HEY BABIES….BIG AND LITTLE!!! I’M SO EXCITED TO FINALLY BE ABLE TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT DJ TINA T’S HAWT NEW DJ CAMP FOR KIDS IS LAUNCHING THIS SUMMER!!! AUGUST 1-5TH! WHOOHOO!!! Tina approached me about a half a year ago plus to share her brain child with me. I thought that it was an incredible idea and also that she possessed exceptional skills, insight and resources to create such a camp. With her extensive network in place and a global reach, Tina has designed an exceptional summer program for aspiring young DJs, who truly want to work with world-class DJs to learn the most advanced ways to create music, as well as to build fundamentals that could potentially shape or influence a career path. The program has been designed to integrate a variety of of both indoor and outdoor activities that also are traditionally associated with summer camps and encourage healthy outdoor living. Tina states herself in the most recent promotional video about the camp, that she began DJing at the age of 15. Had she had access to such a camp, she would have seized the opportunity to start learning from the cream of the crop. It is during these formation years of 12-17, that children start to evolve their adult personalities and begin to truly explore their interests in order to figure out who they are and what they want to pursue in life. Camp Spin off definitely has a program that will give youth exposure to the fine art of DJing, the culture and a look at the music industry in an up-close and personal way. Plus, HOW COOL is it to hang out with DJ Z-Trip or DJ Jazzy Jeff to name a few. DJ LEGENDS and creators of DJ Hero? There are many OTHER amazing influential celebrity DJs who have committed to making appearances and supporting the camp, as they too believe in what DJ Tina T is doing and the caliber of programming that she is offering. Fetty Be’s Buzz is thrilled to be associated with Camp Spin-Off and it is Fetty Be’s hope that her own children will be attending Tina’s sick new camp!!! If you are between the ages of 12-17, talk to your parents and make this dream opportunity happen! Register now before there are no more spots left. You don’t want to miss out!!! THINK about how cool it would be to tell your friends where you were this summer, what you learned and who you CHILLED with!!!

KEEPING THE BEAT….CAMP SPIN-OFF!!! A NEW GENERATION OF DJS STEPPIN’ UP!

 

“Camp Spin Off has been a long time dream of DJ Tina T. As founder of the camp, she has been able to build a place “where DJ’s go to play!”  This has allowed Tina to pull together her 12 years of support and experience within the DJ community and return it back to the next generation of DJ’s.

This summer, kids ages 12-17 from across the country will come together and learn how to DJ during an action-packed week of traditional summer camp activities!  By understanding the exceptionally influential time for kids in this age group, Tina relates by looking back on how being exposed to DJing at age 15 has changed her life in such a positive way.  Camp Spin Off is the first and only sleep away DJ camp of its kind.

“Being surrounded by inspirational mentors and positive role models is the best way to stay motivated and passionate about what you’re doing.  This is what Camp Spin Off provides for aspiring DJ’s.”

-DJ Tina T

Founder, Camp Spin Off

DJ TINA T

 

Visit the official web site and register for 2010: www.campspinoff.com

Get involved as a sponsor, counselor or volunteer: info@campspinoff.com

 

 

MISSION

Until now, the art of DJing has only been taught in classroom and indoor studio
settings. We have modifi ed the traditional teacher/student roles and created a unique
summer camp community where aspiring DJ’s from across the country unite in the fi rst
and only overnight DJ summer camp.
ABOUT US
Camp Spin Off is “where DJ’s go to play.” Our program is designed to bring all the
elements of the DJ culture together in an outdoor environment. Campers are not only
immersed in the culture but also experience an action packed week of traditional camp
activities with their favorite DJ role models.
The DJ community is unique in that, the “pioneers” of the art form are still alive. Not
many DJs today know that, or even the history, musicianship, or story behind DJing.
There is a disconnect with the people that started this art form, and the budding DJs
today. Camp Spin Off aims to give access to not only these such pioneers, but also the
proper DJ instruction and equipment, paired with a team building environment in the
great outdoors!
Email

 

 

LEARNING TO DJ & ELECTIVES

The Scratch DJ Academy is a main sponsor of Camp Spin Off and will be providing the
teaching curriculum that is used in all of their classes. Campers start with basics of mixing
and lead up to scratching and putting together a DJ set to be performed at camp.
Everyone will take part in group challenges as well as individual practice time to perfect
their craft.
DJ Hapa is our featured Instructor and with over 6 years of teaching experience as the
director of the Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles, he has perfected the art of teaching
people how to DJ.
Throughout the week they will learn:
- Music structure
- Beat matching
- Scratching
- Building DJ sets
Electives are available to give campers a well rounded knowledge and experience of the
DJ culture and what opportunities are out there.
- Beat production
- Music Marketing & Promotion
- Break Dancing
- Music History

TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP

Campers have daily schedules fi lled with instructional classes, electives,
outdoor activities, practice time and evening events.

9am: Breakfast in dinning hall
10am: DJ Instructional Class w/ Hapa
12pm: Outdoor Activity
1pm: Lunch in dinning hall
2pm: DJ Elective (outlined on following page)
3pm: Outdoor Activities & Practice Time
6pm: Dinner & A DJ (surprise guest)
8pm: Evening Activity
11pm: Lights Out

 
Outdoor Activities:

Skate Park, Zip Lines, Canoeing, Segways, Paddle Boats, Climbing Wall, Bikes,
Swimming, Pool & Lake Activities, Pellet Guns, Basketball, Volleyball, Nature Hikes,
Arts and Crafts, Fitness Boot camp.
Evening Group Activities:
Each night, the entire camp comes together for a series of events that include theme
dance parties with surprise guest DJ’s, guest speakers, live musical performances,
DJ showcases, movies under the stars, create your own trick, campfi res, smores,
pool parties, and more…
Email

DETAILS

Campers:

Boys & Girls ages 12-17.

