that it would be another 5 years or so before I came back to the U.S. When I arrived in Japan, it was immediately noticed that there was no rave scene at all. So I focused all my extra time and effort in the local club scene, which was strictly acid jazz, alternative, house, and new beat stuff. It took me awhile to get back into the flow of things, scene wise that is. But luckily for me I had the pleasure of meeting John Nagoya (aka. Dj Gonzo) at a local record store. He was a long time resident of Pyramid, Manhattan's, and Tunnel located in Okinawa. I passed him a demo, and I continued to frequent and support the local scene, clubs, and discotheques. A few weeks later he asked me to play at new weekly event his crew Trance Core had started at Pyramid and The Zone. John was instrumental in helping me landing two major residencies, Paradox and The Zone.
During the following years, we did numerous beach parties, one-offs and club events around the island. In 1995, I was forced to quit spinning and working off base by the Air Force. Unfortunately, military law prohibited active duty members to work in establishments where Japanese nationals attended. After numerous written reprimands and threats of getting booted, I continued to support the budding rave scene every way I legally could. I finished my active duty service in late 1995, but remained in Japan on passport. In 1997, I returned to my beloved second home, Texas. The rest is ancient (well not that ancient) history.
Well, here's the quick and dirty. My partying roots go all the way back to the Aqua Lounge days. Circa '89-'90. My dj'-ing roots began in 91-92 in Washington, D.C. I was a frequent attendee of the infamous Catastrophic raves, Tracks, 9:30 Club, and the Bridge parties. I made some great connections at these events and was absorbed into the Washington D.C./Baltimore scene. I got my first big start at Tracks located in D.C. Tracks was a huge club that attracted top dj's from around the country. Luckily, a couple of my friends, Doug Mitchell and Todd Krulak, spun on Thursdays and Fridays in one of the main rooms, and in no time I was doing fillers and a few opening slots from time to time. They took me under their wing and showed me the ropes D.C. style.
Who inspires you musically and why?
Lately, Red Eye and Navin have been inspiring my latest endeavors. If talent was like butter, these cats would melt right through it. On a world level, John Digweed, Deep Dish, and Danny Howells are some of my strongest influences.
How much have you changed musically since you started?
In the earlier years I started off with house, and then I progressed into breakbeats with a slight tint of British hardcore. During my years in Japan, I went through all the genres. Today, I have evolved into the dark, deep, and tribal tech house. More on the progressive tip at times. As Red Eye says "It's got to have soul."
Name two of your favorite tracks.
Nightstalker - Moshic and Zidan
Stella - Jam and Spoon
One of the original floor filler from the earlier years. I still play this plastic on special occasions.
Killer track.
What do you think of the current state of the Dallas Scene?
Two words come to mind. Evolution and Revolution. The Dallas scene will always be going through the motions.
When is your next gig?
Look for flyers in your local area or check the calender. Or you can email me anytime and ill send you dates and places.
New Life Thurs. #1 - January 6 - The Sandbar - TBA - Dallas, TX.
New Life Thurs. #2 - January 20 - The Sandbar - TBA - Dallas, TX.
Bass & Bbq - January 2002 - The Sandbar - Dallas, TX.
New Life - Hooked On Euphonics - January 2002 - The Dive - Dallas, TX.
Boom 2 - Feb 2nd - TBA - Dallas, TX.
Do you want to thank anyone?
First of all I want to thank everyone and anyone who has taken time out of their lives to be apart of mine. Props to Chron and Geneva for the rebirth of New Life Movement, to all the members of New Life, The PHamily, the Draves kids, Big thanks to Collective Harmoniks for allowing me to be apart of something great. Props to my crew in Washington, D.C. - Katfish Productions. And finally, thanks to Josh (Cacofone) of Goodtime Tribe.
Do you have anything else to add?
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The End.
2+2=?
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