
That blizzard certainly made life colder in Denver. But, don't worry. DJ Hot to Death is planning to warm things up this April in Denver with some major performances at the Ogden and the Bluebird. We talked to him to see what he's up.
When and how did you discover your passion for being a DJ?
DJ Hot to Death: Well, I started out playing bass in punk and hardcore bands when I was about 14 or 15. Mainly playing and promoting show in abandoned spaces or basements- anywhere we could setup a show. I remember first really DJing in high school, somehow, I got to be part of the crew that DJ'd our high school dances. Then in college (Purdue), most of the folks there were from Chicago, so, I really became influenced by the whole Chicago House and Hip Hop scenes, (which were my first "valid" DJ influences). While the other kids were at the library, we'd be on the turntables all night.
What is the most unusual mashup that you’ve ever heard that actually impressed you?
DJ Hot to Death: In general, I'm typically not a fan of throwing down most pre-made mashups down on a dance floor (unless, I'm mashing up something live). But, I am rather impressed with the frequency and overall quality of the boys over at the Hood Internet. http://www.thehoodinternet.com They put out a new fun mashup almost every week.
I saw on your Myspace that you were attending SXSW. Can you tell me a little
bit about that?
DJ Hot to Death: Well, I'm about to head down tomorrow for this year... But, last year we sponsored some parties with some pretty killer bands: Cut Copy, Lykke Li, Cadence Weapon, No Age, Ting Tings, Hood Internet,Black Lips, Crystal Castles, and more. Of course, not many folks knew who many of those acts were a year and half ago when we booked them...
How would you describe your show to someone who has never seen you live?
DJ Hot to Death: Now, at almost all my shows, I'm playing with Yonnas from the Pirate Signal doing live vocals. He's a bad mutha.
When you are performing do you have a play list or do you read the crowd?
DJ Hot to Death: I never have a set list. Sometimes, I have songs I really want to play. But, overall, it's always about the crowd.
Do you prefer playing in smaller clubs or large venues? Why?
DJ Hot to Death: One of my favorite recent shows was playing at the sold-out Meese show a couple of weeks ago at the Larimer. That was a heck of a lot of fun, and those guys are super-rad guys. I'm pretty sure I have more fun doing stuff like that than when I played Red Rocks last summer (for Film on the Rocks).
How would you describe the current music scene in Denver?
DJ Hot to Death: I think the music scene in Denver is incredibly strong and supportive. Compared to other places, Denver is pretty awesome.
Who have been your influences DJ wise since you started?
DJ Hot to Death: On a world-wide tip, right now, I'm really into the Bloody Beetroots. (Aren't they every DJs' favorite DJ right now?) Locally, I really respect Boyhollow (Michael Trundle from Lipgloss), Mu$a, and Soup. Trundle especially is always very cool about reaching out to DJ with me. In general, there's lots of other DJs in the world who are better at playing "other people's music" better than I can, so, alot of the time, I play my own music.
Is there anything you’re doing now that you’re particularly excited about?
DJ Hot to Death: I have a new musical project with Yonnas from the Pirate Signal. Right now, we're calling it FAKEBOOK (http://myspace.com/fakebookmusic). I'm more excited about that, than about anything else I'm werking on right now. It's a whole lot of fun.
Last year, we had a great mix of local bands as well as indie bands at Monolith. What can we expect with the festival this year?
DJ Hot to Death: MONOLITH 2009 will be even bigger and better than last year... The dates are confirmed for Sept 12-13, 2009 at Red Rocks, and that's about all I can say for now... stay tuned!