Interview with a DJ: Kuulei

INTERVIEW WITH A DJ

La Cutie: DJ KuuLei, how did it all begin for you?

DJ KuuLei: I got my first break DJing in the mid 90s, after I was told that I look like I had rhythm when I was a nightclub "get on the floor" dancer.

La Cutie: What does "get on the floor" dancer mean?

DJ KuuLei: A former "paid nightclub" urban dancer (to get people dancing on the dance floor).

La Cutie: Was this in Hawaii?

DJ KuuLei: Yes, back then at a club called, 1739. I was one of the urban dancers that got people out on the dance floor. It was actually one of the hip clubs back in 1995.

La Cutie: I want to see your urban dance moves. How long did you danced as a "get on the floor" dancer and how come I haven't danced with you?

DJ KuuLei: It was back then and I’m getting old…lol. My leg is actually acting up nowadays due to a minor motorcycle accident. Back then, I really didn’t care, as that was in my early 20s. Now it’s like I got to drink some alcohol, lol.

La Cutie: What is your favorite drink?

DJ KuuLei: Corona or Mojito.

La Cutie: Now, how is it that you became a "paid nightclub" urban dancer and how long did you do it before hitting the turn tables?

DJ KuuLei: I actually got spotted working at another nightclub and was approached by one of the owners of 1739. She liked the fact that I got people on the dance floor at the other club and invited me over for an audition. I even auditioned for The Wave. I would say I danced for about half a year before I hit the turntables. I was really a nightclub kid back then and just loved the music.

La Cutie: Why aren’t there anymore "paid nightclub" urban dancers?

DJ KuuLei: It was a free spirited nightclub hoppers back then.

DJ KuuLei: Ku’ulei is actually my middle name and it is Native Hawaiian meaning "My Beloved". I honestly went with Ku’ulei, as my middle name is a name passed on from generation to generation. I was told that my middle name had nothing good in it and I wanted to prove wrong. Thus me choosing it for positive reasons. In other words, I wanted to break the karma cycle. To every negative thing, there is always a positive.

La Cutie: "My Beloved" is a beautiful meaning and I can't understand how someone would say it has nothing good in it and I'm glad you are proving it wrong. GIRL POWER to you!

DJ KuuLei: Thank you. I try

La Cutie: What gave you that initial push to become a DJ?

DJ KuuLei: Spinderella and the Beastie Boys and in my childhood days, one of my childhood dreams was to DJ music.

La Cutie: Yeah Spinderella is HOT and the Beastie Boys are HARDCORE!

DJ KuuLei: Ya and so is J.J. Fadd.

La Cutie: Who inspired you first, Spinderella or the Beastie Boys?

DJ KuuLei: : I would say Spinderella – PUSH IT.

La Cutie: Yeah! And you are pushing it!

DJ KuuLei: Lol…Yup!

La Cutie: Tell me about your current DJ setup.

DJ KuuLei: I still got my wax that I held onto since my kiddie days, the late 80s and 90s. Right now, I prefer Serato, as it’s so easy to carry tons of music compared to lugging cd books and wax around. I also still have my ortofon DJ needles that I’ve had since then.

La Cutie: What was the first equipment you bought to become a DJ? Well of course you need the turntables, but was it the head gear, needles, or a simple record?

DJ KuuLei: I actually learned how to dj in a nightclub first and used technics 1200s. I then bought my first turntables which was a Gemini pt2000. They are super close to the technics 1200s that many djs sought after them too. They were direct drives. Belts are slow and hold the wax back. My first mixer was Stanton, I forgot the model number.

La Cutie: What do you think about digital DJ setups like Serato, Traktor, Ableton and do you use them?

DJ KuuLei: I like the fact that DJs are using them nowadays. I remember getting laughed at when I started DJing with cds instead of wax in nightclubs and now look. The DJs back then use to down technology with the digital setups and now are eating their own words. I say support and always give everything the benefit of the doubt before hating. I like my Serato and I am glad that DJing is still really a musical art.

La Cutie: I agree with you DJing is MUSICAL ART. Was it easy for you to do the transition, learn how to use the new technology, and will you always upgrade?
DJ KuuLei: Thanks. I always liked gadgets and I like seeing how they tinker and it was very easy to learn. It’s like a cell phone upgrade, just got to keep on playing with it, to work it. I think I’m just going to stick with serato, it’s super easy to use and updates are getting better each time.
La Cutie: I notice you play different variety of music. You play 80s, New Wave, Gothic, Industrial , House, Synthpop, EBM, 90s, and even Latin music such as, Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. Do you play any top 40s music too?

DJ KuuLei: I like to be open to anything with rhythm. I play top 40s too, but to me, if it’s over played on the current radio, why would anyone want to listen to it in the clubs? A nightclub is for music that needs to take credit too. I remember playing at this one bar and the bartenders and waitresses called me oldschool, because I beatmixed almost everything. I took it as a compliment, as I mixed Hawaiian, reggae, and reggaeton together.

