DJ Twist's Rapid Fly Polished Style Has Been The Key Ingredient To His Turntable and Career Success!

Photo credit: Michael Romeo

We have been keeping you all in suspense for the much-anticipated posting of DJ Twists article...including the amazingly patient DJ Twist himself!!! This artist hails from the historically influential and musical hub of Brooklyn, New York. Weaned from an early age on the jams and beats of club pioneer greats such as: Run DMC, Jazzy Jeff, LL Cool J, DJ Tommy Tom, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri, Funkmaster Flex and Crooklyn Clan's Riz and Siz to name a few, Twist intuitively responded to the call of the vinyl and the turntable.

DJ Stitch, DJ Twist, DJ Enferno, DJ Riz of The Crooklyn Clan

Only the MOST proficient artists seem to possess that borderline obsession with their artistry and no matter how far they have developed their talents and molded their style, they never seem to fully quench the powerful thirst that lays deep within them, for the music that feeds and drives their inner need to create. Born with a passionate love of Old School Hip Hop, Twist has always enjoyed the challenge of manipulating the traxs and re-interpreting them via live remixing. When he originally started developing his style, Twist swiftly established his trademark open format mixing on the fly using vinyl. He was cutting it up at the very beginning, not long after the pioneers started creating revolutionary material called mashes and remixes. As with all greats though, there is a humble beginning and usually a mentor or teacher of some sort involved. In Twists case, DJ Tommy Tom was responsible for helping to hone and refine Twists unique style.

Photo credit: Infinity Photography

His humble beginnings didn't last long and soon Twist was holding down residences in hawt nightclub establishments in North Carolina. His Club Sugar Shack years would lead him to open for "superstars such as: "Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, Run DMC, 95 South, Luke, Mase and Raekwon. He was also fortunate enough and honored to share turntables with the late great Jam Master Jay on numerous occasions." (DJ Twists Bio)

Photo credit: Infinity Photography

Twist exudes a magnetic personality and a very polished appearance in all that he touches. He has the whole "DJ package" from the hawt sounds to the mass industry rock star appeal. The fashion industry adores Twist too and he has been churning out super hawt vibes to help keep the fashion houses of New York strutting their stuff on the cutting edge! With an effective self-marketing campaign, Twist's success dominoed and before long his name was associated with major club residencies. He soon secured headline gigs at clubs throughout North Carolina such as Baha, Club 2000, Club Oxygen, and La Cantina. In 2000, Spectator Magazine named him, “Best Club DJ of the Year” (DJ Twist Bio).

The NY Hitmen

With credentials like that tied to his namesake, it's not surprising that Twist was rapidly snatched up by a collective of DJ's called The NY Hitmen, not long after he returned to New York. These artists are devoted to creating mash-ups and remixes intended to help flesh out the crates if their industry colleagues and peers. Their artistic efforts and mash-ups can be found on The Crooklyn Clan Vault website ( http://crooklynclan.net/cart/index.php?act=viewArtists). Never satisfied with settling and slowing down into any one roll for long, Twist also added a record label to his list of accomplishments. Tru Traxx Record Labels was a major catalyst in helping this artist to test his wings in the production-side of the industry.

Photo credit: Michael Romeo

Twist's artistic style is truly a reflection of how this individual lives his life. He is always on the fly and never slows down for long. He is always switching it up and recently has been catering to the corporate world, performing his work for major clients such as: The Karen Sabag Fashion Show , Torrel Torrel Fashion Show, Andy Jacques Fashion Show, HDTV Premiere Event - New York Angel Fumagalli Fashion Show. His repetoire includes venues in: Raleigh, Turks & Caicos, Las Vegas, Greece, Australia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia. He has also done many exclusive private functions and charity events for the FDNY and NYPD.