Camp Capacity:

100 participants

Location:

Camp Spin will be held at the beautiful Forest Homes Camp in Ojai Valley, CA. This
location is a convenient hour drive from the Los Angeles area and has drawn in
campers from all over the word for various specialty & traditional summer camps.
Outdoor activities on site include Zip Lines, Skate park, climbing wall, camp fi res,
hiking, Lake Casitas and more. Forest Homes provides a full time experienced staff
throughout the week to facilitate all activities.
Housing
Our campers stay in state of the art cabins with living area, bathroom, shower, two
bedrooms, refrigerator and swamp cooler. There are 8 campers and 2 counselors in
each cabin.

Closest Major Cities:

Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Nevada

Session Date:

August 1st - August 5th 2010

Registration Cost: $950
(Includes: All meals, lodging, activities and program materials.*transportation to camp is not included)

 

 

 

CONFIRMED GUEST DJS!!!

 

DJ Z Trip

Most recently you can play him in the new
Activision video game: DJ Hero.Currently
the new resident DJ every Friday In
Las Vegas at Rain in the Palms Hotel.
Voted best DJ in America 2009

DJ Jazzy Jeff

Becoming a DJ at the age of 10, he is now
a household name from acting on the show
“The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.” You can also
play him in the new Activision game DJ
Hero.

Mix Master Mike

Best known for his work with legendary hip
hip group The Beastie Boys, Mike has won
three consecutive DMC world championships
and travels the world to showcase
his skills.

Kevin Scott

Record Label owner and founder of popular music downloading
site for DJ’s: www.directmusicservice.com, which
has become the industry standard online resource for
DJ’s around the world to keep up on current music.

DJ Scene

World renown DJ known for his experience in live radio,
XM radio, DJ battles, podcasts, music production and
nightclubs.

DJ Enrie

Los Angeles radio legend and founder of popular music
downloading site for DJ’s: www.beezo.net

DJ Spider

Talented producer and popular hollywood DJ from the
Deckstar crew originally formed by DJ AM.

DJ Hapa

Director of Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles. Hapa
has inspired and taught thousands of aspiring DJ’s
around the world.

 

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE CAMP SPIN-OFF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS!!! TALENT!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://campspinoff.com/ TO FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER TODAY!!!

 

Fuelled by a fascination with the unknown and a lack of fear,our next feature artist has been a leader and a “pioneer” in the DJ culture for over 20 years. DVDJ G-Funk is a veteran DJ who has mastered all forms of mediums available in the industry including: vinyl, CDJs & now DVJs. He has never backed down from a challenge to learn and master a new technology, or experiment with his artistic practice, in order to push the envelope both in his performance style and professional development. “G-FUNK's innovative style and daringness to dream has sky-rocketed his career, which includes being a National Demonstrator for PIONEER Pro DJ, a Producer for the nationally recognized Video Assassins and Klutch Beat BOOTique, and recently a Club World Awards nominee for 2009.” (DVDJ G-Funk’s Official Bio)

Es ChinoREY
DJ BLEND
DJ BRANDON LEE
TEE TRANCE
MC T.O.N.E.
DVDJ G-FUNK
DJ AUDIO1
SHAKE ONE

DVDJ G-Funk’s roots are in beautiful Guam, but he now calls Denver home and he has been rockin’ night club patrons in major American cities including hubs such as: Vegas, Miami, Hollywood, Chicago, Atlantic City, Detroit etc. just to name a few! He’s a seasoned artist who has experienced so much change in all aspects of his life and career, that he has mastered the ability to be flexible while maintaining his creative ingenuity. From delving into his progression within the music industry, we quickly noted that his movement has been swift and steeped in credibility. He takes his work very seriously and when he is on the decks, it’s not to satisfy his own needs or ego, but rather to achieve that zone where is he one with the club patrons. It will become obvious to our readers that DVDJ G-Funk is very passionate about music. So much so, that he noted himself that the crowds literally react to his “crazy antics on stage.” (DVDJ G-Funk’s Buzz Survey)

As noted in past articles, it is THIS energy that the DJ exhibits behind the decks, that truly “separates the men from the boys”. To carry a crowd away on a euphoric rush, requires an advanced DJ skill set and an adept ability to “read” the chemistry and needs of a random group of people. With a knowledge of such a vast array of musical genres, DVDJ G-Funk appears to possess that magic internal ingredient required to swiftly draw upon the perfect track to match a moment and yet still manipulate the mix through his technical ability such as scratching or throwing down a hawt vmix etc.

NAMM Demo - http://www.djgfunk.com/videos/

Doctors that act with swift cunning in an Emergency department save lives, as they have the ability to synthesize quickly and make sound decisions that usually result in a chain of positive reactions. This individual is a doctor on the decks and the medicine that he practices is for the mind, body and soul! His style has been labeled “innovative” ,but in our opinion and we are sure you will agree, his practice has been truly ground-breaking. DVDJ G-FUNK has moved WITH the flow of the most cutting edge disc jockey technology and helped to re-establish the standards and the norms! Pioneer recruited G-Funk to be a national demonstrator for the Pro Vid tech and of course that in itself is substantial weight behind any DJ’s name.

Pioneer is a massive icon in the music/entertainment industry. Having selected this artist to represent and help market their products is indicative of an individual who must be reliable, trustworthy, AND very professional in addition to talented! With signing on to work with Pioneer, this involved touring and representing the company to demonstrate virgin technology, that G-Funk had been sought after to use!! This has been a massive endorsement opportunity for this artist, not only on a financial level, but also on a professional level. G-Funk’s perpetual drive to be the best at everything he tackles in his creation of v-mixes and audio traxs, eventually earned him another enormous nod of approval from both the nightlife and music industries via a Club World Awards nomination in 2009. Literally competing with thousands of artists, DVDJ G-Funk continues to stand out amongst his peers as being exceptional for his innate talent and intuition with music technology.

