 Kittyhawk catches up with the awesome, inspiring and extremely busy DJ Pride...
Sponsored by Rushn clothing since 2003, and of the nicest, down to earth DJ's I have met in a very long time, DJ Pride agreed to share a little bit about himself for our website.
Over the years he has supported performers from all over Australia and International guests. From some of the most recognisable DJ's, to new talented DJ's just breaking into the scene.
A few of the events DJ Pride has played include: - Grooveinc @ Breed, Groovy Tunes feat. Alex Taylor, Laserdome II Recovery, Ravers in Pajamas Recovery, Wicked City, Freedom, Resolve, Atrium, Someone’s On the Decks, Liberation V, Stun, O Bar, Atrium, Diversity, Moreton’s, Kings Head, Ice Box, Funky Sundays (the lounge) Gold Coast, Charged, Young Guns – Lock & Load, UN: House, DCM’s Sydney, Reason, Wanna Break, Masquerade Ball, Epic (1, 2, 3), SHUFFLE, Plasma, Young Blood, Ritual, Sounds On Sunday, Supporting Tom Neville @ Candys & loads more. I have also played on JJJ and 89.3 FM radio stations.
Now here is the interview!!!
Q. What's your non-DJing name?
A. Adam Beltrame
Q. How did you come up with your DJing name?
A. Well I used to play raves under the alias “Hype” and when I started playing trance and house I decided to change my DJ name. My brother decided that because I take such pride in my mixing, that “Pride” would be a good name and the name Pride has stuck.
Q. Do you have a day job and if so, what do you do?
A. When I am not behind the turntables I am in front of the computer. I do graphic, web design as well as System Admin.
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I moved around a lot in my childhood going to several different schools in NSW, VIC and QLD (on a hydroponic farm) before moving back to Sydney
Q. Do you play any other musical instruments?
A. I used to play the drums and a little bit of guitar. That died off when I developed a love for Electronic music
Q. Do you think this has influenced your music in any way?
A. It definitely hasn’t influenced the type of music I play but the drumming has helped me keep the beat when beat mixing.
Q. What made you want to be a DJ?
A. I used to listen to mix tapes and think ‘it would be better if they did this’ or ‘if they left that track in for 4 more bars that mix would have been perfect’. So I set out to make the perfect mix tape.
Q. Are those things still important to you or do you have a new perspective on the industry now that you have been in it for a while?
A. Its definitely still important. I don’t know if I ever will make the perfect mix. With DJing, I don’t think anyone can ever get to the stage where they say “That’s it, I don’t need to practice anymore”. When you sit back and say that, then maybe you should stop mixing.
Q. Did you have any goals when you entered the business, and if so, do you believe you have achieved any of those initial goals?
A. I didn’t start mixing with the intention to be a superstar. I did set out to build a name for myself and to play in front of good ‘up for it’ crowds. I wanted to touch people with my music and mixing. Really take them on a trip from the first track to the last. From the comments I receive after my sets, I believe I have achieved that.
Q. Who are/were the biggest influences on your DJing?
A. I would definitely have to say Judge Jules. The way he mixes is impeccable. I used to listen to his CDs and be amazed. He would start a CD with a house track and it would end with banging trance. Now there is a man who can take you on a trip.
Locally the DJs that influenced me are Nik Fish, Mark Dynamix, Pee Wee Ferris, Rackus, Ben Korbell & more. These guys have great mixing skills and can really work a crowd.
Q. What was your first gig and how did you feel the first time you stood behind the decks and saw the audience dance to your music?
A. The first time I played was at “Moretons” on Sussex St in Sydney. One of the DJs didn’t show up, I had my records in my boot and I was asked to jump on the decks. I nervously took the decks and started mixing. I actually scored a residency from the set I played!
Q. Was it what you expected?
A. It was a lot harder than when I would mix in my room. The pressure of peering eyes and the need to perform was quite overwhelming. On the other hand, seeing people going nuts to the tunes you play is a thrill like no other.
