Meet DJ DEW. THE MUSIC WITHIN had the awesome opportunity to interview DEW and give me some insight to share with all you readers/supporters. DEW is one of the most talented and hardest working DJ's and PRODUCER in SWFL, and also happens to be one of the most under-recognized artist in the SWFL scene. He has produced over 300 tracks, he has been signed on multiple labels, his music is all over BEATPORT and TRAXSOURCE, and he even opened for TIESTO two years ago.
Despite all those milestones achieved, how so is it that guys like DEW can't seem to lock a local club gig? How come none of the local DJ's are talking about his tracks? Why isn't he headlining local shows??
These are the kinds of questions that keep me up at night, because like DEW, I am an artist trying to break through in their hometowns too, and if guys that open for TIESTO can't lock gigs down here... then shit... what then does a DJ gotta do around here?? So I asked the man himself to see if I could get some questions answered...
TELSO: First and foremost, thanks for taking the time to answer some of my questions about some of your insights on what the SWFL scene is like today, and where you think it's heading. I also want to get some feedback on some of the challenges that you faced coming up and what are some of the challenges today. So what are your thoughts about the SWFL music scene?
DEW: I think the scene has grown a lot and is still growing it going to be interesting to see where is goes from here.
TELSO: I couldn't agree less. So these new DJ's go out and buy some gear, and then what?
DEW: Ok so once "those" DJ's step to the club owners and told them that they would work for free or just give them a bar tab they quickly drop the worth of an experience working DJ to shit and the market became a "No-Pay" work zone because club owners questioned... "Why pay this DJ when i can get this DJ for free???"
TELSO: When you say "those" DJ's, you are not just referring to noobies I assume?
DEW: (laughs) Absolutely not. I am also referring to gimmick DJ's and/or DJ's that have been around for a bit, but never could make it because they lacked the proper talent to do what talented DJ's do -- read a crowd, play great music, support other DJ's, etc. etc.
TELSO: Interesting is an interesting choice of word... what do you mean by that?
DEW: Well what I mean is, that there are so many new DJ's coming out from the wood works and are getting gigs to play at that it's influencing the new club gowers in a certain direction.
TELSO: What kind of direction? Or better yet, do you see them taking the scene in the right direction?
TELSO: What kind of direction? Or better yet, do you see them taking the scene in the right direction?
DEW: Well let's put it this way, there was a time when you had to pay your dues and do some work before you could step to a club and get gigs because the club owners wanted djs with experience to head up there dance floors. Right now, they are hiring DJ's based on who is desperate enough to work for free or just for a bar tab... I mean, this kind of shit hurts the scene and the fans.
TELSO: (laugh) This is a position that I share with you and I am passionate about because it's forcing DJ's like ourselves who worked full-time as a DJ to go get a day job to make ends meet and progress with our "career" as DJ's. Would you say that is a fair statement or position to say/hold??
TELSO: (laugh) This is a position that I share with you and I am passionate about because it's forcing DJ's like ourselves who worked full-time as a DJ to go get a day job to make ends meet and progress with our "career" as DJ's. Would you say that is a fair statement or position to say/hold??
DEW: Absolutely. DJ'ing is not a hobby, it's actually a career for many of us out there. But "those" few so-called "DJ's" that think they are a DJ because they bought two CDJ's or a controller/laptop, are turning a career into a hobby. That's unacceptable to me.
TELSO: I couldn't agree less. So these new DJ's go out and buy some gear, and then what?
DEW: Ok so once "those" DJ's step to the club owners and told them that they would work for free or just give them a bar tab they quickly drop the worth of an experience working DJ to shit and the market became a "No-Pay" work zone because club owners questioned... "Why pay this DJ when i can get this DJ for free???"
TELSO: When you say "those" DJ's, you are not just referring to noobies I assume?
DEW: (laughs) Absolutely not. I am also referring to gimmick DJ's and/or DJ's that have been around for a bit, but never could make it because they lacked the proper talent to do what talented DJ's do -- read a crowd, play great music, support other DJ's, etc. etc.
TELSO: Well as much as I'd love to name names, I won't, but I bet any money that they are reading this right now (laughs)
DEW: I don't doubt it (laughs) ... but like I was saying, these DJ's that are working for free add no value to the club experience except save club owners a little bit of money in the short-term, but they fail to realize that in the big scheme of things or in the long-run, they are losing customers which translates into bar sales, and ultimately does not save them any money, rather it costs them money.
Another side effect to this disease is that that DJ's ego becomes inflated, they become even more motivated to undercut other DJ's like myself...