Photo credit: Infinity Photography

What makes this DJ tick and what makes him so appealing within the music industry and club culture? Twist's professional approach truly and consistently sets him apart and above the crowd. We noted this difference in his savvy self-marketing and also in the superior quality of his press package, portfolio and presentation. He leverages himself and his CV, via polished and slick presentations that WOW AND SELL! This in turn leads to increased interest and offers to work at even more prestigious venues and events. Don't get us wrong, Twists technical abilities are sound and innovative. He is just a very well-rounded professional who is has managed to successfully manage and execute his business persona in addition to his artist persona!! As an example, Twist just performed at a massive gig in NY called Beatsock and worked the decks with finesse in front of a crowd of over 15,000!

DJ Twist with Donnie Klang and Aubrey from Danity Kane

Performing alongside A-listers such as: Danity Kane, Pussycat Dolls, Chris Willis and more. He states, " It was a really sick time and the biggest crowd I had ever played for." (Buzz Exclusive DJ Twist Survey). Twist is still dreaming big and hopes to one day secure the chance to hold down a crowd of over 100,000 like colleagues such as Fat Boy Slim and Tiesto! With a fire in his belly and an unyielding drive, we are confident that such a wish will someday come to fruition for Twist. His list of residences is impressive, as is his Bio and industry connections. In glancing through his portfolio of professional promotional images, it is easy to see why success can't leave Twist alone!

Photo credit: Michael Romeo

Yet, when all is said and done...beneath all of the flash and bling, there is a soul that has chosen to share the joy and happiness that music so selflessly gives to him. Twist sums up the whole DJ experience in this insightful way...."It's the feeling when the crowd starts jumping… Music moves people and really makes the world go round. When you’re in control of that and the people came out to enjoy themselves or to forget about something in their life or to celebrate a birthday, you start laying down tracks that make them jump...you know you’re doing your job, rockin' out and taking the crowd with you…. Oh and the whistle guy… man I love the whistle guy!" (Buzz Exclusive DJ Twist Survey)

Photo credit: Michael Romeo

From Old School to classic Rock 'n Roll to current Electro House, all genres speak to DJ Twist and in the end he masters them all into subservience. He demands nothing but the best from his decks, so that the party is always jacked and the dance floor or event is delivered a Grade-A party atmosphere! As Twist says based on his sage understanding of the nightlife culture, "...things are always changing and in the end, it's all about (pleasing) the crowd. You have to have it all, play it all, make it work!!!" (Buzz Exclusive DJ Twist Survey). Be sure to go over more details about Twist's career history in his Bio and also check out his MySpace for examples of his mash-ups at: www.myspace.com/djtwistnyc , http://www.djtwist.net/, DJ Twist Podcast: http://hypeartists.mypodcast.com/2008/11/Twisted_Sessions_2-156562.html

DJ TWIST OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY

DJ / Producer / Remixer

At the age of 14, DJ Twist began spinning records in his home in Brooklyn, New York, jamming to all styles of music ranging from: Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Grandmaster Flash, Aerosmith, LL Cool J and Nirvana; and listening to B91 and Hot103 on the radio. His obsession for music soon paved his way into the club scene of New York City. Being a young club-hopper was not enough; He needed to be the one rocking the dance floors. Finally, opportunity knocked and DJ Twist got the chance to observe and learn from some of his influences, including Kid Capri and Funkmaster Flex at the hottest venues of the time like Palladium, Roxy, Exit, & Limelight.

Photo credit: Infinity Photography

In 1995, the evolution of DJ Twist began, after a family move to North Carolina. Under the tutelage of DJ Tommy Tom, he honed his skills in the art of turntablism. He began spinning Hip-hop in nightclubs in Charlotte and Raleigh the following year. The Sugar Shack would become DJ Twist’s new home, performing hip-hop sets and opening for superstars like Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, Run DMC, 95 South, Luke, Mase and Raekwon. He was also fortunate enough and honored to share turntables with the late great Jam Master Jay on numerous occasions.

Photo credit: Michael Romeo

By 2000 he incorporated his love for all different types of music into his club sets leading him to blend his roots of Hip-Hop with Classic Rock, 80s, House, and more. From there he began holding residencies and headlining gigs at clubs throughout North Carolina such as Baha, Club 2000, Club Oxygen, and La Cantina. That year Spectator Magazine named him “Best Club DJ of the Year” (2000).

