Real Name
Steve Carlton
Where are you from?
Colchester, England
What is your musical/DJ background?
Mostly being inspired by my family and concerts growing up. I never had any schooling or lessons on music or instruments…everything I know and do now has been self taught through connecting with people, learning online and trial and error
When did you get into music and how?
Since a kid, raised listening to Reggae, rock n roll, disco, funk and Motown. Parents were always singing, collecting vinyl, and building playlists on cassettes for family road trips. When I was around 13, my older sister got me into hip hop and rap. From there I was obsessed with the whole west coast rap scene. Then I discovered east coast hip hop and fell in love with turntables. Hip hop became the culture and foundation of my own discovery of music.
I really got into DJing when I started spending many years in NYC, following the elements of MCing, Breakdance and DJing. Thats when I decided to get into it myself. Around 2010, I started going to Ibiza, where one summer I got invited to a music production course. From here I started making beats. I got my first set of turntables, made beats to play, and studied for a few years the art of scratch and turntablism.
Through electronic music production, turntablism and the style of music I grew up with, I combined all of this which 13 years later, is now what I like to incorporate into my own style and sets.
Why is music/DJing your passion?
I found a way to shut off from everything, from the whole process of making mixtapes back in the day, to the artwork and history, samples and discovering everything that comes with it, the way it can affect moods and moments to creating something with it.
As someone who studied electronics and electrical engineering, I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to sound and frequency and how it can have an effect on surroundings. Combining all of that, I found a way to share my love for music with others. To this day I still get a bit nervous every set, but nothing beats creating moments for people that they will remember forever, all from an idea that started in your own head. I love creating moments and memories for others through music.
What music styles do you Play?
I consider myself an open format DJ, but I try and compete with myself in every genre. I want to be the best I can be in all areas.
So from my music growing up till now, I put all my time into finding the right tracks in all genres for the best situation. I love to play hip hop, with my turntables, being from the UK and with Jamaican background, a love of mine is always Drum n Bass, Jungle, Reggae and dub roots. From producing tracks too, I love to play all kinds of electronic music, from Afro House, Latin tech…all the way through to techno, Tech house, funky house. A bit of everything really. I love building sets where I can play all of them haha.
What Venues/Events have you played in the past?
OOOH, thats a long list…lets go…
ZERMATT:
- Blue lounge
- Adler Hitta
- Schwarzsee
- Iglu Dorf
- Trockner Steg Ice Bar
- Mountain Shack
- Snowboat
- Broken, Pink, Papa Caesar, Bao Bar
- Vernissage
- Papperla Pub
- Schneewittchen
- T Bar
- Champagne Bar
- Club Mamacita
- Hotel Mamam
- Resident DJ Zermatt Unplugged
- Norqain Boutique
- Schmuggler Hohle
- Turbina
- Cable Car
- The Bubble
- Cervo
- Schalisee
- Schonegg
- Grizzlies
Ive also played and still do in Ibiza, Costa Rica, Fuerteventura, Bali and many other places in Switzerland. But these are the main ones.
Who and what are your influences?
Tupac, Bob Marley, My Parents and my Grandfather. There are many teachings and lessons from these people. But also, having served in the military for many years, this gave me the mindset I need and want in order to achieve the things in life I chase, and to help those around me. When it comes to dealing with calmness in chaos, its always good to be relaxed…comedy influence has definitely played a part in that. Laughter is the best, so another influence from way back in the day is Dave Chappelle. I think being a DJ. I have a few friends that have also inspired me and influenced me, im proud of them and they definitely have helped me along the way.
What have you achieved so far?
Way more than I ever could have expected, and most of it was unplanned. When I look back, I never really had a plan, I was just trusting the process and going with what I felt was right. And it has lead me to where I am today. So I am looking forward to more challenges and achievements that can come my way.
What is your day job?
I am a fully qualified electrician, which has been my main job for most of my working life. But DJ, and working bars and music venues has also come up to that level. I have a mix of everything I enjoy, and that has become my main job We aim to increase our notoriety in our region and establish Russo Volume in various organisations
What are your future goals and plans?
I want to release more music for myself, as something to look back on that I did, and just put out music for at least someone to enjoy. On top of this, to visit more countries, learn a new language and run my own business. These have always been there, and the last few years seem to be pushing me more in that direction. So I’m excited to see what the future brings.
What do you think are the biggest challenges you face when DJing?
Im my own worst critic, the worst thing for me is all the stuff that comes before the gigs, sat at home, listening and creating sets, lists, ideas a million times over. All for when you get to the actual gig, I end up free styling the whole thing anyway, so why was I stressing before haha. But, its always good to have some kind of plan laid out.
What do you think is the best part about being a DJ?
Meeting people, watching people smile and forget life while dancing to something you created. Thats the best thing ever.
What do you think is the worst part about being a DJ?
Getting hungry mid set. Thats a big first world dj problem.
What do you think makes a great dj?
Understanding the assignment, preparation, and enjoying it without caring what others think of you or your style. Music is about fun, letting go, no judgement and an escape from normal daily life and work. Keep it all good vibes. I think if a dj can do this, for days weeks months and years through a career, to me, thats a great dj. But at the same time, that’s a question I can’t answer, always trying to adapt and improve is key to being the best you can.
Current favourite track(s)
So many, Do for love by Tupac, any heavy Busta Rhymes beat, anything by Monolink. So many to name and it changes daily. That’s a tough one…