VINYL LOYALIST: DJ D

INTERVIEW LAMONT “RENZO” BRACY PHOTOGRAPH DJ D

Exclusive Interview with Australia's DJ D and her relentless push to move the turntablist culture worldwide:

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to one of the world’s most innovative DJ’s and pioneers pushing the culture forward. Recognised as Australia's premiere turntablist, DJ D is a true stateswoman of the Dj arena and a master turntablist. When the art of premiere DJing is mentioned, many are quick to state DJ D is the ultimate female in the game; however, it’s time to remove the female title from the equation and give her the proper respect of “Master Turntablist.”

First introduced to the turntablist arena in 1998, DJ D has been a staple in the DJ game winning accolades in the DMC World DJ Championships moreover from hydraulic turntables ,to all 45s sets. Officially making her debut on the airwaves in 1993, DJ D has produced two of Australia’s first non-stop DJ mixed radio shows on CRN Weekly. In 2008, DJ D founded ‘Mixxbosses’, a correlation of DJ’s, Artists, and promoters  from the U.S., New Zealand, Germany, Japan, Spain, Africa, U.K., and her native land of Australia. A year later in 2009, DJ D launched Mixxbosses Radio - Australia as a catalyst in support providing a platform of resources for DJ’s and turntablists.

A loyalist to vinyl, DJ D has produced three of the nation’s first continuous vinyl mixed radio shows featured on the Community Radio Network in Australia, with syndication in New Zealand and the U.K. 

Mixxbosses Radio was a bi-weekly aired show which was the first  DJ syndicated programs on Australian air featured on Radio 2RDJ, and 88.1FM featuring many local and international guests with some of DJ D's favorite episodes featuring interviews with Chingy, MC Lyte, Chauncey Black (Blackstreet), Ryan Leslie (R-Les), Jon B, Danny Boy (2pac's 'I ain't mad at ya'), & Skee-Lo. 

In 2019, DJ D launched the online radio show '1200 Degrees', a three-hour long live music broadcast from the Kings Cross ‘Lote’.  Considered Australia's first online streaming platform, the show featured Sydney, Australia greats, such as; Roxane Lebrasse, Deni Hines, Kaylan, and many more. The format included live interviews and DJ’s mixing, such as DJ D, Nino Brown, and frequent guests.

Over the years, DJ D has amassed some of the top honors in the categories of Mix DJ, All Vinyl, and Australian Nationals for her skills and showmanship. In 2022, DJ D placed 5th in the world in the all vinyl category. In 2021, DJ D placed 4th as the only female competitor. In 2020, she received an official endorsement from Pioneer Dj Australia, in which she placed 8th in 2005. In addition, the same year Dj D placed 8th in the Kokane’s Monkey Wasn’t Funky competition. In 2015, DJ D walked away once again with 3rd place in the NSW heats as the only competitor. But the accolades don’t stop there, in 2023, DJ D was awarded the best DJ in Australia/Oceana alongside DJ Mr. Lob, co-founder of the Forty Five Kings Collective, in the 45 Day awards.

Lets’ not forget about DJ D’s contribution to the mixtape world. Dj D was the official mixtape DJ for KCI & JoJo - Jodeci Tour in 2004, Montrell Jordan - This Is How We Do It Tour mixtape in 2005, The 112 Australian mixtape in 2015, the Aussie by Nature Tour mixtape in 2015, and the Blackstreet Tour mixtape in 2015. 

Dj D has another passion that is close to her heart! DJ D is the First Lady of Majestics Australia (Car Club). DJ D is the proud owner of a 1964 Chevrolet Impala ragtop, tagged as #Str8OuttaTha64,  which features a full Pioneer DJ setup in the trunk compartment. What a Lady! In 2023, DJ D was invited to be a featured part of Lowrider Sunday, the largest lowrider gathering in the southern hemisphere. 

With three decades strong in the game, DJ D uses her platforms and on-air experience to keep the art of turntablism alive and well. , on tour and in her 1964 Chevrolet Impala has seen her host to a number of artists including Xzibit, Naughty By Nature, Montell Jordan, Blackstreet, Ryan Leslie, Jon B, Horace Brown, Tank, Jodeci, B.B.D, 112, Redman, D.O.C., Spice 1, Tha Alkaholiks, Masta Ace, DJ Yella, Green Lantern, DJ Jam & DJ Maseo + more. 

