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Hey gang! This week we are heading to Tampa, Florida to catch up with the Drum & Bass maestro that is Catch22

Where are you from and where are you living now (if different)

I was born in Columbus, Ohio and moved around the Midwest. I lived in Indianapolis, Indiana till I was 27 before moving down to Tampa, Florida to be my Mother’s full time caretaker for her early onset of Alzheimer’s.

How did you come up with your DJ name?

Catch22 was given to me by my friends from the wonderful way life treats me some weeks! The phrase means, “Stuck between a rock and a hard place.” People around me always joked that I had the worst luck in the world. I use to the think the same until I walked away from a car accident that should have killed me. Now I realize how lucky and fortunate I am, each and every day.

What’s your equipment list?

2 x Technics 1200M3D
1 Technics 1210M3D
Tonar Bananas needles,
Pioneer DJM-900NSX2,
Pioneer XP-1,
Pioneer HDJ-X10-K headphones,
MonoPrice Stage Right 8″ Studio Monitors w/ Stage Right Sub.
Elgato Stream Deck
Rode NT1
Sony A5100 with 7.5mm
Gopro 8, 2x Gopro 7, Gopro 4
Custom built turntable stand and record shelves

Where did your musical journey begin?

I started playing my Mom’s 1970’s records at a young age, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, were a few. Then I my Mom would take me to flea markets, so I could find some records for myself. Then sitting in the front seat singing songs with her. I still have all of those records, still today.

What made you decide to take up DJing?

I worked as a graphic designer for a company that primarily did mass runs of Rave flyers for the U.S. The owner of the company was a Rave promoter from the early 1990s. At the office we had turntables setup and I would attempt to mix his records on my lunch break. Then one day, I stuck a mix and the rest was history.

What are some of your interests/hobbies/passions outside of streaming/DJing?

This question brings a quote to my mind every time people ask me it. “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” My hobby, I would say is learning new things. I love to weld, work on cars, remodel houses, build or fix things that people say can’t be fixed, restore old pinball machines. Anything that I find challenging, I like to see if I can overcome that challenge, but like the quote, I am far from a master of one.

When did you start DJing on Twitch?

After my accident, I wasn’t really able to do much. I lost the feeling in my hands, and I couldn’t walk very well, so I never thought I would be able to dj again. I had always gamed with some friends from my home town and jokingly they gave me a hard time and said that I should stream as I couldn’t do much else. Challenge accepted! My first gaming stream was on April 6th 2018. One day, I was bored, and I was scrolling through Twitch, and all the way to the bottom and low and behold I saw a DNB streamer, the next day found a few more and joined a Discord and started asking for help, and then on August 31st, 2019 I delivered my first Dj Stream. It was an uphill battle to teach myself how to dj without feeling in my hands, and not being able to stand for that long. Being able to push myself more and more each week really helped me and I owe that push all to my supportive wife and Twitch community.

Is there anything you really hope to accomplish in your life, whether it be related to music or not?

To be honest, I have everything in my life, except for health! I just want to be healthy! With lots of Physical therapy and training I know I will achieve this one day!! Plus, I want to start and press a record under 1134.

Who are some of your favourite streamers? Why?

Too many to list, but I’ll shout out a couple:

Forgive_1134 Killer mixture of styles and sounds.
Cryptoshell for his energy and skill of mixing.
Guddah for his love of the community and his wild digital mixing style
Dj_B_Style for his friendship and knowledge of the classics.
Spinscott for his wicked live performances on twitch.
916Junglist with his show Djs Not Djing and how it helps out the community.
GoldenChildNYC for knowing every sample ever used.
The_Boiler_Kitchen for being the first DJ stream I watched on twitch!
Tmocs for his help starting out on twitch.

What is your favorite genre to play? Why?

Intelligent Jungle, it reminds me of the long drive home from raves, with the windows down, sun coming up, reflecting on the wonderful night that you had. This style of was dubbed “future music” and imo still could be considered this. I love to be able to show people this style of music and still search records labels and discogs to show people this side of music!

What are some of the most memorable events you’ve participated in or streamed?

Guddah’s ‘Make a Change’ raid or his ‘No Shave November’ and me using a straight razor to shave off my chops to a stunned chatroom. The Cheap Vinyl Challenge that DJ Bstyle and I put on. But my all time favorite thing to do is being sneaky and doing a pop up, and raiding into someone for their Birthday! The look on their face just really warms up the soul.

What does Team Brisk mean to you?

A wonderful collective of some of the best artistes in the world (not just this platform) with extremely talented people outside of djing as well! Just a wealth of knowledge and some top notch people! A huge bigups to Brisk for coming up with ideas, just like this!

What’s your favorite thing about DJing on Twitch?

What I have dubbed Boomer mixing!!! When you blend two tunes together for an extended amount of time to create a whole tune, and if you nail it just right it gives you goose bumps. When this happens, everything in the world just melts away, the pain, the troubles of the day, or with work, it all just fades away. Nothing can ever replace that feeling. Also, Meeting so many new friends, and hearing new Jungle tunes. Plus, the instant feedback and love the community has shared with me, time and time again. And last but not least, trying to see how many things I can while streaming, Multi tasking is a fun way to push yourself!

