(Photo By DJ Pain 1)
DJ Pain 1 is a major name within the indie music scene. Artists aspire to get him on their projects and faithfully share his videos of wisdom pertaining to the music business on social media. So The Illixer had to reach out to him for the revamp of That’s My DJ and he graciously responded. Find out what all we discovered about the popular man behind the 1’s and 2’s after the jump.
Background Info: Known for his 2008 break-out beat on “Don’t Do It,” for Young Jeezy‘s platinum-selling album The Recession, producer DJ Pain 1 stays busy. From touring as a DJ to producing full albums as well as creating original and free content for the producer community, this Hip-Hop musician takes no breaks. A Wisconsin-native and lifelong Hip-Hop fan, DJ Pain 1 began exploring production in the late 90’s. From 2002 until 2007, while still making music, he immersed himself in education and youth services. Just one year after earning his BA in English Education, Pain 1 landed his first major beat placement with Young Jeezy. Pain 1 continued his education, pursuing a Masters of English while holding down multiple jobs, performing and amassing a catalog of recorded material. In that time, he produced records from artists including 50 Cent, Shyne, Gucci Mane, MC Lyte, Public Enemy, Vado and an additional track for Young Jeezy entitled “CTE Or Nothing.” Frustrations with the lack of exposure he was receiving for his production efforts led Pain 1 to begin releasing his own projects. He started with a 2010 album The Waiting Game which predominantly featured regular collaborators such as I-20, Rain, Money B, Tek and J-Stills. He then decided to interface his DJ’ing with his production and premiered his ongoing mixtape series Painkillerz, free digital downloads produced exclusively by him. His mixtapes included hosts MC Lyte, Black Rob, Big Sean and LEP Bogus Boys and were followed by his popular series of instrumental albums Undressed Instrumentals. Currently Pain 1 balances occasional touring with studio work, content creation, and rare moments of relaxation.
Other Ventures: Production for: Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Public Enemy, and more / Non-profit work with Urban Community Arts Network
Booking & Web Info: DJ Pain 1 On Facebook / DJ Pain 1 On Twitter / DJ Pain 1 Official Website / Business Contact – booking@djpain1.info
Mini Q&A:
The Illixer: Top three favorite deejays of all time?
DJ Pain 1: DJ Premier — he revolutionized not only production but the way DJ’s approached Hip-Hop hooks. Mix Master Mike — The way he was able to incorporate himself into a group for live performances is amazing, not to mention the scratches he introduced to the culture. DJ Kres — This DJ was active in the late 90’s/early 2000’s in my city. He taught me how to dig. He would mix a lot of Soul/Funk records but could still rock a battle.
TI: Favorite song or type of music to play?
DJ Pain 1: I either like to play Contemporary Rap or Old School. Those are the two types of music that fans respond immediately to. I dislike playing music for people who are too cool to stand up and move.
TI: Favorite place to spin at and why?
DJ Pain 1: I’ve had fun at House of Blues venues — they’re sound system is amazing. Locally, I love to perform at the Memorial Union Terrace, which is a venue right on the University of Wisconsin Madison campus. This lakefront venue is a popular spot for relaxing/recreation so there are usually thousands of people there.
TI: One trait that is a must have for every real DJ?
DJ Pain 1: I’d say awareness of the crowd and willingness to cater to your audience is most important for any DJ.
TI: If you could change one thing about the art of deejaying today it would be?
DJ Pain 1: I would change the culture of Hip-Hop such that fans would expect DJ’s to challenge them with new music, not just act as their living, breathing iTunes playlist.
My Two Cents: It was a real treat to get to know a bit more about DJ Pain 1. I see his name all over the place and have featured quite a few Milwaukee artists that he’s collaborated with. Haven’t gotten a chance to formally meet him in person or see him do his thing live though. So gotta add that to my music industry to do list (lol). Definitely appreciate him taking the time out to share for That’s My DJ. Much love to him and best of luck in all of his endeavors. -MinM
