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DJ Name: Mike Relm
Your Hometown: Daly City, CA
Trademark saying or philosophy toward your music/life:
I wouldn't call this my trademark saying, but one thing I've learned
as an artist is not to set limits on yourself. There are plenty
people in the world who do that for you.
Groups you have been a member of: The first group I was
ever a part of was the Supernatural Turntable Artists.
We were together for a good 4 years and then decided that the
group thing wasn't really doing anything for us. For those of
you who are wondering, yes, most of us are good friends still.
How would describe the music you spin? I don't like holding
back, if the moment calls for a certain song, skratch, juggle,
burp, etc. I'll do it. Nothing's worse than leaving a show thinking
"Man, I probably should have taken more risks with my set!"
Safe sucks. It's all about tapping into the energy of the room
and the elements around you and responding to that.
Discography: "Along Came Polly" (Universal Studios,
2004), "Scratch" (Palm Pictures, 2002), "The Mike
Relm Holiday Special" (mix, 2003), "Aaahs" (skratch
record, 2004), "The Zodyax Scop System" (skratch record,
2004), "The Wizard of Aaahs" (skratch record, 2003),
"Jugglin Jawz" (skratch record, 2003), "Turntables
By The Bay" (compilation, 2002), "Awaken" (compilation,
2001)
DJ battle history (solo&team): 1998-99 ITF (advancement,
beat juggling, teams), 1997-2000 DMC
The first record you ever bought: '93 Til Infinity by Souls
of Mischief
Most influential record(s) in your life: Batman (Danny
Elfman), Funky Child (Lords of the Underground), Paul's Boutique
(Beastie Boys), Blue Monday (New Order), Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
(Pharcyde), 36 Chambers (Wu Tang Clan), Preemptive Strike (DJ
Shadow), Daily Operation (Gangstarr), Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts
Club Band (The Beatles), Odelay (Beck), Moon Safari (Air), and
any old school MixMaster Mike mix.
When did you first DJ? It was waaaaay back in '93. I was a
sophomore in high school and my brother Wes and I chipped in to
buy a pair of turntables and a mixer. I don't think we slept for
a week, we were so excited about our new gear and 5 records! To
this day I still have that same excitement every time I touch
the turntables.
What made you want to be a DJ? I grew up in a very DJ driven
musical culture. While most other towns in the US had garage bands,
we had garage battles. I saw DJing as a way for me to express
myself without having to talk. (Ironically, I do a lot of talking
in my sets now.) It's funny because I actually didn't plan on
DJing past high school, it was something that I did to get away
from the stress of being a teenager.
What is your most memorable performance of your DJ career?
I'll never forget my very first public performance, it was a DJ
battle at my high school. I was terrified. Everyone I knew in
the world was there. It was a life altering experience, just getting
in front of people and showing what I put my heart and soul into.
Even though I didn't come out the winner and no one quite understood
what I was doing, I will always cherish that experience.
How do you transport your records and/or gear to gigs?
Anvil cases for my turntables and records, Pelican cases for my
mixers and misc cables and effects.
Do you play CDs ever at gigs? I use 2 turntables, 2 mixers,
and a CDJ 1000. Since the introduction of the CDJ my set has been
altered drastically for the better. Now I don't have to wait for
my custom vinyl to be pressed, I can process music at the speed
of thought (as Robert Rodriguez would say).
In your opinion who is the best DJ of all time? Howard
Stern
Best website to find out more about you: www.mikerelm.com
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