Deejay Khalil Interview | Respect the DJ
Deejay Khalil sat down with Stereotype Co to discuss his DJ journey.
How did you get your name?
There’s already a DJ Khalil so I made sure to switch up the Deejay at least.
Where are you from?
Born in Brooklyn, raised in Staten Island
How did you get into DJing
Always wanted to play an instrument but didn’t have the patience to learn one. Truly appreciated the true art of turntablism and after watching YouTube videos on how to spin, it’s been on ever since!
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
Surrounded myself with local DJs and companies I respected, took some beginner courses at some random dude’s house in Brooklyn that I met off Craigslist, and bought a used pair of Technics 1200s. (I made sure to learn the right way before using an actual laptop)
What did your first set up look like?
I’d like to call the “Stereotype Special” - Noodlez himself gave me my initial access to Serato when it was a plastic box with RCA wires and he also let me borrow his Mackie speakers for reasons I still can’t comprehend but am super grateful for!
What does your current setup look like?
Rane One with QSC speakers, Rev One for backup. I just love the feel for real vinyl - CDJs will always be trash, to me.
If you could produce for any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
I wish I could just produce, period. Maybe some day when I have the time. But yeah, probably Tupac — he was a machine in the studio.
What is your goal when you create?
Engage people by taking them on an emotional roller coaster. I want my sets to be an experience altogether.
What's your go-to song right now?
I would say I’m liking the females of hip hop right now using 90s beats (ie: Coi Leray - Players)
What is your dream as a DJ?
Aside from dropkicking someone on a Coachella stage LOL probably opening up my own company ..
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a DJ?
Learn your craft. Take risks. Learn from others. Find out what makes you happy and what you’re good at.
Connect
Instagram: http://Instagram.com/deejaykhalil
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/deejaykhalil
Facebook.com: http://Facebook.com/deejaykhalil
Website: http://Deejaykhalil.com
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