Anthony Foster
By admin | August 13, 2008
Who Influenced You ?
Oh there have been so many and they’ve been ever-changing throughout the years. As a young, grasshopper in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I only had access to radio DJ’s such as Bad Boy Bill, Julian Perez… the WBBM fm street mix DJ’s. At the same time, when I got my start, I got to work closely with DJ Wizz Kid Walter and Josh “The Funky One” Hobbs. This was when (in my opinion), real house music was being played commercially. In time and as I grew older, I was introduced to Underground House music by co-worker Acidman. Listening closely to what he was doing in 1994, I shifted my focus onto DJ’s like Mark Almaria, Mike Dearborn, Lego, Justin Long, Mike Huckaby, Terry Mullan, Ian Pooley, Slater Hogan, Paul Johnson, Miles Maeda, Mark Farina and many other Dj’s I had access to @ “Rave” parties as I was still too young to enter the club-scene. Once old enough, I continued to listen to my favorties and found more and more. I’m influenced every day by the DJ’s who helped me plant my roots. Nowadays, I really enjoy Pete Moss, J-Phlip and Karl Almaria.
What do you like most about djing ?
I feel there is a sense of magic and spirituality directly related to djing. Aside from finding those ‘perfect blends’, I deeply enjoy the relationship a DJ has with a dancefloor crowd. Breaking out a record you hope no one has played yet and watching the dancers react… or even seeing that one person off in the corner of the room bobbing their head in silent approval. Creating a new sound, even if for only a few minutes, brings me joy when bringing tracks together. I love all the history involved in the DJ world and the evolution the industry has continued to grow on.
Where do you think djing will be in the Future ?
In the future, I am hoping to see this artform remain unchanged and untainted by new-jacks who have never seen or played a 12″ record. I would like to see more opportunities available to up-and-comers with talent. I believe there will always be a demand for DJ’s and that we will heal the world (or even a small community), with house music culture.
If you could mix any party which would it be ?
It has been my absolute goal for many years to play a set at Smartbar. To me, Smartbar is an institution and a staple for Chicago House Music. The people who frequent Smartbar are there for one thing… the music and aren’t sidetracked by the b.s. of an unecessary dress code, insane cover charge, guest-list lines and minimum drink purchases. To me, Smartbar holds true to the house music community and culture and that’s what keeps me coming back and going nowhere else.
The last song you just listened to ?
Haaa. It’s a far cry from house music, but I last played Maroon 5’s “Makes Me Wonder” in my last dance class. (I’m also a dance teacher and choreographer).
Where have you spun ?
Some clubs include: Shadowbar/Redno 5/Beviamo/Oasis Cafe/Northbeach/Fabriq @ The Roundhouse/Red Star Tavern. Lot’s of raves in the late 90s and early 2k (back when I was “Disko”) and a spot on 89.3fm, @ Dolton Expo/Route 66/The Black Hole/Cavalini’s at parties such as: Here Comes The Sun/The Four Horsemen/Liquid Combat/Benevolence/Rave In The Shell and many others that have been lost in the colorful blur of ‘raveland’.
Best party ?
That’s a toughie. There have been far too many good ones to just pick one. I am going to have to say I most enjoyed “Tetsuo” by the former Shadefree Prods.
What is HOTTEST club you HAVE ever BEEN ?
Glitz and Glamour mean nothing to me in regards to clubs. I hold true to my all time favorite, Smartbar and the former Red Dog Monday nights.
what gear do u prefer ?
Hands down, my tech 12’s, Pioneer DJM 800, any Ortofon cartridge/stylus combo, Pioneer CDJ 800/1000 and Technics DH-1200 headphones.
What gear did you start on ?
Oh this is funny! I had a mismatched pair of turtables and a radioshack/realistic analog mixer. The kind that had the volume meter needles that would bounce in an arc. The decks were a belt-driven, late model Technics and a sad Pioneer direct drive (even later model), turntable. Both of ‘em had horrible pitch-control, but I made the best of what I could! Made me respect my even slighter upgrade to (go aheda and laugh), the Gemini SL-BD10’s. At least they matched!
If you could change one thing about Djing what would it be ?
I would go back in time and ambush the creation of digital DJ software. I completely understand the convenience of it all…I really do. Especially when it comes to established DJ’s working multiple nights and doing alot of travel. However, there are far too many young, new-jacks relying on software that either have never played, nor owned a vinyl record or thought it was “too hard”.
If you could change one thing about the WORLD what would it be ?
That’s simple. Universal awareness that will forever wipe out bigotry, racism and small-mindedness.
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Topics: Djs World |
