Right now “Hard work not hype” means: Shutting my mouth and just trying to be good at what I do as a DJ. It also means trying to be good at what I do as an operator (@citizenbar, @arrowonogden). I’m a DJ, but I also operate some of the bars I spin at. It’s important for me to be good at that too so I can create the type of environment I want to spin in.
Furthermore, it’s important for me to be as good as the talent around me so I can book myself. Lots of good DJs in Chicago. If I sucked I’d have to replace myself. It’s kind of a fun position to be in.
The mixes you hear on this site are serato recordings.
If I make a mistake that I can’t live with, I stop and start over.
I’m not into Ableton, editing or production.
I became a DJ as a result of the invention of the internet jukebox and the poor effect it was having on my tips as a bartender.
I use a Serato Sixty Two mixer and Techniques
Favorite Kanye Quote: “I’m a Chicagoan till Chicago ends.”
Early Influences: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Dr. Dre, 2 Pac, Eminem, Notorious BIG, Jurassic 5, DJ Premier, Paul Van Dyk, Daft Punk, The Doors, The Beach Boys, Dave Matthews Band, Sublime
Recent Influences: Skrillex, Knife Party, Rusko, Girl Talk, Gramatic, Pretty Lights, Parov Stellar, Mord Fustang, Wolfgang Gartner, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, John Legend
Shoes: Pumas. And white T-shirts. Hanes tagless for some occasions and H&M for others. V-Neck.
Cubs, Bears, Iowa Hawkeye Football, Bulls, Blackhawks. In that order. F#ck the White Sox.
I’m not trying to be a DJ that blows up and travels to other cities. I’m trying to be a DJ that spins the music I love at the bars I run in Chicago and maybe some other spots around the city too. And I want to go spin in Iowa City because that’s the way I’ll get to relive the college glory days. So you should book me at the Column Billy.
I LOVE Electronic Music. It’s my favorite music to spin and listen to.
My BMX collection includes: 91 Robinson, 93 Elf, 92 Powerlite P61, 95 GT Mach one
My world changed the first time I heard Dr. Dre, The Cronic, on a cassette, 6th grade, in my parents White Chrystler Mini-van with the only one sliding door that opened.
I can’t figure out if my dog likes it or hates it when I’m DJing at home. She’s hard read on this subject. She usually comes and hangs out in my room when I spin. But maybe she’s trying to get me to notice her. Maybe she believes that if I notice her I’ll stop and play with her instead of shake the walls of our building.
I’ve gone solo to Dubstep shows because I don’t want to talk to anyone, I just want to listen to the music.
Yes, my girlfriend is aware of this. And she’s still dating me. One of many reasons that I love her.
I feel like perfection as a DJ is achievable. It’s damn near impossible if you’re taking risks. But damn near means there’s a chance so perfection is achievable. That drives me.
I get to hear a lot of DJs spin locally in Chicago. Some of the guys in the city put out a great product. Their work drives me.
And I love music. I love to spin it and I’m happy I have the opportunity to do what I love. THAT drives me.
Danny