TELSO: Wait... is that why suddenly you stopped spinning @ VODA?? Because you had the patio on fire when suddenly you were replaced by two CLOWN$ who fist pump to an empty dancefloor, get sloppy a$$ drunk on their bar tabs (paycheck)....
DEW: (laughs)
TELSO: ... it's a rhetorical question (laughs)
DEW: It's funny, but at the same time it really is no joke.
TELSO: As shitty as it is, do you think people care though?
DEW: Well I think people are starting to wake up to the bullshit smoke and mirrors. People are also tired of the fake ass hype with Facebook posts like "OMG!!! IT'S FUCKING INSANE IN HERE!!" when in reality they got 5 people in the door, and all five are their friends.
TELSO: (laughs) Do you think that people buy into that shit though?
DEW: I think at first they did, and because of those marketing schemes, I think the scene here has ultimately damaged the trust of the people who love the EDM scene. Because people will think all shows are full of hype and the good shows out there are hurt by that kind of mindset.
TELSO: Have you ever been to any of those falsly advertised events, to back up your claims.
DEW: I had to. I just couldn't believe that they were pulling in a crowd. So I went to some of their events, and just as I thought... lame with a side of wack sauce.
TELSO: (laughs)
DEW: I mean the way people boast about their event, you would think that TIESTO himself was there. But it really comes down to those who blindly support them like... club owners, promoters, and other local DJs that keep this vicious cycle alive.
TELSO: So tell me why a promoter, club owner, etc. would want to book you or pay you.
DEW: Well, they should consider what I've been able to accomplish, first and foremost. For example, did you know that I have over 300 releases under me, my music has been played on radio and night clubs all over he world. I have played along side some of the top DJ's out there like Tiesto, Ivano Bellini, Saeed Younann just to name a few...
I have 44,929 profile views on MYSPACE, with 7,099 Friends/Fans. I have 3,951 friends on FACEBOOK, 908 people on my "Lets Get DJ Dew To Mansion" page/campaign. I got 22,346 plays on my tracks on Myspace, 565 plays on SoundCloud with 390 profile views, and a total of 3,142 views on my YouTube videos.
TELSO: That's a long list !!
DEW: I know.... I have played every venue that this town offers over the years, especially the upscale Sway Lounge (Naples) terrace for years. I played to a full house every saturday night, bar sales were rediculous, and was the most exclusive place to be in SWFL. So with my solid record, why should I play for free??
TELSO: I don't have that record, and I still wouldn't play for free. I mean, I think the bottom line is that you are providing a quality service, they club is making money, so you should too. It's that simple. Same thing goes for promoters. You throw a show, get the recognition for throwing a bad ass party, they build their brand, and yet they want to stiff the DJ's out of money at the end of the night.
DEW: Dude, that's a whole other hour interview (laughs)
TELSO: Well we are running out of time, but what are some of your thoughts about the other DJ's who ARE doing things right and trying to grow in this undercutting scene?
DEW: For starters, I think we have some great talent in this town and i have nothing but love for those djs that are doing it right. They will always have my support and my respect. It's a shame that some are not playing in the bigger clubs and cities like "Space" or "LIV" Miami.
If we all got together and supported the good talent in this town, I believe we can restore this scene's dignity, and put Naples back on the map. This will catch the attention of national promoters who would want to bring major headliners into town, but also help take the local DJ's/PRODUCER to the next level by booking them outside their own town.
I mean, right now people always looking to Miami for hot DJ's and shows, when right here in your back yard you have awesome DJ's and enough club venues around to have a great time without having to drive 200+ miles, waste money on hotel, and over-priced drinks to have a damn good time.
As long as promoters and club owners continue to exploit their DJ's in this town, we will always have a lame scene. Too many DJ's are too hungry to play, that they too will offer to play for free for the sake of getting some play time. I know how it feels, and I share the same frustration. But if we really want to grow as a whole, we gotta work as a whole, and throw out the garbage DJ's in this town.
TELSO: It's like my great friend DJ STORM once said, if you play for $50, you will get treated like a $50 DJ. Thanks again DEW for the valuable insight and for your efforts in trying to build a better scene out here.
DJ DEW is throwing the upcoming MOONLIGHT MADNESS CRUISE on 11/19 and will feature all local talent on a three level boat. I know people have been buzzing about this, and I personally can't wait to see what DEWLAND PRODUCTIONS has in store for SWFL. Right now, early-bird tickets are $15, so get them while you can !!!
DEW: I don't doubt it (laughs) ... but like I was saying, these DJ's that are working for free add no value to the club experience except save club owners a little bit of money in the short-term, but they fail to realize that in the big scheme of things or in the long-run, they are losing customers which translates into bar sales, and ultimately does not save them any money, rather it costs them money.
