DJ Greyboy: Break it Down (INTERVIEW)

Now that the demand for his 2003 limited edition, “DC Shoes Mix” has gone well beyond the skate shops, producer/DJ Greyboy has finally released his own readily available mix cd. The end product is a fresh blend of obscure rarities and definable Greyboy classics, culminating into one imposing turntable statement.

Jack Spilberg caught up with the prolific and world-renown DJ and producer, for this Glide exclusive interview.

What inspired you to create your new, mix-tape style album Shades of Grey?

I wanted to do it mostly because I hadn’t done one before, and its just natural as a DJ to have a “mix-tape” to offer people, its a way to show them the music that inspires you and what you might play in your set.

You have a knack for digging up some totally obscure and funky jazz or funk tracks in your mixes and live performances. How do you come across these records?

Record collecting is just a part of what you do as a DJ and also a big part of me as an artist. I like to sample and its how I make most of the music on my records. I’m constantly looking for new bits and pieces that I can take from records to create my own original compositions with, so hunting for the new and obscure record is crucial.

You’ve had original tracks featured in everything from movies to video games- what would you say is the most odd project you’ve been hit up for?

Probably a Budweiser commercial back in ’95, they used a song called “Unwind Your Mind.” It was actually really dope. It was shot in black and white at a steamy funk-jazz club with fat track playing the back.

Where are some of the best spots to DJ inside and out of the United States?

Chicago, San Francisco, or London, or anywhere in Canada.

What influenced you to create the P-Jays record label a while back?

I’m a hip-hop DJ and I love hip-hop music. I had been coming into contact with a lot of MC’s at that time that I wanted to work with so I started p-jays with my partner and pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek as a way to put out underground records the way we wanted to.

How did the DC mix-tape come about?

Rob Dyrdek is on DC and I’ve been a friend of the guys that started the company for 10 years. Over that time I’ve done lots of music for them, videos, promos, etc. they had the idea to put out a CD with all my beats on it, mostly for headphone use, something to chill to.

Are you a fan of skateboarding?

Yeah, I’m a fan of skateboarding. When you grow up in Southern California it’s just like that. I was into skateboarding growing up. I have also done numerous soundtracks and had music featured in many skate videos.

Out of all the interesting and unique artists you’ve worked with in the past, who are some of your favorites to collaborate with?

I only work with collaborators that I like as people, so they were all fun.

Who are some people you’d ideally like to collaborate with?

There are soooo many, but in jazz I would say organist Lonnie Smith and in hip-hop I would have to say the Beatnuts.

How did you become interested in modern design- architecture, furniture, and art?

A friend of mine was going to school for architecture and he had a book that pictured modern design and architecture. For some reason, I was just taken by it and so I started to investigate further.

What are some of your recent or favorite architectural, art, or furniture acquisitions that you’re most proud of?

It would have to be my house, designed by Edward Killingsworth in 1957. It represents one of the most important pieces of architecture from this era.

How do your interests in architecture and design influence your efforts in music production?

Mostly that I prefer a minimal approach in both- less is more type of thing.

Which creative architects or modern designers are you a fan of?

Here are some, in no particular order: Architects: Edward Killingsworth, Craig Ellwood, Buff, Hensman, and Straub Richard. Designers: Alexander Girard, Hans Wegner, Benard Rosenthal, Malcolm Leland, Edward Wormley.

Is spinning funk and soul more or less challenging then mixing hip-hop beats?

It’s more challenging to mix funk, soul, jazz, etc. because the overall tempo can change because its real people playing, not a computer.

Have you helped produce other artists’ albums?

I have helped produce albums for the Greyboy Allstars, Karl Denson, and Robert Walter- both that are former members of the Greyboy Allstars

What direction do you think turntablism and DJ’ing is heading?

I’m not really sure, but the great thing is that it’s still in its infant stage and there’s really no limit. Turntablism and DJ’ing in general is the essence of what I do, so I’ll always try to explore new areas, hopefully influencing its direction.

Who do you feel are some of the hottest DJs or producers out nowadays?

Alchemist is probably my favorite hip-hop producer right now. Otherwise, I would say it’s mostly on a record-to-record basis.

Don’t sleep! Make sure to pick up Greyboy’s hot mix-tape album, “Shades of Grey” on ubiquityrecords.com.

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