DJ NVS got his start spinning records 15 years ago.
"I have always been around music, and had a few friends that were already DJing," he says. "One day, I said to myself, 'Hey, I can do that!'"
So, he did. And now the California native has made a name for himself as a DJ in the metroplex. For instance, he recently competed in the Red Bull THRE3Style DJ competition at the Granada Theater against some of Dallas' DJ elite, and placed second. Not too shabby.
As for his own particular style, DJ NVS is quick to explain that he favors house music but likes to keep an open mind, and doesn't set limits while playing at parties or clubs.
"I never go into a gig thinking 'I'm definitely gonna play this song,'" he says. "That is never a good idea because you never have the same kind of crowd."
After all, his main motive when it comes to DJing is to provide great tunes and inspire people to get out on the floor and dance. So make sure to catch him at Wish Ultra Lounge on March 11. And, in the meantime, catch our exclusive Q&A and DC9er mix from NVS after the jump.
For how long have you been DJing?
15 years.
What was your first gig like?
Oh man, I was so nervous! It was at a teen club in my hometown of
Oxnard, CA. I was DJing with a bunch of friends and was the opener.
Everything turned out good, and I got a few more gigs from it.
Who/what are some of your biggest influences, musical or otherwise?
Some of my biggest influences as a DJ have always been Richard Vission,
Bad Boy Bill, DJ Enrie, and Artie The 1 Man Party. Enrie and Artie have
actually become friends of mine, which is kind of weird to me still,
since I grew up listening to them on Power 106 in LA.
How would you describe your personal style?
That's a little difficult to answer. I learn from all styles and try to
apply it to what I do. Although, most would call it "party rocking".
Which DJs do you follow? Do you have a favorite?
I still follow all the DJs who influenced me, but I have also become a
big fan of DJ Vice, Stonerokk and Graham Funke, Roctakon, DJ Spryte, and
DJ Splyce.
What's your favorite genre of music, both to play and to listen to?
I am a fan of most genres, but my favorite to listen to and play would
have to be house music. I began as a house DJ and was kind of forced
into hip-hop when I moved to Dallas.
How do you decide what songs you're going to play?
It all depends on the crowd.
How much preparation goes into putting a set together?
I never put a set together for a club gig. I have tried in the past and
never stuck to the set. The only times I think it is acceptable to have a
fixed set is for things such as battles.
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 like to think I'm entertaining to the crowd, but my main objective is
to do whatever it takes for them to have a great time and make sure they
remember me!
What can someone expect when they come to see/hear you play?
To have a great time dancing to and listening to great music!
What kind of equipment do you use?
Serato Scratch Live, Technics SL-1200 turntables (Club) Vestax PDX-2000 Turntables (Home), and any mixer provided.
Requests. Love em or hate em?
I think most DJs will agree that requests are never good. We are DJs, not juke boxes.
If you could play a gig anywhere, with any other DJ/music act, whom would you play with and where would it be?
I would probably have to say Ibiza with someone like Swedish House Mafia, Roger Sanchez, or any other big EDM act.
What sets you apart from other DJs in Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth?
Well, that's difficult to answer without sounding cocky, but one thing
that sets me apart is the fact that I don't play the same mash-ups a lot
of DJs play. I also have been told that my attitude is quite memorable,
since I am not cocky when dealing with clubs/promoters/DJs.
When/where will you be playing next?
In Dallas, I will be at Wish Ultra Lounge on March 11 and the Greenville/Red Bull St. Patty's block party on March 12.
What can Dallas expect to see from you in 2011?
The main thing is a lot more production. But, other than that, there is no telling what the future holds!
