By ThinkInElectronic / Thursday, August 01, 2013 / No comments /
Johannesburg's Youngest DJ, DJ Dylan Chats to us
Hi DJ Dylan thank you for doing this interview for us.
1. How are you and where are you currently?
I am very well and excited, because I on my way to Soul Candi for a practice session on the CDJays.
2. You are only 10 years old, how did you start DJing. Take us through from how you started learning till today.
I turned 11 in March and started DJ’ing when I was 9 years old. I use to play on DJ apps on my Mom’s iPhone and I enjoyed mixing her songs. That’s why my Mom bought me a DJ course for X-Mass.
Soul Candi Institute of Music (SCIM) qualified me as DJ when I completed my DJ101 graduation– (CD DJ’ing).
When I turned 10, I completed DJ 102 (computerized DJ’ing) through SCIM.
I started playing at venues to get used to playing in front of people and to become an ever better DJ. People then started to phone me for interviews, on radio, newspaper and TV.
• FNB Insurance Brokers Farewell Function in Parktown (100 quests) 30/3/2012
• Provocative Opening in Edenvale (varied number of quests) 20/5/2012
• Telephonic Radio Interview on Bayfm 107.9 and 60min UltiMix played on air - 15/6/2012
• Club Shakes in Port Elizabeth (350 quests) - 16/6/2012
• DJ for Mountainbike event at Kloofzight Country Lodge. I met Chiano Sky who also performed – 30/9/12
• FNB Short Term Insurance Sales Call Centre Team Build – 10/12
• African Bank Function Rietvlei Dam – 10/12
• RMB Leadership Development Exhibition – 11/12
• Live Interview with DJ Fresh on the 5fm Fresh Drive Show and my 60min UltiMix was played on air – 12/2/13. I was very nervous!
• Live Interview and Live Mix in front of audience at 5fm’s open studio with Catherine Grenfell’s “Live on 5” – 16/2/13. A bit less nervous
• Article Saturday Star “10 Year Old DJ Making Waves”– 9/3/13 Printed in Saturday Star
www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/10-year-old-joburg-dj-is-making-waves-1.1483676#.UTtWcVd9VN8
• Interviewed and live mix on SABC 1 YOTV Extension 4 - 1/3/13
• Kitchenbar Design Court 1/3/13
• The Sands (Sandton) with DJ Marie Claire from Ibiza UK) - 16/3/2013
Documentary on DSTV Channel 403 (e-News) Against All Odds – aired on 29/3/13 (Premier Show), 30/3/13 (3 times), 31/3/13 (3 times), 1/4/13 (3 times), 2/4/13
• E TV Crazy Sisterhood Interview and mix – 10/6/13
• Sarie Magazine article- July 2013 Issue
• Sarie Magazine for the Sep/Oct 2013 issue
• Bryaneven Primary School Fundraising Event – 24/5/13 (350 pupils)
• Live Interview and mix on IFM 102.2 Radio – 1/6/13
• Breeze (Emerald Casino) fundraising for SPCA– 1/6/13
• E3 Under 18 Night Club album launch – 16 June 13
• 30min Ultimix on 5fm Shibeen Mix @ 4pm and live telephonic interview – 17 June13
3. When and how did your love for music start?
I loved music from when I was little. I messed around on my guitar when I was 1 year old.
When I was 2 years old my mom and I used to listen to a one man band on Sundays at a restaurant. He let me play the drums with him. Little did I know that I would be one of the performing DJ’s when this very same place opened as a club 8 years later!
That got me started with drums – I was 2 years old. Still playing at 4 years old I listened to a lot of live music with my Mom and Dad, and then, I discovered electro music and that was me, hooked!
4. Recently you mixed Bump Junior, how was the experience for you and what did you feel when you were asked?
SoulCandi was part of my DJ’ing from the beginning. When they asked me to mix Bump Junior, I felt so privileged! Bump is a famous album and SoulCandi is the coolest Brand! I have learned so much about what happens in the record and music word. I am very grateful for the opportunity they gave me and will not let them down. When I saw my first CD on the shelve in the music shop, I felt proud.
5. How did you go about picking tracks for the track list?
I listened to many, many songs and picked the songs I wanted for my album. I like Electro and Electro House and a bit of Dubstep. This was great, because I got to choose all my favorite songs!
6. Which three DJs do you look up to?
BeatArmy, DJ Fresh & Eupfonik and Skrillex
7. Are your parents supportive of you DJing and making a career out of it?
My Mom and Dad are cool! They support and help me. My Mom gave me my first DJ course for X-Mass. Both my Mom & Dad paid for all the other courses I did and they also bought me my first start-up equipment. My Mom lends me money for more equipment (I do parties and had to buy smoke machine, lazer lights, mic, bigger speakers…) and I am looking to buy a few more gadgets. My Dad helps me to get my equipment to all the gigs. He has a big car! They are always there when I play. Sometimes Mom, sometimes Dad, sometimes both. They know I want to study production and support me. I am very grateful and appreciate everything they do for me. They rock- and you see, I keep them young! I know there are some DJ’s out there that had to do it without this support. Big respect!
8. What are your music career goals? Where do you want to end up?
Being the Youngest DJ in SA is not enough anymore. I am practicing to be one of our country’s top DJ’s. I have much to learn from DJ’s that have been out there. I love talking to DJ’s – especially in the DJ box when you are mixing in or out at a gig. The DJ’s I have met have been so friendly and I have learned so much from them. They encourage me, give me advise and I really respect them.
I also want to learn to make my own tunes- to produce music. I can still DJ as well. Maybe I get to rock some countries outside of SA!
9. We are spoilt with music releases, what are you current 3 favorite songs and why?
This is everybody’s favorite question and the one I struggle with the most. I have new favorite songs all the time. I keep changing my playlist to add new favorite songs. I do love Skrillex though! Any of his songs!
10. Music to me is ….
Like a magnate – if a good tune plays, I lose track of all the things around me. (Sometimes this drives my Mom crazy!)I can really hear all the sounds in the songs. I think that’s why I like Dubstep so much. There are so many sounds.
11. Do your school friends treat you any differently now that you on the road to being famous?
I started at my new school this year, so no-one knew me. I spoke about being a DJ, but they didn’t really believe me and sometimes they teased me. When I was on TV and radio, and my album came out, everyone was surprised. Now I play for our school fundraisings and the whole school supports me, even the principal and teachers – especially my class teacher, Mrs Flint. It is cool to be my school’s “resident DJ”. I feel very proud when they tell us how much money we have raised at these Disco evenings.
12. Any messages for your fans out there?
Oh yes!
You guys are just so awesome! Without your support, encouragement, likes and messages, I would never have been able to come this far.
Also to my Sponsors – Pioneer DJ, Pioneer SA and Rivonia Car – I am so grateful for your believe in what I do. I promise to work hard and keep on making you proud
My Friends and Family – Thank you for supporting me and watching me play. I am also proud of you. I have even had my Ouma in the DJ Box choosing songs!
My other Family – Soul Candi and BeatArmy - I always feel so welcome when I spend time with you guys. You taught me everything I know and I won’t let you down. Love you guys!
To everyone- AIM HIGH! and Practice, practice, practice
Connect:
Twitter: @djdylansa https://www.twitter.com/djdylansa
Facebook: DJ Dylan SA https://www.facebook.com/djdylansa?fref=ts
Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/djdylansc
Thank you DJ Dylan for doing this interview for us!
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