As you will read in his Bio and Buzz Exclusive DJ Survey Responses, he frequently refers to his video mixing as “eye candy”. He is so confident in his v-mixing abilities and the reactions that he will receive on the dance floor from dropping his work, that KNOWS he has the potential to completely control the club space. It is via very calculated decisions that he makes about which track and/vid that he drops and in what order. “I have an idea as to what I want to play before the show, but work off the crowd’s reaction once I’m in the ‘zone’.” (DVDJ G-Funk Buzz Exclusive DJ Survey) It is usually after years of experience and “know how” that this ability evolves…it’s a “sixth sense” so to speak that DJs appear to develop after having worked years behind a deck and manipulating crowds, reading reactions etc. G-Funk is stimulated by the challenge. His desire to hit that “zone” or that natural “high” or club “buzz”, motivates him at every set.

 

It’s a personal challenge too that he sets for himself. He is the type of individual that requires a goal in order to push himself further. He enjoys being in competition with himself to be the best and even better!! DVDJ G-Funk refuses to slow down or become complacent. So long as technology continues to evolve towards even greater levels of perfection, G-Funk will be right at hand! In fact, he’s even been referred to as, “the future of DJ Entertainment and the Revolution of Digital Video Disc Jockeys” (DVDJ G-Funk Official Bio).

DVDJ G-FUNK WITH WYCLEF JEAN

So, it’s only fitting that we should hold great expectations for an industry player that has been nothing short of a trail blazer! Please be sure to hit up DVDJ G-Funk on his various sites! You will be amazed at his extensive repertoire and what he can offer other DJs, Promoters, Club Owners and the everyday music consumer!

1-877-DJGFUNK – For bookings

http://www.crack4djs.net/

http://www.myspace.com/_djgfunk

http://www.facebook.com/dvdjgfunk

DVDJ G-FUNK OFFICIAL BIO

DVDJ G-FUNK refuses to settle for one type of music or technology. Transitioning from audio with Records to CDJs and now adding a new dimension with video on DVJs has allowed G-FUNK to experiment with various effects, and all the while, he has never feared to try new things. G-FUNK's innovative style and daringness to dream has skyrocketed his career, which includes being a National Demonstrator for PIONEER Pro DJ, a Producer for the nationally recognized Video Assassins and Klutch Beat Bootique, and recently a Club World Awards nominee for 2009.

  KLUTCH BEAT BOOTique!

Born and raised on Guam and now based in Denver, DVDJ G-FUNK spins his live video mix shows at prestigious clubs throughout Colorado and around the globe for PIONEER Pro DJ and the Video Assassins. In a span of twelve months, he has performed in major cities like Hollywood; Sacramento; San Jose; Santa Ana/Newport Beach; Las Vegas; Aspen; Denver; Colorado Springs; Minneapolis; Chicago; Atlantic City; Des Moines; Tumon; West Palm Beach; Philadelphia; Providence; Detroit and Miami.

Armed with the latest PIONEER Pro video arsenals and a veteran DJ for nearly two decades, DVDJ G-FUNK programs all his mixes, mash-ups and scratches music and videos on DVD with old-school, retro, hip-hop, electro and today's hits so you can SEE and HEAR his live performance. If you're ready for some eye candy from an A/V artist that never has a dull moment in his sets and entertains the crowd on and off the dance floor, then say hello to the future of DJ Entertainment and the Revolution of Digital Video Disc Jockeys.

DVDJ G-FUNK’S BUZZ EXCLUSIVE DJ SURVEY!!!

1. What inspired you to pick your DJ your name?

DVDJ because I deliver eye-candy as a Digital Video Disc Jockey.  G-FUNK is from my roots as a hip-hop DJ in the 90s, the stage name just stuck, so I kept it.

2. What kind of music do  you like to spin?

Dirty Electro tracks with a lot of energy and ridiculous builds.

3. What and who are some of your major influences (artists, djs, etc.)?

DJ Q-Bert for his scratching and DJ 2^nd Nature for his audio and video production.

4. Biggest reward about being a DJ?

Being able to pull off technically difficult mixes and the crowd's reaction to my crazy antics on stage.

5. Biggest pet peeve about being a DJ?

Other Wanna-Be DJs who want to mix or scratch in the middle of my set.

6. What is the best party you have ever spun at?

The Cannabis Convention spinning in front of 30,000 people.

 

7. If you could mix at a club or party anywhere, where would it be and with whom?

Space, Ibiza with my wife

8. In what cities have you spun? Are you a resident DJ at any clubs right now?

Hollywood; Sacramento; San Jose; Santa Ana/Newport Beach; Las Vegas; Aspen; Denver; Colorado Springs; Minneapolis; Chicago; Atlantic City; Des Moines; Tumon; West Palm Beach; Philadelphia; Providence; Detroit and Miami. Current Resident DJ for Lotus Clubs of Denver, CO

9. What is the hottest club you have ever been to, either as a DJ or a patron?

Hottest Club: BETA, Denver (I was the headlining DJ and also patron)

10. Do you plan out your sets or do you play to the crowd's reactions?

I have an idea as to what I want to play before the show, but work off the crowd’s reaction once I’m in the ‘zone’.

11. If you could design a club, name three important aspects of it's layout.

Killer Sound and Video System; Amazing Dance and Ambient lighting; Sexy Bar Staff

12. Techno/Trance or Mash-up/Hip Hop

Techno/Trance but with heavy hip-hop influences

13. East Coast or West Coast?

West Coast

14. MAC or PC?

MAC

15. Top favorite 3 tracks of all time.

Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough / Push It / Return of the Mack

Giving up luv for our Klutch Beat BOOTique brother DVDJ G-Funk!

