Music makes the world go round: DJ Ajay Joseph

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Hyderabad has been in the news off late for its cool party scene. Whatever type of celebration, parties are incomplete without music. Be it a birthday party, or a wedding gathering – to ensure a night of dancing, we need people who spin out some great tracks to get it started. Nowadays even our weekend plans are made depending on our mood – which then decides the place, ambience and genre of the music we want to listen to. Be it House when you want to relax, or hip-hop or Bollywood when you want to shake a leg – we have ample of options to pick from.

It is safe to say that the party scene in the city has been growing and getting better, and the credit goes to the people who make it happen. This month, in order to celebrate the men who make us party, we caught up with some of the best DJs in the city, who excel in their respective genres.

Text: Anahita Ahuja

Setting Sets

Known for his undeniable presence, energy and skill behind the deck, topped with his great attitude and humour – DJ Ajay Joseph has immense reasons to be as popular as he is. A firm favourite with promoters and clubbers everywhere, he is the first name that comes to one’s mind when it comes to House music. Flexible with all genres, the man gets his high by seeing people having a good time. We caught up with Ajay, whose life, more or less, revolves around music.

How did you get interested in music?

My father had about 1000 odd records at home – so I would record playlists given by him during our school holidays, from records to tapes.

Tell us about your story… 

I had no professional equipment. It was in 1996, when DJ Yash, a DJ from Mumbai was here at Treasure Island. He gave me tips and taught me how to mix. That was the first time I learnt pro-mixing. Due to my interests, I practiced and before I knew it, I had started getting offers across South East Asia and Dubai for gigs and destination weddings.

What was your first gig? How did it go?

My first proper gig was at the RSI club, with over 700 people on the dance floor, and it started raining. So we covered our equipment with plastic sheets and played! I can never forget that night, it was a blast.

How did you end up specialising in House?

During the late 90s, we did not have much exposure to house music so I subscribed for magazines called Mixmag and DJ Mag, for all the information I needed on all the biggest DJs, producers, and night clubs in the world.

I played a lot at private parties, where the guests, who would travel all over the world, would bring lot of CDs and nonstop mix-tapes of the biggest night clubs and DJs. I would borrow them and listen to their mixing skills and the way they used to build a set. That was the key for me to get into house music and specialize in building sets. I remember listening to the sets so many times that I’ve actually memorised most of them.

Most common mistakes newcomers make?

I have seen a lot of new comers from the past 23 years, who make mistakes. It is the learning that comes from these mistakes, that make you a good DJ. Apart from that, they should be patient, and give a lot of importance to sound quality of each track.

The weirdest request you have had?

All that she wants was a brand new 1994 hit track. While I was playing it, someone asked me if I could play a song named All that she wants. I explained to him that it was already playing, but the man refused to believe me.

What is your unique style of playing?

My style of music has to be unique; it is the experience of so many years that makes you to choose what to play and what not to play at a gig. Every track cannot be played, it is the timing of each good track, and the way you build a set. Homework is very, very important. I always like to introduce at least 7 to 10 new tracks in every gig.

One track that does not get too old, no matter how many times you have heard it

Ice ice baby by Vanilla Ice

Which festivals do you enjoy playing at?

I have played at one sunburn festival, actually opened for Apster and Gregor Salto at the Afrojack concert, it was a great atmosphere. I love playing at college festivals where there is a huge crowd and great energy – it quite makes my day.

Your favourite non dance song?

Coming back to life by Pink Floyd

How would you describe your style of playing?

Bouncy

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