Dj Bonics - Interview

Bo: Where are you from...?

Born in Philadelphia. Went to College in PGH and learned the craft and stayed there up until recently where I currently go back and forth from PGH to Philly if not on tour. So i guess Pennsylvania.



Bo: What was your first set up and What do you currently use...?

Oh Shit! My dad bought me these Numark "Dj-In-A-Box" Turntables. They were purple, plastic, belt driven and pretty awful. But that's what i started on so I can't hate!



Bo: What do you feel about Digital Djing to Analog Djing...?

Well digital djing is obviously the current standard. What's dope about it is that it really makes the possibilities endless. You can have any type of music, any sound, at anytime. It also beats carrying around crates of records. But analog and in this case djing with Wax was definitely where I started. And to me really is the best way to start. Learning how to mix, cut, and blend REAL records really helps a build discipline. It helps you really learn the fundamentals of mixing because it's not as forgivable. If your blend is off you got to bring the needle to the beginning of the record by hand versus pressing one button to go back to the cue point. If you are scratching and the record skips you have to go back and find the sound, unlike using digital stuff where you are never really gonna lose the sound no matter where the needle jumps (unless you blast it off the table). I'm not gonna be the purist guy that says I'm better because I've learned on Wax. I just know that I have a deeper understanding of djing and have skills that are only learned through that "period" of djing.



Bo: Most memorable moment as a DJ...?

Wow. There is a few memorable moments. Most recently I remember in the early 2000's I use to work for Clear Channel Entertainment help promoting concerts. So at the biggest concert venue in the PGH area, I use to pass flyers out to come to different shows, concert deals etc. And at that same venue just this past summer I got to play at that venue for a sold out crowd over 22,000 people. Another honorable mention was winning the Red Bull Thre3style in Pgh and then competing in the first ever U.S. Finals.


Bo: Tell the folks who you Dj for ?

WIz Khalifa and for WIred 96.5 Philadelphia, and occasionally on 96.1 Kiss in PGH.


Bo: What do you feel about the new generation of tablist compared to the the generations in the past?

I don't even know if there are "new tablist." I sure their are kids who can scratch and juggle etc. But there is no real comparison to the cats from the 90's and early 2000's. The pioneer's. The Q-bert's, Roc Raida's, A-Trak's and Craze's. These dudes were innovators and seemed to make endless possibilities with a very limited medium. That's why I continue to make scratch video's to show the new cats that it's more then playing the hottest song at the moment. There is a craft and an art involved.


Bo: What project are you currently working on?

Possibly working on my own Wiz mixtape. I have just also "signed" an artist that I'm managing who is a singer songwriter named Mo Safren. I also placed 2 beats on Wiz's new album coming out this fall with a producer that I represent. I do a mix show that I host and mix every saturday night that you can hear on Wired 96.5 Philly. And this fall I'm going on a 3 month tour with WIz and the Taylor Gang. There is always some work in progress.



Bo: Pizza or Sushi?

That's tough. I love sushi but I'd have to say Pizza.

Bo: Who are the top 5 DJ's on your list?

Q-bert, Craze, Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, and AM.

Bo: What's playing in your I pod currently?

Classics mainly right now. Beatles, BIlly Joel, Sade, Tortured Soul, and a few random mixtapes.



Bo: Anything advise you want to share with the new generations up and coming ?

Don't be afraid to build a legend. I know the lifestyle and the fast life seems tempting but a real dj will always know a real dj. Take your time, do it right, you can do it baby, do it tonight.... oh... Just love it.



Bo: I so appreciate the time...one more question for the road...Boom bap or trap?

I mean I from the golden era. I grew up listening to that era. SO my hear is there. I love me an 808 drum roll though. And I am fucking with the TRAP HOUSE shit.


Once again thanks homie!!! Just send the pic with the questions and some links of the projects you got out and we will let you know when we put it up there!!!

www.djbonics.com

God bless my friend!!!