EXCLUSIVE VALIDATED INTERVIEW

Validated: What was the spark that interested you in Turntablism and DJing?

Dj D: It’s definitely a spark that started in my earlier years - from playing my first gig in 1988 to messing around with De La Soul’s ‘Say No Go’ on 7” vinyl and wearing out the cassette tape of ‘Live At Union Square’ in my 80s walkman - exploring the artform of turntablism was inevitable for me. Vinyl was always in my life from playing with my dad’s 45s as a toddler, to lil sister helping big sister sell records at market stalls, and big brother kicking off my collection with things like The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and NeverEnding Story. I still remember the moment I won my first LP from a Sydney based radio station - Musical Youths 'Pass The Dutchie' and the addiction continues 40 years later just now more so on that 7” format.

Validated: What stereotypes and challenges have you found as a female?

Dj D: Currently it’s been absolutely amazing; truly grateful to still be able to do what I love as a mom. Coming up as a female in the 90s was not such an easy road; it just wasn’t something people were accustomed to seeing back then especially in the battle and hip hop scenes. From unwelcome acts of sabotage, to broken needles, to canceled gigs when they found out ‘DJ D’ was a female, such stories were endless back then... still my love for this art form far outweighed such challenges. Fast forward to 2023 and the love and acceptance in the 45s community is one like no other, something I have never experienced in all my years - the love and support is next level, it really is a kind of extended family. 

Validated: Who haven't you worked with that you wouldn't mind a set with?

Dj D: I’ve been blessed to have supported, interviewed and driven many incredible artists from Naughty by Nature, Montell Jordan, Horace Brown, 112, Kci and Jojo, Xzibit, Tha Alkaholiks, Kokane (Above The Law) and Kool Rockski (Fat Boys), the list goes on. As much as I've been honored to play support for Snoop Dogg’s DJ Jam, it would be incredible to support the man himself, Snoop Dogg, an artist who I grew up listening to and who I feel has stayed true to the game over the years. On the DJ tip, if we could wind back the hands of time, a 4 deck set with Roc Raida would be at the top of the wishlist; DJ Jazzy Jeff would be another - 2 absolute inspirations that have played a major part in my love of turntablism.

Validated: What has been the reception in Australia and abroad of your accomplishments?

Dj D: I’ve been blessed to have received recognition fairly early on - from international magazine articles pre-social media days, to touring nationally and internationally. Competing and placing in DMC competitions has been an incredible platform having first entered and placed in 2005 as the only female competitor. In 2023 it was an absolute honor to compete in the DMC world all vinyl finals, placing 5th as the first lady to represent Australia at world level with what we believe is the first all 45s set this competition has seen. 2023 also brought the incredible honor of being awarded ‘Best 45s DJ Australia/Oceana’ from the UK 45 Day awards. Additional accolades for DMC competitions include 4th as the only female competitor in 2021, 8th in 2020 receiving an endorsement from Pioneer DJ Australia, 8th in 2005, 3rd in the NSW heats in 2015 once again as the only female competitor. It was also an honor to compete in Kokane’s Monkey Wasn’t Funky competition in 2020 placing 8th.

Validated: Tell us about the Radio Show, and the networks?

Dj D: I currently produce 2 of the nation’s first continuous mixed vinyl based radio shows featured on the Community Radio Network - a network that broadcasts Australia-wide across multiple FM and digital dials. The shows are also replayed in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. '1200 degrees' is a show I first broadcast back in 1999, a continuously mixed all vinyl freestyle journey through time via original samples; that freestyle element of surprise is what still keeps it exciting for me all these years later. '1200 Twelves’ is a second show featuring 100 DJs from around the globe creating a mix from 12 of their 12” vinyl records. We’ve had some absolutely incredible guests from all around the globe including USA, Canada, Germany, Africa, Russia, UK, Spain, and Italy. Next up - an all 45s radio show coming soon.

Validated: What techniques or strategies separates you from others in your field?

Dj D: Probably the most obvious difference is that I still spin vinyl, in particular all 45s/7” records. The DJ scene here heavily leans towards the digital, with turntables in venues a rare thing these days. As much as I do have a couple of digital controllers, my heart still lies with vinyl - for me nothing beats the warmth, feel and precision of it. Being endorsed by Pioneer DJ Australia since 2020 has been an incredible honor, something that has kept me fairly busy with nothing but incredible moments that will be cherished for some time to come. 

