See also: Vol. 43: DJ Redsean
See also: Vol. 44: T0MMYL33J0N3Z
Gina Garza has only been spinning for a little over a year now, but rather than running out and purchasing the latest software like many newcomers, Garza is learning how to DJ the traditional way, with vinyl and a turntable.
"I bought my turntables in the summer of 2011, a semester before I finished grad school," she explains. "I practiced all summer, while inviting friends over for constructive criticism. A few months later, I had a weekly at Rubber Gloves, thanks to my pal Gavin Guthrie."
Gina G. plays at Sandaga 813 as part of the Elemental Souls event on Saturday, September 29, but in the meantime check out her Q&A and exclusive DC9er mixtape.
How long have you been DJing? For a year and one month.
What was your first gig like? My first gig was in Denton with Gavin, actually, at a house party. We opened and played between sets for local acts. I was super nervous and on top of that had two shots of espresso. My nerves were shot! As time went by, people started to groove and my anxiety quickly dissipated.
Who/what are some of your biggest influences musical or otherwise? Abstract expressionist Agnes Martin, for her discipline and humble perspective on creativity.
Which DJs do you follow? Do you have a favorite? Currently I'm following Bicep, a duo from Belfast. Together they are two talented and knowledgeable people. No favorites - too much good music out there to pick just one.
What's your favorite genre of music, both to play and to listen to? I get down with various genres of music, anywhere from techno to Krautrock, but R&B takes the cake! R&B has the most influence over tracks I buy and play out on the floor. Every song I acquire has a distinctive soulful backbone. My affinity for R&B began while living in San Antonio. As an only child, with not much to do, I looked forward to ordering SWV, Baby Face, Jade, Jodeci, En Vogue, Brownstone, Pebbles and Michel'le cassettes from Columbia House. Today, I mostly play house and deep house tracks that are typically influenced by R&B. They not only soothe the soul, but they make you groove.
How do you decide what songs you're going to play? Just depends on the night and the venue.
How much preparation goes into putting a set together? Not much. I know what tracks fit together and which ones do not. It usually changes up when I acquire new records.
What are your main objectives when it comes to playing music? Are you looking to entertain the crowd, educate them, or something different altogether? I just want everyone to dance and enjoy the tunes!
What can someone expect when they come to see/hear you play? Positive vibes and a moving dance floor.
What kind of equipment do you use? I have two Technic 1200s and a simple three-channel Vestax mixer.
Requests. Love 'em or hate 'em? Hate 'em. Right now I play all vinyl sets and there is really no way around that.
If you could play a gig anywhere, with any other DJ/musical act, with whom would you play, and where? Oslo, under the Northern lights. I'd have to have a mad lineup: Bicep, Jayson Bros, Eats Everything, Maurice Donovan, EJECA... I could keep going.
What sets you apart from other DJs in Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth? I currently play all vinyl house and deep house tracks. I don't use a controller or Serato, only because I am still learning the art of mixing. Also, each track I play out is an investment. I really put a lot of time into deciding which records I am going to buy. My bank account doesn't allow for frivolous decisions.
When/where will you be playing next? I'll be playing at Sandaga 813 with Elemental Souls on Saturday, September 29.
What can Dallas expect to see from you in 2012? Hopefully, still playing out and delivering fresh tunes from around the world.
Tracklist:
Genius of Time: "Houston We Have a Problem" Classixx: "Into the Valley (Julio Bashmore Remix)" Washerman: "Basement Dub" Jacques Greene: "Prism" Fantastic Mr. Fox: "Power" Julio Bashmore: "Au Seve" The Beloved: "Sun Rising (JS EDIT)" BICEP & OMAR: "Odyssey" Genius of Time: "Drifting Back" Soul Capsule: "LadyScience (NYC Sunrise)" Crazy P: "Open For Service (Hot Toddy Remix)" Jayson Brothers: "Monster Box"
