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 Quote the Beatmaker. A Core DJ affiliate and past live radio mixer, Quote is also an insanely prolific purveyor of mixtapes, including the new DJQuoteTV DVD mixtape series he recently introduced. He's one of only a handful of local DJs who have appeared on BET's Rap City. In addition to spinning on that program several times, he also earned props for his skills behind the decks on the network's Spring Bling special.
When he's not holding things down in the Mile High City, he's an in-demand DJ traveling the country performing at parties at such high profile events as the NBA's All-Star Weekend. Read the full interview after the jump.
Name: DJ Quote the Beatmaker, aka Damediddy
Club night(s): Big events around town and around the world
Style(s) of music you spin: Hip-hop, mash ups, electro, pop, R&B, Top- 40
So what's your story, in 100 words or less? When the other kids in high school wanted to dance, I wanted to be the DJ. Spinning records helped keep me in college, and has provided a great career. I get to see places and do things I wouldn't be able to if I had a "regular" job.
Name of a track you can't get out of your head: Queen - "Another One Bites The Dust"
Name of an artist you're currently championing in your DJ sets: Iman S, Big Rat
What's been your best crate digging experience in another country (if you've had a good one)? Haven't done much digging in other countries, but plenty here. Most DJs have dumped their vinyl, but I still have over 10,000 records, and will collect more.
Best club experience in another country (again, if you've had a good one)? Does Miami count as another country? I had a crazy good time at Club Mansion there. I'm going to live in Miami some day.
Musical mantra: DDDDDDJ Quote The beatmaker! (no that's not a typo, it's my audio signature)
Favorite DJ experience: When a local DJ, who will remain nameless, told me "You can't make mixtapes like this; this isn't New York," or when someone else told me "Nobody cares about mixtape covers."
Worst request: If you play it, everybody will dance!
Most treasured vinyl score: Album "I'm The DJ" signed by DJ Jazzy Jeff. Never been opened!
What other music-related projects are you currently working on? I've introduced DVD/mixtapes to the Denver market, and I'm building DJQuoteTv.com. If I want to keep my brand out in front, I have to come up with fresh ideas. The DVDs have hit the mark. I'll have DJQuoteTV part 15 ready for New Year's eve. There are some big projects in the works for 2010, but I have to keep quiet until they're ready to go.
What's something happening in the local music scene that should be getting more attention? A kat named Hypnautic. He is on his grind. He did a show at the Gothic, and had over eight-hundred people show up. That event got my attention because I've never done a local show that big for a local rapper. Even national artists don't often pull numbers like that around here. Check this guy out!
What elements would your fantasy club night entail? I'm pretty basic. All I want is a place where people will dance the night away, and not be thinking about the drink specials, or who is best dressed. In my mind's eye, I see people enjoying it like it was a huge house party.
Question we didn't ask you but you often ask yourself: How about a statement... I must make it look easy
Next time we can see you spin: I'm all around the Rocky Mountain region and the Southwest region. My schedule is posted at myspace.com/djquote. Here's a hint: if you see my name on a local event, you'll get your money's worth. It won't be some low budget shenanigans, and you can count on having a good time.
