February Profile: DJ John Walker aka Turn@round Crew: fair park, hd recordings, select, mvm Websites: www.djjohnwalker.com Contact: johntraviswalker@yahoo.com Real Audio: Listen to this mix now! "BUMP" live on 11.10.02

How did you get started?
Hmm, its kind of blurry when, was and what, but I remember buying a Q-burns record on Astralwerks from JT Donaldson at Spinmasters off Northwest Highway in Dallas. I had already been listening to the music and going to parties for a few years, but heard house music in a way I had never before, and felt a vibe like I had never felt before at a Hazy Daze party. I met this cat Miles, and kept up with fliers from IGS, Spinmasters, and Oaklawn. I also Met Shaun Slaughter and "team progress," hung out, went out of town, and got broken in a little more from the "other side" of the decks. Then I met Paul Paredes, Jaime J and Jesse Holt aka Universol.

Adam Key and I bought some 1200s and a pmc17a (p.o.s). I learned to match beats in 8 hours, it was weird. Then I met Josh Kynd, and it was on!!! He and Paul totally pushed me to get better, educating me on labels, artists, and got me a few "new-jack" bookings through Lil Soozie… Its still growing, I am still learning, and ever grateful for the love that has been shown.

How much have you changed musically since you started?
WOW, A lot. I started with a mixture of styles just because I didn't know one fuggin' label from another, artist or whatever. I really ventured towards house, and within a few months realized I wasn't buying anymore D&B, breaks or trance, (just a little Goa and Downtempo from time to time), but yeah, house, its cozy, comfy, and a party all in one.

Who inspires you musically and why?
Matthew Herbert, Brett Johnson, mood II swing, 2nd shift, that's off the top of my head.

What is the best thing about djing?
Getting high on the music.

Name two or more of your favorite tracks.
Matthew Herbert's, "going round" is probably my #1 track of all time.
There are many ties for second but I have to say Sphongle's, "DMT" original mix.

How do you think House music has progressed in Dallas in the last year or two?
Leaps and bounds. I think house music has its new bad boy, its called DFW.

Where do you think it may be going?
To the top. Too much talent and determination here for it not too.

What was your favorite event to play at? And why?
That's hard, it changes all the time. I loved so many aspects of many bookings. Bogotá, Columbia was the shit, because I experienced a new culture in many ways. "Massiv"… Well, it was "Massiv." Vibes like butta'.
"M3", thanks Jeremy, still haven't played on better setup, that sound was KILLER!
"Arise", the people were dancin' in the sand, priceless... So yeah, I like lot of them.
"Water" was totally cherry too; I had a very personal connection to the venue.

What do you think of the current state of the Dallas Scene?
Like all life, it is growing, dying, and being born and changing all at once. There are many facets to the scene. The music, the lifestyles, the views, the people and the places. I think it is going to go off quite strong really soon. From a musical standpoint, DFW is on a path to be a production apex of the world; there are way too many talented artists with too much desire for it not to. Look around, listen and ask. The dope plates are coming from DFW rooted elements. On a large scale, it's going, or gone, back to the clubs, this is fine with me on many levels.

I think the fad of being a "raver" or going to "raves" is dying out. The music is becoming the focus again, which is causing an amazing surge in the quality of dj's and producers here. The people are grasping what is good and bad music regardless of the genre. Dallas is on its way to new heights, people are coming together again.

What do you think we could do to improve it?
Keep on dancing, keep on learning, keep on listening, and keep on loving.
Keep attitudes in check, stop hating.

DANCE

When is your next gig? Any residencies?
Gigs, hell, there's one I want talk about, but can't! Residencies, yeah "Bump" Tuesdazes at Orchid Bar. 2815 Main St. 21 and up, NO COVER. $2 u call its from 9-11, music starts at 9pm, goes till 2. "Select" Saturdays at the Ruby Room. 18 and up, NO COVER thru Ruby door for over 21. Swank ass spot. Check these nights out, and keep the feedback coming. Thanks to all who have contributed to make these nights go off!

Tell us more about your weekly "BUMP" at Orchid. How long has it been going on, how did it start and why do you think it's so successful?
Well, this place has blown my mind. It's been going on for over a year now and staying strong. I am so grateful for its success. Why is it? We just like to get down, and the people seem to enjoy it, I guess. Plus Roger has a nice ass.

Do you want to thank anyone?
Ok, forgive me if I leave anyone out.

God, thank you, this is way too much fun! Mom, Dad, the academy, *sniff sniff* - j/k. Crystal, thanks for your love, support, and tolerance, with out you, I probably would not be doing this anymore. My whole Collective Harmoniks fam', you guys (and gals) are the shizzy!!!! Josh, thanks for being a mentor and a brother. You truly rock, and have a nice ass! Paul, same to you, and thanks for always giving me a chance, you are an inspiration. To the dirty-dirties aka household, y'all some crazy folks, all love to ya, I'd do ANYTHING for ya!! Prototype boyz, Jeremy, Kai, Eddy, Thanks for EVERYTHING!! Mad supporrt, love, wisdom, and inspiration from yall!! D1-Full Circle, frreaks. Raid-5, Valence, Funkinetics, Covert-Ops (thanks for the impulse), Herbal Science, SandBar,......Mutha,...mutha,...muthafunkin ORCHID BAR STAFF!!! Red Jacket family, ILLMATIC RECORDS, CORE RECORDS, UMP(rip), Zedan, Chinese Records(no more tequila mom), Thinmen, and the ole "team prog", Merritt (where ya been?) Epik Ent, GATOR, Annesta, Eiwe, UTP, MOONMAGNNET and HD recordings, Phuturhythms, GlassBeadPlayers, all of you who played, will play, and are playing.

HAZY DAZE COLLECTIFF<<<<-----------#1 in my book, the essence of all my love, thank you.

Again, if I forgot you, I am sorry, I am WAY tired right now, its been a long few days.

Ya, house music all night long!!!

   Ciao, j.