What is a challenge you’ve faced as a DJ/streamer?

Trying to not have resting bitch face when I am mixing LOL. Sticking to a schedule was a uphill battle, but it really has paid off, not just for Twitch, but it has helped me in life as well. The toughest part about Twitch is attempting to support all the awesome new streamers that stepped in during the pandemic! There is just not enough time for all these amazing new dj’s and viewers that I have met, and hopefully many more to come.

Do you have any special projects, streams or events you would like to tell us about?

Syrup Spundayz 11am EST to 4pm EST Intelligent Pretty Jungle on Vinyl. Old School Jungle and Choppage on Thursday 4pm EST to 8pm EST. Also working on putting out a vinyl under 1134.

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out and/or thank?

The whole community, the awesome partners like Brisk that have not only formed epic teams but have continued to help community members and elevate the whole scene!

Give us your links!
Twitch
Everything else HERE

This week we are heading to Hull, UK for a snapshot of the one, the only, Steve Disco Newsome!

Where are you from and where are you living now?

I originally dropped from the gusset of my Mother many moons ago. I was raised in the North of England, but soon realised I’d had enough of the place and moved somewhere even more shit, HULL. (For those of you not from the UK, look at your hand and imagine its the UK. Well, I’m where your first finger meets your thumb (If you were looking at your right hand). If you weren’t looking at your right hand, then you should have been cos I have no idea where I live on your left hand. NEXT QUESTION!

How did you come up with your DJ name?

I used to live with a guy called Matty Henshaw. Matty liked Disco so I started calling him ‘Disco Matt’. In return he thought it was funny to call me ‘Disco Steve’. Unfortunately mine stuck and since that day I’ve been Steve “Disco” Newsome. Originally it was just ‘Disco’ but it didn’t work on flyers, so the longer version was born.

What’s your equipment list?

I run two different set ups. I travel with a Pioneer DJ SX3 controller. I love this because its easy for shifting between venues (not all venues in the UK supply equipment).

As for my home studio, I run a Serato S11 mixer alongside 2 x Technics 1210s including DVS. I use the old school Shure SM58 microphone in both situations. I run my music from a MacBook pro. I’ve tried rocking up to gigs with USB sticks but have had a shit success rate and there’s nowt worse than that things not working on the night!

Where did your musical journey begin?

Back in the 1980s and late 1970s. I started at an early age, like many DJs of my age (get fucked Brisk I know you’ll have something funny to say about my age!), mixing tapes together and figuring out how to make cassettes for people without the ability of turntables. My first paid gig happened when I was about 15 and I played the local community centre, my wage was just £2 (true story). They got pissed off with me though because I used to turn up with a guest list, hahahaha WHAT? The kids disco soon turned into an adult get together and they didn’t know what hit them. I stayed for about a year and then found nightclubs. Luckily my uncle was a doorman at the local club so I could get in. Looking back I must have looked mental Dan in a nightclub at 15 but it was the 1980s and no one really cared.

What made you decide to take up DJing?

The idea of massive orgies, swimming in piles of cash like Scrooge McDuck and all the Pot Noodle you can eat. Only joking, it’s good for morale! The truth is I didn’t decide to become a DJ, I was already one. I decided to go professional when I realised I could make a career out of it in 1996. I won a DJ comp that I wasn’t officially taking part in. I was warming the room up for the competitors.

What are some of your interests/hobbies/passions outside of streaming/DJing?

Underground fight club marbles. It’s awesome. You play marbles and if you lose, you wrestle your opponent to the ground, belt him and grab your marbles back. First rule of underground marble fight club is no bongies or skatz. Erm but seriously, I have no spare time to have fun. DJing is what I do. It’s work, but it’s also my hobby.

When did you start streaming on Twitch?

A couple of years ago now. In the first week of Covid 19 lockdown in the UK, I started streaming on Facebook every day, but was getting shut down faster than Boris Johnson after party due to their music algorithm. Eventually Facebook banned me for 6months. I shoved my finger up at the platform and jumped to Twitch. My first ever stream was my playing Gears of War, badly. I did some followers though and my brain went DING! (This was either a good idea or I’d stood to close to the microwave door as it opened.) Either way, I jumped on Twitch and the rest is history.

Is there anything you really hope to accomplish in your life, whether it be related to music or not?

Nah not really, I’m happy as I am. If good things happen (which they do as we both know) then so be it. I grind daily at everything I do (well except grinding because no one is ready for this jelly) and sometimes things stick and go on to be a success and the things that don’t, get dropped. When you get to my age you’re happy your eyes opened in the morning. Grumpy fucker aren’t I, hahaha 🙂

Who are some of your favourite streamers? Why?

Does this mean I have to say you? FFS BRISK…. (Ok let go of my arm I’ll say it…. Put the pen down and what’s with the Jack Russel and ziplock bag…. I’LL SAY IT!)
Of course you’re one of my favourites. I can’t mention everyone though because I’d be here all day. I will tell you though, who my absolute favourite to watch is……………. Paul? Where you go Paul? What’s that buzzing? PAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL!

What is your favourite genre to play? Why?

I can’t narrow it down to one genre and there are too many styles these days. I love stuff that has a jack to it. A nice crispy jack. Mmmmmmmmm crisps…… what was the question again?

