Karine Fleurima spins under the name DJ Wikkid Beat, and draws inspiration from international funk, soul and rock from the '60s and the '70s, as well as Brazilian music. She got her start making mixtapes for some of the restaurants she worked at in New York City, and after receiving positive feedback, she played at a fundraiser for a friend, then eventually hosted her own gig. DJ Wikkid Beat will be spinning at Texas Theatre on October 25, but in the meantime check out her exclusive mix and Q&A below.
See also: -Vol. 46: DJ Israel - Vol. 45: Gina G
How long have you been DJ-ing? Off and on for about a year and a half.
What was your first gig like? Really fun! Totally nerve-racking. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Which DJs do you follow? Do you have a favorite? Most of the DJs I dig used to be DJs but are now producers. This seems to be the path that I'm following. Some of my faves are The Field, Four Tet and DJ Kudi.
What's your favorite genre of music, both to play and to listen to? The genres I most enjoy spinning are African psych rock and electro. The music is so fun and playful!
How do you decide what songs you're going to play? I read the vibe of the crowd and see what they're responding to. It also depends on what type of event it is.
How much preparation goes into putting a set together? Right now at least a week. Especially as I am learning more about what Dallas peeps get down to.
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'm looking to create a shared experience of communion. Most times that means getting the crowd to dance, but it also includes creating a conducive vibe for people to let go.
What kind of equipment do you use? I use Traktor Scratch Pro, NanoKontrol, Akai MPK mini, and a mixer.
Requests: Love 'em or hate 'em? Depends. If it's a private party, you kinda have to expect it. If it's a club, I probably don't have the song you're requesting anyways.
If you could play a gig anywhere, with any other DJ/music act, with whom would you play and where? If I could open for Radiohead in any sort of capacity (even interpretive dance!) it would be a dream come true.
What sets you apart from other DJs in Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth? I can kick it with multiple styles of music.
When/where will you be playing next? I'll be playing a fundraiser at Texas Theatre on October 25 as well as a James Bond- themed party on November 10.
What can Dallas expect to see from you in 2012/2013? More groove creation!
Tracklist:
The Fatback Band: "I Found Lovin'" Ramiro Musotto: "M'Bala" Grace Jones: "Feel Up" Linkwood: "Falling" Locksmith: "Unlock The Funk" Grupo Arembepe: "Iaiá" Hugh Masekela: "Don't Go Lose It Baby" The Bar-Kays: "Do It (Let Me See You Shake)" Maceo & The Macks: "Cross The Tracks (We Better Go Back)" Os Diagonais: "Não Vou Chorar" Gnonnas Pedro: "Dadje Von O Von Non" Jingo: "Fever"
