Interview

Not3s’ Interview With DJ Dubl

Not3s

London’s DJ Dubl is back, this time sitting down with the artist behind the hit record “Addison Lee”.

They talk about Not3s’ early stage names, why he chose to sign to a label, choosing music over University, being compared to J Hus and much more. Watch the interview above.

Related: Shakka Interview With DJ Dubl

Grandmaster Flash: Technology Is a Gift and a Curse

Grandmaster Flash

Grandmaster Flash

DJ and hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash discussed the role that technology plays in DJ culture during an interview with CNET at SXSW. The conversation took place before the debut of part two of Netflix’s The Get Down, which Flash associate produced.

“The audience wants to see you perform. And as a DJ, the best platform will always be turntables,” Flash said when asked how he feels about DJs scratching with the Touch Bar on Apple’s new MacBook Pro.

“Especially if you play multiple genres of music, the [beats per minute] fluctuate on all songs, you’re constantly trying to lock it in so that one beat connects on time to the next one. People want to see the constant battle going on. It’s something for them to look at, as opposed to [having] something that does it for you. I won’t say that it’s right or wrong, left or right, black or white. But why?”

Flash added that DJing, like everything else, goes in cycles.

“There has never been this much awareness for yesterday, of what was taking place in the ’70s,” he said. “So many people are trying to replicate what was.”

However, Flash doesn’t disapprove of all new technology.

“I used to have a room full of all the hardware. Two things happened: The room is increasingly hot — your power bill is out the window, it’s a mortgage. And it breaks down quite a bit. So, the scientist that I am, I went on a tear in the early ’90s when a lot of technology companies were making software versions of, like, a base module. Once I bought the app version, I took the hardware version and put it away. Slowly but surely, I put all my stuff away, because the wonder about technology is you can carry it with you. That’s a gift in it.”

The curse, he said, is when the technology does the work for you.

“I find that to be an insult to the audience. If you ain’t really mixing, then go try another profession. Don’t cheat the audience like that.”

Watch a clip of Flash’s master class for The Get Down cast below. Part two debuts April 7.

Related: Watch Grandmaster Flash’s Lecture on the Development of Hip-Hop DJing

Chris Karns Discusses His Live Setup for Pretty Lights

Chris Karns

Chris Karns
Chris Karns performs with Pretty Lights in Morrison, Colorado in 2016. (photo credit: Jesse Borrell)

Serato recently caught up with former DMC World Champion, Chris Karns, who’s currently on tour with the Pretty Lights band. The Denver native has been working with the group for the past three years.

Karns discussed how his approach to DJing has changed since joining the band, the various components of his setup, and how he uses Serato DJ. Specifically, Karns explained how he uses the Pitch ‘n Time expansion pack and Ableton Link.

In addition to the interview, Karns put together an eclectic hour-long set for the SeratoCast.

Watch the convo and stream the mix below.

Related: Chris Karns Performs With Reloop’s Mixon 4

Watch DJ Premier’s Epic Interview With The Breakfast Club

DJ Premier

After years in the making, DJ Premier finally paid a visit to Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club. The legendary DJ and producer covered his entire career, from growing up in Texas and joining Gang Starr to working with The Notorious B.I.G., Jay Z, and Nas. The hour-long conversation is a must-watch for fans of classic hip-hop, production, and DJ culture.

Watch it above and grab his new single with Miguel, “2 Lovin U,” on DJcity.

Related: DJ Premier Discusses Scoring VH1’s ‘The Breaks’

Drake’s Extensive Interview With DJ Semtex on OVO Sound Radio

Drake x DJ Semtex

Drake x DJ Semtex

Drake sat down with UK’s DJ Semtex for an exclusive one-on-one interview covering everything from his relationships with Kanye West and Jay Z, to his beef with Meek Mill, answering many of the questions left behind.

Drake also goes into detail on his Views album. Talking about how the smash hit “One Dance” came about and how communication broke down between Kanye and Jay Z. Listen to the whole extensive interview below.

Related: DJ Semtex Talks Music With Skepta

Shakka Interview With DJ Dubl

Shakka

London’s DJ Dubl got the chance to sit down with Shakka in the studio to talk about his newest EP “The Island”. Shakka explains why he lied last time they met up, if he really cares about the MOBO’s anymore, where he wants to be in 10 years, and more.

Related: Swizz Beatz Interview With DJ Dubl

Swizz Beatz Interview With DJ Dubl

London’s DJ Dubl is back with his latest interview, this time with Swizz Beatz to talk about his “No Commission” art movement. He also discusses DMX’s classic “FOMFBOMB” album, confirming that it was made in just 30 days and that the rumour that Lyor Cohen offered DMX $1 million if he completed the album in a month are true!

Swizz also talks about what he knows about the UK and announces that he just made two records with UK’s very own Giggs!

Related: WSTRN Interview With DJ Dubl

WSTRN Interview With DJ Dubl

WSTRN

Akelle Charles and Haile from WSTRN dropped in to see DJ Dubl. They talk about their latest single and working under a major label vs being independent artists. They also talk about whether they feel under pressure to deliver a hit as successful as “In2” and if they ever feel their solo careers conflict the goals moving as a collective.

Related: Kent Jones Interview With DJ Dubl

Dixon Brothers Talk DJing & Dizzee Rascal With DJ MK

DJ MK

DJ MK

London and Kiss FM’s Dixon Brothers bring us an exclusive interview with DJ MK. They talk about touring with Dizzee Rascal, the epic Boy in da Corner LIVE shows, and how life was coming up in the DJ game.

Related: DJ Semtex Interview With DJ Dubl

Kent Jones Interview With DJ Dubl

Kent Jones

This week’s interview from DJ Dubl is with DJ Khaled’s artist Kent Jones! They talk about how and when he met Khaled, “Don’t Mind” being a platinum single, and getting sample clearance from Earth Wind & Fire for his new single “Alright”.

They discuss working with fellow WTB artist Mavado and he also confirms that Ace Hood is no longer affiliated in any way to We The Best Music.

Related: DJ Semtex Interview With DJ Dubl

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