Like most babies from the '80s who grew up with an ear for music, Vincent Sliva dedicated hours of his youth to recording his favorite songs off the radio onto cassette tapes. But rather than just playing them back on his boombox, he tried to sync the songs up with other songs on the b-side of his tape deck.
A young DJ in the making? Definitely.
While he doesn't remember exactly when he started DJing, or even what his first gig was like, somewhere along the way Sliva morphed into LehtMoJoe. And he hasn't looked back since.
2011 has proven to be a busy year for the DJ/producer, as he's currently working on some remixes and original material. He's also doing production for the new AnonymousCulture album, as well as the upcoming Aisle7 remix album, which features past DC9er mix tape DJs YeahDef and DJ Merritt, as well as some international acts like Kontaktor and Whistle Tips.
Make sure to read his DC9er interview and listen to his exclusive mix after the jump.
How long have you been DJing for?
A few years now, I'm sure.
What was your first gig like?
I don't recall the first gig, but I'm sure someone was slightly amused by the mad jams I was playing. I tend to play music at most of my DJ events, although it's not a guarantee.
Who/what are some of your biggest influences musical or otherwise?
As angry as Pat Sajak makes most people, you really have to admire the guy. He's done that game show Wheel of Fortune for decades, and it doesn't seem like he's even trying. Perhaps that is part of being a great individual, making it look so effortless. But to me, in my opinion, it looks more like apathy.
How would you describe your personal style?
A sponge. I absorb all sorts of music. Consequently, I'm also the filthiest thing in your kitchen. Use vinegar on your counter tops.
Which DJ's do you follow? Do you have a favorite?
I haven't kept up with DJ Tanner in some time, but last I heard she was raising a family with former Dallas Star great Valerie Bure. A friend of mine claims to have seen her real-life brother, Kirk Cameron on a plane ride. He says that Kirk really wanted to talk to him -- about what, who knows? But we refute that claim, and the fact that he actually saw Kirk Cameron, as the dodgy cell phone picture he provided as evidence was unconvincing.
What's your favorite genre of music, both to play and to listen to?
Yacht Rock: Michael McDonald, Hall & Oats and Steely Dan, all day, everyday. Can't escape those smooth grooves.
How do you decide what songs you're going to play?
Crowd-dependent on parties and venues. It's generally a good idea to be in the ballpark of what they expect. If it's a LehtMoJoe show, then it's going to be LehtMoJoe tracks chopped and screwed.
How much preparation goes into putting a set together?
I ain't gotta take no tests.
What are your main objectives when it comes to playing music? (Are you looking to entertain the crowd, educate them, or something different altogether?)
Depends. If I'm going to actually play music, I tend to be very entertaining. But, again, there is no guarantee that there will be any music whatsoever. It's a crap-shoot, anything could happen.
What can someone expect when they come to see/hear you play?
There will most likely definitely be music playing, for the most part. Stabbings during my sets have also been down lately so I'm real excited about that.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I've since graduated from that Aiwa dual cassette player, crappy Numark belt drives and classic Technics 1200 mk2 to an APC 40 with Ableton. There are so many possibilities those midi controllers, you are really only limited to your creativity now. For production I'm still joined at the hip with FL Studio.
Requests. Love 'em or hate 'em?
I have developed a great technique to stop requests dead in their tracks. At the first instance of a "Can you play Lady Gaga?," you politely smile and nod like a politician. With that underhanded mindset firmly in place, quickly mix into the hook of "Panama" by Van Halen. And then you loop it. You loop that chorus for the rest of the night. Hold that loop until they never dare to utter the words "Bad Romance" again.
If you could play a gig anywhere, with any other DJ/music act, whom would you play with and where would it be?
Really simple setup, just hanging out with a bunch of friends in the garage with the Foo Fighters. It could happen, no?
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What sets you apart from other DJs in Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth?
The Van Halen trick.
When/where will you be playing next?
Getting a release party together for my latest album, Aisle7, with DJ Merritt and a bunch of other troublemakers. Donald Fagen has yet to confirm an appearance, but we are crossing our fingers. Follow LehtMoJoe on facebook.com/lehtmojoemusic and lehtmojoe.com for all your LehtMoJoe needs.
DC9er Tracklist
Kano - Can't Hold Back
Siriusmo & Dana - Dip Dap
SebasiAn - Embody
Jupiter - Mama Used To Say
LehtMoJoe - Get It On The Floor
Private - Secret Lover (Hampenberg Remix)
Luther Vandross - Shine
Foo Fighters - Rope (Deadmau5 Remix)
Kano - I'm Ready
LehtMoJoe - Crash
LehtMoJoe - Touch The Sky (Kontaktor Remix)
Hall & Oates - I Can't Go For That (Streetlab Remix)
The Young Punx - Fire (Phonat Mix)
Genesis - No Replay At All (acapella)
Fensler Films GI Joe Public Service Announcement
Tiga - Shoes (Mr. Oizo Remix)
The Go Team - Ladyflash (Simian Mobile Disco)
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