Know Your DJ - Driven

Interview

1. How did you get started in DJing? What’s your journey been like so far?

Both of my parents were ravers, and I was brought up within the community. With my dad being a DJ, I was exposed early to the craft, and I naturally fell in love with it. The journey has been great thus far, and I’ve met a lot of friends and experienced a lot of good music. I’m excited for what’s to come. — Will

My brother handed down his Traktor S2 to me, and I used that controller until it broke. I had to buy my own controller, as I now couldn’t go without and I started DJing any gig I could find. This time DJing anything and everything provided experience mixing a variety of different genres and the learnings of how to read a crowd. Now, I spend most of my time producing and I’ve shifted focus into playing and hosting shows that align with my house and techno projects. — Adam

2. What genres do you usually play, and which ones are your personal favorites?

Techno and house — from old school underground house to hypnotic techno, anything that feels right within the sound we try to achieve.

3. What does DJing mean to you? How would you describe the role and its responsibilities? For us, DJing is about curating music with passion and sharing that passion wholeheartedly with those around you. DJs carry the responsibility of selecting incredible records to share while creating an atmosphere to truly lose yourself in a crafted experience.

4. Who are some of your favorite producers right now, and why do they inspire you?

DVS1, Rene Wise, David Morales, Deetron, Robert Hood, and The Saunderson Brothers - to name a few.Ranging from hypnotic Berlin-style techno to the flavourings of Detroit and Chicago techno and house. Simple yet effective sound design with groove, soul, and hypnotic traits — this inspires a sense of feeling in the sounds we select.

5. If you could only play one track for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Black Russian — its simplistic depth provokes emotion.

6. When you’re not behind the decks, what kind of music do you usually listen to? Any guilty pleasures?

Classic hip-hop, or anything psychedelic (Funk, Rock, Soul).

7. What’s your current DJ setup? Any favorite tools or gear you swear by?

Pioneer XDJ / CDJs.

8. How do you go about discovering new tracks and shaping your sound?

Travelling to see legendary DJs perform extended sets.

9. Favorite place/travel location?

Montreal is — home of Stereo. (((Home)))