DJ JonOne is a New York City based nightclub DJ. In our interview he talks about his young age being an obstacle to his progress. This speaks to the tight competition on the NYC nightclub scene right now. But because he is already making a name for himself on the circuit, and composing his own beats, no doubt he will become a sought-after heavyweight.
For a taste of what you can expect from a DJ JonOne set, and to keep up with his appearances, see our interview below.
When did you realise you had a DJ’ing talent?
I've always been into music as a child. And I've always been around it. My father used to be a DJ back in the day and he's the one that influenced me to start doing it myself.
What was your first big break in the industry?
October 2008 was when I did my first official club gig. It was at Club Gravity in Long Island NY.
Greatest achievement?
I don't really have a "greatest" achievement.. I just work my way up in the music industry. After I accomplish something I take it to the next level. I'm still climbing the ladder.
Any advice to other people who may want to become professional DJ’s but have no idea where/how to start?
My advice is to be professional about doing it. If you're going to start, you need to take it seriously and work hard at what you do. Also whether its DJing, producing etc. don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do it. I've been told that all my life and look at me now. And I'm not stopping until I reach the top.
You also do Graffiti art. Do you think it is now becoming recognised in the mainstream as a legitimate art form?
Yes. Right now many artists have taken it from the streets to art exhibits and many people enjoy the style. It's a unique form of art. Even though its illegal, it has a style of its own.
I also have stopped in the streets, but I still do my own pieces and portraits.
What sets you apart from other DJ’s?
There's a lot that sets me apart from other DJs. I try to be very versatile with my music so I gain a greater amount of fans. I don't only DJ, but also produce my own instrumentals and tracks. Look out for some of my own tracks coming soon.
There's a lot that sets me apart from other DJs. I try to be very versatile with my music so I gain a greater amount of fans. I don't only DJ, but also produce my own instrumentals and tracks. Look out for some of my own tracks coming soon.
I also had to work the hard way to get in this industry. I worked my way up with close to no help at all. I taught myself how to play instruments, make beats and DJ. My father was always there to help me out a little but he was more used to the older style of mixing. Today there are so many new advantages in DJ equipment. Now I'm teaching him about the new stuff. Haha
Which artist are you most inspired by?
The people that inspire me are mostly anyone that you see on TV or the radio. I used to look up to kids that used to put CDs out in the stores and DJ at this club and that club. They never helped me. Now that I've done it all myself I want to go higher than that and I won't stop until I'm at the top.
What are the biggest obstacles you have experienced as a DJ and artist?
The biggest obstacles would probably have to be that I'm so young. Clubs usually don't want the DJ being so young. So getting into clubs to play is pretty hard. At this age at least.
Another obstacle that has really thrown me off track was that during my senior year, I was hospitalized because of a lung collapse in November. I got out like a week later and I was so lost when I got back to school. I had to make up all the work and I didn't even know what I was doing. I got back on track and 3 months later I had another lung collapse. I went back to the hospital and had surgery done on my lungs and now I'm back in school. I ended up dropping some of my AP classes because I just couldn't keep up. I also had to stop DJing for a while and I wasn't allowed to sing anymore. It has really messed with my mind because I can't do certain things as before, such as gym in school, sports etc. But I'll continue making music, I'm starting to get back on track again. And like I said, I'm not stopping until I'm at the top.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would probably want to collaborate with Afrojack, Sidney Samson, Deadmau5, LMFAO, Chuckie, Guetta, most of the big guys, or whoever wants to collab and has some nice style.
What has been your greatest performance ever?
My performances increase in greatness. I will always do something bigger than the last performance.
What is the best life advice you have ever received?
To not let anyone ever tell you that you can't do something. I've always been told that I couldn't do it but I never gave up. The sky is the limit. If you really want to achieve something, work hard at it and it will come.
What is the one thing you would like your fans to know about you?
My story. So they know what I'm about and that I'm not just another dude claiming to be a music man.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the one thing you would want to have with you?
A friend. I would run mad if I were alone.
Your favourite place, location in the world?
New York City.
Dream gig?
Probably performing at Club Pacha NYC or Webster Hall.
Where can people plan to see you work the decks next?
I'm all over, I haven't been in the club scene for a few months because of my injury but this summer you will most likely see me at Level UltraLounge, Dublin, Moka, Key Club (Tabu), and anywhere else someone wants me. Keep up to date with my events by adding my fan page
No comments:
Post a Comment