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Mark Farina on…
How To Be a DJ

May 12, 2005

His signature “Mushroom Jazz” sound—downtempo hip-hop mixed with jazzy soul—is famous worldwide, as is the funky house he spins—a reflection of his Chicago upbringing. He’s been voted one of the “Top 20 DJs in the World” by DJ and BPM Magazines and was nominated for the Dancestar Award for Best New Artist Album (Air Farina, 2004) and California Music Award for Best DJ Talent. He’s worked alongside such turntable icons as Derrick Carter and Cajmere. And he just released the fifth volume in the Mushroom Jazz series. Let’s see, what else? Oh, he had his own hugely successful acid jazz club in San Francisco. He also tours a hell of a lot—playing something like 300 shows a year—and has been known to spin extended sets of over eight hours. Having said all that, we figured it made sense to ask Farina for five steps in how to become a successful DJ. And he said:







1. Start simple—enjoy music.



2. Attain lots of music. Preferably, purchase it. When I first started, I didn’t have the option. But it’s important to support the music [scene]. Get your crate together, your sound together. Get all the ingredients and mix ‘em every which way with each other before you meet the public eye.



3. Start recording. Document yourself self-critique. It’s good to have a hard copy to listen to and judge. There were many times I thought I rocked it and then listened and was like, ewwww. Practice, which is something a lot of DJs don’t always do.



4. Stay current. Embrace technology. Keep moving forward. You used to have to get all your stuff at record stores. When I worked at the record store, I had to deal with music all day—I was bombarded with it, good and bad. The unreleased stuff were bonuses. Now, you have so many more options online.



5. Be creative. I’m into DJs who are not doing the same thing over and over. No set playlists! I’m always looking for more tunes, searching for a capella, obscure stuff. Be open: Have a couple songs you like but be flexible, if the party needs it.







 DJ Mark Farina will come out to play this Friday, 10 p.m. at Hapa’s Nightclub in Kihei. Special opening DJs G-Spot and Daniel J. This is a 21-and-over show. Tickets: $16 in advance, $20 at the door. To purchase, visit www.groovetickets.com or Request Records or call 877-71-GROOVE. [SAMANTHA CAMPOS]