A year later Twist returned to NY and immediately signed with the Tru Traxx Music label.. He became a member of the New York Hitmen (NYH), a prestigious group of rising New York DJ Talent. As part of the Hitmen team, he began his remix and production career, helping him break into the New York City music scene. Appearing at clubs such as Avalon, Deep, NV, and Club Rio, with the rest of the NYH, including members DJ Lucho, Rob-Lo, Jo Flash, and DJ Hitman, as well as working private events. Through a collaborative effort, the NYH began producing top-selling Mash-ups and remixes under the influence of DJ Sizzahandz and DJ Riz. The mash-ups are available on CrooklynClan.net.

DJ Twist and DJ Sizzahandz, Founder of The Crooklyn Clan

Today you can find DJ Twist almost anywhere, including the beach clubs of Play Del Carmen, Mexico, the Hard Rock in Tampa, Harrah’s in Atlantic City, and many of New
York City’s hottest clubs, including One, Touch, Runway, Pacha and The Grand. Most recently he has been asked to DJ private events around the country like: the Motocross GP after party in Indianapolis, performing in-stores at Armani Exchange in New York and New Jersey, making his first New York Fashion Week appearance providing the soundtrack for Karen Sabag’s runway show, and rocking the stage at the tri-state’s largest dance concert, WKTUs Beatstock 2008. If you can’t make it to one of DJ Twists appearances, you can find DJs around the country playing his mixes in the clubs and on their radio shows.

AlX Grand Opening... Freehold

VENUES:

New York:

Pacha (NY Hitmen Residence), Prime, Runway, Sol, Touch, Lot61, Home, Room Service, GLO, CrobarStar , Star Lounge (at The Chelsea Hotel), Aura, Umbrella, La Playa
(Hamptons), Pure, Central, Gypsy Tea, Madison’s, Suite, Level, Cain, Show, Roxbury, Manor, PM, The Grand, Duvet, Pazzo, Plumm, Mystic, Cellar Bar (at The Bryant Park
Hotel) Mirage, Avalon, ONE, 49 Grove, Bridgeview

Twist at Pure

New Jersey: The Pool @ Harrah’s (Atlantic City), PNC Bank Arts Center (KTU’s Beatstock), Guitar Bar, NV, Deko Lounge, Abyss, Avenue (Long Branch)

Cancun:

Coco Bongo, Pat O'Briens

North Carolina:

Ess Lounge, Oxygen, The Office, Aura, Suger Shack, Club 2000, Baha, La Cantina, Haven

Florida:

Dek23 (Miami), Gem (Miami), Floyd's @ The Hard Rock Casino, Flo Lounge, Mangroves, Sagamore Hotel (Miami)

Indiana:

Subterra (Indianapolis)

Weddings and Private Events:

Karen Sabag Fashion Show , Torrel Torrel Fashion Show, Andy Jacques Fashion Show, HDTV Premiere Event - New York
Angel Fumagalli Fashion Show - Raleigh
Turks & Caicos, Las Vegas, Greece, Australia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia
Private Functions and Charity Events for the FDNY and NYPD

Twist With Carl Thomas

Opened Shows and Performed With:

Jay-Z, Run DMC, Danity Kane, Pussycat Dolls, O’Neal McKnight, Chris Willis, September, Crystal Waters, Ida Corr, Basshunter, Jenna Drey, Amuka, Foxy Brown, Lucas Prata, Judy Torres, TKA, George Lamond, Coro, Cynthia, Noel, TKA, Nancy Martinez, Angelo Venuto, Raekwon & Ghost Face Killa, Mase, 95 South, Luke, Freeedom Williams, Stuntman, K7.

Twist is Fashion on Fashion!! Check it Out!