Another side effect to this disease is that that DJ's ego becomes inflated, they become even more motivated to undercut other DJ's like myself...
TELSO: Wait... is that why suddenly you stopped spinning @ VODA?? Because you had the patio on fire when suddenly you were replaced by two CLOWN$ who fist pump to an empty dancefloor, get sloppy a$$ drunk on their bar tabs (paycheck)....
DEW: (laughs)
TELSO: ... it's a rhetorical question (laughs)
DEW: It's funny, but at the same time it really is no joke.
TELSO: As shitty as it is, do you think people care though?
DEW: Well I think people are starting to wake up to the bullshit smoke and mirrors. People are also tired of the fake ass hype with Facebook posts like "OMG!!! IT'S FUCKING INSANE IN HERE!!" when in reality they got 5 people in the door, and all five are their friends.
TELSO: (laughs) Do you think that people buy into that shit though?
DEW: I think at first they did, and because of those marketing schemes, I think the scene here has ultimately damaged the trust of the people who love the EDM scene. Because people will think all shows are full of hype and the good shows out there are hurt by that kind of mindset.
TELSO: Have you ever been to any of those falsly advertised events, to back up your claims.
DEW: I had to. I just couldn't believe that they were pulling in a crowd. So I went to some of their events, and just as I thought... lame with a side of wack sauce.
TELSO: (laughs)
DEW: I mean the way people boast about their event, you would think that TIESTO himself was there. But it really comes down to those who blindly support them like... club owners, promoters, and other local DJs that keep this vicious cycle alive.
TELSO: So tell me why a promoter, club owner, etc. would want to book you or pay you.
DEW: Well, they should consider what I've been able to accomplish, first and foremost. For example, did you know that I have over 300 releases under me, my music has been played on radio and night clubs all over he world. I have played along side some of the top DJ's out there like Tiesto, Ivano Bellini, Saeed Younann just to name a few...
I have 44,929 profile views on MYSPACE, with 7,099 Friends/Fans. I have 3,951 friends on FACEBOOK, 908 people on my "Lets Get DJ Dew To Mansion" page/campaign. I got 22,346 plays on my tracks on Myspace, 565 plays on SoundCloud with 390 profile views, and a total of 3,142 views on my YouTube videos.
TELSO: That's a long list !!
DEW: I know.... I have played every venue that this town offers over the years, especially the upscale Sway Lounge (Naples) terrace for years. I played to a full house every saturday night, bar sales were rediculous, and was the most exclusive place to be in SWFL. So with my solid record, why should I play for free??
TELSO: I don't have that record, and I still wouldn't play for free. I mean, I think the bottom line is that you are providing a quality service, they club is making money, so you should too. It's that simple. Same thing goes for promoters. You throw a show, get the recognition for throwing a bad ass party, they build their brand, and yet they want to stiff the DJ's out of money at the end of the night.
DEW: Dude, that's a whole other hour interview (laughs)
TELSO: Well we are running out of time, but what are some of your thoughts about the other DJ's who ARE doing things right and trying to grow in this undercutting scene?
DEW: For starters, I think we have some great talent in this town and i have nothing but love for those djs that are doing it right. They will always have my support and my respect. It's a shame that some are not playing in the bigger clubs and cities like "Space" or "LIV" Miami.
If we all got together and supported the good talent in this town, I believe we can restore this scene's dignity, and put Naples back on the map. This will catch the attention of national promoters who would want to bring major headliners into town, but also help take the local DJ's/PRODUCER to the next level by booking them outside their own town.
I mean, right now people always looking to Miami for hot DJ's and shows, when right here in your back yard you have awesome DJ's and enough club venues around to have a great time without having to drive 200+ miles, waste money on hotel, and over-priced drinks to have a damn good time.
As long as promoters and club owners continue to exploit their DJ's in this town, we will always have a lame scene. Too many DJ's are too hungry to play, that they too will offer to play for free for the sake of getting some play time. I know how it feels, and I share the same frustration. But if we really want to grow as a whole, we gotta work as a whole, and throw out the garbage DJ's in this town.
TELSO: It's like my great friend DJ STORM once said, if you play for $50, you will get treated like a $50 DJ. Thanks again DEW for the valuable insight and for your efforts in trying to build a better scene out here.
DJ DEW is throwing the upcoming MOONLIGHT MADNESS CRUISE on 11/19 and will feature all local talent on a three level boat. I know people have been buzzing about this, and I personally can't wait to see what DEWLAND PRODUCTIONS has in store for SWFL. Right now, early-bird tickets are $15, so get them while you can !!!
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