What are some of the most memorable events you’ve participated in or streamed?

Hands down the times I played on Sunday Mass for David Morales, but on a self stream accomplishment level, It’s gotta be the charity stream I did for Alzheimers. IRL wise, there’s a ton, but warming up for Sandy Rivera was very memorable. I also warmed up for the Cheeky Girls (also memorable). CHEEKY, CHEEKY!

What does Team Brisk mean to you?

Team Brisk was my first step into a team on Twitch, so it means the world to me. It was my first “LOOK WHAT I DID MUM!” Moments on the platform. Unfortunately it means I now have you (Brisk) as a mate, but it’s a small price to pay to be in such an awesome team.

What’s your favourite thing about DJing on Twitch?

FREEDOM! Twitch has allowed me to be the DJ (and comedian) I think I am. If IRL was like twitch it would be sick! Twitch folk understand. I love the community on Twitch.

What is a challenge you’ve faced as a DJ/streamer?

Challenging? Hmmmmmm, I don’t think I ever found anything challenging. This might be a pain in the F A*** but not challenging. If you want an answer though. Building Twitch was a challenge in the beginning and the grind is still challenging. Getting to the bathroom without trapping my nuts in the carpet grips is challenging, but Dj wise I’ll have to think about that one.

Do you have any special projects, streams or events you would like to tell us about?

Not really, I’m constantly doing stuff but I’d be here all day. I’m thinking about doing a charity stream when I hit 10k followers on Twitch. Maybe a 10k run and a 10 hour stream for the local hospital I raised money for before, but I’ve not put the wheels in motion yet. There’s a rumour on the underground marble fight club vine that I’m getting interviewed by Lenny Fontana on True House Heroes and I can confirm this it the truth but not set a date yet. Follow Lenny to find out Twitch.tv/lennyfontanaofficial

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out and/or thank?

My mum because without her, none of this would be possible. And you (Brisk), of course for this glorious interview xxx

Give us your links!

Twitch
Mixcloud
Instagram
Discoandbriskdodallas.org

This week we are heading to Las Vegas, USA as we drop in to see our friend, the legendary DJ Mondo!

Where are you from and where are you living now?
I am from Tampa Florida, and now I live in Las Vegas Nevada USA.

How did you come up with your DJ name?

Well, my real name is Armando, and short for Armando is “Mando” but as people didn’t pronounce it like I wanted them too. I then eventually changed the “a” to “o” and settled on DJ Mondo.
 
What’s your equipment list?
 
Not much, I have an Pioneer RX3 controller and two Technics 1200 turntables ( I still have my first pair of 1200s I bought in 1997).
 
Where did your musical journey begin?

I would say, December 8th , 1980, the day John Lennon got shot in NYC. It was on the news and my grand mother started crying. I asked her why she was crying and she said “They Killed John Lennon”. I replied who is John Lennon? ‘The Beatles!!!!’  she told me. So she began pulling Beatles albums and playing the records for me. That is my fist memory of music really.
 

What made you decide to take up DJing?

I was always messing in my room with music. Had a cheap mixer and I would record tapes for me and my friends. While i was in college at the University of South Florida. I had a room mate who was in a Fraternity and  they had lots of parties at local clubs. So one night the DJ they hired for a party did not show up. So my roommate called me and told me to fill in. I did, it was an amazing experience and a great night. So then the owner of the club asked me if I wanted to dj every week. I said YES.

What are some of your interests/hobbies/passions outside of streaming/DJing?

Before my son was born, I enjoyed building models of circuses. Im from a circus family and yeah that’s how that hobby came about. BUT more recently my passion is being a Father to my 3 year old son AJ.
 

When did you start streaming on Twitch?

I started streaming on Twitch and affiliated exactly 2 years ago this July.
 

Is there anything you really hope to accomplish in your life, whether it be related to music or not?

I just want to be a good person, make some tunes people enjoy. Making some people dance. Being a good Dad to my Son. I kinda just go with the flow and see where life takes me. But I guess a goal is just to be “Happy”

Who are some of your favourite streamers? Why?

That’s a tough question, because I enjoy a lot of djs on Twitch but I would have to say the ones that stimulate me “musically” I love hearing good music that is new and undiscovered. But I also enjoy those djs with fun outgoing personalities. Im there to have fun and be entertained a bit.  
 

What is your favourite genre to play? Why?

Here is another tough question: for me, I LIKE  IT ALL really. I like almost every form or genre of electronic dance music. But If I had to throw out some genres I would say: House, Electro House, Big Room, Breaks, and even some Trap.
 

What are some of the most memorable events you’ve participated in or streamed?

Gosh there are so many, 20 years worth of countless memorable events. And now with streams added. I don’t know where to start really. I have to say my residencies here in Las Vegas at Omnia, Hakkasan, Wet Republic, leave me with great memories that I will never forget. BUT as the saying goes, “what happens in vegas, stays in vegas” . Yeah that’s all I can say. 😊
 

What does Team Brisk mean to you?

One word, TEAM!

What’s your favourite thing about DJing on Twitch?

Just being accessible to share music with viewers all over the world at any given moment. Its Great
 

What is a challenge you’ve faced as a DJ/streamer?

