DJ Sneak

“The worst gig I’ve ever played? Probably hasn’t happened yet. I could be stuck on some shit EDM stage.”

Why music?

Music is life.

If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?

School art teacher.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Always be you.

What inspires you?

Everything.

What’s the next big thing?

Intergalactic travel.

Best club experience?

It wasn’t in a club…

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

A factory job. One week.

How do you know when a track’s finished?

When I play it out and see the response.

Best club experience? It wasn't in a club...

What was your last day job and when did you realize you could give it up?

Salesperson at the best record store in Chicago, Gramaphone Records. I gave it up when I had the talk with the owner and he said I was ready to enjoy this DJ life. Bless him!

Which song do you wish you wrote?

The Brand New Heavies – ‘Shelter (Dub Remix)’

What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?

Sell your soul.

What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?

‘Fix My Sink’.

Recommend us a film.

Apocalypse Now.

Recommend us a book.

Damage Done.

What or who is underrated?

Talented musicians and producers.

What or who is overrated?

EDM.

What are you addicted to?

Music and weed.

What do you lust over?

Good times.

What is your greatest regret?

No regrets. I jumped into this and kept going. Good times and bad times – still a soldier.

What one thing would most improve your life?

Staying sane.

What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?

Probably hasn’t happened yet. I could be stuck on some shit EDM stage.

What am I addicted to? Music and weed.

Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?

Rich creative experiences recently with Basement Jaxx and then another session with my beats idol Todd Terry. Amazing producers.

If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?

Al Green – ‘Love And Happiness’.

How do you relax?

Weeditate.

What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?

Stupid iPhone.

Art or money?

BOTH.

Strangest place you ever wrote a track?

A summer cottage. [Sneak spends part of each summer as “a true bushwhacker – fishing, hunting and boating” at his in-laws’ cottage near Timmins, Ontario.]

Must-read blogs/forums?

Not into them.

What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?

Phoney people. Everybody.

What’s your favourite label? Why?

Cajual Records. Why? ‘Cause of Cajmere aka Green Velvet – he’s always coming correct with the music.

What’s the worst thing about making music?

If you have this in your mind, stop trying to make music – it’s not for you. Making music is all about feeling great while channelling the inner artistic side of your brain.

What’s your motto?

“Do or die.”

Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?

Be creative. Don’t be a copy. Practise.

DJ Sneak’s Moody Warehouse Music Vol. 1 is out now on Magnetic Recordings. Catch him playing Summer in the City at Tobacco Dock on August 9th.