DJ Spotlight
Jan 2010 AFS
Real Name: Andrew Snow
Alias: DJ AFS
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Age: 27
Profession: DJ
Hobbies: Finding, listening to, and Djing music.
Affiliations: HUSTLE, Opal Nightclub
Q: When did you get into electronic music and what made you decide to become a Dj?
I'd say '98 was the year I really got into EDM. I was always a fan of the occasional crossover hit growing up, but it wasn't until '98 that I started buying mix CDs and discovering different artists. This was also around the time I started going to raves. Seeing locals such as Speedy and Ira consistently destroy warehouse parties showed me what Djing was really about, and that definitely peaked my interest in Djing. By the end of 1999 I figured it was time, so I bought a Numark battle pak, Armand Van Helden's 2 Future 4 U 4xLP, and "the rest is history".
Q: Where did you come up with your Dj name and what does it mean?
AFS are my initials....
Q: What genres do you play and what others do you have an interest in?
Top 40 pays my bills, but still get into tons of EDM stuff when I can. Lately, I've been playing a melodic, funky blend of disco and house. I have always been a fan of French house music, so this latest resurgence has made me rather happy. The stuff is funky and driving enough to rock just about any peak-time crowd, "heads" or not. Aside from that, I get into tech and fidget house on occasion.
Q: For those not familiar with your style, how best could you describe it?
Being a top 40 and EDM Dj for the last few years has definitely changed my style of mixing EDMs. If it's peak-time, I usually only play tracks for a couple minutes, and with as few breakdowns as I can get away with; it can get a little ADD at times, but this more aggressive approach to mixing has a broader appeal than the traditional way of mixing electronic music.
Q: What are your latest accomplishments as a DJ?
I got rehired for the winter season at South Tahoe's Montbleu Resort, rotating between their two nightclubs with my longtime friend David Aaron. Great drink specials, a respectable crowd, and a great staff make for a pretty exciting work environment. I also get away with playing more house than usual, so that's always a plus.
Q: What is or was your greatest accomplishment?
2006 was a pretty big year for me; I was recognized as one of the better Djs in the greater Reno area (Reno News & Review), and I created a mix for a Def Jam Island subsidiary label. Since then, I have brought various talents through Reno, and hopefully have made a positive impact on the local music scene.
Q: Any strange requests, odd happenings or just weird things ever happen while you were playing? Or your most memorable gig?
I have enough stories to write pages on this, but I'll keep it brief. For odd happenings: I've had bottles thrown at me, drinks intentionally spilled on me, and numerous guys try to fight me. People have also attempted to close my laptop, along with a bunch of other things I can't mention. As for requests, I have pretty much ran the gauntlet of shitty, weird ones throughout my years of Djing. And while it used to bother me, I could really care less about them now. People can get drunk, be rude, and have less knowledge about music than the DJ; it's not a big deal. The most bizarre incident was probably at Opal this past summer- some random girl wanted me to do a shout out about her recent teeth whitening. I said that the mic was broken, but then she offered me twenty dollars, and somehow the mic was magically fine and in working condition.
Q: MP3, CD or Vinyl and why?
I Dj on Serato because it is the most practical for what I do, but I have love for all formats. My only beef with the rise of digital Djing is how disposal some music has become. The advent of programs such as Reason has flooded the market with shit producers. I used to be able to put together an order of 10 records in an hour, now it takes me that long to find a couple good songs on Beatport. There's no digging for mp3s, they’re just a google search away.
Q: What's the one track that never leaves your record bag or CD case?
Armand Van Helden - You Don't Know Me It works pretty much across the board with all of my crowds.
Q: Are there any projects you’re working on to look forward to in the next year?
I am very excited to start working on more Hustle parties with Sean Murray. We have been running the party for almost a year, and I love the direction it has been taking. It's basically an “anything goes” event with its roots firmly grounded in house and disco. We featured some amazing headliners last year, and have more lined up for this year. Our first party of 2010 will be on January 15th, featuring Solar and Galen of San Francisco's infamous Sunset Crew. In addition, I have decided that 2010 will be the year I seriously start concentrating on making my own music. I have always done edits, but this is the year to take it a step further and start on some remixes and blends. I have a folder full of ideas; I just need to become more familiar with the software.
Q: Who are your favorite Producers and or Djs that you listen to, play or have been influenced by and why?
Treasure Fingers, Dcup, Breakbot, U-Tern, and Louis La Roche are some of current favorites, producer-wise. Those guys are really killing it with a harder, funkier side of Nu Disco and French house. DJ-wise, I have been a fan of Matty C's White Light mix series lately. It features the best in Nu Disco and house mixed by some of North America's premier Djs. I think Sasha and Danny Howells made the greatest impact on me when I was starting out. Their programming and track selection taught me so much about Djing, and how to make a proper mix.
Q: If you didn’t become a Dj what else do you think you would be doing when you’re not at your day job?
I have no idea,.
Q: Have you noticed a decline in attendance at events or clubs you play, and do you think it can be attributed to a possible loss of interest in the music?
Not really. With a good mix of promotion and Djs, I feel that any event can go off. There has definitely been a shift in tastes locally in the last few years, but that is pretty common with electronic music. A few years ago it was Electro, now it’s Dubstep, who knows what will be next. I don't really worry about that shit though because before any of it, there was house music. House will always be around in some shape or form, and I will always play it.
Q: You seem to have a vast knowledge of music and its history. What sparked the interest or passion to be well versed on the topic?
Boredom and not having a day job for three years. But for real, I am just interested in how dance music has evolved since the Seventies.
Q: Playing different clubs as a resident and various underground events throughout the years, what would you say is your favorite forum to play and why?
I'd say a 21+ “house-head” crowd would be my favorite. They are generally a more respectable, fun crowd than I'm used to. Plus it's more of a no holds barred, “party till your fucking face falls off” vibe. That’s my shit!
Q: Any suggestions for other artists or promoters, either up and coming or just in general?
With Djing and anything really, you get as much out of it as you put in. Practice, network, kiss ass, always create mixes, accumulate favors, and most importantly, don't burn bridges that aren't already made. This is a fact I wish I would have learned earlier in my Dj career, and has definitely accounted for some lost opportunities.
Q: Anything you would like to add or get off your chest?
Nope, that's about it.