By Ruth Jiang
Resident at Binary and Flight 617, cakewalk is a unique DJ who likes to blend genres when getting a feel for the crowd. This month, Happps is excited to be profiling cakewalk. See below to learn a bit more about cakewalk and hope you guys can catch him playing soon.
1. How did you get started in DJing/producing? Tell us a little about yourself!
I grew up right outside Boston listening to Sade while playing backyard baseball as a kid. Born in 1990 so the 90’s = my childhood. Favorite foods are chicken wings & spaghetti with meatballs. Went to a small school in NH (Franklin Pierce) which had a huge influence on my musical style. Rather than a bigger school where I feel mostly top 40 is played everywhere depending on location of course. That’s also how I got into DJing; started playing house & after parties at dorms/off campus houses. I got into producing by attending the @Mmmmaven courses which really has had a huge impact on where I am today!
2. How has your style changed over the years?
I think almost everyone knows what it’s like to go through phases with styles of music. For me personally, I try to express my energy through my DJ sets. I also began to branch out more and become more open with newer sounds. It’s really important to stay optimistic and as I grew as a DJ, it got easier to do that.
3. Where is your favorite place to throw a show and why? Where is a place you want to play a show at but haven’t yet?
My favorite place to play is Goodlife because of the diverse crowd and underground basement house party vibes! I would absolutely love to play either at The Sinclair or The Paradise Rock Club. Both are really cool venues and have seen a ton of good shows at both!
4. Have there been any weird/crazy/interesting stories that have happened while at one of your shows?
One time I was playing a set at Wonderbar and this kid came up to the DJ booth with a 20 piece nuggets from Mcdonald’s and shared a couple with me. We bonded over our love for BBQ sauce and needless to say, I was pumped.
Any other crazy stories you’ll have to ask me in person and are def NSFW
5. What’s it like being a resident DJ at BINARY and Flight 617?
I love it! I feel super blessed to be apart of two awesome teams that are truly devoted to keeping the scene growing in Boston. Flight 617 is at Goodlife and BINARY happens at Wonderbar and both are once a month. Both crews just really love music and making sure that everyone at the party is having a good time!
6. What are some challenges you’ve faced being a DJ and producer?
Trying to balance everything out and time management! When it comes to family time, my job, friends, and just life things, it can be easy to get caught up and distracted.
7. What music and/or which people have inspired you throughout your time as a DJ?
Jazz, disco, funk, hip hop definitely which was what I was listening to growing up thanks to mi familia. Soul Clap probably has the biggest influence in terms of my style and especially them being from Boston and doing so much for the community/scene. But I will say I first realized that this was my passion when I saw No Regular Play a long time ago at electric forest. They are both with @Crew Love and I think the fact that they are all about spreading good vibes was also what really sucked me in.
8. What’s something listeners don’t know about your creative process when it comes to DJing?
I really just want my listeners to leave my set with something, anything! Not everyone is going to enjoy it but I try to take them on a journey or tell them a story. Even if it’s just one track that makes you forget about your problems for 5 min then I’ll be satisfied.
9. Has there been any moment that you have been really proud of yourself for something you’ve accomplished as a DJ? What is it?
I’m not going to say who it was but one of my biggest influences complemented me after my set more than once and I just never thought I’d even get put into that situation. Also playing at Habitat Living Sound in Calgary was pretty sweet for me!
10. What are some of your goals for the rest of 2017/bigger picture?
Playing a festival!!! and then set a new goal after that like maybe Europe or South America!?
You can catch cakewalk on Facebook and SoundCloud.
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