As a DJ: just keeping up with the times. You have to evolve and embrace change. If you don’t evolve you get left behind.
As a Streamer: Same thing. my challenge is trying to keep my streams fresh. With music and visuals. You have to always keep evolving and trying new things.
 

Do you have any special projects, streams or events you would like to tell us about?

Yeah July 22nd 2022 I have a new tune coming out with Dance Stash. Track called Fade Away. It will be available everywhere. Please check it out – Fade Away (Dj Mondo remix) – Dance Stash
Also I will be having a 2 year Twitch anniversary stream soon and also a 4000 Followers celebration stream. I am currently about 10 follows away from 4000 as we speak.

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out and/or thank?

Yes. I would like to give a shout out to all my Twitch MODS. Thanks for helping me Do what I do. You all are amazing! And Also all you viewers out there,  thanks for the positive energy and support!

Give us your links!
Website
Twitch
Instagram
Facebook  
Soundcloud

We are heading to Washington State, US this week as we take as take an inside look into the realms of virtual worlds in which the amazing Nephtanica reigns supreme!

Where are you from and where are you living now?

Washington State, USA

How did you come up with your DJ name?

My Name came from the term the term Nephilai, which is a mythological water fairy, but I later found it was easier and more fitting to describe me as a Nephilim. This made more sense due to the term meaning basically hybrid, between two species so the name is a hybrid between the term Nephilim and a comic book called Satanika.

What’s your equipment list?

Motherboard: ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING
Cpu: Ryzen 7 5800x 8 Core 3800Mhz
Ram: Corsair Vengance x4 16gb (64gb) 3400mhz
Graphics: Asus TUF RTX 3090 factory overclocked
PSU: Be Quiet 80+ platinum 1000 watt
Monitor: AOC 1920×1080 144hz
HD: Seagate 4tb GreenLabel, M.2 SSD: 1tb Samsung pro

Where did your musical journey begin?

When I was born my Dad was massively into music and although we do not see eye to eye, he is a professional musician who primarily plays the guitar, so I’ve been around music my whole life as a result.

What made you decide to take up DJing?

I originally wanted to be in a Metal band, but I didn’t necessarily want to follow my fathers footsteps, and I got introduced to the EDM Scene in Virtual Reality Chat and a few of my friends (who I met that day) were all EDM producers and DJs. I witnessed one of my first Virtual DJ events and I didn’t think I would’ve wanted to be a DJ, but I surprised myself just last year and bought my first DJ controller (a Pioneer DDJ 400). I was only shown how to DJ once and just barley one year later, here I am one of the best DJ’s on VR Chat as well as one of the heaviest. And funnily enough it was a fellow Team Brisk member who helped me to set it up, my friend – Itslumivr!

What are some of your interests/hobbies/passions outside of streaming/DJing?

3D modelling and playing first person shooters and multiplayer online role-playing games.

When did you start streaming on Twitch?

I started streaming back in 2015, it’s been an amazing journey so far!

Is there anything you really hope to accomplish in your life, whether it be related to music or not?

I want to become a music producer and go from being just a DJ to being one of the best Tearout/Horror EDM producers as well as becoming more successful on Twitch.

Who are some of your favourite streamers? Why?

Roflgator, DJBrisk, Jouffa, Gap_Gap and many, many more. But in all honesty, when I became a full time streamer myself, I have stopped watching streams as much due to time constraints.

What is your favourite genre to play? Why?

Tearout, because most people assume I play the music I do because I’m angry, and maybe at times that’s true, but the main reason is because a huge heavy Tearout Dubstep drop is one of the few things in music thats ever made me actually feel happy and smile! I’ve always related a lot better to depressive heavy post Hardcore Metal and I’d never have known what it was like to feel happy when listening to a music style until well last year when i heard the artist Marauda, a Tearout Dubstep artist. From there I’ve just gotten more and more into it and now I’m inspired to make the music too, or at the very least, try my best.

What are some of the most memorable events you’ve participated in or streamed?

Well it was a VR Chat community called ‘Kawaii Till Die’, and what made it so memorable was the fact when I started playing, the world went from 20 to almost 80 people in the lobby and I had the entire audience up front head banging their legs up on the DJ booth, vibing hard! Hearing everyone screaming made me realise I’ve never felt so much energy in my life! It kinda made me realise that I’d found another way to do music. It was a life changing experience and one I will never forget.

What does Team Brisk mean to you?

Everything Team Brisk has been the most accepting most amazing and loving community. I’ve been through a lot in my life, from feeling extremely low feeling and no one really caring (this was prior to streaming). I’ve never felt such a strong sense of ‘family’ in my life, even though I still feel I’m extremely ‘out there’. To have Brisk be accepting of me and the style I play, dude there is no one i look up to more than the man himself. Brisk seriously thank you for letting me be apart of you family and apart of something so positive!

What’s your favourite thing about DJing on Twitch?

The people who love it and seeing everyone hype in the chat, the feeling of making people’s sorrows dissapear and seeing us as ‘one people’ and not all the negative things in life.

What is a challenge you’ve faced as a DJ/streamer?

