NightlifeInNYC.com Exclusive | In-Depth Interview: “New York City’s Heat,” The Untouchable DJ Drastic
Earlier this week, I finally got an opportunity to interview one of Brooklyn’s finest, The Untouchable DJ Drastic. This is something that I’ve been trying to do for close to a year now.
As I sat in a white Cadillac Escalade, The Untouchable DJ Drastic began to play tracks for me from MIMS’ forthcoming album. He told me that he wanted my general opinion of the songs.
The first song played was “Therapy” produced by Pharrell of The Neptunes followed by “Barock Star” then “Move” which I’ve heard in recent months. He then made me shut off my tape recorder as he played two tracks that I’ve never heard before; one being an untitled freestyle and the other was, “The World Is Mine.” I began to smile when I heard these records because Drastic erupted with energy. He said that the records were amongst his favorites. I personally thought that both of the records were club bangers.
He continued to play exclusive material from reggae group T.O.K. and others for my opinion. He advised me that he was pressed for time at which point he ignited a blunt and we engaged in our interview.
01. When did your career as a DJ begin?
“I’ve been on the scene since 2001. I moved under the radar for many years. A lot of individuals didn’t embrace me. In fact, they threw so many obstacles in my path that I had to create my own lane.”
02. How did you get your name, “The Untouchable DJ Drastic”?
“Before I was DJ Drastic, I was just Drastic. My first name is Daniel. A lot of the time people would call me Danny Drastic which I couldn’t stand because it sounded so lame. Some people still think that’s my last name (laughs). Drastic is a reflection of my overall demeanor. The Untouchable is a reflection of my mental state as far as possessing the capability to block people out of my mind. I’ve had very little sincerity or support growing up so anything that I’ve achieved I had to fight for in this world. It definitely defined me as a person both personally and professionally.”
03. How has the business impacted your life?
“The business has definitely changed me as person. I’m still not sure if it’s for better or worse. It’s difficult because I’m learning everything hands on. I never had a father to teach me how to play basketball or ride a bike. I taught myself these things. In the business, I feel the same way. I’m fortunate to be business savvy. This propelled me more than any other characteristic within me outside of my actual talent over the years.
When you’re in the entertainment or music business, an awkward type of jealousy and hate can develop in certain people around you. Sometimes it’s disguised as an excessive amount of support. I knew that these situations existed although I didn’t expect to see it within my immediate circle. I’ve learned over the years to keep relationships simple. A lot of the time people say that I’m arrogant but that’s not the case. They haven’t walked in my shoes to understand where I’m coming from as a whole. People think that it’s fun and games to be in this field but most of time I’m miserable doing what I love, if that makes any sense. It goes way beyond fame or money. Me personally, the lack of sincerity eats at me inside. I’m a very genuine person so to have to deal with people that are not like me constantly, it’s a stretch. Honestly, not everyone is malicious some just might not know any better.
If I had ten lifetimes to live, I would stop and analyze every single person and their issues. Unfortunately, I only live one lifetime which is my own. So I try my best to help people but life doesn’t stop for the next person especially if it’s not vice-versa when it comes to me.”
4. What initially influenced you to become a DJ?
“I was discovered in 2000 by a group of nightlife promoters in New York as an emcee. At the time, I was working with a few different individuals locally. I would go to the studio and I felt uncomfortable for whatever reason. I had an offer but at that point of my life I didn’t have the passion to really move forward and act on certain opportunities as an emcee. I knew I loved the music. I just felt like everyone around me was trying to do what it was that I was trying to do. I didn’t have any guidance so I was afraid to be caught up in a bad situation.
At the time, I had some side hustles and saved some money. I took myself down to Fulton Street in Brooklyn and purchased DJ equipment. It wasn’t anything fancy although it enabled me the platform to mold my style as an entertainer.
The culture as a whole was the influence. I come from the last real generation of Hip Hop music. I used to be up in Fat Beats and all the records stores religiously. People didn’t know who I was but I was there. I’m real, a product of the four elements. Most of the DJs after the year 2000, I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t even know what the four elements were and they’re playing rap genre in these nightclubs.”
5. Do you provide services for any companies exclusively?
“I work with quite a few companies. I’m a multi-faceted professional. I have an eclectic assortment of clients. Pnina Tornai recently hired me to structure soundtracks for their fashion shows which is a stretch from my usual dealings. I’m not here to promote any outlets although all of my clients know that I am efficient and professional in all of my services. I’m always looking to expand my portfolio. Feel free to contact my management (TCNManagementGroup@gmail.com) with any inquiries.”
6. How do you feel about the mobile DJ business and/or private engagements?
“I’m a true entertainer. I embrace society as a whole. I love to perform for any individual that enjoys a performance by The Untouchable DJ Drastic. I’ve done the high-end Super Sweet 16 thing and I have a great time. People love it when I come to their modest environment and I still have the same energy as if I was in an arena. As a DJ, I consider myself multi-faceted. You get the same performance from me whether there are 10 or 10,000 people.”
7. What makes you better than the competition?
“I’m very competitive but I try refrain from giving myself a heart attack. I view other industry professionals as my peers. I have the utmost respect for their contributions to the business as I hope they would for my own. As far a generic disc jockey, they’re not competition to me. I’m in the belly of the beast. I don’t have respect for individuals that are part-time or are in the quote-unquote business for the wrong reasons. I can respect one’s passion for the craft but it’s difficult for me to respect them as professionals.”
8. What’s on the horizon for you?
“I’m getting ready to go to back to the United Kingdom to represent what I do in a major way. I’m going to be blasting off on Oxygen FM107.9 on the 26th of December. I’m also going to do a club run. I’ll be back in the states for New Years Eve. The American King Music family has a brand new MIMS album on the way. The single right now is “Move” and it’s bubbling on radio. I just finished shooting scenes for a new movie called, “Monkey Gang.” It’s hilarious and that’ll be out next year. I’m also in the studio working on an album in addition to a new project with The Grind Kings set to be released next year. I would definitely like to shoot a music video mid-2009 as well. I recently signed a contract to produce comedy sketches for DAPS (www.DogandPonyShowWebsite.com) and that’ll be out mid-2009. I also have an apparel line and a liquor to endorse next year. Other than that, I plan on staying in the clubs and continuing to impact radio on my mission to find my ideal outlet and/or comfort zone professionally.
I always say that I’m one man doing the job of twenty in the lifetime of one. My personal goal is to find a good woman, get married, have a daughter, take care of my mother, and continue to focus on my career. We’re in exceptional times as a country. I don’t come from much therefore I never take for granted what I have and/or how fast it can be taken away even on my best day.
Thank you to NightlifeInNYC for holding me down and constantly supporting me as a professional. Y’all blog look like it was made just for me. I respect that. Real; Respect; Real.”
-Interview: “Big Mo” (www.NightlifeInNYC.com)
Adapted From http://www.NightlifeInNYC.com
Friday July 24th, 2009
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DJ Drastic® 