DJ RNS
Interview
Thursday 27th of May 2010
We recently caught up with DJ RNS to talk about his new musical project An ElektRemixed State of Mine.
So how did you get into DJing and do you ever get behind the mic yourself?
I started Djing in the mid 90's while in High School at the age of 15. My older cousin and two of his friends were making beats and had a rap group that was starting to gain a little local buzz. So naturally, of course watching them do their thing and get all the girls, I wanted to be down with the group. At the time I didn't know how to make beats or rap, so I told my cousin I was going to be their DJ. He laughed at me. Nevertheless, their group didn't last that long, but I have been DJing professionally for about 16+ years now. Shout out to my cousin, super producer and studio engineer over at Sony Music, Beni Barca!
I usually hold it down on the mic at parties and I've gotten in the booth a few times to do some hooks and drops for mixtapes, but as far as mcing goes, that's something I'm currently considering... maybe!
You've got a very impressive musical CV from supporting Usher on his Truth Tour to having a weekly radio show, what's been your proudest moment so far?
Why thank you. I appreciate the compliment. Well, my proudest moment so far would definitely be having a weekly radio show on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio. That opportunity really catapulted my DJing career and brand to the next level. I mean I had been trying for years to get a radio spot on the local radio stations here in the states but was constantly getting shot down. But I kept working and next thing I know I was given the opportunity to showcase my DJing skills to a million plus listeners nationwide every week. Just goes to show that hard work, consistency and dedication does eventually pay off. Not to take anything away from being on the Usher and Kanye tour because that definitely was a memorable moment, but I think being on the radio allowed me to connect more with the listeners. I was able to communicate directly to the fans which meant a lot to me because I specifically did my show for them. There were a lot of people who actually made sure they listened to my mixshow every week and sometimes they would hit me up online and we would talk about the show or they would ask about a song I played or whatever. These are just some examples of why I love DJing.
What do you look for in a sample or vocal to add to your tracks?
I'm trying to stay away from sampling when making my tracks. Just less hassle and less possible legal issues you feel me. As far as vocals, I try to look for something catchy that I can scratch or chop up and play it different ways. There are a couple of tracks I am working on now where I sampled my own voice and used those vocals over the track. I just try my best to be as creative and original as much as possible. I think people like and respect that.
What's the reaction to your new project 'An Elektremixed State of Mine' been like?
So far the reaction has been positive. I released the album online through, my website, as a free download on April 30th 2010. Since then it has been posted and reviewed on a few blogs and websites. I've even seen it on EBay and a couple of Japanese mix cd sites. So yeah, they are bootlegging the album, but it's all good. I just want people to hear the music, hear the creativity, visit the website and see for themselves how versatile I am as a DJ/Producer.
Do you have a favourite track from the album?
All the tracks are my favourite except for two. The Ludacris and the Young Money remix are the tracks I don't really like as much. Here is an example where me being my worst critic comes into play. I don't know, I guess I feel like I could have made those tracks a whole lot better. Maybe added some additional sounds or something. It's cool though, I had a set deadline to have the album completed, so I probably rushed a few tracks. But I'm sure at least one person probably likes one or both of those tracks.
Where will you take DJ RNS next, any plans for a UK Tour?
Right now I'm trying to promote this remix album as much as possible and I'm working on more remixes with my alter ego Manotti da Vinci. I may drop an EP this fall, not sure about that yet though. I got a few more 90's Hip-Hop mixtapes that I will be releasing on my website soon.
Honestly, I would love to do a UK Tour! We should make that happen. The Mag and DJ RNS presents An ElektRemixed State of Mine UK Tour sponsored by your favourite liquor company. How bout that? Sounds good right?! Lol. All club promoters and club owners lets make this UK Tour happen. Hit me up on my website!.
Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
I would like to personally thank The Mag, for taking the time to interview and talk to me about this remix album. To all the readers, please take the time to visit my website and check out the album and my whole mixtape catalog. From there you can hit me up on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. Big up to all my peoples in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands and shout out to Sticky Toffee PR. I truly appreciate all the love and support that everyone has shown me so far. Thank you. Peace.
Author: Beckie A
Found in: Interviews