Red Bull Thre3Style gives highly skilled DJs a global platform to showcase their skills, battle and gain notoriety by rockin’ the dance floor. Crowd reaction, technique and the art of party rocking are what makes this the new school DJ contest. DJ’s are judged on track selection, creativity, mixing skills, stage presence and crowd reaction. Each DJ gets one 15 minute performance where they have to play a minimum of 3 genres. Anything goes – from house anthems to old school hip hop to Top 40 remixes.
DJs from the U.S. Regionals will come to LA this Friday April 5th to battle for the coveted title of Red Bull Thre3style National Champion – a title that comes with bragging rights; cash prizes; a stamp of approval from some of the best DJs in the world including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Z-Trip and A-Trak; and a ticket to compete in the Red Bull Thre3style World Finals in December.
We had a chance to sit down with another one of the finalists DJ Konflikt and talk to him about how he got his start DJing, prepping his set for the battle, traveling, late night food and much more. Read the interview after the jump.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started DJing?
When I was 14 I had a little money saved up after a birthday. I went on Ebay and purchased a Gemini Turntable and a Mixer. The person threw in 2 records. I had no clue what I wanted to do. It was completely impulsive and I am thankful for my brashness.
Did you play an instrument before you started DJing?
No, I wish I had. However I guess I can play them all now that I can DJ.
What is the first album or single you ever bought?
Nirvana – Nevermind
Your go to song to rock any party?
Different crowds require different motivation! I don’t have a go to song, times change, tastes change and
what works today, won’t work tomorrow!
What kinda of music do you listen to when your not DJn?
I like classical or jazz in the car. I might turn the radio on to a pop station here and there to see what
is in rotation and to stay current with the industry.
How do you organize your serato crates?
I am a huge advocate for organization within Serato. There are moments where your attention might be divided
and if you don’t have your songs ready you might be scrambling at the last minute to find something. Being organized
could prevent a blunder or two when this happens.
I like organizing by genre. Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Rock then sub-genres Classics, Uptempo, New, Old School, etc…
For me that works, I have seen DJs organize by BPM, by Dates, by Alphabetical order and some, have what I consider
a mess of songs, yet it works for them.
Do you re-edit the songs in your sets or use a lot of cue points?
Both!
What are some of the things you’ve done to prepare for the Thre3style competition?
Bikram Yoga and Ultimate Frisbee.
What are your favorite cities to play and why?
Miami. First and foremost. It is home. It has given me the ability to play anywhere in the world.
Miami is a boot camp for DJs. The fact that clubs are open until 5am, the influx of tourists, the locals who
really know their music, the big spenders who require tending to musically… Without Miami, there is no DJ Konflikt.
My second favorite city to play in is wherever I am playing that night.
Outside of DJn what are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy martial arts. I train on a weekly basis.
Biggie or 2 pac?
Both phenomenal artists!
Coachella or Lollapalooza?
Never been.
After the club in LA do you mess with the bacon wrapped hot dogs?
I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I don’t mess with bacon.
What would you do with the money you win from Thre3style?
Purchase a life-time DMS subscription.
Who’s your favorite editor on DMS?
Besides being a GREAT DJ, Fuseamania makes some bomb edits!
For more information about DJ KONFLIKT check the links below.
