You have to get up pretty early in the morning to work on Chat 'Bout Cleveland. (No, really) So when we notice someone up and about even EARLIER posting new flyers, pictures and promoting on Facebook, it made us wonder. But with all the events, music links and pictures on Facebook these days, it takes ALOT for us to take noice. After a few late night/early morning LARGER THAN LIFE POSTS FROM YOUTH HI POWER, we had some questions:
..What the hell has gotten into Superdee?
..When does he sleep?
..Why is he ALWAYS YELLING??
After asking around here and there, CBC discovered the whimsical madness behind the new force of Youth Hi Power is DJ Lawless. Now, we all know YHP for their annual events; The Year to Year All White Affair and The Blue and White Affair, but something tells me things are about to change just a little bit around here...but as usual, we love it!
As YHP prepares for the much anticipated 'Red Dress Affair' coming March 3rd, Chat 'Bout Cleveland took a moment to talk with the other half of Youth Hi Power Sound, DJ Lawless about Cleveland's dancehall scene and 'shaking things up'..
(don't worry - he won't yell, we promise!)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
CBC: Can you please give Chat 'Bout Cleveland readers a brief bio about yourself?
DJ Lawless: I was born in St. Ann, Jamaica and moved to Bronx, NY. Eventually, I moved to Brooklyn, NY, where I became branded (as a DJ/Selector) and now I'm here is Cleveland - blazing things up!
CBC: Where and/or how did your name, DJ Lawless, come about?
DJ Lawless: Well, it came from my style of selecting music. Some DJ's follow certain 'rules' or 'laws' when it comes to playing music. Yes, there are rules - like not playing certain types of music in the dance such as rock or alternative - these types are usually frowned upon. I became 'Lawless' by not obeying the 'laws of dancehall'. I don't care (about these 'laws') I believe people listen to all music in the dance, not just Movado and Kartel. I play everything.
CBC: What was one of the main reasons you decided to become a selector/dj? (Besides girls and money.)
DJ Lawless: Just loving the music and the way music makes people feel. I enjoy having the ability to alter the crowd's mood through music.
CBC: I have recently had the pleasure of hearing you play at a few events, How would you describe your overall style when playing music?
DJ Lawless: I'm the type of selector who talks on the mic regarding things for the ladies, so I consider myself a jugglin' selector for the ladies, BUT DON'T LET THAT FOOL YOU, I am versatile and can dun an opposing sound!
CBC: Who are some of your musical influences?
DJ Lawless: Of course, Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, but today I would go for artists like Tarrus Riley and Sizzla. I am really feeling Alaine right now, those are some of the artist I truly respect and love.
CBC: As a Selector, do you alter your performance based on the crowd's interaction?
DJ Lawless: YES!! So mi don't flop! (Lol!) As a selector, you must consistently be watching and observing the vibes and the crowd's interaction to what music you play.
CBC: Ahem, no sure I need to ask - but, how do you promote Youth Hi Power and your events?
DJ Lawless: Yes, of course I use Facebook, but I also stay on the scene and sell my talents through networking and being 'in the mix' at all times. Youth Hi Power continues to release YHP Mix CD's. (Hit me up or catch me at any dance!)
CBC: Cleveland has come to look forward to The Year to Year All White Affair as this event is a sell off each year. What other projects can Cleveland look for coming from YHP?
DJ Lawless: Yes, The Year to Year all White Affair with Bodyguard Sound, coming June 4th - we have a NEW secret location this year. We also have a few weekly events: "Sunglasses at Night Sundays" at The Golden Lady (7515 St. Clair Avenue), "Bad Girls Club" at Jakes Lounge (12300 Miles Road) and Vybz Thursdays at LaRobb's (10300 Union Avenue).