IS THIS JOB FOR ME: On Being a DJ - Disc Jockey
How hard is it to become a top DJ?
How much does the equipment cost? Will you really annoy the neighbors when you practice?
British Chinese DJ Weng Yu aka Mister U is one of London’s up and coming spinners making a name for himself in the constantly evolving UK club scene. A true pioneer, Weng is one of the first British Chinese DJ’s to have airplay on mainstream UK radio. In this exclusive interview, Mister U gives iCUBED.us, the low down on DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ’ing tips and his love of music.
Weng Yu - Mister U
iCUBED.us interviewer - Chris Lau
[Publish date: 3 November 2009]
iCUBED.us: So how does a person go about becoming a DJ?
Mister U: The best way is to find someone who can teach you the basics, like how to use the equipment, and simple things like matching beats together. Then you need to practice like mad, and build up your music collection. After that you need to hit the clubbing scene and get yourself out there, to understand what it takes, and meet people who might be able to help you.
iCUBED.us: Does it take hours of practice to become a DJ and more importantly, do you annoy your neighbors?
Mister U: I think it does. I'm slightly disadvantaged since I never had any space in my house to put my own equipment in, so I never practiced at home, just in clubs! You don't need super loud music to be able to practice though, it just has to be loud enough for you to hear it.
iCUBED.us: Does all the equipment cost a lot of money? Did you buy it off Ebay?!
Mister U: It can. If you want to a fully kitted out home DJ studio with all the trimmings, then you're looking at a minimum of HK$10,000. You can always go with a basic set of a mixer and two decks, which will cost maybe HK$3,000 which isn't a fortune.
iCUBED.us: What is the London DJ scene like? What kind of clubs and crowds do you play to?
Mister U: It's pretty big, but not like it used to be. DJ's have kinda become forgotten in the UK, as the venue has become more important. Clubbing has become less about music, and more about image, a lot like Hong Kong. Except in the house music scene, which has always been very focused around the DJ.
iCUBED.us: What kind of personality is needed to become a DJ?
Mister U: I think it helps to have an open minded. You need to be comfortable making a lot of friends, as connections are really important to help you find opportunities.
iCUBED.us: Does a DJ need to have a complete knowledge of all types of music? Can they specialize in one area?
Mister U: You don't, but I always say it helps. Personally I specialize in R&B, but I listen to all types of music, so when I am looking for music to play in the club, I have very broad horizons. Also I think having a good knowledge and understand of music in general can help you in the music that you play, and how you mix your songs.
iCUBED.us: What is the downside of being a DJ? Do you have any advice for budding DJ's?
Mister U: The biggest problem is that its really hard to make a living being a full time DJ. Mostly you need a bit of luck to get where you want to be. Most DJ's have to produce their own music to become really big, and that's not for everyone. However as a part time gig its fun, and it's handy to make some money on the side. I think that all DJ's should remember that the reason they do it is because they love music, not for fame or respect. Also as I said earlier, have an open mind - listen to what people say, even if its bad, since that help you understand where you're falling short.
iCUBED.us: Do you get loads of freebies and get to see free gigs? Have you met anyone really famous before?
Mister U: Define freebies! I think being a DJ is a great way to meet new people. I have met some famous people down the line, but that's not why I do it. At the end of the day, the people who listen to my music and love what I do are the people I appreciate the most.
iCUBED.us: Who is your favorite DJ? Why?
Mister U: My personal favorite is DJ Jazzy Jeff. A lot of people just remember him as that goofy guy in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but he's one of the pioneers of turn-tablism. As a producer he's turned out two of my favorite hip hop albums of the decade. A true legend in every sense!
Thank you!
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