Exclusive Interview: Onionz
It’s 1982 the school park is rocking and the early sounds of a young DJ are pumping through the streets. Meet DJ ONIONZ, coming straight out of Queens, NY with a couple of turntables and setting the party off right. Now with over 30 years of music under his belt, a heavy travel itinerary, and multiple production and remix projects taking place, he has definitely kept the dance floor moving.
Q. Who do you have to thank for teaching you in the early days of your career or were you self taught?
Onionz: Latin Rascals in the 80s on WKTU Radio in NYC . Their mega mixes taught me crucial editing for djing is. How much excitement it can bring to a crowd and how u can draw more attention from listeners. They were THE REAL MASTERS in my book. They were amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aGRKTo4lcg&feature=related
Q. Any production news on the horizon or upcoming gigs?
Onionz: Tons as always! 7 originals on the relaunch of Electrik Soul with remixes by some of the greatest talent around the world. Tedd Patterson, Bryan Zentz, Yousef, Slok, Magik Johnson, Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union, Timo Garcia, Josh Collins, Matt Playford, Jamie Andreson, Kid Massive, Deemah, Nic & Danny Chatellain, Alland Bayallo, Worthy and possibly Derrick Carter.
I also have remixes coming out for Kid Massive of Blaze -My Beat and a remix for Honey Dijon feat Celeda, which was put together by Shane Carson up in Montreal. My Timo Garia remix was out last month.
As far as production we are also throwing events in NY and bringing our remixers who have been so kind to work with us.
Q. Can you see future djs evolving into other fields, like mixing entire soundtracks for video games or doing a set filmed in IMAX and it shown around the world while your playing on the other side of the planet?
Onionz: I think that people need to get a stronger foundation and stick to the future in the music not around it. I think that technology has surpassed people’s skill which has been my biggest upset as I’m a super controversial guy, so I will stop there, hehe.
Q. My dream set would be playing @ the Matchu Pitchu Inca ruins in Peru, where is your dream location?
Onionz: I think Time Square NYE with the sound being designed by Ruanne Emmenes who is one of my best mates and the best sound engineer on this planet. We are currently going to be using Ruanne Emmenes and Jacob Cox’s speakers at some of our ElectriK Soul events. ITS GONNA BE HOT!
Q. What venue that you have played at has impressed you the most on your travels and what makes that location special?
Onionz:I have never been too bothered with location; it’s about sound and the people. If the venue is nice and sound stinks it does not matter. I actually like really run down places where we can bring the perfect sound for the room and give the space life.
Q. I’ve had a definite million seller idea for a single for years, how does a punter/non dj get you to take them seriously?
Onionz: I think if people communicate well to me it helps allot! Not just “here listen to my Myspace page”.
Maybe a really well thought out simple message. I love talking to people about ideas about music.
Q. Isn’t it time djs are doing TV commercials for big dollars fragrances and fashion labels when they have the anywhere from thousands to millions of impressionable fans?
Onionz: I don’t have an answer for that.
Q. The most moving comment you have ever received about your work?
Onionz: It was when my mom and aunt were in front of the speaker in NYC and I was djing for about 3000 people during the day at PS 1 and my aunt n mom said it was amazing. That was a moment for me.
Also, in 1992 when the Music Conference used to be in NYC i was djing at Mancuso’s loft and Sven Vath was dancing with Lisa Loud and Pete Tong. Sven said to me while i was playing “Ron Trent Altered States”. he said he loved my music. Was a big compliment!
Q. What track from your youth do you always want to rip out to shake up the room and what memories does it bring back for you?
Onionz: Oh jeez, I do allot of edits and take old tunes and add drums for today that people are familiar with I would have to say. My versions of THE CURE and Chicago – Street Player are good examples.
Q. Share with us a dj that really impresses you with their technical skills that you have worked with in last 12 months?
Onionz: Alland Bayallo. He’s from San Francisco and he has an amazing feel for djing. He’s got a great swing to his music and excellent energy.
Q. Who is your favourite female vocalist in the dance music industry that you consider has the voice of an angel?
Onionz: Sandee who sang Notice Me, her voice on that tune was inspirational.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltMTwRPPJSs&feature=related
Q. You biggest achievements this far has been?
Onionz: Djing for 27 years with only one full time day job.
Q. The wave of the future aka 2010 is rushing towards you, any hints on your 2010 plans?
Onionz: ELECTRIK SOUL; we are doing our thing, we are a movement, we are our own genre.
We will try so hard in a day where people are so afraid to take risks to take risks.
An Electrik Soul compilation and tour for 2010 is a must!
Q. Can you reveal where your @ for New Years Eve or would you like to pass on this one?
Onionz: Hoping to do Electrik Soul NYE in NYC. Our space is not confirmed yet but we are excited.
Q. With the state of the current technology can you see dj equipment improving much further?
Onionz: I was taught early on by one of the most influential people for me as a dj. Her name is Alice and she owned one of the largest distributors in America. She always explained to me how having the newest or most of anything is not crucial. its always about my expression. My dedication and delivery is what people will always accept before technology. We as dj’s have to embrace what we have first before gathering more and more.
Thanks to Adam R for taking the time to conduct this interview, and sharing it with us.
http://www.globaldancesession.com
Related posts:
No comments yet.