When it comes to DJ’s in The Bahamas, DJ TODD STYLEZ may not ring a bell, but if you were around about 4 years ago you would remember the name from the Heineken Green Synergy Dj Competitions. He was a young Dj and as I remembered did very well, but since his style was different from the others he was not a crowd favorite. Now about 5 years later after leaving the local scene and doing some traveling, I caught a glimpse of the kid spinning tunes at Aura Night Club in Atlantis where he kept the crowd rocking all night. After he came off the tables I sat down with DJ TODD STYLEZ to see where he had been and what had helped him to develop such a diverse style as a young 242 born and bred DJ.
So Todd After the DJ competitions a few years ago you faded to black on the local scene … Why ???
I had came to a point in my personal and professional life that, I needed to see more growth, at 19 I had pretty much peaked as much as much any popular dj from a small island like Nassau can, I was forced to expand. It’s like I was spinning clubs since I was 14 got on air when I won that competition at 18, and at 19 I realized i needed more. I couldn’t see myself doing the same thing for the rest of my career. You wont ever see any type of growth that way, financial, spiritual or otherwise. During the competition I was a communications major at COB at the time, I heard about the art institute in ft Lauderdale and their broadcasting program, got my stuff together and I left. It was much different than Nassau. I didn’t know anyone. I started doing some parties around campus and eventually that got out to the greater area. More gigs came, I met more people, And started developing a following. A few years later im one of the most popular open format dj’s in South Florida. I think education is important, not just because of the security but the opportunities it allows you. I’ve learned quite a lot that I’ve been able to apply to my personal as well as professional life.
How has the exposure to the international game made you a better DJ ?
Its crazy yo! it really is. my actual knowledge base is so much more advanced than it was 3 years ago. I’ve been able to see and play with the best dj’s, and recording artists in the world. I’ve seen many more perform right in front of me. I’ve seen their strengths and their weaknesses. I’ve been able to meet a lot of them and converse, get into their minds. Many of these guy’s have become very good friends of mine. They are normal people just like you and me, Which is why I never get egotistical about anything. As a young artist, its important to know your worth so you don’t get taken advantage of but even more so important to know the worth of others around you. No man is an island. Were all more powerful together. Apart from the fact that im that much more diverse in so many more genres of music, the fact that I’ve had the ability to tour for a bit has really added to my overall artistry. What makes me who I am as a person and as a artist is the fact that I appreciate the different sounds the world has to offer and feel that it’s my job to expose my clients to that. The popularity that comes along with it is pretty nice as well, lol. On a personal note, im feeling great about things to come. It’s beautiful. im getting into more touring this year. I added a few more residencies on already, and im still booking more. Pro bowl, Super Bowl, Winter Music Conference, Ultra Fest, my schedule is hectic. I don’t get a lot of sleep. if im not djng, im producing, remixing, but I love what I do. I was told that the key to success is to find something you love doing and get someone to pay you for it. I think I’ve done just that.
What makes you tick, what goes through your head when you’re DJ’ing ?
How can I make these people happy? it goes deeper than the music, It really does. From a realistic standpoint anyone can play music, a very few can be a good dj. Your average party goer, has a really hectic week, they work all day they have bills, many of them since the recession started, are fighting to make ends meet. you’re their relief. You, as a musician are their light in a very dark room. im always thinking about how I can increase the energy, decrease it, play with their emotions, Invoke this or that feeling. Music is in my opinion the most powerful medium of human expression. You can change lives with it.
What’s playing on Todd’s iPod ?
Jeez man lol, I have an iPhone now thank you, but I have a lot of stuff man, I listen to everything from classic rock like hall and oates & journey to roots reggae like bushman, everton blender, dancehall reggae busy signal. Rap, everything. Im really big on electro though that’s been my thing for a few years now, I love house. The music is so happy.
You played a few great spots, what’s been your most memorable?
I have a few, the biggest ones for sure were the Mercedes benz party at Pangaea in the hard rock casino & spinning for girls gone wild in Orlando. Spring break 09 at Crobar was the best. 1500 spring breakers and 1 dj. I felt like we were all connected. I think all that alcohol had a role in it as well lol.
So you’re here spinning at Atlantis in Club Aura, how was that experience?
It was mind-blowing bro, that was my first show home in 2 years, it was really nice, the staff and everyone was really friendly and treated me and my guests exceptionally well. It was maybe one of my best performances of last year. When you come to the Bahamas you have to rock, if you don’t they will surely let you know, I was getting compliments all night, some of the locals are still telling about it, it humbles me to hear things like that. I really like aura because I can be so diverse I can go from rock to latin to rap in a few minutes and the energy never dies. You’ll see me back a lot this year.
In 2010 what Bahamian Artist are you feeling?
The Bahamian artists are all doing their thing, I knew a lot of these people before they became the stars they are now, many of them knew me before I evolved into what I am today. I love it bro, this is really a period of growth for all artists in the Bahamas, no matter what you do, this is your time now. But to answer your question as far as artists go. As far as dj’s go there are a few guy’s you need to look out for in 2010. Fadda Blaze has been spinning for awhile and is now moving to the forefront of the field. When I first started he was one of my mentors. He’s getting primed to do some big things this year. Another artist is DJ Kido, Aura Resident DJ. He reminds me of myself as far as style, and selection goes. And he’s also a really good guy. Watch for him this year. I cosign both of them.
Where do you see the future here in the Bahamas and globally?
Im looking forward to us becoming a world renowned nightlife destination. I think the talent is there, a lot of it just hasn’t been discovered yet. If we keep bringing out our best then I have the utmost faith the world is ours. As far as music goes, internationally im noticing a trend in hip-hop, pop production that’s heavily house and electro influenced. A lot of the top songs of last year were either sampled or influenced by dance music. This is a trend that’s only going to continue moving into 2010.
Anybody you want to shout out?
God, My Family & Friends, My Manager Wayne Henry & RENU Media Group, DJ Kido, and most importantly My Fans.
GEAR
Name 5 things you are never with out ?
1) My Watch
2) My Phone
3) My Other Phone
4) Business Cards
5) A Smile on my face J
LIFESTYLE
Heard the Ladies Love TODD ! What’s your theory ?
It just comes natural lol, be yourself. Only when you love yourself can others appreciate who you are.
MENTAL
What are your words to Live By?
Don’t burn your bridges,
Keep your word; it’s all you have
Know your worth, and never let anyone depict who you are
And mostly importantly, be yourself.
