R.Dizzy (formerly of m-audio), DJ Ro (uses serato but still threw a set on TORQ) DJ Affliction (uses VDJ but used xponent as midi controller) DJ 'O' (used the m audio x-session pro), and Dj Stretch.
 | Current mood:  amused Category: Music Meet The DJ --  Raving About DJ Johnny Aftershock At the recent NAMM Show, Johnny Diaz, also known as DJ Johnny Aftershock, was at the American Audio booth, mixing tracks for thousands of show visitors – a far cry from his first gig, a fifth grade birthday party, not to mention that at the start of his career, he confused a crucial piece of DJ equipment with a kitchen appliance. Back in 1988, a friend called and told Johnny that he had just picked up a mixer, young Johnny wondered why his friend was so excited about baking equipment. When Johnny arrived at the friend’s house and realized it was two record players from the 70’s, he suddenly understood. In fact, Johnny knew that it was the start of something beautiful. After practicing a bit, Johnny and his friend got their first gig: playing at a birthday party for a fifth grader, for a whopping 25 dollars. While he now lives in Bellflower, California, Johnny was born and raised in Compton. After being introduced to the mixer, music quickly became an escape for Johnny, “It was either that or join the gang. It was all we had.” After his first gig, Johnny continued playing parties and other events as a mobile DJ and eventually got into the local rave scene. Raves were held at a different location every time, but having a good time was a certainty. “Everyone was just there for the music. Just dancing, not worrying about drama,” Johnny says of the attitude and dedication of the ravers. Through the parties, he began to hone his skill as a mix DJ on the rave scene, focusing on New Wave and other alternative 80’s music, making him a true original. “A lot of people don’t use my type of music as much because it wasn’t made in the same way as traditional music,” Johnny says, “It’s offbeat, and there’s just something totally different about it.” Johnny became a well-known figure, even DJing at the K-Rave at Knott’s Berry Farm, a moment that stands out more than a decade later. “It was the first and last time they allowed 5000 people to come together and ride the rides and put on a huge music festival.” Johnny started Aftershock Entertainment, with a friend back in 1990, and the company is still going strong, serving Orange County, with a branch in San Diego. The company has played for celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, John Travolta, and George Clooney, and appeared on-air on Power 106 FM, Groove Radio 103.1, and Sirius Satellite Radio. To this day, no matter the event, Johnny focuses on the music, running two turntables and a mixer, though he also has a laptop set-up. “I did a lot of clubs so I’m used to not being on the microphone as much. I just want to make sure that the music’s banging and people on the dance floor are having a good time.” While he’ll play anything from Easy Listening to Motown Classics to Top 40, at weddings, corporate events, and other bookings, Johnny still specializes in themed 80’s parties. He’s an active member in the DJ community, and it even reminds him of his early days in the raving community, explaining, “It’s also a tight camaraderie, and there’s so much respect because they know how much work you put into it.” Check him out on the web at www.myspace.com/johnnyaftershock and www.aftershockent.com |
