DJ DNA has done beats for groups like Future Shock, Solseekers, The Inklings, Soul Components, Fashion Expo and the Night Owls. He got interested in Djing when watching Digital Underground’s DJ Fuze in concert. His EP, “The Exploration” landed at our headquarters about 2 months ago and we’ve been bumping it since. I caught up with him to find out more.

Is this new DJ Dna album the beginning of many more to come?

The Exploration EP is just a collection of what is to come from me. I have a full length LP titled “Impressionism” due later this year on Bomb Hip Hop Records. 

I like the whole feel of the album, can you tell us the process of creation. 

For my creation process it usually always starts with digging. I get inspired from the music that is around me. From there I choose my samples then arrange it. From there I layer the tracks with other samples and scratches.

Do you ever perform your album’s live (for instance The Exploration)? The reason I ask is, because if you are performing it is it exactly the same or does it turn out different? 

I do perform live versions of my tracks. The songs do come out different at times. I play the MPC live, generally the drums to the samples or samples to drums. Other songs I flip the scratches. Sometimes I will play the MPC and have a guest DJ perform the scratching. 

Do you have a familiar theme that runs through your mind when you listen to your own songs? If so can you give an example?

Imagery is very important to my listening experience. For example when I hear ” When Day Breaks, Night Falls ” It feel as if I’m in a circle of b-boys battling one another. Everyone has there own thoughts when listening to music. That’s what makes it great, people can stimulant there imagination in there own way.

What are your all time favourite breaks?

Honestly, I don’t have favorite breaks, or anything for that matter. That counts songs, movies, foods. I just like to much.

I once found a tight break from an old record which I am (still to this day) convinced that nobody has used. Have you ever discovered “that” kind of break?

I sometimes still think that I found those kinds breaks. In my mind though I realize that there are so many people doing what I do that It has probably been found. 

So what kind of records do you dig for? 

One month I might really be into garage rock from the late 1960’s. The next month it might be 1980’s synth pop. It just changes all the time for me.

Is digging becoming a mainstream activity?

I don’t know about mainstream but a lot of people are really getting into it. I’ve been doing it for a long time and It does seem like its become a craze, but I don’t think its mainstream until we see it on MTV or something.

Do you ever record open air / public spaces noises. Like walking around the city just recording whatever is out there?

I have before. That is real experimental stuff. I would rather take some of those outside noises and bring them to the studio. That way I can mic them better and get more out of my sound.

What are the tools you use to produce your tracks?

MPC, tons of records, technics 1200, Pioneer CDJ1000, Motif, MicroKORG, 

What mixer do you have? 

Right now I have been using my Vestax05 D Samuri edition.

As a dj/producer would you say that you already have your ideal set up or are you still hoping for something else?

I don’t think I will ever have “the perfect set up” . Technology is always changing and I think to be successful you should adapt. Of coarse there are those piece of equipment that I will always use. Also, Don’t just go out a buy the newest toy, many manufactures offer the same technology with a new face and call it a new product. 

What is a typical day like for you?

I wake up and kick it with my family (wife and 2 boys) from there I usually start digging around noon. After I’m done generally around 4 or so I kick it with my family or tend to other business then I hit the studio from around 8pm to 2 or 4 am.

How is this album doing in terms of sales/press reaction?

The Exploration has been doing great on press reaction. Do a google search and you will find some reviews of it.

Has it been released on vinyl?

On May 18th 2004 Bomb Hip Hop Records will release a 12″ single for When Day Breaks, Night Falls It will have 4 tracks that are from the Exploration EP. I will have another 12″ due later this year with all new material from my new album “Impressionism”.

Can you share a nice production for tip for all the upcoming producers out there?

Find a formula for yourself on how to make a record. Once you do that it really helps you to carve out your own style.

How old are you?

I’m 25 almost 26.

You grew up in a musical background. Do you think that if you did not would you be involved with music? And do you think having grown up like that it has given you a better understand of music than your normal Joe soap?

I still think I would try to pursue music even without a background in it. Its just in my DNA. Haha Having a background though has helped my tremendously in song arrangement, recording techniques and processes.

Where do you plan to take your music in the next few years?

We will see what GOD has in store. I think I will start with South Africa and move from there. The deal I have with Bomb Hip Hop Records will give me major distribution and will allow my albums to get virtually anywhere. 

Where can people get the album and if people wanna get in touch with you what should they do?

www.djdna.com and www.bombhiphop.com

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. Any last words?

Thanks to www.AfricasGateway.com for the time with me. My new 12″ single, “When Day Breaks, Night Falls” drops May 18th 2004 and my full length LP, “Impression” will be out in September 2004. Peace.

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