Every Friday we spotlight the hottest cats (and kittens) behind the decks in the MHC, grilling them to gain some insight on what it takes, exactly, to get the party rocking, to find out about their most treasured crate digging experiences and what they really think when we stumble up to them half cocked and ask them to play that new song by such and such -- you know, the one that goes...
This week: DJ Chris Irvin, an elder statesmen who's been holding it down since the mid '90s. A house aficionado, Irvin is a staple in the underground afterhours scene. Catch Irvin on your come down or you can see him next month at Beta, where he's slated to spin for the upcoming Know Your Roots party.
Name: Chris Irvin
Club night(s): An underground afterhours spot near you
Style(s) of music you spin: House, Techno, Minimal techy stuff
So what's your story, in 100 words or less? I was strongly inspired to become a DJ after hearing Jr. Vasquez at the Sound Factory NYC in '94, and Danny Tenaglia around the same time. The NYC House music scene really did it for me. I soon after moved there to be a part of it. Really deep, moody kind of House music. Tribal, vocals and even the kinda proggy stuff is great. It was incredible time for dance music in the 90's. I still play a lot of the NY house sound to this day in my sets. Music has always been the main driving element of my life.
Name of a track you can't get out of your head: "Do You Wanna Funk?" by Sylvester
Name of an artist you're currently championing in your DJ sets: Smyl;e/ Vectrom
What's been your best crate digging experience in another country (if you've had a good one)? In the UK and Holland with DJ Dan & Hipp-e, 1996
Best club experience in another country (again, if you've had a good one)? My first "Acid house" party Glastonbury festival, 1989
Musical mantra: Keep it Underground
Favorite DJ experience: "XARA" theme camp, Burning man 2001.
Worst request: "Do you have any Madonna?"
Worst club faux pas you've committed: A few too many cocktails on a few, isolated occasions...
Most treasured vinyl score: Soundtrack to The Warriors
What other music-related projects are you currently working on? Currently working on releasing more of my own tracks!
What's something happening in the local music scene that should be getting more attention? "Prosti-tots!"
What elements would your fantasy club night entail? "Danny T" and some "kitty kat"
Question we didn't ask you but you often ask yourself: Is this still fun?? Of course it is.
Next time we can see you spin: Sat. May 8th @ Beta 'Know your Roots' party second floor with Big Johnson Entertainment
