From TVD staff writer and local DJ Charles Jordan:
I have considered myself a DJ for about 8 years now. I’ve DJ’d house parties, NYC lounges, weddings, and as of late had the occasional set at Mellow Mushroom on campus. This morning I received an e-mail from the booking guy at Mellow Mushroom and was told that “Corporate” only wants singer-songwriters and musicians. Damn the man!
Austin is the live music capital of the world and countless bands can be seen playing anywhere and everywhere. Lost in the mix is the DJ, who at times can only been seen or heard if he is playing Top 40, has a following, or is being told that this isn’t the scene for that.
As a DJ you have to support each other, so here are a few of my favorites in Austin:
Table Manners Crew – My personal favorites. These guys use the 2 x 4 set up (two DJs, four turntables) and drop rare funk grooves, underground hip hop, club anthems, and they definitely get the dance party going. Their weekly Saturday night gigs at Plush have been epic.
DJ Orion and Prince Klassen – These two can be seen at various venues on their own, but every couple of months they get together for their can’t-miss mash-up party at Scoot-Inn. Past mash-ups have included: Stevie Wonder vs. Wu-Tang, Bjork vs. OutKast, and Lil Wayne vs. Mariah Carey.
DJ Mel – If you like hip hop, dancing, and sweating then get on down to Nasty’s on Monday nights. Mel’s Monday “Gonna Make You Sweat” parties have become an Austin staple.
Shout-out to all the other Austin DJs, and remember people, support your local DJ!