La Cutie: I like what you said about nightclubs taking credit for the music and I also believe that DJs should be given credit as well.

DJ KuuLei: I just think without that, there would be no place to go and no way of expressing musical art and dance expressions.

La Cutie: What’s your favorite track, record, album, or mix set of all time?

DJ KuuLei: There is honestly too much to name, as there are a lot of great artists out there. I always like to give indie artist music a try too.

La Cutie: I know you have a large collection of vinyl records, how big is your vinyl collection?

DJ KuuLei: I have about 100+. I like my albums, as some of them I cannot find nowadays. I even have some rare 45’s.

La Cutie: 45's? Can you spin 45s?

DJ KuuLei: Nope.

La Cutie: Lol. I didn't think so. I never seen it be done but would love to see it.

DJ KuuLei: I would say that it would be hard, it’s so small, and there aren’t any adapters for it, lol.

La Cutie: Can you at least scratch a 45?

DJ KuuLei: Can't scratch on it, lol.

La Cutie: How much did you pay for your last 45 and what artist was it?

DJ KuuLei: I can't remember how much I paid for it, but I think it was Nu Shooz. Oops, that was my first 45, I just remembered, I think it was Elisa Fiorillo – "Forgive Me for Dreaming"

DJ KuuLei: Thanks. You probably got lots of good music too.

La Cutie: I have my cassette case, but I can't play them though. I don't have a cassette player and besides I’m to spoil now, I know I wouldn’t want to push the rewind and fast forward button anymore.

DJ KuuLei: I remember trying to DJ with cassette tapes. It didn't work.

La Cutie: Lol, a DJ gig with cassettes...hahahaha, too funny! What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you at an event?

DJ KuuLei: When this one chic requested a song and I told her that I can fit the song in when I mix it in. I ended up playing the song she wanted. She then came up to me and asked me to play it. I told her that I already played her song. She said that she was using the bathroom at the time. I just smiled and said nope. Sorry, I can’t play that song again.

La Cutie: What’s the best event you’ve played at?

DJ KuuLei: I would have to say all of them, as I was given a chance and also thankfully people like the music I play.

La Cutie: You are nice, but you must have one event that you will always remember or a favorite one.

DJ KuuLei: Thank you. I am just thankful to DJ in nightclubs, events and that I’m given the opportunity. I remember all of them, just as long as people are smiling and having a good time too.

La Cutie: I hear ya!

DJ KuuLei: I had to turn down some events too, to me, it’s a good thing, as other DJs can be given opportunities too.

La Cutie: When you play is it a planned set?

DJ KuuLei: I play by ear and use rhythm, in listening to what sounds good at the moment. It’s always good to do improvisation. Planned sets sometimes aren’t that good, as people like to hear variety.

La Cutie: That is amazing! You listen to the crowd's vibe, so you never know what you will be playing?

DJ KuuLei: I like being unlimited, that’s what makes art. I’m not trying to be ego sounding. I’m just being honest.

La Cutie: When did you realize you made it as a DJ or felt that you reached your goal?

DJ KuuLei: When I got my first gig. I was given an opportunity to be where I wanted to be. I got to DJ with good DJs and got to meet a lot of really good ones too. It’s like a new light. Nowadays, I am spotlight shy and just do it for the enjoyment of playing music and for people having a good time.

La Cutie: What advice would you give to up and coming DJs?

DJ KuuLei: You will get there. Just keep trying and meet good people and just be good. Always keep your ego in check. Talk to DJs and promoters, just do not annoy them. There will be some ups and downs; just got to keep hanging on. If by chance you do not make it, just keep practicing or move on. If you really want to DJ, then you can do it. It takes effort, demos and or live DJ demos to get in the right path.

La Cutie: Once you are done with an event and the party is over, how do you chill out?

DJ KuuLei: Go home and study or read a book. That’s how I chill nowadays.

La Cutie So after a gig and if you are somewhat tipsy, you are able to read a book?

DJ KuuLei: I would still attempt to read a book, lol.

La Cutie: How do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

DJ KuuLei: I see myself living somewhere off the island, owning my own business and still helping with the environment. Music will always still be a part of my life.

La Cutie: If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

DJ KuuLei: No one. I would feel funny walking in someone else's fate.

La Cutie: No one?

DJ KuuLei: I guess I like taking care of me nowadays. I neglected myself with too many relationships that I am finding more to life now.

La Cutie: It’s only for a week, it would be a vacation and a wonderful experience.

DJ KuuLei: Lol. Ok, probably someone like Mother Teresa. I admire her.

La Cutie: Mother Teresa is hard core too and she is the Spinderella of life, you would learn so much from her. Well, DJ KuuLei, thank you for your time and this is the part where you have the opportunity to place a shout-out!

DJ KuuLei: Thank you’s to all the promoters, the DJs, the nightclubs, the owners, and all people in general for giving music the real true boost of unity, rhythm and dance.