Gene King: Montreal/Toronto Producer/DJ (Exclusive Interview)
Tell us about you, your journey and how did you start DJing?
My name is Gene King. Born and raised in Montreal Quebec to West Indian parents, I have been into music in general ever since I could remember. I first started Djing at the age of 13, I got into it by listening to live-to-air mixes on the radio and finally getting a chance to see how playing "continuous music " was done with two turntables, I would take my dad's reel to reel player that had an auxiliary input and put the stereo channels in mono and use the L and R channels as Turntable 1 and Turntable 2, hahaha and there would be no pitch control !!!!!! ( my dad actually thought that was cool and would try it himself hahaha) so I taught myself how to mix that way. Later on, I would get a Radio Shack mixer from the money I saved and I would meet local heroes like Michel Cadoche and Robert Ouimet (RIP) while shopping for records and they would give me some of the best tips in mixing that I carry with me today. this would be the late 70s early to mid-80s.
Describe a typical Gene King performance in three words.
Hmmmmmmm ....as a DJ three words to describe a typical GK performance would be "ON THE FLY " why? because I never plan a set or a night of music, I do come prepared with everything and anything to make sure I can handle what happens that night, but I don't plan what I am gonna play, you can never predict a crowd's mood on any given night even if you are in situations where you have to repeat yourself weekly.
Why did you want to work as a DJ/Producer?
Hahaha! well after high school I was always playing in bands, but it was always drama, and it was always hard to get gigs there were always egos and politics. I found later that it was easier for me to get gigs playing in clubs and using my record collection and there was less drama, just myself and my records. I actually wanted to be an electrical engineer ( i don't even know if such a thing exists anymore with the technology out today ) but EVEN after studying that was also difficult when it came to getting a job in that field, so I made a living playing my records. producing came after I heard that guys like Louie Vega, Larry levan, Arthur Baker, and Jellybean Benitez were actually DJs making records. So I got into that in hopes of one day retiring from DJing and producing full-time in the future.
What’s your main DJ set-up and why do you use that? Any secret weapons that contribute to your sound?
Well...Today I walk around with a controller and Serato to make my life easier and have access to any kind of music I would need " on the fly " lol, but when I play most venues I use Pioneer CDJs, and now the new Denon CDJs that is PHENOMENAL!!!!!! My ideal mixers are rotary mixers from brands like Rane, E&S, and Vestax, Urei. but most venues have pioneer DJM series mixers and those are fine because I like the FX on them. Secret weapons, it's not a secret but I have always loved to use FX, especially the delay FX, I used to buy two copies of a record I liked just to make the delay and phase cancellation FX manually, but now the mixers and the controller have those built-in today... I love FX that's a signature for me. I use them even when playing top 40 formats.
What makes you different from other DJs?
Wow. well, I think every DJ is different, they have their own perspective of the music, and if you hear certain people often enough you can close your eyes and say " hey that's so and so playing "I think what makes me different from most DJs of today is that I am able to put myself in the room and play almost any kind of format ...well except for country ...hahaha!!!!!!! many DJs today stay within their comfort zone, some even play only certain subgenres. Locally I am known for house music via my radio shows and special guest sets at parties/events but I have ALWAYS played everything especially to make a living doing what I love ..may it be rock, may it be Caribbean music, oldies, pop music, whatever the clientele at a given venue needs.
You’re a producer and a DJ, where do you feel most comfortable? In the studio or on stage?
First of all, I hate stages! I love when the DJ is somewhere where no one can see him /her and the room is engulfed in the music, the vibe is so much better and I think people feel the music more when they don't see the DJ. I am comfortable in a booth viewing the whole venue from a more secluded area. As for the studio, I am very comfortable in the studio as well. There were times when I spent days in the studio not realizing I had not slept in 48 or 72 hours (can't do that anymore..lol) I guess I am comfortable wherever I am to be honest .......
What skills do you think DJs need to be successful?
Knowledge of all types of music, and being versatile. the ability to read a room and people's body language or their facial expressions. These things are the only important things to be able to work as a DJ, be ready to reinvent yourself as well, people will always hire you no matter what. all the other stuff comes after.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DJ/producer?
DJ: Meeting people randomly and them saying how great a time they had when you played. Giving people a good time is always a rewarding experience and a great feeling. also breaking in a new record that might not have seen the light of day. it's hard nowadays but it was always something I loved doing on the radio or on the street.
Producer: working with certain people and seeing your name on something that you are proud of.
