My Creative Mindset
“There’s a method to my madness”
Most people I know in the Caribbean Gospel space have heard me say this ─ or, failing that, some variation of this ─ at least once. I’m proud of the style and aesthetic that I’ve developed over the years. In honour of the God who glories in the diversity of the human race that He created, I consider it a disservice to the body of Christ for my style to ultimately be a derivative of someone else’s. While there is a universal set of skills that every DJ should develop and possess, there should be something unique about the way a given DJ would bring these skills together.
There’s a method to my madness
This is extremely important. I’m intentional about my process. It’s not random. There are very specific things that I do to make my workflow happen.
Music streaming: My Apple Music subscription is my weapon of choice. This is where the discovery happens. I’m able to keep up with my favourites as far as new music goes, but I also get some suggestions for new artists based on the favourites I already have. The algorithmic playlists work wonders here. Combine that with the occasional Shazam and my discovery gets a major boost.
Cataloging: Organizing my library is crucial to the performance for me. I use smart playlists which allow my songs to be automatically categorized in real time based on a certain set of rules. It helps me find songs faster and makes my library easier to navigate even as it grows larger and larger. I also keep a few manual playlists as well for less rigid parameters.
Analyzing: BPM (beats per minute) is a metric that denotes how fast or slow a song is. Before any song can be used, I have to scan it with my DJ software so that the BPM can be detected. In the event that the scan yields an error, I would then manually adjust the beat grids so that parameters can be accurate. I also ensure that the musical key of a song is accounted for within this process because I often sort the songs in my DJ software by BPM and by key.
Performing: This entails a combination of elements. As a fan of the culture, I try to incorporate turntablism techniques (scratching, beat juggling etc) into my performances as much as I can. These high risk, high reward manoeuvres are the only techniques in the DJ space that have no reliable synthetic or technological substitute. In other words, you have to put in the time to learn how to do these things and it takes years to get to a certain point of competence. I also do my best to incorporate aspects of controllerism (cue point mashing, looping, effects, stem manipulation etc) as the technology continues to expand. These things assist greatly in making my transitions stand out in unique ways. As aforementioned, I account for the musical key of my songs when I’m analyzing them. This information allows me to not only mix songs that are in the same key or similar keys, but also gives me the stability to use music theory to my advantage. This is why I’m able to remix songs on the fly and make my transitions way more interesting.
There’s a method to my madness
I own my creativity. I own my workflow. I own my style and I’m proud of it. I believe that my DJing is an extension of who I am. It’s a culmination of my upbringing, my experiences, my training and my unique mindset. This is my unique selling point.
I was greatly inspired by a fine fleet of folks in the space – DJ Blessment, DJ Livstrong, DJ Bodyroc, DJ Mickey, Omega Express etc. – this was how I learned the ropes and started interacting with the craft. For a good portion of my formative seasons, I imitated the methodologies of my predecessors wholesale because I loved what they were able to produce. Be that as it may, I learned over time to channel my inspiration towards innovation rather than imitation. I know what my sound is, I know what my blueprint is, I know what my formula is and my uniqueness sets me apart. I own it all.
There’s A method to my madness
Conceptually, the whole thing is insanity. The sonic results of my workflow are mind blowing to me. I still get goosebumps whenever I hear two songs in the same key get put together. I’m still in awe when I perceive the exploitation of simple fundamental techniques that produce the massive end results at events. You can’t beat the feeling of seeing years of hard work, practice, dedication and stewardship culminate into a phenomenon greater than the sum of its parts. There’s no substitute for putting in the work, especially when it comes to faith based endeavours (James 2:26).
The bottom line
True creativity comes from an innovative mindset that is open to the leading of the God who created all things. He is worthy to receive glory, honour and power for a reason (Revelation 4:11). Ultimately, I put my all into my craft because it’s done unto the Lord and not unto man (Colossians 3:23). So once my hands are on the wheels of steel, I’m giving 100% (Ecclesiastes 9:10). I am who I am by His grace and I put the work in because of His grace too (1 Corinthians 15:10). There’s a method to my madness and it’s a gift I thank God immensely for.