Z-TRIP INTERVIEW

This past Saturday, we caught up with DJ Z-Trip, an impressively humble and down to earth guy. Just recently he placed first in this year's "America's Best DJ" and was in Vegas for the awarding. It was hosted at Ghostbar in The Palms and a great aesthetic fit for the awarding. Luckilly, I got a chance to do a brief interview before he headed downstairs for his set at Rain for Perfecto Saturdays. He spun 2 hours of straight knowledge, his scratch technique totally on point, mashing in and out of so many different styles it really made you appreciate his talent.


Well first off, Congratulations! With this new accomplishment of being named America's Best DJ, what does the future hold?

I plan on taking opportunities as they come, that's way I've always done it and I feel really blessed with all things that've come my way. I'll be heading to Europe in a couple weeks, basically just trying to soak it all in right now. last year I came in 4th, so feel really honored to be awarded this achievement.

So you just recently just finished up a string of dates in Canada, what's your take on their music scene and how it varies with the U.S. or even Vegas for that matter?

Well it's interesting, I think in Canada, people are a little bit more open minded. They really put themselves in a position to be more perceptive and conscious as to what is going on as far as music and art is concerned. I have a great time every time I'm there, I'll be in Vancouver on the 17th of this month. In Vegas, the crowd is really transient ,so as a DJ you kind of have to cater to what the crowds immediate expectation of what they want to hear. With all the casino's and hotels, it more or less dwarfs the local scene which is usually the backbone of any good music community.

Can you think back on all your gigs over the past decade, was there any specific performance you felt was pivotal in helping catapult you to your current status as an International DJ?

That's a great question, It never really was just one performance. I think It was all of them, whether they were for 50 people or 5000. For anyone that wants success in whatever the do, it's not easy, you really have to be ready and committed. I started out in L.A. a long time ago just doing parties with my friends and it kinda just took off from there. I love doing what i do, and like I said before, it really is a blessing. The past few years I've been to all over the place. Europe, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Asia, and obviously there are going to be some places where people aren't going to be as familiar with my music and that's where I just put it out there for people to hear.

Coming from L.A. and having an extensive Hip Hop influenced background, any comments on the current state of Hip Hop?

Currently, A lot of Artist's are lacking the right motives, it's hard to say where it will go. But don't get me wrong, There's still a huge amount of great stuff out there, it's just not as accessible to as what to you would hear on the radio or in most clubs. Overall, think there needs to be more conscious artists and material out there.

In between touring, have you been working on any new projects? Should we be looking out for a new album in the near future?

I've been spending a lot of time trying to reinvigorate myself, when you've been doing things a long time you kind of get in this mode and sometimes it's hard to break out of. I just finished up a 7 day cleanse, lost some weight, stopped eating meat. Basically trying to get a clean perspective all together so to speak. I've been working with Shepard Fairey on a project, updating my website, and looking forward to some dates I've got in a couple weeks in London, Amsterdam and Paris.

For some last words, any advise for aspiring DJ's and Producers?

I think the most important advice I've got is is that your motives have to be right. Genuine motives can get you to the right place if you want them to. I know it seems like a cliche nowadays but Individuality is really important, you really have to take time to develop a sound and style that's yours.