Thanks for tuning in for our final installment of this program. In case you haven’t been tunning in, I previously sat down with a group of ‘Alternative’ DJs to learn some of the ins and outs of their respective shows and their involvement with KUPS.
This week I sat down with a mixed bunch: three DJs who have been acknowledged for their fantastic work in three very different genres—everything from loud rock to drum and bass.
The DJ: Yuri Kahan
The Show: “Chopped, Screwed, and Bodybagged” Mondays, 10-11 p.m.
The Lowdown: This is a loud rock show with a twist–or rather–screw. As Yuri explains:
“For those that don’t know, “chopped and screwed” is a technique developed by some hip-hop dudes…where they would slow down hip-hop tracks to ridiculously slow speeds and do some fancy lil’ DJ tricks over these bogged down, codeine cough syrup-infused beats. What I do for my show is apply this idea to loud rock (grind/black/death/doom etc.) Before each show I pick my tracks [and] slow ‘em down by about 25 percent. I suppose in some ways “chopped and screwed” loud rock is kind of absurd, but in a lot of other ways it makes a lot of sense. Loud rock is predominantly angry, intense and brutal; the chopped and screwed factor just seems to amplify all of these aspects.”
Any (crazy) future plans for the airwaves?
I’ve been thinking of broadening my horizons a little bit and having a chopped and screwed show that isn’t just loud rock. I’m really into math rock, 70s African psych, avant garde minimal stuff (like Fourtet) and weird shit in general—both the highly complex and the unbelievably stupid. Again, I think those accustomed to the box that mainstream music has provided them to musically exist in could greatly benefit from some chopped and screwed tunage.
The DJ: Sean Davidson
The Show: Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m.
Electronic music is a big category; where do you see yourself fitting in?
“The genre of electronic music is pretty expansive…I fit in to the bass scene right now—which emphasizes experimentation with bass itself, as well as other patterns and rhythms. Bass music is where I feel electronic music is starting to make a huge impact on how we think and listen to music.”
What are your thoughts on dubstep?
“Bass music with a two-step rhythm is the shit. There’s nothing more interesting in electronic music right now. Simple as that. There are dudes who are on the fringes when it comes to making what is now being called post-dubstep, [which] is some cool ass shit… I have DJed at Gruv a few times already and I plan to do more… I love playing music and think DJing is rad.”
The DJ: Kim Clancy
The Show(s): Monday, 5-6 p.m. and Wednesday, 2-3 p.m.
After having been awarded “Best New DJ” for this semester, what advice would you give to new DJs? “Become involved in KUPS! One of the best ways to improve your show and learn about music is by talking to core staff and other DJs. Also, if you don’t get a show, don’t give up! I didn’t get a show first semester and I became really involved in Street Team, and that helped me to better understand what KUPS was looking for. It’s really great to become involved in KUPS, even if you aren’t a DJ, such as through the Street Team. There are so many ways that you can contribute to the station. You can take pictures, blog, review shows and new music and table.”
What was the most difficult thing to learn during the process of becoming a DJ? “Learning to balance all of the things that you are required to do in the booth during just one hour. It takes time to get into the flow of how you want your show to run and to feel comfortable. Being a good DJ is a big commitment, more than just doing your show, but also being on top of new music and making thoughtful playlists.”
[PHOTO COURTESY/GLORIA TRESDER]