Back in 2015 people made fun of me, a lot, due to my voice and the raspy nature of it. Being female I also got called alot of things, but that aside, the hardest thing was learning how to DJ without being able to see my controller due to wearing a VR headset on my head!

Do you have any special projects, streams or events you would like to tell us about?

Well I would like to try and do a Team Brisk event in VR Chat and I also run a monthly event called ‘Soulfest’ in VR Chat, which is a ‘head bangers ball’, with basically all the heaviest and best DJs I can find play for my Virtual Club ‘Soul Well’.

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out and/or thank?

DJBrisk
Char_DJ
Roflgator
Gap_Gap
Itslumivr
S0ra
Castle
Tukitorch
Darklordkris
Jouffa

Links? (add your socials etc here):

Twitch
Twitter
Instagram

Introducing our very own Cornish Pasty, DJ Brady!

Where are you from and where are you living now? 

I was born in a city called Truro which is located in Cornwall, UK, but I grew up in a area called Pool with my Mum, sister & brother but to moved to Camborne, where I still reside. 

How did you come up with your DJ name? 

All throughout my school & college years a lot of my friends have always called me by my family name, which is Brady and I was thinking to myself I might as well use this isn’t stuck with me since I was 18! I nearly went by the name of ‘DJ Blaze’ based on the character from the classic Sega Megadrive game, ‘Streets of Rage’ but had second thoughts and stuck with ‘Brady’.  

What’s your equipment list? 

DJ Equipment:
Pioneer XDJ-RX2 
Headphones:
Pioneer HDJ-X5-K 
Speakers:
2x Pioneer S-DJ50X 
Cameras:
Logitech Pro C920 Full HD Webcam
Logitech C270 HD Webcam 
DJ Software:
Rekordbox

Where did your musical journey begin?

My journey began when in 1997 when I was was 7 years old. My sister would play music loud and told me to listen to dance tracks such as Snap! – Rhythm Is A Dancer, Culture Beat – “Mr. Vain”, 2 Unlimited – “No Limit”, Technotronic – “Pump Up The Jam and Sash! – “Ecuador”, but their are so many to list we could be here all day listing classic dance anthems from the late 1990s. Fast forward a years later and Bonkers, Hardcore Heaven, Hard House Euphoria, Clubland and various Ministry of Sound albums were released, which grabbed my attention. Since a young age i’ve been listening to all sorts of dance genres including Hardcore, Drum & Bass, Trance, Hard House, Hardstyle, Techno and House music.      

What made you decide to take up DJing?

Since the age of 7 when I knew dance music was the number one genre that made me just fall in love. The energy in the tracks just just gives you that happy feeling to just get up and dance, I knew right then it would stick with me for the rest of my life. To this day I still have a huge passion for the music I enjoyed back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  

What are some of your interests, hobbies, passions outside of streaming/DJing?

I really love playing Pool and Snooker and I’ve been in Pool teams playing in the pub leagues in previous years. I also used to work out at the gym, which I really need to get back into and find the motivation to start training again, but I’m finding it difficult to find the time. I used to enjoy Badminton and Football with my friend back in my school years, but my main hobby now is music production on a part time basis. 

When did you start streaming on Twitch?

I started streaming on Twitch about just over two years ago it was just when the Covid 19 pandemic hit the world around February 2020. My first stream was on my own Twitch channel after maybe two months streaming on the platform, I received a message from Brisk asking me if I would be interested in joining the guys on Team Brisk.

Is there anything you really hope to accomplish in your life, whether it be related to music or not?

I’ve played DJ gigs locally around Cornwall and other parts of the UK, but I would love to play in different countries such as America, Australia, Japan, Germany, Holland and more. I am playing in Seattle, Washington thanks to Dulcedeejay has very kindly set up a event called ‘Under The Sea’ dedicated to me! I’ll have the opportunity to play alongside my friends and fellow Team Brisk members, Discobento, Turbolicious, Hazel Zen, J-Note and K-zar and other local Seattle artists, so I’m really excited about that!    

Who are some of your favourite streamers? Why?

Oh wow! There are so many to mention here and my list would be huge, but I’m really enjoying sets from DJ Brisk, Char, Amber D, Kzar, J-Note, Mr Relax, DJ Skittlez, DJ Fireblade, Hazel Zen, Rave Anywhere (DJ C), Omega, Spin Spin Super, Jimnicricket, Faithintheglitch, Yogurtbazooka, DJ Bouncy, DJ Sakebomb, Joey Riot, Kidkaboom, Evalynnmusic, Rallendj, Turbolicious, Discobento, Sojuhero, Soughboy, DJ Soulr, Ian K, Daghardcore, No Left Turn, Violit TV, DJ Risque, Andy DJ34m Hiams, DJ Tatts, bored Ravers, Krystal Ravegirl, Lyzz-E, Dummy, DJ Magic Mike, Kitsune DJ, DJ Wheelz, DJ Check6, Alaguan, DJ Pepperjack, Scartat, Psymill, Gregorledahl, DJ Shorty K, Hartshorn, DJ Danny C, Viperstar, ItsDJBooters, Kutski, Elhornet. I could go on and on as I have so many favourites and it’s really hard to choose because they all have their own unique skills they bring to the table. 

