Exclusive DJ Craze Interview
Its fair to say that the coming of the mighty DJ Craze to CodeRed on the 15th of November has to be one of the most highly anticipated nights ever in Phnom Penh clubbing – CodeRed owner Eddie Newman has pulled of a massive coup in securing a set from one of the most accomplished of turntablists in the world and the only solo DJ in history to win three consecutive World DMC Championship titles (1998 – 2000)
The Nicaraguan born, Miami raised Craze has recently been creating waves and a little controversy with his “New Slaves” routine (700000 youtube views in 2 weeks!) which takes a sideways swipe against bastions of the commercial EDM scene like David Guetta, Steve Aoki and the truly horrific Paris Hilton….
Craze’s style of music carries past musical influences, from the Miami Bass movement to incorporating Hip Hop, Miami bass and Trap to Drum and Bass, Breaks and Dubstep to his turntable routine.
He took some time from his hectic Asian tour to kindly answer a few questions from us at Phnom Penh Underground…
Welcome to Cambodia! Have you played in SE Asia before?
Thank You!! Yes I’ve been to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
What do you know about the dance scene in Cambodia/Phnom Penh compared to other SE Asian cities?
To be honest I don’t know much about the dance scene in Cambodia but I’m pretty sure y’all like to party hard like most of the world 😉 Excited to see what the vibe is like.
What do you know about Code Red? Are you excited to play there?
I don’t know much about Code Red but my agent/best friend says that I will have a great time so I trust her. I’m very excited not only to play the club but to check out the city and meet new people.
For those who aren’t familiar with DJ Craze tell us a bit about yourself and your background
My real name is Arist Delgado and I’ve been djing for more than half of my life. I come from a hip hop background and I first got introduced to EDM through Drum & Bass in the late 90’s.
Before that I knew what house music was but it wasn’t my thing. DnB opened my mind to new sounds and ideas and I’ve been in the EDM scene ever since.
Which artists have you worked with?
I’ve worked with many artists in my career including Kanye West (I was his DJ on the G.I.T.D. tour) Yelawolf, Trick Daddy, A-Trak, Adam F, Kill The Noise and many others.
What do you feel are your biggest achievement(s) to date?
My biggest achievements to date is being the only DJ to win the DMCs championship 3 years in a row and my record label Slow Roast Records. My musical style is all over the place. I’m a DJ first so I keep my ear to the streets and I love new music and new vibes.
How would you describe your musical style?
My style depends on the vibe of the club I’m spinning at. I pride myself in being a great DJ and knowing how to read a crowd. I do it all so I’m ready to rock at all times. I would love to play some club records and hopefully play some new music that people haven’t heard yet.
Your top 3 current tunes:
1. Craze – – Bow Down ft. Trick Daddy
2. A-trak – – Push
3. ILoveMakonnen – Tuesday ft. Drake
Top 3 tunes of all time:
1. Notorious B.I.G. – – Juicy
2. Pharcyde – – Passin Me By
3. Bob Marley – – WAR
What projects have you got in the pipeline?
Right now I’m finishing my E.P. for my label Slow Roast Records. My single and title of EP is called Bow Down and it features Miami legend Trick Daddy. It’s a very Miami influenced record …. I got a house tune, 2 hip hop tunes, 2 dancehall tunes and Turntablist club banger called “Sucka DJs”.
I also run the label and we got a bunch of new releases coming out before the year ends including new music from Durkin, Suddenbeatz, Havok, Beauty Brain and Party Thieves to name a few. We also just realeased a huge record from Kill The Noise & Feed Me. Very excited for 2015 😉
Thanks very much to DJ Craze for taking the time to answer our questions and we’re all totally hyped for the 15th of November at CodeRed! https://www.facebook.com/events/790961774275380