JOIN USSwinging to interactive beats
DJ Nathan and DJ Ivan, who are part of the band called ‘Ministry of Sound’, performed to a full house in the City recently.
Nathan belongs to the younger breed of DJs while Ivan was one among the first to introduce DJing and play a substantial role in giving DJing an identity of its own.
The DJs spoke to Metrolife about how the world of DJing has evolved and grown over the years. Both musicians say dedication and commitment are necessary to get into the art and keep it alive.
“There may be ups and downs in the career of a DJ. Nothing is consistent and you can’t expect results too soon but you have to keep doing it,” explains Ivan. Both these musicians always knew they wanted to get into serious DJing.
Nathan had interned with a recording studio in London and that’s when he decided he wanted to be a DJ. Ivan rebelled and went against the wishes of his family to chase his dream.
Soon, Nathan began mixing sounds and today, he agrees that DJing is a serious business. “I always mix a bit of everything — the old and the new. The music has to be interactive and should be something which the young can relate to.
A DJ must be able to get the crowds swinging. That’s the biggest challenge,” explains Nathan, who feels house music and progressive rock are the most preferred genres among the young. He also thinks young Indians are taking to trance music in a big way.
This is Nathan’s very first visit to India and in addition to devoting time to hearing new sounds, Nathan has found time to explore the food. “I love the curries in India. The naan and chicken in any form are good for me,” he says.
It’s a different story with DJ Ivan who says that he still hasn’t got enough even after 20-odd years of DJing. “I am an entertainer and will always be one.
The DJing scene has thrown up so many opportunities much more than when I started. I think that it is only an openness to new sounds that will work in today’s competitive world,” reasons Ivan.
He feels that body language and a knack to get the crowd to groove to your beat is more challenging than mixing new sounds.
“Technology has made it easier to mix and match sounds. Your eye and hand communication with those on the dance floor will give you a feel of what kind of music they want. I know exactly what people want,” he sums up.