What is your favourite genre to play? Why?

UK Hardcore is the specific music style will stay in my heart forever. I first started first listening to that genre back in 2007 and I’ve been playing it in venues since I was 18 years old. I just love the energy it brings and it just puts you in a happy and uplifting mood. I also love playing Trance, Hard Dance and Drum and Bass. I love the crowd pleasing melodies in Trance and Hard Dance that just makes you come alive more and Drum and Bass is just so fun to mix.  

What are some of the most memorable events you’ve participated in or streamed?

I would pick playing at Boxed Bar music venue in Leicester, UK where I represented a music label called ‘Eternally Hardcore’ and it was just a fun night to play alongside great DJs such as Alex Prospect. I’ve also delivered a lot of online stream events, mostly being on Facebook and Twitch, with the most memorable ones having been the Team Brisk raid trains featuring the S3rl & Brisk back to back DJ sessions.  

What does Team Brisk mean to you?

I would say my favourite thing about Team Brisk is how well everyone supports each and the community outside of Team Brisk is just mind blowing as well! I love how everyone works together in the team and helps each other to reach their goals. I’ve been on Team Brisk for two years now and I I’m one of the earlier members to join, but ever since joining it’s just been an awesome experience and I will always be thankful to the team and Brisk himself and will always be there to help out much as i can. 

What’s your favourite thing about DJing on Twitch?

I would say the community for sure as per the previous question. The support is just awesome sometimes I am overwhelmed! I always love how you can play out so many music genres outside of your own comfort zone and people will always be there for you with support, even it’s not their personal preference with music that they would not usually listen to.  

What is a challenge you’ve faced as a DJ/streamer?

Sometimes internet issues get in the way for streaming, but I understand that is a common thing that can happen to all streamers in general. Once again, the community still stick around and wait for you once you have the problems fixed. I’m happy in someways when it happens because you learn more about the technical side of things and you learn how to make your streams better from it and grow your knowledge base. 

Do you have any special projects, streams or events you would like to tell us about?

I’m mainly focusing growing my Twitch channel and producing more music, but unfortunately, I can only produce music on a part time basis as I don’t always have much available free time. I can see myself streaming on Twitch as a long term proposition as love it so much and it can get very addictive! As I mentioned before, I’m headlining a event in Seattle, Washington which I’m very excited about. My sense of humour gets a little naughty at times, but I still have a heart and just love everyone.   

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out and/or thank?

I would like to thank all the Team Brisk members for their incredible support and Briskrisk himself for inviting me on the team. If it was not for Brisk then I would not be where I am today. I would also like to thank the Twitch community as a while and I’ve met some awesome viewers and DJs that have now become my friends. Hopefully in the future we will party together in real life! I would also like to thank CUNextTuezdae, she is one of the people on Twitch that took me on for lots of her online events.     

Links:

Twitch
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
MixCloud
SoundCloud

We head to Perth, Western Australia for this week’s featured stream as we visit the Queen Of Drum & Bass on Twitch, the legendary Char!

Where are you from and where are you living now?

I was born in Plymouth, England. I emigrated from the UK at the age of 9 with my parents and brother to Perth, Western Australia, where I still currently reside.

What’s your equipment list?

DJ Controller: Pioneer DDJ-1000
Headphones: Sennheiser HD25
Studio Monitors: KRK Rokit RP8
Subwoofer: KRK S12.4
Camera: GoPro Hero 8 Black
Microphone: Shure SM58
Audio Interface: Behringer UCA-222
Streaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion 5
Elgato Streamdeck
Lights: Elgato Key Light, Nanoleaf Lines, Flood Lights, Philips Hue Bulbs

Where did your musical journey begin?

I don’t remember a time before music, music has surrounded me my entire life. As a young child, my grandfather and uncle were both always playing music, whether it was the piano, organ, guitar or singing.

My parents are massive music lovers and always had music pumping in the house, they loved to party. That’s something I’ve always loved and still cherish about them. Music has definitely been the one constant for me throughout my life.

I got into the harder dance genres at around 14 and started attending under age raves and events, that’s when I discovered my unwavering love for Drum and Bass. At age 16 is when my brother and myself realised we both loved Drum and Bass. It brought us together as friends and re-connected us. We would absolutely geek out, sharing tracks, DJ sets and discussing MC’s with each other. We loved every aspect of the scene and culture.

If my love of the music wasn’t already strong, this truly propelled me into an absolute obsession. I was hooked.

What made you decide to take up DJing?

My pure obsession for the genre and the love of the music. I’d always be the one in control of the music, hosting all our friends gatherings and parties and I’d be the music geek in the corner, playing all my new discoveries. Constantly listening to DJ sets, attending events and hunting new tracks, I wanted even further control myself. I loved hearing how DJs would craft a set, it would feel like telling a story through music with how they would take you on a journey through sound.

Hearing two tracks come together to create a whole new sound would always excite me and I knew that’s what I wanted to do whenever I found new tracks. I wanted that creative freedom, to be able to fly through tracks, curate a story, manipulate the sounds, take elements from one track and lay it over another. Transition from something that hits you in the chest emotionally to something that just makes you want to get up and jump. It’s as if there was no other choice but to take up DJing for me. The natural progression bred from obsession.