 

DJ LIFE.

http://www.djvice.com/

We have told countless individual stories about DJs on our site who have risen from humble beginnings to struggle and fight their way thru the various challenges and ranks within the DJ profession, to eventually find notoriety and respect. The story for our current feature DJ follows along these lines, but what captivates us most about this artist, is how Jake Reno has managed to preserve his humble image throughout this adventurous process and keep his ego in check.

Jake was born and raised in the Midwestern state of Kansas. In an article written about him several years ago, it was noted that the hobby of DJing in his parent’s basement actually kept him off of the street and out of the drug culture that ran rampant among his fellow Wichita youth at that time. The allure of all genres of music has been strong with Jake and like the call of Alice in Wonderland to follow her heart, Jake has followed music with a similar drive. Ironically Jake shares a passion for all things “Alice” and even wears a tribute to her in ink form on his body.

Even Jake’s initial club beginnings were not unlike Alice falling down that mysterious dark hole. This artist was compelled to try DJing in a club without even being properly trained to perform. Yet, he was not afraid to jump in whole-heartedly, despite the black hole of uncertainty that this venture represented. Jake was compelled. He stated his first attempt was almost a write-off and he really did not perform as a DJ should. “I wanted to play at the bar below me, just for shits and giggles.”The nightspot’s manager happened to be Reno’s roommate and naively arranged it. Jake walked into Barcelona armed only with a laptop. “I wasn’t really DJing...I just had mp3 software and a pre-made play list. I didn’t even know how to fade in or out!” Reno, of course, wasn’t asked to come back. But he persevered, begging for a second chance. The bar obliged. Reno sighs, “I still to this day don’t understand why (manager) Seth Thorpe ever gave me another shot. If it wasn’t for that, I’d be pursuing a mediocre career in the over populated world of graphic design.” Luckily for Reno, the gamble would pay off. “ (Jake Reno’s quote cited from: Feb ’07 issue of Chicago Scene Magazine in the feature “Awesome! I F*#king Mixed That!” by Tyler Curtis)

 DJ Jake Reno and Club Manager Seth Thorpe

It is this lack of fear to face the unknown which sets this artist apart. We saw it in another artist that we featured last year…world renowned House Producer/DJ, Joe Bermudez. Joe walked into a radio station with absolutely NO experience, yet STILL asked for a job and got it. Both of these artists stepped out on a limb, took a risk and a gamble and as a result, a whole new world opened for each one of them, just like Alice. From that point on, Jake became committed whole-heartedly to perfecting his craft and working hard to earn the respect of his colleagues through his sets, remixes, charitable events, and genuine attitude towards his peers. It hasn’t been an easy walk for Jake. His Kansas roots have kept him humble, which is challenging while going up against big city egos, corruption and nepotism, which are all rampant in this biz. Yet for this artist, he’s most concerned with ensuring the following: “I just want to play what most DJ’s would avoid playing. It’s about surprising people with tracks they haven’t heard in a long time and sometimes that means jumping off the deep end. I’m just lucky to be here. For me, I just want to keep working! I’m lucky to be here, man. I really am.” (Jake Reno’s quote cited from: Feb ’07 issue of Chicago Scene Magazine in the feature “Awesome! I F*#king Mixed That!” by Tyler Curtis) In fact, it was this drive to do things differently and walk the path less chosen that truly led to Jake’s eventual fame.

 

Another major turning point for this artist was when one of his James Brown mash-ups,“Take Papas Brand New Bag”, appeared on DJ AM’s top 35 mixes several years ago. In many ways it was like a royal seal of approval within the DJ community, that Jake Reno was capable of creating serious, credible mixes. DJ AM possessed a similar trademark to resurrect the hidden jewels in the music crates of bygone eras and bring them back to life and the dance floor via trippy remixes, and wicked turntable antics. Reno has definitely been a student of the “AM-esque” school of mixing and championing the forgotten traxs that always delight club-goers in euphoric dance bliss. “A trip out West changed Jake forever. “I saw the way the pros were rocking the party circuit out there and began endlessly researching mash-up kings like DJ Splyce and DJ AM.”(Jake Reno’s quote cited from: Feb ’07 issue of Chicago Scene Magazine in the feature “Awesome! I F*#king Mixed That!” by Tyler Curtis) After AM suffered his near brush with death in a fiery plane crash he too stated, “All I know is that I am lucky to be here”. Humility was also part of AM’s character and this is another parallel that we see between these two individuals. A key to success? Perhaps. Jake has since made his mark and his mixes are now heard all over the world via his membership with the king of remix services, The Crooklyn Clan Vault. He has also landed residencies & gigs in and out of state. In our opinion, Jake Reno is most definitely a role model for the underdog artist who has had to fight his way to the top and continues to seek recognition. Jake has put in his time and has deservedly earned every bit of recognition that he now has. Reno may venture far in his journeys as a DJ and Remixer, but he will always carry his Kansas humility in the face of fame and fortune.

On one of Jakes’s arms, he bears this quote, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." -Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.” This appears to be a permanent visible reminder for Reno to always keep an open mind in his life/career choices and to not be afraid to face the unknown. Just as it was for Alice…GREAT opportunities for self-discovery indeed lay ahead in the uncharted world of Wonderland! Please be sure to check out Jake’s write up and history along with his BUZZ exclusive DJ Survey responses. Links are also located below to both of Jake’s websites! One of his traxs, “Just A Friend” is currently featured on the Buzz MP3 player!!

 

DJ JAKE RENO

DJ RENO IS CURRENTLY NOT AT RINO, BUT THIS EXCERPT GIVE US A GLIMPSE INTO HIS WORLD!! HE IS NOW AT: Rebel, Amp Rock Lounge, & Bull and Bear AND just landed his first out of town residency at Doc Howards in Wichita Kansas.

