"I want people to know I have a true passion for this area." Hailing from the Washington D.C. area, the next DJ in the "Beyond the MIx" installment is a man who does more for the people around him than simply making them dance. DJ Chris Styles is a veteran disc jockey in the music industry who has done a countless number of events, both party and community service related. Chris Styles can currently be heard on Sirius XM's "The Heat" every weekday, and on Washington D.C.'s HOT 99.5 live broadcasts from District and Ibiza night club Friday and Saturday nights. In this interview with Examiner.com he talks about his views on the current state of Pop music, notable experinces he has had, the underground Dubstep movement, and much more.
How long have you been DJ’ing?
It started my senior year at DeMatha high school. My classmate’s older brother was a DJ, and I used to check out his equipment. At that time my friend and I were selling GoGo tapes our classmates. We used that money to invest in DJ equipment. That summer we started DJ’ing pool parties and other stuff. After that he went off to college, but I continued.
What is the concept behind Dirty Pop Radio that you recently started?
That’s my radio syndicated brand on iHeartRadio. It’s Top 40, but it has swag to it. Every DJ has their own brand that they spin, and that’s kind of my lane. On the radio our job as a DJ is to play the hits. It’s tough to play the same version of a song over and over. That’s where the remixes and mashups come in. It fulfills what our boss’ want, and makes it fun for the listeners at the same time.
If you could give the overall state of pop music right now a grade, what would it be?
In terms of an artist hustle and grind it’s an A. There are certain artist who are really out there grinding, Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller for example. They go on tour and sell out, and Mac Miller isn’t signed to a major label. I am thoroughly impressed with what today’s artist can do without the help of a major label. I’m always excited about music, and with the internet, blogs, social networks, in terms of access it’s an A++. I’m most disappointed in radio. They haven’t grown with everything. They need more specialty shows, maybe on the weekends even, to just do a different playlist. Radio is a C.
You do an array of different types of events. You work clubs and radio, to weddings, and even Washington Mystics and Wizards home basketball games. Which type of event do you enjoy the most?
I would say still probably a live broadcast. It’s such a challenge to pull in the listening audience from the radio, as well as perform and rock a live audience. That’s a skill! I still get excited for every live broadcast.
You are not just a DJ, but also the President of your own entertainment company? How many other DJ’s are a part of your company?
I would say six to eight with a light technician. That’s one of my passions! Relationships are the number one thing you got to do in the music business. I can’t stress that enough. People hit me up and say, “Hey I want to be like you.” I take them under and help them out. I love the people that work for me. It’s not like I’m going to stop them from getting bigger than me. I hope they do because you never know I might need a job in the future (laughs).
Do you have a signature move or favorite thing to do while DJ’ing?
My playlist is dedicated to energy. I call it “controlled chaos.” I guess a signature move I have is when I get ready to play a certain record I stop the music, stand on top of the DJ booth, say something hot, and then have someone drop the beat. I’ve always wanted to stage dive, but Ibiza is too high up for that (laughs).
What is the hardest part, or annoying aspect of being a DJ?
Just people wanting to hold a conversation while I’m DJ’ing. God bless promoters and independent artist, but if I’m rocking it don’t come up to me saying, “Hey can you play track two?”
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you while DJ’ing?
God bless groupies (laughs) but this dumb chick spilled her drink on my equipment and it all cut off. “Sorry we have to go to commercial break early.” Luckily, I was able to get everything back working.
Name a highlight of your career?
I been gigging it on Friday and Saturday nights since 98’, so I have a lot of stories. I love the guys I work with. One of my best friends was helping me one night, and there was this girl with him. He got her in for free, and I guess he was trying to give like backstage experience. I’m like, “Yo, she has to go.” He replies, “Naw, she’s cool.” Turns out he told her that he was the DJ (laughs). After that they went on a few more dates and ended up getting married.
Back in 2006 I was doing a party, and Wyclef from the Fugees comes in. He’s on the mic doing his thing, “Hold up! Hold Up! DJ bring that back! Ok, drop it!” Later, he goes on to sing a cappella for three to five minutes just talking about things he wanted to see the government do, and how we all should march down to the White House. That was the best experience I can think of with a celebrity.
What do you think is the hottest record out right now?
“I’m On One” Hip Hop wise, Brittney Spears “Till The World Ends Remix”, and anything Dubstep. That’s a sound you are going to hear more of. Dubstep is a sound that’s underground. It’s like a sub genre of drum and bass. Brittney kind of gave people a taste of it with the beginning of “Till The World Ends Remix”.
What artist are you listening to now?
I’m a big R&B fan. The Weeknd, Anthony Hamilton, all of his CDs stay in my car, Jill Scott, I’m looking forward to Drake’s new project. The perfect concert for me would be Raheem DaVaughn as an opener, then Robin Thicke, and have Anthony Hamilton as the closer. If I want to go throwback then Outkast.
What is next for DJ Chris Styles?
Being a father man. Our first child is due in December. Music wise getting my feet wet as an A&R. Going out of my way to put an artist, DJ, or producer on a higher level. I’m always interested in community related events and community service. Also, I’m interested in the upcoming DJ Eskada 2012 Calendar (laughs).
for more information about DJ Chris Styles visit his website, www.djchrisstyles.com.
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