DJ Nemesis - Alpha Sessions Spring Mix - May 2006

Biography of DJ Nemesis

How would you describe your music and DJing style? A dancefloor driven mix of energetic progressive house, nu skool breaks, electro, and at times a bit trancey. I've been really happy with the quality level I've seen in progressive and breaks the last while and as a result of that my sets are reflecting it a lot lately. Progressive house went through a fairly dark phase for a while but since then it's taken a more energetic and lighter turn which is good. More fun, bigger basslines, more energy. It depends on where I'm playing though as well. What's more important than the style you play, is playing it well. Ultimately you are setting out to work the crowd as best you can and that doesn't happen unless you have a connection with the crowd and are able to keep them with you every step of the way. I always set out to play a set that progresses and goes somewhere, rather than just cane one sound all the way through.. something I will enjoy as much as the crowd will.

What medium do you use when you play? Vinyl and CD-R's.

Why did you choose to spin the style of music you do? As time goes on my sound has evolved along with the music and what has been impacting and inspiring me most. I have always loved and appreciated so many different kinds of music. I listened to hip-hop for about 6 years before I got into electronic music, and believe it or not actually learned to first beatmatch using Drum&Bass. I have always leaned towards the more energy driven stuff though.. the stuff I felt had a strong emotional connection to it. I remember listening to the early Cream Live vol.1 from 1995 as well as the early Reactivate compilations, and the Trade mixes, and TWA's Trans europa Xpress mix, and those basically defined what I loved most and where my sound started. Initially back in 96 I learned most of my mixing style and set programming from listening to the Trade djs though. They [Steve Thomas, Tony De Vit, Alan Thompson, Malcolm Duffy, Tall Paul] were the single most prominent influence to me during the first couple years I was djing.

How did you first get into DJing? My older brother Matt was into the rave scene and for me it began when I started being regularly woken by the thumping of the kitchen speakers below my bedroom. I would wake up, drag myself downstairs and eat my breakfast to the sound of screaming rave anthems. It was a bit of a shock at first, eating breakfast to the sound of hoovers and hammering beats, but eventually I grew to love it and my love for the music eventually grew into a desire to play it for other people. The funny thing was, my step dad used to be a disco DJ way back in the day and had bought his technics 1200s the year they came out, so he passed his decks on to me and from Jan '96 on I slept within 8 feet of a pair of technics 1200s. In May of '96 after a lot of practice and a few house parties, I got the chance to play with my brother [DJ Chase] to headline a party of about 350 people for a Canada World Youth rave. From that point on there was no turning back and here I am 10 years later still loving it and hoping to take it as far as I can.

How did you get your DJ name? In early '96 I started getting booked alongside my younger brother Bill (DJ Chase) under the tag of 'The Brotherhood DJs'. Not long after though I needed something for myself.. something I would hopefully be happy with in the long run. The dictionary defines nemesis as 'Anyone or anything by whom or which you will be inevitably defeated or frustrated by.' There was also a Greek goddess named nemesis who was the goddess of retributive justice. Basically someone who kept things in balance and specialized in retribution to those who deserved it. I believe strongly in things maintaining a balance in the world, and in people getting what they deserve.. good or bad. By nature, I am also someone who will devote myself incessantly to something if important enough.. and always felt I could use that focus to accomplish anything if I set my mind to it. A lot of people mistakenly define 'Nemesis' as some sort of evil enemy, but that's not truly correct. That's nothing more than the definition that mainstream media gives us. (:

Who taught you to spin? I was self taught with a little guidance from my friend Shawn Ward(Turbo Recordings/DIY Discs) in the beginning.

Are there any DJs you admire? Lots! Too many to name, in various styles. I admire really talented people who make it big but don't walk around with their heads in the clouds and a full time rock star attitude.. and who also know how to understand and respect other musical styles. Professional and skilled, yet totally approachable and real. Specifically though I'd say Stanton Warriors, Junkie XL, Sander Kleinenberg is also a huge favorite of mine, Sasha & John Digweed have also been favorites of mine since the first time I saw Sasha back in '97. Later on when I had the chance to play a party with John in 1999 I watched him pull out the most intense and driving set I've ever heard him play. Both are just absolute wizards at what they do and I respect that a lot. Adam Freeland is another person who I am a huge fan of. Tyler Stadius and Kevin Shiu from Vancouver are also both very good at what they do.

What is your inspiration? Definitely the music and the way it makes you feel. Music has an amazing ability to synchronize a massive crowd of people regardless of their differences, and put them on the same wavelength creating one big unified positive vibe. The vibe that's created by that atmosphere when everything is in place is one of the best things you can experience. Music is truly one of the best gifts in life. When you're the one at the steering wheel creating that vibe and enjoying it with the tracks you love most it's an amazing experience. It's why I love playing to big crowds most. It's just that much more positive energy and that many more people to enjoy it with.

Which do you feel was the best party/club you've played at? Any of the times I have had the pleasure of playing for Jack and the crew at The Limit (now Hush) in Victoria Canada. That place has hosted so much world class talent through their doors and has the most amazing vibe. Jack, Nigel, David, Jamie and Brent and the whole crew there are some of the coolest people. That place holds a lot of memories for me. I have been going there to play every year now since 1999 and always look forward to going back there so much. I try to give them something extra when I play there and I think they've come to appreciate that. Also Shambhala 4 back in summer 2001. I played a headline slot there on the main stage Friday night and everything was in place and on schedule perfectly.. Dominic G had just finished playing a wicked techno/progressive set and the crowd was pumped up and ready for every twist and turn I threw at them. That was also the first time anyone had heard Tiesto's 'Urban Train' too anywhere around there as I played it from a promo cd-r. I'll never forget how that sounded that first time and being right in the middle of so much good energy. What also makes Shambhala so good is that aside from it being funnest party of the year that I know of, it's the fact that there are always so many past and present friends that are there and you've got 3 days to fit everything in. I can't say I know of a party quite like it in the world.

What is the most difficult part about being a DJ? Seeing different scenes hating each other [eg. house vs trance etc.] and watching people spread negativity towards others rather than keeping an open mind and appreciating that there are so many different musical paths available. I have always loved such a broad range of music that I never could see the light in that. Occasionally dealing with promoters who are disorganized and unprepared also can be a real let down because it makes it hard for you to do your job properly and enjoy it like you should. When everything is on track and organized as expected it makes it much easier to play your best.

What is the best part about being a DJ? The music, the people, and the atmosphere when things are at their best.. and being able to share what you love with such a large amount of people. I also feel lucky and grateful to actually be getting paid well for doing something I love so much.

What do you think defines the creation of a great set? The people you are playing to should love it, and you should love it too. I think it comes down to playing great tracks, structured in an order where you keep them with you every step of the way, and mixing them solidly throughout. You need to take things somewhere not just come hammering out of the gates and cane one sound. Having twists and turns to keep it exciting is important. When I start my sets I lay things out so I have lots of room to build and somewhere to go which is crucial especially when I'm playing 3hrs or longer. It's important to be able to relax and get into it too.. you shouldn't look like you are at home reading or something. Functional equipment is also a must and a good sound system to deliver the music the way it should sound!

What do you look forward to for the next year of your DJ career? The best way I could sum that up would be traveling to play as many places as I can, and having as much fun as possible while at it. Also I recently launched my Alpha Sessions radio show so that will be another creative outlet to work on. I'm also planning to make time to get back to producing and remixing as well during the next while.