Clients Include:

• Armani Exchange
• Nintendo
• Torrel Torrel
• Nextel
• Karen Sabag Couture
• StudentCity.com
• Angel Fumagelli
• Andy Jacques
• Jacob and Company
• Clear Channel Media

MEDIA:

• Selected by Chilled Magazine as the feature DJ for their November 2008 issue

BUZZ EXCLUSIVE DJ TWIST SURVEY RESPONSES!

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

It was kind of given to me, based on my open format style, moving through records quickly, and doing live remixes on vinyl back in the day. The word at the time was Twisted, “Yo you twisted that up,” “You hear that kid play this with that, he’s definitely twisted.” And so Twist was born around 1996.

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

I have a lot of fun with house music, but my love is Old-School Hip Hop. I don’t get to play it too much anymore, but when I play in Brooklyn be ready!

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

Run DMC without a doubt, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Tommy Tom. In the remix game it’s definitely The Crooklyn Clan. Riz and Siz took it to a whole other level!

4. Biggest reward about being a DJ?

The feeling when the crowd starts jumping… Music moves people and really makes the world go round,and when you’re in control of that and the people came out to enjoy themselves or forget about something in their life or celebrate a birthday, and you start laying down tracks that make them jump, you know you’re doing your job, rockin out and taking this crowd with you…. Oh and the whistle guy… man I love the whistle guy!

DJ Twist With Friend and Fan MLB Player JJ Newman...COOL PEEP!

5. Biggest pet peeve about being a DJ?

The misconception of our personalities… Not all DJ’s are whores! I’m not saying I’m not, I’m just saying that not everyone is, so ladies give us a break once in a while.LOL

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

I would say it was Beatstock this year. It’s a major concert held by two New York radio stations. 15,000 people in attendance, 2 stages and tons of performers. Danity Kane, Pussycat Dolls, Chris Willis and more. It was a really sick time and the biggest crowd I had ever played for.

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

I would love to play an enormous event, one like Fatboy Slim or Tiesto can pull off in Europe. Tens of thousands of people, all rockin' to the same beat… that’s gotta be insane!

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

I’ve played all around New York and Jersey, Carolina, Miami, Tampa, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Cancun, Acapulco and events in Vegas, Turks & Caicos, Greece and Australia. I currently resident monthly at Cebu in Philly, Basement in Denver and The Pool in Atlantic City.

The Pool at Harrah's in Atlantic City

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

I would say Space in Miami… Let The Sunshine In… Are you sick!!!!

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

I always TRY to plan my sets. I’ll sit around like oh I gotta play this and I gotta play that… it NEVER happens. I mean I have general playlists as guidelines, but I never stick to any predetermined schedule of tracks. Things are always changing, so I guess it’s all about the crowd.

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

DJ Booth and Sound System!!! That goes as #1. I’ve been to places that looked soooo sick in the layout and what not, but the booth was 4 feet high, or there were wires everywhere, or they had a mixer from 1963. If the music sucks, the night will suck. If the sound sucks, the night will suck. If the DJ has to rewire things when he gets there, play with a broken fader, or duck all night long, the night will suck!

Secondly, would be bar location. It's real important that people don’t get frustrated trying to get their drinks. You've got to have a good location that doesn’t bottleneck the crowd or make people wait an hour for a drink.

Lastly, would be the furniture/VIP layout… Everyone’s poppin bottles now, everyone wants to dance on couches, surround the dance floor with the tables and put them on split levels, even a foot or two.

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

Definitely not Techno – House & Electro for sure, Hip Hop definitely. But don’t forget

Rock and Roll!! You have to have it all, play it all and make it all work!!

13. East Coast or West Coast?

East Coast baby – representin BK to the fullest!

14. MAC or PC?

MAC MAC MAC

15. Top favorite 3 tracks of all time.

WOW…. Check the Rhyme by Tribe Called Quest, Santeria by Sublime and My My My by Armand Van Heldan

Photo credit: Michael Romeo

THE ONE AND ONLY ORIGINAL DJ TWIST AND DON'T FORGET THAT PEEPS! lol Fetty Be
Keeping the beat unpredicatably hawt and TWISTED with DJ Twist of Brooklyn!!!