Interview: DJ Tek One (Crooklyn Clan & Club Killers)

Published on 8/10/2012

DJ Tek One’s (Chicago, Illinois) bootlegs, remixes, and transitions can be heard being played by some of the biggest DJs around the world, and his music can be found at some of the most popular DJ pools including CrooklynClan.net (Danny Diggz & Co.) and Club Killers.

When did you start DJing? How did you get started DJing and producing?
I started DJing around 2006. I always enjoyed listening to other DJs on the radio combining tracks together to recreate something new. That got me started using Song Acid (Music Editing Program) before I got my first pair of turntables. Then came the house parties, as for most of us DJs that’s where it all began.

Who are some DJs, producers, or artists that have influenced you?
My first choice will always be DJ AM to Vice, D-Styles, Dainjazone, Serafin and Girl Talk (even though most say he isn’t a DJ, I like his creativity). I like listening to creativity and there’s so many DJs out there with talent that I look up too. As for artist/producers go, anything that was made in the 80s and 90s and still rocks the clubs to this day is a big influence for me.

How did you get involved with Danny Diggz and Crooklyn Clan?
I’ve always posted my work from crack4DJs.net and stuff I did for free up on social networks. One day I noticed he was looking for new members. Before I knew it, I got an email from him asking if I would like to join his group on Crooklyn Clan. It might not sound like much but its always been a goal of mine to be up on the website.

What is the one thing you love about DJing?
I love the ability to have that control on the crowd every time you drop a song. People go to the clubs to have fun and get away from stress or problems. So being able to make them dance and enjoy their night is something that I love about DJing.

What is in your DJ bag?
At the moment I’m recovering from a crashed laptop and two stolen externals. As some of us DJs know how hard it is to recover lost music. It’s okay though, because it’s only going to make my comeback even greater. I have respect for people out there who stay strong, even when they have every right to break down.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the music industry?
I would like to collaborate with anyone that would like to collaborate. Got some ideas in mind? LETS WORK. I’m always open to work with other people but it’ll be pretty cool to collaborate with someone that is on top of the game and that is pretty much well known, that would be pretty dope.

What is your favorite song of all-time?
My favorite song of all-time, damn that’s hard to say. It is difficult to pick just one song since I love so many. Mostly anything made around 80/90s. I could listen to songs multiple times and not get tired of them. I’m a true music lover I guess.

What do you like to do when your not DJing or Producing?
When I’m not DJing or producing, I’m usually working, but my mind is constantly coming up with new ideas while I listen to new music. I also just got into fishing, so I’ve been doing that on my spare time. If I’m not doing either of those, I’m usually catching up on new shows on TV or movies.

Where else can we find your music?
You can find some of my tracks on DMS (directmusicservice.com), Clubkillers.com, Crooklyn Clan, and of course smashtheclub.com! Feel free to join my e-mail blast at DJtekone@ymail.com for some goodies.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In five years, I see myself on the radio and with at least four residences weekly. Hopefully my music keeps growing and I’m still doing what I love to do. I know I’m still evolving and with 5 more years behind me, anything can happen.

Follow Tek One
Facebook: Facebook.com/djtekoneonline
Twitter: @djtekone
SoundCloud: Soundcloud.com/djtekone
Crooklyn Clan: Danny Diggz & Co. on Crooklyn Clan