Interview: DJ Hedspin

Vancouver’s DJ Hedspin is one of the top DJs in the world; using his wide-range of music knowledge, technical ability, and showmanship on the decks to move crowds all over Europe, Asia, and North America. The 2011 Red Bull Thre3Style World Champion is also a talented producer. His track “Mobbin” released on Mad Decent along with Grandtheft has been featured in a Sprint commercial and played by many professional sports teams and fashion shows. Once again, DJ Hedspin will be back behind the judge’s table to help decide the next 2015 Red Bull Thre3Style World Champion. DJ Hedspin recently took a few minutes out of his day to chat with us.

How did you get into DJing?

I was too shy and soft spoken to be an mc and too chubby to be a b-boy. Chubby people can’t climb and are always short of breath so beatboxing and graffiti were out of the question. I got into Djing by default. It was a man named Dj Kilo-Cee from my hometown Vancouver who I listened to every week on the radio that exposed me to what a good dj was. After seeing Dj Shortkut & Q-bert showcase in 1994 I knew djing was what I wanted to be doing as a career.

How would you describe your style?
Nowadays I always try to just have fun, read the crowd, and play all different genres of music while incorporating traditional turntablism and new technology (Effects, Controllers, Beamz).

You won the first ever Red Bull Thre3style World Championships in 2011, how did that change your life/career?
It was actually the second, the first one was 2010 in Paris that my homeboy Karve won. Since I’ve won I’ve got to travel and play in many different places all over the world. Thankfully I’ve made new fans and great friends along the way. It’s still shocking to me that I also get to dj alongside and hang out with some of the world’s best djs that I’ve always looked up to. It’s been a really fun journey.

What’s the process like and how difficult is it to come up with an original 15 minute Red Bull Thre3style set?
The process is different for everyone. I just lock myself in the studio, mess around with music and hope I can come up with 15 minutes worth of usable stuff. Its really difficult to come up with 15 minutes because its such a short period of time and you’re trying to strategically play as much music and do as many cool little tricks as you can. You can’t over do it because it’s a party rocking competition and have to maintain some sort of vibe/energy and you also can’t under do it because you’re being judged.

You will be one of the main judges in this year’s Red Bull Thre3style competition, what are some of the things you look for in a set? Any advice for this year’s competitors?
– Have fun or at least try to look like you’re having fun
– A dj who can make people laugh may not necessarily win but will definitely be remembered.
– Take chances and think outside the box with your music selection during at least one point of your set
– Ease up on the toneplay or at least make sure its 100% in key
– I may or may not take bribery in the form of cheesesteaks, tacos, bbq, hot dogs or pizza depending on the city

Your track “Mobbin” (along with Grandtheft) was featured in Sprint’s commercial last year, what was that like?
When the Sprint Ad came out it was like mad tweets on my timeline feed yo. It also translated to iTunes sales and at one point we reached Top 10 on the US iTunes Dance Chart.

We had no idea that Mobbin would reach as many people as it did or that it would still gain momentum even though its been out for a couple years now. Alexander Wang used it during his fashion week show in NYC last year and they just played Mobbin as they were fading out to a commercial during the NFC Championship last week between the Seahawks and the Packers. Apparently the Indiana Pacers have been walking out to Mobbin every game this season. Big thanks to everyone who supported it!!!

What separates a GREAT DJ from a good DJ?
Great Djs innovate the artform, inspire, and try to help all other djs become great djs.

You are one of the members of the DJ crew, Eh! Team DJs, can you tell us a little bit about it?
The Eh! Team is our crew consisting of Grandtheft, Jr Flo of Keys N Krates, Drastik of Thugli, Pump, Illo, Dr One, and myself. When we formed in 2007 we were the guys in each of our cities who were known for playing different genres of music. This all happened at the time when “mash up” djing became a thing and we ended up playing shows all over the world up until now. Over the years we all made names for ourselves individually as djs/producers and have taken our careers to the next level.

What’s in your DJ bag?
Other than the usual DJ stuff:
– wet wipes in case I get stuck in a public washroom with no toilet paper
– an extra pair of contact lenses
– a Ziploc bag of coins for snacks from hotel vending machines
– one sock (If needed I can put the bag of coins in it and use it as a weapon if I ever need to throw down)
– I can also use the sock if Im in a washroom with no toilet paper and run out of wet wipes

If you weren’t DJing, what would you be doing?
I’d be a marketing rep for a major record label then I’d get layed off because of all the djs illegally downloading music then I’d be homeless.

Do you have any advice for aspiring DJs?
Always carry a sock and Ziploc bag of coins in your dj bag.

Do you have anything coming up in 2015?
New routine vids, new mixes, new songs, and some international bookings – stay tuned.

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Follow Hedspin (Vancouver)
Website: djhedspin.com
Facebook: Hedspin on Facebook
Twitter: @hedspin
Instagram: @djhedspin
YouTube: Hedspin on YouTube
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/hedspin