Stuck under the pressure of spinning at the hottest late night spot in the city is what every DJ wants. Just ask Jake Reno. “It’s great. I’m very lucky though. I’m not afraid of making mistakes.” Reno laughs during his set at Chicago’s red hot ultra lounge, Rino. The crowd of sardines outside of Reno’s booth is composed of the Windy City’s elite socialites, A-listers, and gawkers. Jake looks out at the thumping crowd and
smiles. “I’ve been able to learn something everyday, even from my own screw-ups. If it wasn’t for people believing in me, I wouldn’t be here.”

 

Jake is a long way from home; and his humble pie has a sincere origin. A Kansas native, Reno started spinning 6 years ago in his parent’s basement in an effort to avoid the pitfalls that plagued the junkie criminal youths that littered Wichita. Reno migrated to Chicago in search of an art degree and accidentally stumbled into a career as one of Chicago’s premier mash-up artists. “I had been doing the occasional party. But I didn’t have a resume or really any experience.” But apparently, the experience of living above a rowdy party bar can inspire anyone.

“I wanted to play at the bar below me, just for shits and giggles.” The nightspot’s manager happened to be Reno’s roommate and naively arranged it.Jake walked into Barcelona armed only with a laptop. “I wasn’t really DJing...I just had mp3 software and a pre-made play list. I didn’t even know how to fade in or out!” Reno, of course, wasn’t asked to come back. But he persevered, begging for a second chance. The bar obliged. Reno sighs, “I still to this day don’t understand why (manager) Seth Thorpe ever gave me another shot. If it wasn’t for that, I’d be pursuing a mediocre career in the over populated world of graphic design.”

Luckily for Reno, the gamble would pay off. Reno borrowed his buddy’s decks and worked out the kinks everyday before his “second coming” of sorts. After his set during peak hours, Reno was given the good news. The company heads dug the musical chances he was taking with the mainstream material and gave Reno a steady rotation amongst all its properties. “I went out and bought all my equipment that week!” howls the clean cut Midwesterner. He spent the next few years playing everything to the DePaul crowd, cramming every genre down their hungry little ears. “I was into Dub, Trip-Hop and Indie Rock, you name it! Mos Def, Tribe, Roots, Portishead, Korn, Deftones, and anything in-between.

JAKE RENO WITH GYM CLASS HEROES!

I realized that there is just too much out there not to be heard. It became my M.O. to remind people that anything can mix together. I would take gems from the 70’s, 80’s and mash them to appeal to a completely different audience. Everybody wins. If you’re playing mash ups, you’re working twice as hard not to offend.” At the time Reno was fine tuning his craft, Chicago’s club scene was dominated by single genre set lists of House, Techno or Hip-Hop. However, because Reno was still coming into his own up on the Northside with crowds that were younger and less scrutinizing of his styles, he was able to cross genres and take risks that were non-existent in the city’s late night sets. Face it: the music after the millennium was a little rough.As the super-sized club concept died off like a fat dinosaur in 2005, Chicago’s nightlife hotspots looked for ways to wrangle more customers.

Taking a cue from NYC and LA,many clubs began diversifying their play lists with more sing-a-longs and recognizable tunes.Reno couldn’t have had better timing. With his Mash-ups causing all the rage in Lincoln Park, the brand new, high-concept MaxBar (Crobar’s sister bar) grabbed Reno and put him to work. Crobar’s team wasn’t the only one who noticed Reno’s skills - Kwesi Dei, Rino’s marketing director, heard about a kid that was rocking the pants off of Lincoln Park. Rino was a huge mainstream success in River North, with a more decisive and demanding crowd and Dei wasn’t about to throw a rookie to the wolves. In an order to warm him up, Dei gave Reno a slot in the graveyard shift on Sunday nights. It was then that Reno began concentrate on what he aptly labels “Party Rock.” The experiment worked.

JAKE WITH STEVE AOKI!!

A trip out West changed Jake forever. “I saw the way the pros were rocking the party circuit out there
and began endlessly researching Mash-up kings like DJ Splyce and DJ AM.” While Sunday nights didn’t last very long, Reno remained on hand to take the spotlight on Thursdays and Saturdays. Once he figured out how to perfect remixing today’s Pop and Hip-Hop (Reno’s mash of Shiny Toy Guns’ “Le Disko” into Green Velvet’s “Shake and Pop” might be the hottest thing we’ve heard this winter. Really.) Jake quickly rocketed from wide-eyed schlub behind a computer to high profile party maker at the ripe age of 23. Today, Jake is not only earning in the clubs, but he’s cashing in on respect from his peers.

The rite of passage for any dominant DJ is to be accepted into the Crooklyn Clan’s Vault (www.crooklynclan.net). So after gaining admission to the Mecca of Mixes, Reno about fell over when he saw his James Brown mash up,“Take Papas Brand New Bag”, appear on DJ AM’s top 35 mixes in the country this spring. Set to take on Friday nights as the primetime record spinner at the exquisite high end Manor nightclub, there was no stopping the kid from Wichita who just wanted another chance. When asked about the sudden surge of success, Reno replied characteristically humble: “I just want to play what most DJs would avoid playing. It’s about surprising people with tracks they haven’t heard in a long time and sometimes that means jumping off the deep end. I’m just lucky to be here. For me, I just want to keep working! I’m lucky to be here, man. I really am.” Actually, we were thinking it was us who are the lucky ones. Our guess is he’ll never have to audition again.

