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I Wanna Rock DJ
Inpress Magazine, 20th July 2005-07-21 Members Only Section Page 31
Author: Andrew Mast
While a lot of rock stars fancy themselves as DJs on the side these days (ahh, whatever happened to the good old days when DJs wanted to be rock stars?) few actually take their sideline as a serious career. But the NY-cool Carlos D, gun holster-wearing bass player for Interpol, has become an in demand DJ on the rock/dance crossover circuit. So in demand, that like all good DJs Carlos D also dabbles in remix work (having reworked tracks like Night on Fire by VHS or Beta – also remixed by our own Cut Copy). So it was only natural when the Interpol roadshow takes off around the world, Carlos D becomes the resident DJ for the band’s after parties. Now Mr. D, on his way to Melbourne with bass and record box, finds it hard to choose which is best, strapping on the bass or jumping behind the decks.
What are the highlights of Djing as compared to playing in a band?
“They’re pretty similar in the sense that I strive to connect with the audience both when I play in Interpol and when I DJ. The method and type of connection however are radically different. When I play in Interpol I try to attune my whole being to the music we’re playing. I try to bond with my band mates to create a solid performance.”
“This then gets channelled to the hearts of our fans who are there to experience the music of a particular artist they love in a more physical form. When I DJ I try to bond with the people at the bar or club through mindfulness of their mood. I try to gauge what they want to be listening to in order to get them into a good mood and also to get them dancing and partying. I try to create essentially a festive atmosphere through my choices behind the decks and that requires that I try to “feel” the crowd. This is why I get so irritated when [Interpol] fans come to my DJ gigs only to stand there and stare at me twist knobs and change records. They interfere with my job because their inertness prohibits me from connecting with them. When they relax, turn the other way and try to enjoy the music it frees me up to come up with the best possible DJ set for the night. Then it becomes a party and that is the whole point in the first place...”
How do you keep up with new releases?
“I don’t really. At least not presently. It’s kind of embarrassing but my life isn’t exactly in a good spot for being on top of new music. Then again, I have never been the kind of person that has his antennae pricked all the time. I find out about music by searching record bins in stores and taking chances. Consequently, I’ve had friends that are always ahead of me in that regard. If you can forgive a bit of apparent boasting, I was spinning The Stills, Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party before they were big when they only had 12”singles out but the only reason why I could was because Interpol toured with them. So maybe I am in a good spot after all...”
What are your favourite ways to hunt for old tracks?
“Record conventions and vintage record stores. Also, I surf around allmusic.com and sample stuff using iTunes. If it can work in my DJ set, I hung for the vinyl.”
You are notorious as an “after party” DJ – how does one collect a reputation like this?
“Basically I got sick and tired of being bored after shows going to lame bars only because I was unfamiliar with the city and don’t know the right places to go to). For instance, I was concerned about our gig in Boise, Idaho, which is a city not particularly famous for a raging nightlife (I hope I haven’t stereotyped the city). I was pleased when my booking agent found me a gig there. The gig turned out to be a blast and I could only imagine that were it not for my Djing the afterparty I would have spent the evening on the bus watching Seinfeld reruns. Dj’ing afterparties is a solution to a problem involving boredom...”
Who are your DJ heroes?
“I have a HUGE amount of respect for 2ManyDJs. Through their techniques, they are able to patch together musics (sic) of all kinds into a coherent and seamless package. The listener of their DJ sets is beholden to completely new contexts of familiar songs. So essentially they are interpreting music through their DJ sets. More importantly however, it is the choice of material that makes them brilliant. If they didn’t know how to match beats or simply put their songs next to each other like a teenager constructing a mixtape, their sets would still be top notch. It boils down to the choices you make behind the decks, and to what degree you allow the audience to give you information to help you in those choices and, conversely, how much you spiritually guide them through your choices. In my opinion, that is the standard to which every DJ needs to aspire. Anyone can put $10 into a jukebox and have a set of songs play for an hour but that’s not meaningful, nor does that make one a DJ.”
Best place for clubbing?
“London. No “ifs” “ands” or “buts.”
If you could create the perfect club/party atmosphere what would you consider the most important ingredients?“The good bartender is the unsung hero of any great party. You could have Studio 54 re-incarnated but if the bar staff are tools, it’s going to harsh your mellow. The other factors are cheap drinks, decent soundsystem, informed, attractive but un-snobbish crowd that wants to cut it loose, no forseeable last call, and last but not least, smoking.”
Complete this sentence: Only in New York...
“...can you be harassed on the street in such a poetic way that you invite it in the future.”
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Carlos DJ article in Inpress oooh this is a good one
MultiQuote
#5
- Next Exit
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Posted 20 July 2005 - 07:48 PM
shabana, on Jul 21 2005, 10:05 AM, said:
and that requires that I try to “feel” the crowd.
why did i get dirty thoughts when i read this. :ph34r:
shabana, on Jul 21 2005, 10:05 AM, said:
For instance, I was concerned about our gig in Boise, Idaho, which is a city not particularly famous for a raging nightlife (I hope I haven’t stereotyped the city). I was pleased when my booking agent found me a gig there. The gig turned out to be a blast and I could only imagine that were it not for my Djing the afterparty I would have spent the evening on the bus watching Seinfeld reruns.
