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Contact: email
Affiliations: Icon Records, Loop 12 Productions, Got House.
Catch him: Thursdays @ Whiskey Bar
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by: Kelle Marie
I remember the first time I met Brian Knolley. At the time I had known Brian, and I had heard of Brian Knolley the DJ, but it wasn't until one drunken night at the Pharmacy a few years ago that I realized they were one in the same. I felt like a dork.
Brian isn't the type of guy to let something like that bother him though. In a world of superstar locals and producers catching the "first release flu", Brian is a humble and genuine cat with no ego. He was down before many of us were able to successfully sneak out of the house and he'll probably be dj'ing when the next generation does the same.
During any given set you can hear the best of what house music has to offer: from deep vocal tracks to dancefloor killers. No matter if it's opening or closing the night, he plays to the crowd and educates them at the same time.
How long have you been a dj in Dallas and how did you get started?
I guess if you count the first time you put the needle on the record
I've been at this for 17 years, but only playing out for 10 or 11. I got
started back in 1990 when my friend Luan started listening to house
music and he purchased turntables and set them up in his bath tub, the
rest is history. My ears had to be retuned because of all the
alternative and death metal I had been listening to at the time, but It
didn't take long and before I know it I was a full fledge house head
junkie.
Have you always played house music?
I've always been a House DJ but I love all music, I used to have a death
metal band back in the high school days and still have much respect for
the good stuff. As far as dj'ing I've always played house and broken
beat. I love the music and the way it brings people together but a lot of
that has changed in Dallas with so many different styles of house music
now days. Everyone calls themselves a house dj and they have no idea what
the hell house music is.
What inspires you musically and why? Who are your influences?
Ever since I was young there was always music in my family. My mother
being the gospel music Jesus freak, she always had some kind of gospel
music playing in the house. My oldest brother was in a "Jackson 5" style
band called the Ohio glass city players that did covers of everything
for Earth Wind & Fire to Jackson 5. My biggest influence would have to
be the music of Prince, EWF, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, 808 State and a
bunch of DJ/producers - way to many to mention.
What do you think of the current state of the Dallas house scene?
I really can't complain there have been worse years, like when everyone
thought trance was the hot shit and decided to trash all the house
records and go trance crazy. The scene is ok for now. I would like to
see more people come out to house shows when DJ's come to town. Some of
the shows have been lacking in turnout. Wait, there is one complaint
with the scene and that house snobs in these new high dollar my shit
don't stick clubs. Going out is supposed to be the time you let your hair
down and shake your ass on the dance floor. These new clubs have lost
sight that a club is somewhere you're suppose to cut loose and have fun.
The music sucks the drinks are way too expensive and people are seriously
lacking in music intelligence. But of course Minc still rules. (love you
Julie) hahahahahaha
