The thing about being a DJ is that somewhere along the way, skilled turntablists, radio jockeys, and every person that has ever played with buttons on a stereo everywhere from a wedding to a house party, all got unjustly grouped together under the same title. Meaning our hometown hero, DJ Drastik, a guy who studied music production, has shared the stage with A-Trak, MSTRKRFT, Mobb Deep, Talib Kweli and Method Man amongst others, and the only Canadian DJ to take home all 3 National DMC titles, is deserving of more respect than a rental-DJ. Sure there are a lot of DJ’s out there doing it up bigger than this up-and-commer, but if DJ AM can make it from Crazy Town to celebrity, there’s no reason Drastik can’t. In fact, he already is. We caught up with him to talk about globetrotting, backstage stories and fellow Stylust Tom Wrecks’ Love Lockdown remix on DJ Benzi’s SKY HIGH official Kanye West mixtape.

LH: So I know what you’re all about, but tell our readers who Drastik is and why you’re a big deal:

Drastik: hahaha no big deal here. Just trying to do me and do what feels right, its working out okay. I used to do DMC Dj competitions, i won a few national titles and got my name out on the world map that way. From there i started doing mixtapes and got a lot of love and exposure on that tip…now its on to production and keeping up with the mixtapes. Im really picky about my mixes though, so it takes longer to put them out than it probably should, but quality over quantity. Thats me in a nutshell.

LH: You’re a big deal, I Google’d you and you were top of the pile, but I saw this bush-league DJ Drastik on there too who couldn’t bother to spell “official” right on his “offcial website”, you ever get in touch with him just for fun?

Drastik: Naw hahaha, never really cared. There’s a few Drastiks out there. If they have a problem with me stealing the google thunder, then so be it, but i have no problem with it. Its about what you do with the name that counts in the end. When i was given my name, there was no google to search stuff like that hahahaha.

LH: Tell us about The Stylusts:

Drastik: The Stylusts is summed up in one word…family. That’s it really. i grew up with Tom Wrecks. We used to skate together and when i was getting into dj’ing i dragged him along. Illo, we met just through the local scene. We all realized that we had similar ideas, tastes, formulas. So it was natural we team up. We all work so well together cause were such good friends first.

LH: It’s name dropping time, who have you shared the stage with?

Drastik: Man, its a big list now. Ill list some faves though. Hip Hop acts, id say Mobb Deep. When The Infamous came out, the feeling it gave me listening to it was and still is the best feeling ever. So it was an honor to play that show. As far as dj’s, id have to say A-trak, He’s my favorite dj of all time hands down. Super good dude on top of amazing dj/producer as well. I did a 4 turntable/cdj tag team (pause) set with Bloc Party not long ago. That was fun as hell. Maybe Mstrkrft, Crookers too. Soo many over the years its hard to keep track.

LH: That’s a good list going on, you have to have a good backstage story…

Drastik: hmmm…i once opened for Tha Liks. Actually i have a few times now, but the first time i did, i played an all west coast set before they came out. I was on fire that night and they (Tha Liks) were loving it! E-Swift told me to just keep playing for a bit and they hyped the crowd over my set. Anyways, after the show we were all having drinks in the basement of this club. Tash was very very intoxicated. He came up to me with eyes looking right through me and said something along the lines of him loving me, i couldn’t really make out what he was saying then out of nowhere he just gave me a hug, but wouldnt let go. He just sorta held on to me ahahah. it was scary and awkward. Another more recent story, I was judging a dj competition with my homies Jokers of The Scene for Redbull. The good peoples at Redbull provided us with too much booze really, but I only had about 3 drinks and i blacked out. I take dj competitions very seriously and would never fuck around when it comes to the judging part, but after competitor number 3 i just blacked out! There were lots of people in our little “vip” area and it was at one of those clubs where girls for sure get roofied. Im 100 percent positive i got drugged cause i’ve never blacked out! I even dj’ed after and have no memory of it! I woke up the next day sooo sick. That’s two that come to mind, i’m sure i have better ones in the vault somewhere.

LH: What’s the first album you ever bought, and the last one you bought?

Drastik: i think it was ac/dc back in black. I cant remember that well, but something like that. Last one was probably A-Trak’s Infinity +1. I’m ashamed to admit i don’t buy alot of music. If anything I’ll buy singles online, not so much full albums. We get a lot of tunes sent to us too.