(Previously published as an excerpt in the Feb ’07 issue of Chicago Scene Magazine in the feature “Awesome! I F*#king Mixed That!” by Tyler Curtis. Used with Permission ©2007)

DJ Jake Reno is also available for private parties and corporate events.
For bookings: Call 773.562.0410
All inquires can be sent to: JakeReno@hotmail.com
www.myspace.com/djjakereno

http://www.facebook.com/djjakereno?ref=ts

MIXES AVAILABLE AT:  JAKE RENO mixes for free download at www.jakereno.podomatic.com or on Itunes for free download.

 

FETTY BE’S BUZZ CUSTOM DJ SURVEY FOR DJ JAKE RENO

1. What inspired you to pick your DJ your name?

DJ name? Well, I guess because my mom thought it fit me best!

2. What kind of music do you like to spin?

Music spun? All genres (or most). I enjoy spinning most genres because it keeps me busy. I can’t just spin one genre because my a.d.d kicks in.

3. What and who are some of your major influences (artists, djs, etc.)?

Major influences: dj vice is my favorite multi-genre DJ.  Dj Flipside(Chicago) is my favorite Hip-Hop DJ. and Mixin Marc (Chicago) has to be my favorite House DJ.  Massive Attack and Portishead has always been a big influence too on me.  If and when i actually start makin my own music it will have alot of there influence on it.

4. Biggest reward about being a DJ?

 

Biggest Reward: Making people happy

5. Biggest pet peeve about being a DJ?

Pet Peeve: Club Promoters that bug the F*&K out of you all the time to keep the music how they like it. "Mother F*&k3r, do you wanna come up here and DJ?", for real!

 
6. What is the best party you have ever spun at?

Best Party: Probably any New Years party because everyone is in such a good mood and the night always goes over well

7. If you could mix at a club or party anywhere, where would it be and with whom?

Party anywhere w/ anyone? Probably somewhere on a huge beach with a million people and DJ vice and Discotech

 

8. In what cities have you spun? Are you a resident DJ at any clubs right now?

Club residencies?  I’ve DJ'd at other places all over Chicago: Cuvee, Rino, Manoe, BonV, Stay, Underground, Bull n Bear, Amp, Rebel, The Bar Celona, Funk, Blu, Maxbar, Katacombs, Red Ivy, Tar Bar, Bambo Room, Social 25, Moes Cantina, Finns (wichita Kansas), Doc Howards (wichita Kansas), Indigo (wichita kansas).... I’m a current resident at Rebel, Amp Rock Lounge, & Bull and Bear.....

9. What is the hottest club you have ever been to, either as a DJ or a patron?

Hottest Club? I haven't been to too many other clubs besides vegas and here, so I guess I really liked alot of the clubs in Vegas and there are some really nice ones here, like Bon V, Crobar, Soundbar, Underground, etc....

10. Do you plan out your sets or do you play to the crowd's reactions?

Plans Set? I Just put on a mix cd and sit back and get drunk. LOL, naw, i never plan my set. I just plug in, play, drink, and go with the flow...... LET PARTY RIGHT NOW!!!!!! FILL IT UP AGAIN!!!!!

11. If you could design a club, name three important aspects of it's layout.

Club Design?  Hmmmm....  not sure, maybe a petting zoo near the dance floor???? Naw, I don't really have any ideas...

12. Techno/Trance or Mash-up/Hip Hop

House or Hip-Hop/Mash-ups?  Both! I love both! I do, enjoy the Hip-Hop/Mash-up crowd way better, but I enjoy both just as equally, you know it just depends what kind of mood I'm in.

 

13. East Coast or West Coast?

East or West Coast?  What, what about us Midwest boys? MIDWEST for sure!!! Naw, just jokin’, probably West.

14. MAC or PC?

Mac or PC:  Mac

15. Top favorite 3 tracks of all time.

Top Favorite Tracks of all times? That's a reallllly hard question for any DJ..... Ummmmmmm.........  i guess there is a few tracks that I've like more than other that i can think of off the top of my head.  Jon secada- Just another day with out you....... Blue October-into the ocean....... Moan- Trentemoller remix.........That's the only few that come to mind right now, but I have so many more in so many different genres!!!! 

 Keeping a MIDWESTERN beat!!!

DJ FISHR PRYCE

Our next feature DJ is yet another seasoned artist and member of both the Instinct DJ crew, as well as, a founding member of the Los Hip Hop Guys. His moniker or handle is Fishr Pryce and after having had an opportunity to interact with this artist over time via Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc., we’ve come to learn that he shares a great deal in common with what his namesake embodies.

As noted in Fishr’s biography and Buzz exclusive DJ Survey, “I was making a lot of practice tapes when I first started, and when I finally made one that was decent I wanted to name it. So playing around I wrote DJ Fisher Price's My 1st Mixtape, as a play on all the my 1st toys.I showed it to my friend and the joke stuck.” (cited from: DJ Fishr Pryce, Buzz Exclusive DJ Survey) Yet, despite a strong and healthy sense of humor that Fishr Pryce possesses, he is extremely serious about his practice. His quotes often to refer to his work not being child’s play. His focus has remained steadfast from the very beginning and resilient. Not unlike the well-made Fisher Price toys. Children are tough on toys and as a result, the toys designed by this toy company are well made, tested, tried and true.

They go thru rigorous testing so that they are safe for the little people who interact with them. Are club goers, club owners, recording artists, labels etc. hard on DJs? See where we are going with this? Fishr Pryce has more than put in his time in the industry and as an artist his professional timeline reflects an individual who has explored other creative outlets such as dance and visual artistic expression via the graffiti medium. Despite his tough guy exterior…again like the durable toys….Fishr Pryce is an artist who is insightful, reflective and deeply moved by music. In fact, Fishr Pryce majored in creative writing in college. He is a character that is drawn to understanding and appreciating all sorts of artistic mediums. His blog “Fresher Pryce” is a testimony to this claim, as it covers all aspects of culture including music, art, fashion, tech, political satire etc. Fishr is a mass consumer of culture and truly has his ear to the ground in terms of global events and happenings.

