DJs are no longer the music geeks they used to be. Now, they are front and center and depended on, not just to speak the language of the party but to create the conversation itself.
This Friday, the Red Bull Thre3style Sub Regional Qualifying competition will kick things off in North Texas for their tournament style national DJ competition that will ultimately feature 130 DJs at 32 nation-wide events.
This will be just the beginning for one of five of Dallas' livest DJs as they take to the tables at It'll Do. Each competing artist will be judged on a 15-minute set in which they must play music from three varying genres. Additionally, they will be judged in the categories of Crowd Reaction, Technicality, Song Selection and Creativity.
We wanted to take a moment to check in with the competitors and give you a chance to get you out to the competition. In style, of course -- retweet this interview and you'll could get yourself a pair of VIP passes to the show.
The DJs
Contender #1: DJ Sober
Describe your DJ style.
As far as music goes, I am not limited to one style of music. Expect curveballs. Technique wise, clean blends are my specialty.
What was the last piece of music you purchased?
Charles Bradley's No Time For Dreaming LP.
Who are your favorite Dallas/Texas DJ's?
Tony Schwa, Dayta, Prince Klassen, Mel, Baby G, Texas Native - DJ Premier and Nature
What would people be most surprised to find in your record collection?
Maybe that in addition to my vinyl collection, I own about a thousand cassettes. All killer, no filler.
What do you listen to too pump yourself up before a competition?
I prefer a moment of silence to mentally prepare and clear my head.
Contender #2: DJ A1
Describe your DJ style.
I play a lot of Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, Old School and House.
What was the last piece of music you purchased?
A few days ago, I picked up a few vinyl albums for $1 each at a thrift store in East Dallas. The Psychedelic Furs Talk Talk Talk, Graham Central Station Now Do U Wanta Dance and Bob Marley & The Wailers Natty Dread.
Who are your favorite Dallas/Texas DJs?
All my close DJ friends. They're all amazing and talented DJs.
What would people be most surprised to find in your record collection?
Kenny G - "Havana" (Todd Terry Freeze Dub Mix). Because it's Kenny G and that remix is banging, and the only reason I bought that 12 inch back in the late 90s.
What do you listen to too pump yourself up before a competition?
Music that calms me down.
Contender #3: Fisher Pryce
Describe your DJ style.
I would say my style is super-fun-mega-dance party.
What was the last piece of music you purchased?
A few weeks ago I bought a Michael Jackson Bad picture disc.
Who are your favorite Dallas/Texas DJs?
The DJs I'm up against on Friday are some of my favorites.
What would people be most surprised to find in your record collection?
There mom's number, oops, I meant the George Strait records.
What do you listen to too pump yourself up before a competition?
The sounds of ancient wildebeest frolicking in the woods, or I try not to listen to any music and just envision my set.
Contender #4: DJ NVS
Describe your DJ "style."
A good mix of everything.
What was the last piece of music you purchased?
Made Monsters "It's A Trap" from Beatport.
Who are your favorite Dallas/Texas DJs?
I am actually a fan of all the guys that will be competing in the Thre3Style in Dallas, along with my buddy DJ Rockwell who competes in Houston on Sunday.
What would people be most surprised to find in your record collection?
I don't think anyone would be surprised to find anything in my collection. I have almost always played multiple genres, so I have a lot of "random" music in my collection
What do you listen to to pump yourself up before a competition?
I actually have been listening to the most recent Thre3Style world champ, Four Color Zack.
Contender #5: DJ Rev
Describe your DJ style.
I would describe my music style as an "open format turntablist." Pretty much anything can be played at any time it just depends what the crowd is into.
What was the last piece of music you purchased?
The last music I purchased would probably be Crystals by DANK featuring jACQ and I believe jACQ is from Dallas.
Who are your favorite Dallas/Texas DJs?
All the guys from 12 Inch Pimps are great and my fellow Distraction DJs, of course.
What would people be more surprised to find in your record collection? People would be surprised to find that I have a crate of country music. I personally can't get down to country but hey, we're in Texas.
What do you listen to to pump yourself up before a competition?
Lately to get pumped up I'll listen to some electro-house or trap. Trap is going off right now.
The battle is strong with these contenders. Retweet us today for your chance to win two (2) VIP tickets for Friday's Thre3style Competition and come cheer on your favorite Dallas DJ. Doors open at 9:00 PM at It'll Do, first set starts at 10:00 PM, the event is free and 18+.