In 2006-2007 myself and my best friend would host massive open parties at his mum’s property.
We would hire DJ decks and PA systems, of course that’s where I’d spend my whole nights, around the decks and tinkering with the tech. It was in 2008 where I could finally afford my own set up and that was it. My love only grew deeper and it became my outlet, my down time and my time to energise. Therapeutic.

What are some of your interests/hobbies/passions outside of streaming/DJing?

Horror! My love of the Horror genre runs almost as deep as my love for music. That has to easily be one of my biggest passions outside of DJing, another obsession if you will.

Beach days is something my mates and I love. There’s no better way to unwind than to get together and chill out with a beer and tunes pumping. 4WD’ing (Off road 4 wheel driving) is something I also love to do. Put on some music, drive and get lost in the world where nothing else matters.

Exploring and travel, is one thing I love and would love to do more of.

When did you start streaming on Twitch?

I started streaming on twitch at the very end of July 2021. Like a lot of people, I thought Twitch was a site just for gamers. I wish I had known that there were music categories sooner. I’ve been missing out on not only so much talent out there, but the opportunity to create bonds with so many likeminded people who are just as passionate as myself.

Is there anything you really hope to accomplish in your life, whether it be related to music or not?

Honestly, this may seem cheesy, and not the way others interpret this question. What I want to accomplish in life is simple success. Of course everyone wants success, but what success is to you, may be different to what that is for me. For me success is being happy within yourself. It’s being passionate, loving what you do and staying true to yourself and helping others with kindness and compassion.

It’s living a fulfilling life, loving your lifestyle, being appreciative for what you have and what comes your way. Never losing sight of why you started something to begin with. To me, this is what some of the greatest accomplishments in life can be. This is what living a rewarding life sounds like to me, true success. Now that’s not to say I don’t have bigger goals, we should always aim higher, strive to be better. Learn. Grow. Dream big. But without accomplishing those basics I don’t think I’d feel nearly as happy and successful as I do.

Music and stream related, I’m so grateful and humbled with what I’ve already achieved on the platform in this short span of time. The reason I started twitch was to share my love and passion for music and meet likeminded people. Everyone faces hardship in life, so I wanted to create a space where we can just share a laugh and hopefully help people take their minds away from all the daily struggles, even if just for a brief moment.

I want to continue doing that, helping support and build up other streamers, all while expanding and growing myself. I’ve grown so quickly in such a short period of time. My biggest accomplishment was definitely achieving partner in less than 6 months and I couldn’t be more proud or grateful for that achievement.

Who knows what the future brings. I’m just excited to be on this journey and am going to enjoy the ride.

Who are some of your favourite streamers? Why?

Argh, there are just too many! I’m going to have to keep my list short, as I could list 100’s as I have so many favourites and I’m discovering more every week! I have to start with the entirety of Team Brisk. I truly love watching everyone on their journeys. What a talented group of individuals, always incredible vibes and we’ve all shared some amazing moments and laughs together.

DJ Brisk (the well endowed studmuffin!)
My ladies in bass MissChessKnight & HeyItsIpo
DJ Magic Mike
Rallen (top bloke!)
Violit
DJ Brady
Mr Relax
Vlouue

What is your favourite genre to play? Why?

Drum & Bass! It’s my favourite genre to listen to and play, there’s just so much variety in the one genre. No matter your mood, there’s a subgenre of D&B that fits that mood. The atmosphere and ambiance that varies from track to track. I love how energetic it is, also how hard hitting emotionally it can be.
There are no limitations to how you can mix it, so the level of creativity you can have with it is unlike any other genre. It’s always fun and interesting which keeps it fresh, exciting and I’m constantly able to push myself.

What are some of the most memorable events you’ve participated in or streamed?

Easily the Team Brisk events, they’re such a blast and level of camaraderie we feel when we all come together to support each other in what we do is
just beautiful to see. Makes me so proud to be part of this community.

Bass nights with MissChessKnight & HeyItsIpo. 16+ hours of all bass music with two incredibly talented women is an absolute honour. From flute tings to running on no sleep, streaming in delirium is hilarious. It’s an absolute blast and pleasure to work alongside them.

What does Team Brisk mean to you?

When I see the words “Team Brisk” a few keywords spring to mind. Love, Support, talent, passion.
Team Brisk is an extremely supportive community of likeminded people, all coming together to help build each other up and achieve our goals. We’re all super passionate about what we do, and want to be able to help each other succeed in our own individual journeys.

Watching the team all rally around another team member when they’re close to a goal is so heart-warming, I’ve not witnessed anything else like it. The team boasts some of the best talent on the platform and I’m always in awe watching other team members. The Variety and diversity are unlike any other, and the quality is unmatched. The team is full of the kindest, loving, accepting, and not to mention hilarious people I’ve ever come across in my life.

It’s a joy, an honour and a privilege to have met all the amazing people on the team and to be part of it! I couldn’t be prouder. The love, compassion, care for one another, support, encouragement, all while staying true to ourselves, as we work together to kick our goals, is everything I love about Team Brisk.

Without the love and support of the team backing me, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. So, thank you Team Brisk, all of you.

What’s your favourite thing about DJing on Twitch?

