DJ ESP

Rock stars take drugs: Like most stereotypes, this one exists because it's often true. And ever since DJs became the new rock stars at the peak of the rave scene, many of them have fallen into similar behavior patterns. There's an exception to every rule, though, and Minnesota's DJ ESP,...

By George Swartz

August 25, 2005

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Rock stars take drugs: Like most stereotypes, this one exists because it's often true. And ever since DJs became the new rock stars at the peak of the rave scene, many of them have fallen into similar behavior patterns. There's an exception to every rule, though, and Minnesota's DJ ESP, certified Woody McBride at birth, is the exception to this one. Straight-edged and chemical-free since his days organizing and promoting junior-high dance parties in Bismarck, North Dakota, McBride makes banging acid house and techno without having ever ingested a single drop of LSD. Who needs strychnine when you've got a legendary "Wall of Bass" sound system -- stacks upon stacks of speakers and subs with the potential for up to 130 decibels? Volume of that caliber will inevitably alter your mind temporarily (if not permanently), with or without the influence of drugs. The Magic Lantern, a visuals duo that has toured with the Dead, will only enhance the sensation. You've got to see and hear it to believe.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.