DJ TRAUMA in his ATL studio
Tell us about your favorite childhood object...
When I was a youngster, my birthday was approaching one year, I asked my grandfather for a base ball bat and ball. My day came and I was so excited to find the big red bat i had asked for. It became my toy of choice for days, weeks on end. Couldn't get enough of it.
How long have you lived in Atlanta and how did you end up here?
I have been in ATL for 18 years. I official lived here half my life. I came to CAU to attend college
At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?
I DJ’d as a hobby in high school. It wasn't until after I got out of college and was earning a good living that I really decided to pursue music.
Describe your sound. How did you get into playing that type of music?
I play Hip Hop, R& B classics and a little Reggae & House. I grew up in New York, the Mecca of Hip Hop. I don't think I could have done anything else
Which music medium do you prefer to use and why? Vinyl? CD? MP3?
I prefer vinyl…but it’s not practical. As a professional DJ that travels and does clubs every day, carrying eight (8) 60lb crates is not fun!
How do you discover new music? any secret resources you want to turn us onto?
For the most part I am bombarded with new music all the time. I really find some of those secret gems in random places such as emerging artist My Space. I have found good music in stores playing background music…etc. I am always listening for the next new song.
Take us through your creative process.
I love to party, so I really try to get into a vibe of things I would love to hear…coupled with what I know works at clubs. I have always tried to bring my own flavor to my mix. I do not just play records.
How would you say Southern culture/living in Atlanta has influenced your work??
A great deal! I grew up in NYC during the time of hip hops first commercial success and then moved to Atlanta and was part of Atlanta being a major music city. The south and music from here directly influence my DJing. Atlanta has a long history of important DJs and a great DJ scene.
Who/What are some of your inspirations?
DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Nabs, Sol Messiah, Funk Jazz Cafe, Mecca & Soul Kitchen (parties in NYC)
Who are some of your favorite Atlanta artists?
Outkast, Joi, Ludacris, and Hollywierd,
Where is your favorite atlanta hang out?
Straits on Tuesday Nights
What music/album are you currently listening to?
Drake So Far Gone, Santogold, Estelle
What is one thing you love about your life?
The Freedom to live with music as my Life ALSO the ability to help promote established and emerging artists…whether they have a upcoming event, album release, tours, links, plugs for work….whatever you can thing of…
check out DJ TRAUMA on www.djtrauma.com and www.twitter.com/djtrauma
you can hear his latest collaboration here: Verse Simmonds' - Sex Tape Chronicles, Pass the Rock Mix tape. Better yet go hear him live on the Verse Simmonds tour.
Trauma will also be dj'ing on October 9th for the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards Preview Suite