The community. When I started on Twitch I had no idea the bonds I’d be making on this platform. The friendships I’ve made are something I will cherish for life and I was really naive about how much Twitch would actually change my life in that regard.

The love and support I have received from the community for just being me is overwhelming and more than I’ve ever felt in my day-to-day life. I’ve laughed the most, cried the most and shared some of the most incredible moments with everyone on here. I feel like I’ve finally found my place in the world, where I can just be unapologetically myself thanks to Twitch and the incredible community.

DJ wise, the freedom and flexibility. The ability to be able to play what you truly love and are passionate about. You can play whenever you want and to be able to fit it into your own lifestyle is a massive draw.
Being able to just be yourself and share your love and passion with others is huge.

What is a challenge you’ve faced as a DJ/streamer?

It has to be my internet! Those tech issues are painful. I won’t lie, I’ve shed a few tears over it.
Australian’s will empathise with that one.

Do you have any special projects, streams or events you would like to tell us about?

I’m looking forward to helping organise more Team Brisk events in the near future and I truly am so proud when they come together. Bass nights will now become a monthly thing, on the last Wednesday of every month and of course, I am looking to my back to back set with Brisk too.

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out and/or thank?

Big love to the entirety of Team Brisk and my beautiful community. Each and every one of you who has supported me on this journey, without you this could not be possible. Your continued love and support have humbled me and meant the absolute world and you have all changed my life in the best possible way. I couldn’t be where I am without you all.

DJ Brisk, you saw something in me and supported me from the start and I can’t thank you enough for always being there supporting me and pushing me to be better. You not only became a mentor, but even more so a great friend. Thank you.

My incredible team of mods, your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed and I appreciate you giving up your time to help me. DJ Brady, Mr Relax, Sytryx, Karoliina, Patrick, DJ Brisk, Sachey, Stumpmeow, IPO & Tony. Thank you all.

An extra special thank you to Nox. The amount of work you put in not only during stream time, but behind the scenes is overwhelming. The amount of gratitude I have towards you is immense. You have supported me in every way possible, always in my corner and looking out for my best interest.

My family, I love you. Thank you for all your help and encouragement. You’ve helped make this possible each and every day x

Give us your links?

Twitch
Instagram
SoundCloud

Team Brisk present: “Brisk’s Big Birthday Bash!” Come and join me as we celebrate my 21st birthday with a weekend of free entertainment from your favourite Twitch stream team! I will be spinning an extended 6 hour set of your favourites from the Next Generation and Blatant Beats back catalogue as promised many moons ago. Do not miss out! Facebook event link HERE

Check the all star line up and make sure you give everyone a follow!

Amanda Raygun – https://www.twitch.tv/amandaraygun
Bouncy – https://www.twitch.tv/djbouncy
Brady – https://www.twitch.tv/djbrady
Brisk – https://www.twitch.tv/djbrisk
Danny C – https://www.twitch.tv/djdannyc84
Faith In The Glitch – https://www.twitch.tv/faithintheglitch
Hartshorn – https://www.twitch.tv/hartshorn303
HazelZeN – https://www.twitch.tv/hazelzen
J-Note – https://www.twitch.tv/dj_jnote
Jimni Cricket – https://www.twitch.tv/jimnicricket
Little Fever – https://www.twitch.tv/djlittlefever
No Left Turn – https://www.twitch.tv/nltizzle
Sabrina Rox – https://www.twitch.tv/djsabrinarox
Saiyan – https://www.twitch.tv/djsaiyan
Sakebomb – https://www.twitch.tv/djsakebomb
Shorty K – https://www.twitch.tv/dj_shorty_k
Spin Spin Super – https://www.twitch.tv/spinspinsuper
Viperstar – https://www.twitch.tv/djviperstar
Yogurt Bazooka – https://www.twitch.tv/yogurtbazooka

It’s that time of the year where we get festive once more folks! Come and join us as #TeamBrisk celebrate the holiday season and look forward to the new year ahead, with our biggest Twitch raid train event to date. 

We are going live across 9 days, 175 hours and with over 32 of your favourite artists, you will always have entertainment from the team over the festive break.

Our line up includes: 
Amanda Raygun (CA) // Amber D (UK) // Dj Bouncy (US) // DJ Brady (UK) // DJ Cicco (US) // DJ CHRIS CRAZE (US) // Beyond Earth (US) // Firefly Rinsed (NZ) // Hartshorn (US) // Faith in the Glitch (US) // HazelZen (US) // Lumi VR (US) // DJ Jimni Cricket (US) // J-Note (US) // Jus Hak (US) // Kutski (UK) // DJ K-Zar (US) // Kid Kaboom (US) // DJ Lee Buxton (UK) // LoveBug (US) // Repix (NL) // 𝑫𝒋𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒚𝑲 (IE) // Spin Spin Super (US) // DJ Sake Bomb (US) // Saiyan (CA) // DJ Smurf (UK) // Steve Disco Newsome (UK) // Team Sly (AUS) // The Sith Empire (NL) // ViperStar (SG) // YogurtBazooka (US) 

Facebook event page is HERE:
TeamBrisk Twitch page is HERE:

We hope to catch you online for some festive frolics guys!