How much have you changed musically since you started?
It seems like I change monthly, sometimes even weekly. When I first started buying and playing records in the late 90's, I would buy more refined melodic music. Deep house had always been my thing, but it quickly lost its luster. In my opinion the deep house at that time lacked attitude and forward thinking, and those two things are something that I need in the music that I play. So, I sold my naked music collection and moved on from the "bath-house" sound to something with a bit more edge ("bath-house" is a term we like to use to describe music that you would listen to when taking a bath, hence the name "bath-house"). I started leaning toward minimal techno and electro a few years ago, and now I'm into just about anything and everything under the sun.
What is the best thing about Djing or promoting?
It gives you the opportunity to share something new and fresh with those around you. You have the ability to set the tone for the night, and expose something near and dear to your heart.
Do you plan on producing music in the future?
Yes, most definitely. I have been working in my studio for around a year now, and have finished a number of projects. I have also been collaborating with people around town. I don't have any releases lined up just yet, but it will happen in due time. Feel free to stream a few projects I have finished on our webpage at
www.dgprod.com.
Who/what inspires you musically and why?
The world around me moves me more than anything else. I am inspired daily by a few of our locals, and ex locals for that matter. I appreciate anyone pushing the boundaries of production and music. People like Maetrik, Brian Aneurysm, Kilowatts, and countless others who live and breathe to push a new and unique sound.
What CDs do you recommend people check out for someone who wants to get into edm but doesn't know what to get?
I would say check out Rawq by Kilowatts & Vanek. That CD is really well done and would be a great crossover for anyone interested in getting into EDM.
Do you listen to any non electronic dance music? If so, what do you listen to?
Sure, I like a wide variety of new and old music. Right now I'm digging bands like: !!!(chk chk chk) and LCD Soundsystem. I love their unique sound and energy; very nice. I also delve into the realm of old punk, funk, and rhythm and blues of days gone by.
Name your top two tunes at the moment.
Hmm, that's a tough one. There are so many good tunes out at the moment. I would have to go with any track off the new Maetrik album on Treibstoff, as well as the latest release by Volsoc. Everyone needs to take a listen concerning these two production outfits. They are way ahead of their time, and Maetrik is in your own backyard, so don't let this prodigy pass you by. Get out and experience him firsthand, and you will see what I'm talking about.
What was your favorite event to play at? And why?
I didn't end up playing that night, but it would have to be my wedding party at Zubar this past July. It was so great to see people from the last 10+ years of partying, all under one roof again shaking their bums. I will never forget that night. It will never be recreated or duplicated. Such energy…
Any upcoming gigs you'd like to list?
The next confirmed dgp show is: Friday July 15th, 2005 John Tejada - Location TBD
*Please check our
website for any and all upcoming parties and gigs. We are adding shows all the time, and it is the best place to stay up to date on everything that is dgp.
Also, don't forget to check out all of the great shows from
Fresco and countless others. There are a lot of people around town that know how to throw great parties, so don't limit yourself.
What do you think of the current state of the Dallas scene? And what do you think we can do to improve it?
The scene needs a good kick in the arse. One major problem with the scene is dilution. There is so much going on every night, that it makes it hard to have a great turnout each and every time. There is a lot of competition, and not enough cooperation. Promoters need to talk regularly and plan accordingly. There will always be schedule conflicts, but a lot of the head-to-head competition could be alleviated with a simple phone call.
Closed-mindedness is another problem. Hype, or a lack of it, is a big issue in this town. There have been numerous shows that have not been attempted because of the fact that the artist may be a bit too underground for people to give a chance. We struggle with this all of the time. Unless the artist is blowing up in a major way the show probably will not go off. For some reason people need to hear from a friend of a friend that said artist was wicked before they will even attend a show outside of their comfort level. People need to break down their invisible barriers and take a chance. They might just end up having a good time.
The final and most significant problem I see is that everyone tries to make everything so complex. Keep it simple. After all, the majority of club-goers go out to have a good time. People tend to frequent nights that are fun and comfortable. Make it easy for them to have fun. Try new things and make an effort to meet everyone who comes through the door. People love to feel involved and go out of your way to make that happen. And always remember that the music must be top notch.
Is there anything you see that other djs do that annoys you?
If I said no I would most certainly be lying. Lots of things annoy me about other dj's.
One thing would be the lack of a humble attitude. I have met many very famous dj's that were extremely humble. They realize that they wouldn't be where they are without the countless people that have bought their music or supported their shows. A humble attitude only adds to their appeal.
Another would be a lack of vision or foresight. Many dj's suffer from the "pigeonhole effect." They get stuck in their comfortable rut and don't try anything new. They are too scared to experiment. If there is one thing I have learned is that one should embrace change as it is the only constant. You have to live outside your "box", as there is a huge world out there.
The last annoying trait I see is the use of descriptive terms that dj's fling around so loosely. Why should you as an artist need to classify your sound so profusely? Just decide to play good music, and there will be no need for the sub categories.
Do you want to thank anyone?
There are a lot of people that have helped me out in my life, and I am fortunate to have met each and every one. Thanks go out to: Joel a.k.a. Mr. Roper, The Lovely Nina, Jose, Ber, Jackie'O, Jason Douglas, Mike Cina, Wayne, Clark Kent, Phil Green, Eric Estornel, Bernhard Pucher, Minto, Revolv, Lacy, Benny Fingular, John Vella, Sean Anderson, Mike Sheridan, the Lek Brothers, my dog Max Power, my cat Chiva, and last, but certainly not least, my wifey Jennifer. There are plenty of others, you know who you are. You have all touched my life and shaped me in one way or another and I thank you for that.
Do you have anything else to add?
Go out. Have fun. Meet someone new. Try something new. Expand your horizons.
