Lorenzo 'The Rocker' Mameli Interview | Respect the DJ
How did you get your name?
From the song of the same name by 70s Irish rock band, Thin Lizzy. Their late founder, Philip Lynott, was the bi-racial child of an unwed mother in a place and time when neither was socially acceptable. His music was a diverse hodgepodge of his societal and cultural experiences, ranging from hard rockers and rousing anthems to soft ballads and Celtic folk.
Where are you from?
Brooklyn
How did you get into DJing?
While in high school, I was approached by a friend who was a DJ in need of an emcee for a wedding he had booked. I occasionally stepped behind the tables to spin a rock set, but it was the era of disco, so I spent most of my time on the mic.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I watched my partner very closely! He was very adept at matching beats and keeping the dance floor filled. I, however, never became very good at it. I did learn to match sound and tempo in my rock sets very well and my cue-ing skills were top notch! I also bought all the industry trade publications and fan rags that I could afford in order to keep up with what was popular and what was on the rise. British new wave was just beginning to emerge and publications like NME and Melody Maker were all over it.
What did your first set up look like?
Two Technics SL-1200 turntables, a Numark three-channel mixer and a Realistic microphone from Radio Shack! Don't remember the brand and specs of the amp and speakers, but they kicked ass.
What does your current setup look like?
A laptop running Virtual DJ software and two powered JBL speakers.
What is your goal when you create?
It's all about sharing the passion I have for the music and welcoming the listener in to my world - and then engaging with them. It's not enough to play it and have them hear it. I want to create an open forum in which the music serves as the facilitator towards building relationships between me and the listener, and among the listeners themselves.
What is your dream as a DJ?
At this stage of my life, I dream of being able to sustain myself and my family while doing this thing that I love so very much. I emphasize "sustain" - wealth and fame are not essential to this dream (although I would never be so disingenuous to suggest that I wouldn't welcome them if they came my way!)
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a DJ?
Your dream has to be treated with the same level of care would you give to a child. Nurture it with positive action and perspective; feed it with the proper nutrition it needs to grow; and never neglect it for even a moment because that could be the moment when it all comes undone. That's the level of commitment this dream - or any dream - requires of the dreamer. P.S. DON'T PROCRASTINATE!!!
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Website: http://therockernyc.com
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