Fishr and Lif in Philly

He is constantly reflecting upon how these human expressions shape and influence mainstream perceptions. In terms of his musical preferences, Fishr’s fascination with the Hip-Hop culture was born out of listening to the Blues, RnB and soul-filled tracks that his father would play when he was a child. He was surrounded and immersed in street-inspired culture and music from a very young age. Those days were influential in molding and inspiring the internal creative waters that constitute all that IS Fishr Pryce. As a result, he was drawn to Hip-Hop and rightly so. It has been a very natural progression for society to learn, appreciate, absorb and consume Hip-Hop.

The youth of the past twenty plus years have embraced it, and defined it as a new genre in it’s own right within the music industry.This genre is a product of Blues, RnB, Reggae & Soul music. Blues often tells a story, a dialogue, which might explain why the man is drawn to this type of music. Fishr’s interior resonates with stories by the way. Just follow his blog ( http://fresherthan.com/fishr/) and you will come to perceive a man who is deeply moved by the world and the people that he interacts with. His memory is sharp as noted in his Bio, “One thing Fishr did have going for him was a sharp memory. He remembered all the songs he heard.”  This was one of the reasons that convinced him that the DJ profession was a good fit for his personality and natural abilities. As a “student of Hip Hip” and Rap, Fishr Pryce was literally part of the birth of a cultural phenomenon and was an active participant in helping to create and define the massive Hip-Hop movement of the early 2000’s.

 

As part of that industry swing, “scratching” became an vital part of Pryce’s professional and personal evolution in his career. He possessed a fascination for DJ’s who have pushed the envelope within the industry, in terms of scratching and the art of turntablism, “…any DJ trying to push the norm and doing more than playing a glorified Juke Box.“ (cited from Fishr Pryce’s Buzz Exclusive DJ Survey) Z-Trip, DJ P, Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, Q-Bert, Dibbs, Marvel, NVS, Hex to name a just a few pioneers who have developed technologies, defined technics, and mastered the art of treating the decks like an instrument have all played a role in shaping the artist that Fishr has become. Yet Fishr’s fascination with the whole scene, can’t be pigeon-holed into just the art of DJing. His interest in how media, art and life intersect, merge and produce cultural impressions in society, is prominent throughout his whole career and life.One of his artistic endeavors included working with one of his closest colleagues and friends DJ NVS, to eventually create the Los Hip Hop Guys.

LOS HIP HOP GUYS!!!

They describe themselves in this way, “"Fishr Pryce and NVS are basically the Daft Punk of Hip Hop; just with out the mask, the tours, the crazy live show, and the 100Gs a show." - Someone real smart, but no Jesus.” ( cited from: http://www.myspace.com/loshiphopguys) Here again you can see the humor that constantly surfaces with Fishr Pryce in all of his interactions and mannerisms. He has a whitty, cynical sense of humor at times, that exists because Fishr questions norms and doesn’t take anything at face-value. It may be because of the humor that the Los Hip Hop Guys were formed. NVS found the comic relief and sanity that came with working closely with Pryce. In addition, Fishr’s comedy and humor are/were stress relievers for himself and all of those who surround him. He shoots straight too in his introspections.

There is no question about that, but like the Fisher Price toy metaphor, he knows when to perform to the height of his abilities, depending on the audience and is dependable.However, there is a hardy exterior to Pryce’s persona that is partly for effect and partly because that is how he has become a survivor in this sometimes dog eat dog industry. Fisher Price toys rarely break….they endure. Fishr practices this endurance and as a result now holds a residency in Dallas after his global touring. He still delights in keeping his passion for Hip-Hop alive, yet he also knows that in order to survive in this industry one must constantly keep evolving just as culture itself does. When asked what kind of music he likes to spin in our Buzz survey, Pryce responded with, “Anything that can keep the party going.I like to stay true to my Hip-Hop roots, but that can't keep every party dancing. Secretly, I'm hoping Polka Trance will breakthrough in 2010!” Who knows….he just might be onto to something!! He’s the seeker of all that’s “fresherthan” that’s for certain!!!

 

Regardless of the current trends though, Fishr Pryce still DOES hustle his soul vibe. In order to train-up the youth of today and the future generations of DJs, he is now successfully reworking Hip-Hop in order to help influence and preserve a genre that he worked so hard to help perpetuate in it’s infancy. These Generation Y artists will be future Jazzy Jeff, Qbert, DJ Z-Trip, DJ P, Mr. Dibbs and Instinct DJ prodigies!! His own nephew is a self-proclaimed DJ, D-Town and he is following in his uncle’s footsteps. Fishr blogged about D-Town’s first mixtape creation process and through this act alone, demonstrated his belief and commitment to helping maintain the future of his professional community. Yes, a Fisher Price toy is tough and can take the knocks that come it’s way…However, it’s also a source of great enjoyment, inspiration and even solace. Fishr Pryce emulates these exact qualities within his professional and life practices. In addition to these reputable qualities, Fishr Pryce also gives back to the community more than he takes via his reflections, philanthropy and support that he regularly shows for his industry colleagues and collectives.

DJ Hex, DJ Marvel, DJ NVS, DJ Fishr Pryce (SOME of the Instinct DJ Crew)

Please be sure to read more about Fishr Price in his official biography , as well as hit him up on his various social network websites and his blog. You can find his mixtapes on his personal blog and in our Buzz Mixtape Gallery!! Pryce’s individuals traxs can be found on his blog site  http://www.fresherpryce.com , as well as on other Instinct DJ’s sites !!! Fetty Be has mad props and luv for Fishr Pryce’s fettylicious groooooove!!!

 

FISHR PRYCE BIO

‘This ain’t no children’s game.’

