Young disc jock lives his dream

Stephanie Lyew, Gleaner Writer

With so many young disc jockeys on the rise, one wonders how easy it is to become a DJ, and what keeps those that have already established their careers in the top spot.

Dwayne 'DJ Cyrus' Scott, a business administration student at the University of the Technology, Jamaica, sits down with Saturday Life to give his views on the party scene in Jamaica, the importance of mix tapes to a DJ's career, and the role music has played in his life.

Known for: Mixing old school with new school.

You've probably heard him play at: Pure Plush and Club Privilege.

Tag line: 'The Future'

What gave you that initial push?

First, because I'm in love with music, I wanted to be more involved. Then as I began observing other DJs at parties, I wanted to do everything they did, bigger and better.

Who are some of the DJs you 'rate'?

On the local scene, DJ Karyzma, FAME FM's Kurt Riley and ZJ Chrome, while Bob Sinclair, David Guetta and DJ Tiesto are some of the international DJs whose work I respect.

What are your feelings on the MCs - work with 'em or without 'em?

Working with a mic man is a promising endeavour. However, in the future, I would rather work alone. More music and less talking - that's my view.

You have released two mix tapes so far: The Future (Vol 1): 'The Take Over' and 'The Contagion' (Vol. 1). Tell us how they came about?

The first was a mixture of mainly rap and dancehall music, but the particular name for my dance/house music mix tape came about while making the live mix. Upon completion of the mix, I listened to it about 100 times. For me, every time I was listened to, it was as though I was listening for the first time, it's like the music would just take me over completely - it was like a disease. Thus, The Contagion. I guarantee once you listen to it, you'll be hooked.

This brings us to the question of how important is it for a DJ to make a mix CD?

Very important. It's one of the many ways that a DJ can promote himself or herself. It gives the listener a preview of their skills. The number of mixes one would release is solely dependent upon their promotion - could be once every two months or a set four mix tapes for the year.

What's your favourite tune of all time?

That would be the track by Notorious B.I.G.: Juicy, aka It Was All A Dream.

How big is your vinyl collection and what was the first one you bought?

I unfortunately don't own any vinyls, but the first record I bought was The Hunger For More by Lloyd Banks. I'm a big fan of international music, thus I still have the record to this date.

Out of all the tunes you have, which one never 'fails'?

The song that never fails outta road would have to be No Junjo or Over The Wall by Elephant Man, while Mr C's Cha Cha Slide and Taio Cruz's Dynamite never miss in the club.

Tell us about your current DJ/ production set-up. What hardware and software do you use?

I use Serato Scratch Live, CDJ 800s or 1,000s and my HP Pavilion DV4 laptop. However, I am saving for a MacBook Pro.

When you play, is this a pre-planned set?

It's never pre-planned because when you plan a set, it's highly likely to hear another DJ playing tracks you wanted to play. So I always keep an open mind and prepare for anything.

Describe your experience at the first party you played.

The party was Contagious. The crowd gave me good feedback and it was an awesome feeling to play in an environment with a non-stop vibe throughout my entire set. The party epitomised its name.

What would be your idea of a good party?

When you walk into the venue or club and there's no segregation, just people socialising, enjoying the music, indulging in all aspects of the party down to the food - that is when you have a good party.

Who's throwing the best parties at the moment?

Wright Image, the promoters of Uber, that is Scott, P.P., Carlos, Pierre & Paul (who also host Osmosis, A-list and Beach Bums throughout the year), Marlon (who hosts MOB and Summer Musique) and there are young upcoming promoters that partygoers should keep an eye out for.

So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment, and where do you see it five years from now?

On a scale of 1-10, I give the scene a six. Five years from now, if artistes try to make more positive, fun music and promoters plan their events properly, Jamaica could have a party scene rated 10.

If you had a time machine, what year would you go back to?

I think I would go back to the '70s because the type of music then just spoke 'no drama'. It was just feel-good music.

When all the partying is over, how do you like to chill out?

Socialising, but most likely relaxing while listening to music. I just can't get enough!

While socialising is a key factor in the entertainment business, there's always the saying, 'Watch the company you keep'. How do you do that?

I have had my fair share of experiences, not only as a disc jockey, but in life. It's natural to hear that, and though you may not be able to avoid it, I believe, as you age, it becomes easier to pinpoint wrong from right to balance your social life.

Where does school fall in all this?

My concentration throughout Monday to Thursday is on school so that the weekends are focused on the social parts of my life - that include playing at Club Privilege and events that come along on the weekend.

How does your family influence that side of you?

My parents have always instilled the morals of having a career, the importance of school, and being independent. I had decided that I wanted to do something in the business field while in high school, and my parents agreed it was a good direction.

Your parents stress the importance of school, but being a DJ has had its effects. Tell us how has it impacted on your family time, study routine and career path?

It has not affected me spending time with family. As I grew older, everyone had their responsibilities, and time became scarce but we maintain a healthy relationship. During the week, I focus on getting schoolwork completed.

Though uncertain of my life goal, it doesn't affect my morals, neither have I lost sight of what I want to achieve. I just know success is inevitable in both the business aspect of life and in music entertainment.

How does music play a role in your day-to-day routine?

It's always been the instrument that takes me to another world. When I am stressed, it helps to relax my mind. When I'm studying, there always has to be a rhythm to flip the pages to, and when I am up late finishing up work, it's my drug that keeps me going.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what type of songs would you want to hear played?

No 'sufferer' songs. I'd want to hear lively songs that have a positive outlook on the negative situation, songs such as The Realest Song by Konshens or something fun to dance to like 50 Cent's In Da Club and Serani and Ding Dong's Skip To Ma Lu.

It's movie night at a friend's house. What movies would you want to be on the list?

A good choice would be the action movie From Paris With Love or any scary movie.

You call yourself 'The Future', but what does the future look like for you?

That we'll just have to wait and see, but right now I'm in first gear, in a high rev, still learning.