Q. Have you seen the scene change much over the time you have been involved in it, both as a raver yourself and as a DJ?
A. Definitely. The whole scene has changed so much in the 8 or so years I have been involved in this industry. The music has evolved and with it so have the events and DJs. Raves would cater for multiple styles of music and now they are tailored to a certain pigeon holed genre (eg. Electro, Breaks, Hard Trance etc)
Q. If you had the power to do so, is there anything you would change about raves and clubs as they are at the moment?
A. I guess I would change some of the people that attend events. It used to be all about the music but now the punters just want somewhere to get “on it” and party. I like playing to people that love the music as much as I do
Q. What do you feel have been your biggest achievements over the time you have been DJing?
Q. Definitely getting signed with my sponsor rushn clothing (www.rushn.com) is one of my biggest achievements. Its great to have the support of a well known industry brand like rushn behind me. The support I receive from rushn is excellent. I couldn’t ask for a better, more supportive sponsor. I am also proud of playing in front of thousands of people, playing on the radio, playing interstate and playing to rooms full of energetic party heads.
Q. What style of music do you enjoy DJing to and why?
A. I like mixing Tech, electro, minimal, progressive house, breaks, uplifting trance, hard trance and happy hard. At the moment I am really into my dirty tech and electro. It really gets a reaction from the crowd.
Q. How would you describe your style?
A. Smooth and flowing. I like to blend tracks (hopefully well enough) so that you don’t hear the mix. I also like to chop tracks up by using the X fader. I tend to only “cut it up” as they say when I’m playing Tech, Electro and Breaks. I like the smoother blend of tracks when playing trance or happy hard.
Q. What makes you an exceptional DJ?
A. Come see me play and you tell me :P
I think I can bring a lot of energy to a room that wants to party. I can generally read crowds and tell what works and what doesn’t. I’m passionate about mixing and guess that would flow through when I mix. What other genres of music do you listen to?
Q. What other genres of music do you listen to?
A. I like many different electronic genre’s. I don’t like much rock or metal. I like minimal, prog, electro, tech, uplifting trance, hard trance and happyhard. I can listen to other music, I just don’t have a passion for it.
Q. Do you think these other styles of music have had any influence on your music and if so, what kind of influence do you think they have had?
A. I think they just broaden my ideas when mixing. Mixing genres is fun. Because I collect records in all the above styles, I can play a set from minimal tech through Electro onto Breaks into trance. It really winds you up.
Q. Who is an artist you admire that your audience wouldn't expect you to have an interest in?
A. All my favourite music is Electronic so most people wouldn’t be blown away when I told them I like Daft Punk for example. But I guess chill out tunes and stuff like Kosheen.
Q. What do you see in your future in this business?
A. Well I have been involved in many aspects of the industry from starting as a punter to playing at parties, promoting and organizing events & graphic and web-design for industry events, but at the moment I will keep playing out, building my name. I have played interstate and I enjoy that, so more work in QLD or VIC would be nice as well as a trip to the UK.
Q. What's the strangest thing that has happened to you at one of your gigs?
A. Nothing really strange has happened but recently I was playing @ the Cross above Bourbon Bar and a guy that was dancing fell into the table the decks were on and pushed it over. Over $8000 of equipment falling towards the floor. Not good!
Q. Do you have a favourite album or piece of music that you listen to for inspiration?
A. Anything up beat. Big bass with a driving sound. That always gets me excited!
Q. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to enter the industry?
A. Work hard or get to know someone that puts on parties. Go to as many events as you can and be seen there. Get to know people, make friends, practice, practice, practice and don’t start mixing out till your ready. First impressions last!
Q. Do you have any parting words for your audience?
A. Come watch me play. I have a residency at the Ritual parties @ Candys and you can catch me play at the next Diversity b2b with Mick Beltrame mid July. Hope to see you out and about.
Take Care and Party Safe
http://www.myspace.com/d_j_pride Posted by: kittyhawk, 21 Jun 07, 11:38
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