By Jay Whipple
Trend Magazine Online™
Taking Flight!
Trend Magazine Online™
Taking Flight!
I was introduced to this DJ/artist via a contact in my Linkedin account named Sasha Marina who is a host, actress, and the CEO of The Sasha Marina Show based in my hometown of Miami, FL. She was nice enough to ink this interview with this very busy and emerging DJ/artist to the stars who travels the world rocking the house. Here is what this very creative DJ/artist has to say about himself, his music, and life:
Jay - Were you born in Miami, If no, where?
DJ Smiley Miami -- Born in New Jersey [and] raised in the sunny south Florida.
Jay - When did you start DJ'ing, how old were you?
DJ Smiley Miami -- I was 16 and I fell in love early from watching my brother Ballisic Billy DJ with real vinyl and how he could control a huge party of people. My first gigs were family gatherings; then [it] led to bigger things like proms and homecomings.
Jay -- What was your primary motivation for getting into the business?
DJ Smiley Miami -- The love for the music and how I could control a large group of people with the music and make them dance, sweat, and have a good time.
Jay -- Who was your biggest influence in starting this business, and why?
DJ Smiley Miami -- DJ A.M.; I remember seeing him at a local club in Miami and his turntableism skills and the way he rocked the crowd and kept them on their toes.
Jay - When and what was your first paid gig?
DJ Smiley Miami -- It was prom in high-school. I was 16 got paid $200. I probably would have done it for free. I had my whole school dancing -- at least I like to think I did.
Jay -- Who came up with your stage name and what is its significance to you as a DJ?
DJ Smiley Miami - Growing up I was the class clown; always had jokes, so my freshmen year, the upper classmen and friends started to call me smiley. So, I figured since I wanted the partiers to dance and have a good time, my name should reflect that, so the name Smiley came about. I added the Miami [in 2011] when I started producing my own music.
Jay -- What do you like the least about your business and why?
DJ Smiley Miami -- The cut throats. Not everyone you deal with is real, and there is so much competition I am forced to work on my craft every day so I will remain the best at what I do; but I gotta say, I do like the challenge.
Jay -- What do you like the most about your business and why?
DJ Smiley Miami -- Taking people away; making them take flight while on the dance floor, and losing control while waiting for my next move.PLUR....
Jay -- What question(s) are you tired of answering over and over again?
DJ Smiley Miami -- What's your favorite song? I have so many to list.
Jay -- What is your favorite city and/or country to DJ, and why?
DJ Smiley Miami - Dubai UaE. They love me there. I performed with Jason Derulo and Sean Kingston at a huge festival and since then I've been back twice; coolest place on earth since it's illegal to burn music from the web -- so the fans really support me.
Jay -- What is your favorite venue to DJ and why?
DJ Smiley Miami -- Sun Life Stadium; 50k people. It's always fun to rock a stadium; especially in my home town -- and the energy that comes with that venue is insane.
