[Feature] We’re With The DJ: DJ Bamboo (Pittsburgh)

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Photo by Casey Connelly

In our latest feature for We’re With The DJ, Bamboo talks about his first album purchase, being a school student by day, and why DJ should never stop crate digging. 

What’s on your current playlist?

As far as hip hop, I’ve been on a huge Nas tip since his new album dropped. That 90′s style boom bap will always hold a spot close to my heart. Joey Bada$$ knocks hard too. I’m really digging A-Trak & Martin Solveig – The Night Out (A-Trak vs. Martin Rework), great funky party tune! I also just completed my Brook Benton record collection this past week. Great soulful vocals, something music is missing now a days!

Favorite album of all-time?

A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders. It dropped when I was 3 years old, but I remember purchasing the tape on sale at a Drug Store when I was about 7. My love for hip hop then began. I have it on display now with my ATCQ Jordans. Haha

Do you have any side hustle$?

I went to school for Sports Medicine and am now taking Business/Marketing classes. Looking to hopefully land a job as a medical rep someday.

What DJ inspires you the most and why?

I draw inspiration from almost every DJ I meet, everyone has their own unique way of mixing, blending, and scratching records. DJ crews like The Beat Junkies, X-Executioners, Allies, Invisible Skratch Piklz, Trooperz, and BattleStar are all huge inspirations. It’s hard to pin point just one DJ, but anyone that loves to push the envelope, rock crowds, battle, scratch, and keeps it positive is a huge inspiration to me!

Who is your parallel DJ?  

In college, I linked up with one of my good friends from high school Elijah (DJ Solo Dolo) for a few gigs around our college towns. After our endeavors in college, we decided to start DJ’n seriously and started booking shows/ events around Pittsburgh. I’ll never forget the day we both over drafted our bank accounts to buy turntables! We both got our turntables the same night and didn’t sleep for a good 2 days scratching on our new decks. Our styles are somewhat similar and we get together often to practice. I have much respect for that dude, go see him DJ when you get a chance!

Craziest DJ booth incident?

St. Patrick’s Day 2012 in Pittsburgh. Some dude put his thumb over his bottle of beer, shook it, and starting spraying it everywhere like champagne.  After seeing what he did a few more people joined in the act. I threw my sweater over my laptop and turntables with ninja like speed. Luckily none of my equipment was damaged, but my shirt and hat smelled like Heineken for the rest of the day.

Most requested song that you hate?

I can’t get down with any song that has a corny dance attached to it. Dougie, Cat Daddy, Bernie, Wop, anything of that nature. Save those dances for your bedroom parties, not a nightclub.

1^stresponse in your head to a song requested?

You didn’t say “please”

A DJ should NEVER….

A DJ Should never stop digging in crates! Internet digging is super easy and convenient, but nothing beats getting your fingers dusty and finding gold in a stack of wax! Support your local record shop and go dig for a day. You’ll be surprised with what you discover. Experiment with different genres and styles, too many DJ’s are playing the same records. Do something to set yourself apart from the rest!

Follow DJ Bamboo on Twitter at: @DJ_Bamboo and check out his website at www.DJBamboo.com