Out of the literal millions of people who like to call themselves DJs (and that number is growing exponentially!), but a fraction of these people actually meet all of the qualifications for the job. The ability to accurately read the room, knowing how to beat match, and, above all, not red-lining the sound system, are but a few imperative skills one must possess to embark upon the quest to become a fully fledged disc jockey. Having a silly-yet-memorable name also helps.
A recent series of performances alongside the Party Rock duo, LMFAO, was just the push DJ Dainjazone needed to go from a great DJ to a great DJ whom is well-known. On a sweltering hot afternoon in Los Angeles, Dainzazone and I discuss his involvement with those zany Party Rockers, sobriety’s effect on music, the future of music trends (hint: it doesn’t involve sobriety), and what the audience and DJ expect from one another.
DJ Dainjazone, can I call you Dainjazone?
That, or Joseph.
Where are you from, Joe?
Arleta.
When did you start DJing?
During my 5th year in college, which was 2006. I was playing house parties and private parties back then with the Spin Addicts DJ crew.
Do you produce your own music as well?
Nah, that’s not really my focus right now.
What gear are you currently using?
CDJs and Serrato are the industry standard right now. Also, now I am using a Pioneer 9000 mixer.
Right now you are on tour with Redfoo of LMFAO. How did that come about?
I met LMFAO’s manager, Ian, at a party in Hollywood who introduced me to the Party Rock crew. When [LMFAO’s regular DJ] Air broke his leg, I started DJing to fill in for him.
What’s going to happen when DJ Air recovers?
Then I go back to my regular DJ crew, doing shows while working at a wider fan base.
Is there a particular venue you prefer to play at out of all of the places you’ve preformed?
There isn’t a particular venue, but if I had to pick a favorite place to play, I would say that Vegas is the ideal venue for any DJ. Or any performer, really.
Why is that?
In Las Vegas, there is a certain sense of wonderment in the audience. It’s like, the people coming to see you are already being entertained because a lot of them are on vacation. Plus, it helps when you know that people coming to see you perform have already been pre-gamming for awhile. And if we’re going to talk about venues, you can’t beat places like Marquee or Tao Day Club. They’re what parties were made for!
Are there any particular favorite artists you’ve enjoyed working with?
I’ve worked with a lot of fun producers over the years. People like Chuckie, Pauly D, and the Far East Movement especially were really great to work with.
Are there plans to work with any of those guys again soon?
There are currently no plans, but I would love to work with any of them, especially Far East Movement.
When you first get to a club and finish setting up your gear before a set, what is your go-to drink?
Actually, I don’t drink.
Excuse me?
Yeah, actually, a lot of times people will like what I’m doing and send over a free drink. Well, I don’t want to offend anyone, so I send it back and tell the waitress to politely let that person know that I don’t drink at all. That way they won’t see me just standing there not drinking it.
Is it difficult to communicate to an audience in, for instance, Las Vegas, where up to 100% of the room could be out of their mind plastered?
No, not at all. Music is the universal language, right? It transcends barriers.
Well put. Having DJ’d a variety of music all around the world, where do you predict future popular music trends are headed?
It’s hard to say… There are so much new little sub-genres out there that keep breaking away from more popular music. If we’re going to talk about dance music, I think we’ve definitely seen the climax of dubstep music. It’s peaked; it’s finished.
I agree. New music with post-dubstep qualities are already out there.
Yeah. Another style I think is going to be big is Trap music. Hip-hop music with that popular dubby wobble; it’s a perfect formula when you think about it.
What do you think sets you aside from other DJs?
I don’t really like to look at things in those terms.
So, what does the future hold for Dainjazone?
Right now I am enjoying playing shows with some very talented and amazing people. I am just focused on continuing my success as I face new challenges.
Fantastic. Good luck and thanks for speaking with me.
Find tour dates and more at www.djdainjazone.com