On a cool Saturday night, beats bump inside Club 1849.
Soundscapes: Move the Crowd
By K.K. and Sekuleo Gathers
On a cool Saturday night, beats bump inside Club 1849. Faith sings to Biggie for "One More Chance" as partygoers groove and converse in the western themed venue. Sounds emanate from the balcony, where DJ A is once again rocking the spot and movin’ the crowd.
Dj A, or Azel as he is known by friends, began dee-jaying 25 years ago. "I started doing block parties with two turntables wired together – no mixer…later, I moved on to a Lafayette Microphone Mixer," stated DJ A, reminiscing on humble beginnings. Azel continued to work through the 80’s and 90’s playing at various venues including the Underground, Baruch College, Metropolis and the Motown Caf� (4 years).
This ample experience has provided DJ A with an interesting opinion on many topics. We sat down with the underground legend to discuss his perspectives on music and life in part one of this two part interview.
How would you define Dee-Jaying?
Dee Jaying is a state of mind that takes you into a contemplative zone. We( dj’s) play both new school and old school, causing partygoers to reminisce on the joys and struggles of past and present… Music not only represents eras in American history, but eras in the lives of people we play for.
What is your approach to Dee-Jaying?
I try to feel the energy of the crowd and let them tell me what they need. Old-school, new school, rock, dance, mixture… A DJ ought to be able to distinguish playing music for himself and playing music for the people. I don’t get caught up in the ego thing, because I know if I’m playing the right music for the crowd then nobody will ask for a request.
What you say to youngsters interested in becoming Dee-Jays?
Read, read, read. Get educated, especially about the entertainment industry. Whether or not people admit it, the DJ provides street connection to any song, which makes us very critical to the success of mainstream or underground artist. Remember in this business, you could be screwed in a matter of seconds, even by close friends. So always know what you are getting into – legally and financially. And make sure you learn the history of music because without the past, there is no present, and no present – there is no future.
Is there any equipment you suggest they should buy?
Anyone interested in becoming a DJ must start with the turntables – not CD’s. Turntables help you learn all the skills and techniques involved in becoming a great turntablist. Today, a lot of cats just try to go straight to CD players, but the smoothness of the mix is not the same. I can usually tell, who was trained on turntables and who was not.
What do you think about the music industry?
Some records cats make these days are like fast foods. You eat a big serving and very soon your stomach is empty. What I mean, is that sometimes it’s like listening to empty calories…there is no substance. I hear the same themes over and over, especially in rap. A lot of these dudes focus on the bling, the cars and the chicks, but don’t talk about anything else, or communicate to the youth that there are options in life other than hustlin and pimpin. I can respect a Jay-Z, who talks all the playa talk, but still gives back to the community.
What can we expect from DJ A in the future?
You can expect continued quality Dee-Jaying. I am enjoying my time at Club 1849 (Bleeker street between Sullivan and McDougal streets) and I am also getting back into Hip/Hop and R&B music production. My music will hit the clubs/radio waves by the summer of 2005.
Give one word to describe how you would want your fans to remember you?
Supreme.
(Part two of this interview will be included in next months’ NY Arts Sound Scapes section.)