LH: So, is there a group or act out there that you think you should be getting more play or exposure?

Drastik: There’s so many, but I’m going to be a dick and say us hahaha. Were all working super hard to gain the right exposure, its a constant struggle to be heard.

LH: Where did you just get back from and where you headed next?

Drastik: I haven’t been traveling too much lately. Trying to stay close to home and focus on finishing this Stylusts record and be close to my pops who unfortunately isn’t doing so hot health wise. Last big trip was to Hong Kong a few months back. It was rad as hell! Next big one will be doing all of Canada and the States once the record comes out in September/October.

LH: You must have some good packing tips…

Drastik: I always used to get my girl to pack for me. She had this technique of rolling my shirts up like blunts. They don’t wrinkle and it saves lots of room. I’ll have to figure out how to do that shit now. Also, pack your socks into your shoes, that helps save room. I never really bring my skateboard. Never have time on my trips.

LH: What are your favorite city’s/hotels/skate spots/brans?

Drastik: I love London. I have a soft spot for it. Shouts to the Novotel Hammersmith!! They probably hate me there by now. I was always known as that drunk Canadian guy there. Im very fond of Hong Kong now that i’ve been. Gotta love going to 7-11 at 6 am and buying a quart of tsingtao and having them open it for you over the counter! Plus its just such a beautiful, friendly and really clean city. As for skate spots… Pier 7, San Francisco. I miss that spot. And I wear a lot of different brands. I like Supreme alot. I used to get clothes from Orisue and i love they’re stuff! Im hoping Michael and Allen are reading this! If you are, send me a box homies! hahaha. I’m a nike head as well…who isn’t but, i really do love me some fresh 90′s!

LH: Your boy Tom got his Love Lockdown remix on DJ Benzi’s SKY HIGH mixtape, were you involved directly/indirectly? Tell us about it.

Drastik: I was involved as far as input etc… When Tom made it, Kanye still hadn’t released the stems, so they’re weren’t that many remixes of it yet. Illo and i both had suggestions, but overall it was well done. Remixes are a dime a dozen nowadays so we suggested he put it out fast before the internet was bombarded by love lockdown. Benzi is a good friend of ours. Illo and I did a remix on his Lil Wayne “we got the remix” joint. That was maybe 2-3 years ago, right before Weezy blew up heavy. But ya, Benzi has always shown love and support for the crew. So we put the remix out on a few blogs and it was well received. After maybe 3 days of it being out, Tom got a call from our friend in Vancouver. He was with Benzi and he said that Plain Pat happened to get the remix and played it for Kanye when they were in the studio together. Apparently Kanye loved it and he personally told Benzi that Tom’s remix HAD to be on there… That was that. Shouts to Ye for the love!

LH: If you could tour with any artist right now, who would it be?

Drastik: A-trak, 100%. The man is a genius. I was actually hanging out with him of few weeks back in Montreal. Just catching up and chatting about his travels and music is a treat in itself. He’s accomplished so much in such a short time and he’s only getting bigger and better. Much respect to him, he’s my biggest inspiration. That would be my dream tour.

LH: Aside from A-Trak you’ve also done a show with DJ AM, did you ever think that DJ’s would ever achieve this sort of ‘celebrity status’?

Drastik: Not to the level of celebrity status, never would have thought that, but its a great thing. AM is an amazing dj, regardless of his celebrity, but because he has that leverage, it gives exposure to the mainstream and opens doors for all dj’s. Its definately a great look. Shouts to AM, another really talented and humble man.

LH: What else is coming up in 2009 for Drastik?

Drastik: 2009 is busy so far. Lots of tours etc… Were (Stylusts) working on an EP for Tremendous Records which is through Last Gang. Thats where our heads are at right now, getting this EP done. Im busy with my monthly alongside Jokers Of the Scene, Got a new mix in the works as well as an EP of my own. Lots on deck really and its early!

LH: What’s the best part of being Drastik?

Drastik: Getting to wake up everyday and work on music and do what i love. Really doesnt get much better than that.

LH: If there’s anything random you want to say, give shout outs, start a rivalry, share a dark secret, here’s your chance:

Download Straightgoods Presents: Drastik – The Frenzy.

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