Mess with a cat in the jungle and you may get scratched. But if the cat has 2 turntables and a mixer you just might like it. Enter Texas born Party Rocker, DJ Fishr Pryce. With a mission statement like “I have pride, I have power, I’m a bad ass mutha who don’t take no crap from nobody,” you get the sense that when it comes to his craft Fishr plays no games. Fishr is a student of hip-hop.

 

His knowledge of the musical side of hip hop stretches as far back as the mid and late 80’s. He was a sponge, absorbing everything he heard. It was clear, this would be a part of his life for a long time to come. Hip-hop culture is infectious, inviting everyone who experiences it to participate in some way. When Fishr decided he wanted in, he was only following the natural order of things. The question was, how? He’s admittedly not that stellar an artist, so graff (graffiti) writing was out of the question. Breaking is definitely an art. It may even be loosely on par with a martial art in the discipline required to be a top notch dancer. Without the proper coordination and natural skill, you probably won’t excel at it. Fishr tried for mulled dancing over for a bit and came to the conclusion that it wasn’t the best fit. Rapping? Much the same story. One thing Fishr did have going for him was a sharp memory. He remembered all the songs he heard. He noticed the samples started popping up in the soul and R&B music his dad listened to. It compelled him. He began to understand more about the hip hop records he loved.

Jazzy Jeff

It wasn’t until he saw DJ greats like Jazzy Jeff and Qbert in action. He wanted to be like them. Their control over those instruments astonished him. With that he began DJing seriously. The next thing was to pick an official moniker for himself. When the Dallas representative made his first practice mixtape he jokingly called it “DJ Fisher Price’s My 1st Mixtape”. The name stuck and years later his accomplishments are proof that he was born for this. Besides being the official DJ for rapper iCON the Mic King, Fishr is a founding member of reputable DJ outfit, Los Hip Hop Guys. He’s also a part of the Instinct crew, who are constantly grindin’ out heaters!

He’s played with and opened for a who’s who of talent from Aesop Rock, Mr. Lif, DJ P, Dos Noun to C Rayz Walz, Z-Trip, Qwel, Mr. Dibbs, of course iCON and many others. It doesn’t stop there for DJ Fishr Pryce. The future will see more touring, more mixtapes, podcasts regularly available at djmarvel.podmatic.com as well as a brand new website (www.instinctdjs.com) that will keep everyone up to speed with the latest developments in DJ Fishr Pryce’s play for world domination: “I’ve got to go through life knowing that I did all I could to make my dream of making it a reality. Whether it happens or not I want to know I did what I could”. You heard the man.

FISHR PRYCE BUZZ EXCLUSIVE DJ SURVEY

1. What inspired you to pick your DJ your name?

I was making a lot of practice tapes when I first started, and when I
finally made one that was decent I wanted to name it, so playing around I
wrote DJ Fisher Price's my 1st mixtape as a play on all the my 1st toys.  I
showed it to my friend and the joke stuck.

 

 

2. What kind of music do you like to spin?

Anything that can keep the party going.  I like to stay true to my hip
hop roots, but that can't keep every party dancing. Secretly I'm hoping Polka Trance will breakthrough in 2010!!

3. What and who are some of your major influences (artists, djs, etc.)?

DJ Z-Trip, DJ P, Mr. Dibbs, any DJ trying to push the norm and do more than playing glorified Juke Box

4. Biggest reward about being a DJ?

The girls and the drugs... just playing.  The traveling, and knowing that
you have a crowd in your hands and you can take them wherever you want.

5. Biggest pet peeve about being a DJ?

People not willing to give something not on the radio a chance. People asking for shitty songs and not making 300000000 a night

6. What is the best party you have ever spun at?

Me and my Boy NVS spun at the Dallas Art Museum a yr or 2 back, and had
that place in a frenzy. There were maybe 150-200 people there, and you would
have never thought it was a Museum. We had dudes in suits popping and
locking, it was wild.

 

7. If you could mix at a club or party anywhere, where would it be and with whom?

I'd want to Play anywhere that is willing to have me

8. In what cities have you spun? Are you a resident DJ at any clubs right now?

All over the country.  LA, NY, Chicago, Montreal, Ottawa, New Orleans,
Little Rock etc... I've also played a week around London.  I am a resident DJ at Kenichi a sushi spot in Dallas

9. What is the hottest club you have ever been to, either as a DJ or a patron?

Studio 54 was the craziest club I've seen as a Patron.  As a DJ this spot Foufounes Electronique

was something in Montreal,Canada.

 
10. Do you plan out your sets or do you play to the crowd's reactions?

Depends, when I tag with my boy NVS as Los Hip Hop Guys we plan out a
little, but for the most part its go with the crowd.

 

LHHG, Z Trip, and Craze

11. If you could design a club, name three important aspects of it's layout.

DJ Booth - has to be placed in a dope area and have the best equipment.
Bar - has to be the best part of the club VIP area - gotta keep the special
people feeling special….and chicks who almost get naked!!

Pic by KiddRae

12. Techno/Trance or Mash-up/Hip Hop

Hip Hop/ with more live blends. A lot of people ruined Mash-ups. (WHAT NO POLKA TRANCE? hehehe Fetty Be)

13. East Coast or West Coast?

Both

14. MAC or PC?

Mac or a speak and spell with Serato 0.2

15. Top favorite 3 tracks of all time.

Michael Jackson - Sunset Driver

DJ Shadow - Midnight in a Perfect World  

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

 

http://www.myspace.com/f1shr

Www.myspace.com/LosHipHopGuys

http://www.fresherpryce.com

Twitter: @fishr

Make sure to hit up our good friend and colleague, FISSSSSSSSHR…FISHR PRYYYYYYYCEEE!!

Keeping a tab the cultural beat with all that’s FRESSSSSHER!