DJ Skeet Skeet is shaking the sand out of your drawls at the Miami Winter Music Conference

Imagine an island paradise: white sandy beaches, a cold drink sweats in your hand, the hot chick from James Bond emerges from the breakers. It’s tranquil, sunny, peaceful….BORING. Now, take that same scenario and add Skeet Skeet and a bunch international DJs playing some dance-battle worthy breakbeats, and watch as your little paradise island turns into a rager! Gansevoort South is booming with flavor from all over, led by DJ Skeet Skeet–an LA native with roots in punk and hardcore sound–as industry professionals from 70 different countries krunk and mill. That’s the vibe here in Miami at the Winter Music Conference, the grandaddy of all dance music industry events. When the rockin’ stopped for set break, The Retrospective went behind the scenes for some face time with DJ Skeet Skeet.

Tell me about DJ Skeet Skeet. How’d you choose this name?
— Well, I used to collect mopeds, so my best friend, Adam, started calling me Scooter. That turned into Skeeter Valentine after the character from Doug. You remember the Nickelodeon cartoon with the best friend named Skeeter? Well, that’s how they named me. They had me play a show and called me Skeet and the name stuck.

How did you first start DJing? When did you become addicted?
– Adam threw a party and I helped out by playing music. Back in 2003, DJing in LA was not a cool thing, but it seemed to kinda catch on. I stuck around and ended up being a part of something that grew into the now LA scene, which is leading the country in electronic music.

How has your style evolved since the early days?
–I started out by checking out records- mainly punk and hardcore, cause that’s what I was into. But along the way I started picking up different records and noticed that a lot of dance DJs mixed their own music. I started experimenting and it lead me to where I am today.

Who has influenced your music?
— I’ve been immersed in DJ culture since 2003. I started with an ear for dance music which has grown into a unique sensibility to hear things that I like. It’s eclectic and different–I draw inspiration from mainstream music like Phoenix and Radiohead, but mix in more unique stuff like Public and Acid Girls. Over the years, I’ve developed my own sensibility for things that I like. That’s what I go with. Specifically, I’m influenced by artists like Ten Yard Fight, MXPX, Passion Troy and Swedish House Maffia. Favorite DJ being Erol Alkan, who’s playing here at conference.

You’ve played at SxSW and now at WMC. How does your set change according to the venue?
— Well, I read the crowd before I start playing. If the kids are wearing baggy jeans, I’ll play a hip hop mix. If they look like they’re indie kids, I’ll mix up some indie rock. I always read my crowd to make sure that I’m following their mood. I have a plan ahead of time, depending on the vibe of the party, but part of being a good DJ is reading the crowd and making sure they’re into what you’re playing. I’m always ready to adapt so the crowd has fun.

What parties and DJs are you excited to see here at conference?
— Erol Alkan is playing here at the conference- he’s a great DJ, so I’ll check him out. I’ll also be checking out the Scion parties at the Fountainblue. The Acid Girls and Public will be playing here as well, so I’ll go to those parties to see them spin.

Learn more about DJ Skeet Skeet and the WMC.

Previous Post: Boxee – The World’s Gone Digital

Next Post: A Girl with Hometown Pride

ShareThis