Validated: What's next for DJ D?

Dj D: 2023 appears to be quickly turning into the ‘year of the road trip’ for mama D, having already clocked over 5000 km for various events. Earlier this year I unveiled  #Str8OuttaTha64 my 1964 Chevrolet Impala endorsed by Pioneer DJ Australia featuring turntables in the trunk and S5 in the trunk, at the Bathurst 12hour where we played tunes straight from the trunk over the 4 day event. More recently an Australian east coast tour with the 2017 DMC German champion DJ Robert Smith  playing 23 gigs in 20 days all 45s. I’ve also hit Newcastle twice the first time playing alongside DJ Total Eclipse of the Executioners, and later with an all 45s showcase whilst being a judge for a DJ competition sponsored by Pioneer DJ Australia. Coming up next is Lowrider Sunday at the central coast where I will drive the 64 ragtop for a couple of hours to then flip 45s straight out of the trunk. Aside from live gigs I also do get down in the studio featuring cuts and vocals on tracks; coming soon a collage with 1773 and more tracks to come with King Quez (Outlawz) who I’ve worked with for nearly a decade now. Plus of course soon to come, some releases on 45!

Validated: Going forward, where do you see Turntabilsm and DJing in the next five years? 

Dj D: A number of us are really working hard at keeping vinyl and turntablism alive and well in 2023, from the 45’s communities such as the Forty Five Kings Collective and 45 Day, to turntablists both here and abroad, it’s a beautiful thing to see us all connected with this goal driven by our love of the humble 45 and 12” vinyl. In the next five years I hope to see more ladies and youth representing via the original artform, with particular mention and shout out to the 45 kids - a global initiative of kids throwing down 7” vinyl both online and at live gigs. Having joined this collective when my son was 3yrs of age, it’s been incredible watching him grow and connect with other kids around the globe as they spin 45s via live stream and in real life - once again moments we will treasure for many years to come created by the humble 45.

DJ D Career Achievements 

- 5th all vinyl world finals 2022 (all 45s set) - 4th in Australian national finals 2021 (talkbox turntable). - 8th in Australian national finals 2020 (hydraulic turntable) - 3rd in the NSW heats in 2015 (only female competitor)

1200 degrees

Hosted by DJ D, Australia’s Premiere female turntablist, each episode features a non-stop mix on the 1200s (turntables) using 7” and 12" vinyl plus DVS (digital vinyl system). The show revolves around original samples of hip-hop, often hitting genres such as r&b, soul and funk, with these original samples taking the listener on a journey through time from the 1950s to now. Airs weekly via the CRN across multiple fm AND digital stations Australia-wide.

mixcloud http://www.mixcloud.com/1200degrees instagram http://www.instagram.com/1200degrees facebook http://www.facebook.com/1200degrees twitter http://www.twitter.com/1200degrees

1200 twelves

1200 Twelves is a special project keeping the humble 12" vinyl record alive by featuring 100 DJs from around the globe creating a non-stop continuous mix on the turntables. Hosted by Australia's premiere female turntablist DJ D, each episode will feature 1-2 DJs mixing live with minimal talk breaks in between. Airs weekly via the CRN across multiple fm AND digital

stations Australia-wide.

mixcloud http://www.mixcloud.com/1200twelves instagram http://www.instagram.com/1200twelves facebook http://www.facebook.com/1200twelves twitter http://www.twitter.com/1200twelves

*Additional appearances have included 2day-fm, 2ser 107.3 fm, triple-j 105.7 fm, Koori Radio, Expres Radio (Prague), amongst a handful of other networks internationally.

Contact DJ D 

mobile +61 417 422 685 email info@djdworldwide.com website http://www.DJDworldwide.com youTube http://www.youtube.com/DJDworldwide instagram http://www.instagram.com/DJDworldwide facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/DJDworldwide1 facebook profile http://www.facebook.com/DJDworldwide3 twitch http://www.twitch.com/DJDworldwide TikTok http://www.tiktok.com/DJDworldwide twitter http://www.twitter.com/DJDworldwide mixcloud http://www.mixcloud.com/DJDworldwide soundcloud http://www.soundcloud.com/DJD1200