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DJ Showdown at C-Side spins new talent

Local DJs meet on turntable battlefields for Showdown bragging rights

Nicole Fitzgerald

Nicole@piquenewsmagazine.com

What: DJ Showdown at C-Side

Where: Joey Chan's Chinese Eatery

When: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9 p.m.

DJing isn't as simple as throwing down a record, but fusing songs together to create a third hybrid song with a life of its own.

"People often don't realize as they are dancing away that a song only exists on the dance floor in that moment," said veteran spinner DJ Phroh. "You blend (songs) together and make them sound like a whole new sound, a third piece that stands by itself."

The art of scratching, beat matching and cross fading will be put to the test with the second DJ battle of the fall season, dropping Tuesday, Oct. 18 and Tuesday, Oct. 25, with the final showdown Nov. 1 at Joey Chan's Chinese Eatery.

Eight local DJs will compete for a $250 cash prize as well as an invitation to play their own spotlight performance the following week, Nov. 8. The eight DJs will be split over the first two shows to duke out their vinyl on the turntables, with one winner chosen from each night to compete in the finals Nov. 1.

"I saw the battle as an opportunity to showcase some up-and-coming DJs as well as seasoned pros," said restaurant owner Nadio Hachey. "We had a great response to the last competition."

DJ Phroh, who will host the competition, said the event is a great opportunity for new DJs to strut their stuff,

"It's not easy to break into the scene," he said of Whistler's DJ nightlife. "Joey Chan's Creekside night is basically a chance for them to break in. If you think you've got what it takes, come show us what you do."

With five years under his turntables, the local favourite has discovered how to pack a dance floor while at the same time mastering his own music and discovering his own style.

The choice of music, mixing skills and crowd response all play into the making of a great DJ, Phroh said.

"If a crowd is responding by going crazy to your music, that will give you points," he said. "A good night is when people are refusing to leave the bar and they are chanting, 'One more. One more.'"

When not hosting the Tuesday-night competition, you'll find DJ Phroh regularly spinning Thursdays at Moe Joe's with Kostaman, as well as Mondays at the Savage Beagle.

"Support your local DJs," he encouraged. "Whistler has some of the best DJ talent in the world."

The competition will span everything from breaks to drum and bass. For more information, call Hachey at 604-966-0966.