Oh Carlos you with your ego...
shabana, on Jul 21 2005, 10:05 AM, said:
it’s going to harsh your mellow.
thats the third time i have read him say this in Australian interviews. someone has a bet going im guessing...
#6
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Posted 20 July 2005 - 08:03 PM
cadmcfoo, on Jul 20 2005, 04:48 PM, said:
thats the third time i have read him say this in Australian interviews. someone has a bet going im guessing...
Hmmm... a bet with Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High?
An insightful piece. Thanks shabana for posting. Keep 'em coming.
#7 Guest_shabana_*
Posted 20 July 2005 - 08:04 PM
I'm wondering if this article will affect the way fans will interact with him on the dancefloor any, especially here in Melbourne because the after party venue seems to be contrary to his definition of a good venue in many ways..
He prob will regret the line about being harassed but I must admit that is the most beautiful thing I think I've ever heard someone say about NY.
I'm not one of Mr D's minions but this article has def raised my estimation of him up a notch...
He prob will regret the line about being harassed but I must admit that is the most beautiful thing I think I've ever heard someone say about NY.
I'm not one of Mr D's minions but this article has def raised my estimation of him up a notch...
#8
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Posted 20 July 2005 - 08:14 PM
shabana, on Jul 21 2005, 11:04 AM, said:
I'm wondering if this article will affect the way fans will interact with him on the dancefloor any, especially here in Melbourne because the after party venue seems to be contrary to his definition of a good venue in many ways..
He prob will regret the line about being harassed but I must admit that is the most beautiful thing I think I've ever heard someone say about NY.
I'm not one of Mr D's minions but this article has def raised my estimation of him up a notch...
He prob will regret the line about being harassed but I must admit that is the most beautiful thing I think I've ever heard someone say about NY.
I'm not one of Mr D's minions but this article has def raised my estimation of him up a notch...
Ill be perving anyway but i wont be breathing down his neck. thats incredibly uncool to do.
Hi-Fi..ughhh evil...
Mr D Minion... me too.
MisP, on Jul 21 2005, 11:03 AM, said:
Hmmm... a bet with Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High?
I want the tally and whats the prize...?
#9 Guest_ultraviolet_*
Posted 20 July 2005 - 08:31 PM
shabana, on Jul 20 2005, 07:05 PM, said:
I Wanna Rock DJ
Inpress Magazine, 20th July 2005-07-21 Members Only Section Page 31
Author: Andrew Mast
Complete this sentence: Only in New York...
“...can you be harassed on the street in such a poetic way that you invite it in the future.”
Inpress Magazine, 20th July 2005-07-21 Members Only Section Page 31
Author: Andrew Mast
Complete this sentence: Only in New York...
“...can you be harassed on the street in such a poetic way that you invite it in the future.”
I don't know if that should be taken as an INSULT or COMPLIMENT..
I never knew CD was really harassed on the street. That is so odd cause most NY'ers( famous ones) pretty much can go and come as they please. Sure if at an event fans will or might come up to them, but as for walking down the street they pretty much can do what they like. I find this statement funny actually.. It is not liek Carlos is a huge celebrity that he can't walk the streets..
#10 Guest_shabana_*
Posted 20 July 2005 - 10:02 PM
ultraviolet, on Jul 20 2005, 05:31 PM, said:
I don't know if that should be taken as an INSULT or COMPLIMENT..
I never knew CD was really harassed on the street. That is so odd cause most NY'ers( famous ones) pretty much can go and come as they please. Sure if at an event fans will or might come up to them, but as for walking down the street they pretty much can do what they like. I find this statement funny actually.. It is not liek Carlos is a huge celebrity that he can't walk the streets..
I never knew CD was really harassed on the street. That is so odd cause most NY'ers( famous ones) pretty much can go and come as they please. Sure if at an event fans will or might come up to them, but as for walking down the street they pretty much can do what they like. I find this statement funny actually.. It is not liek Carlos is a huge celebrity that he can't walk the streets..
Oh, I read it as a comment on being hassled by hustlers and such you know, not by fans but maybe you're right, in which case it wasn't such a beautiful thing to say :huh:
#12
- Next Exit
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Posted 21 July 2005 - 10:50 AM
ultraviolet, on Jul 21 2005, 11:31 AM, said:
I don't know if that should be taken as an INSULT or COMPLIMENT..
I never knew CD was really harassed on the street. That is so odd cause most NY'ers( famous ones) pretty much can go and come as they please. Sure if at an event fans will or might come up to them, but as for walking down the street they pretty much can do what they like. I find this statement funny actually.. It is not liek Carlos is a huge celebrity that he can't walk the streets..
I never knew CD was really harassed on the street. That is so odd cause most NY'ers( famous ones) pretty much can go and come as they please. Sure if at an event fans will or might come up to them, but as for walking down the street they pretty much can do what they like. I find this statement funny actually.. It is not liek Carlos is a huge celebrity that he can't walk the streets..
Carlos would like to think hes bigger than he is, so i agree its pretty funny.
I dont see why this would be an insult. Sometimes you dont feel like people harrassing you. God knows i hate strangers coming up to me harrassing me all the time. It freaks me out when people I dont know come up to me to talk to me.
And i hear theres alot of weirdos in New York, so...
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