The WPGU music staff caught up with DJ Lil Big Bass, aka Kayla Brown, for a quick interview. Speaking for WPGU, Kim Nguyen.
Kayla is also a singer/songwriter who was nominated for Best Female artist in the 2005 WPGU-buzz Local Music Awards.
1.) How long have you been interested in becoming a DJ? Also, what inspired you to become one?
---I was around 15 when I started DJing. I had a few friends that dj'd...and it looked like fun and I liked the sounds so I tried it out. Fell in love! I started with some random records my friends had, then I went to Chicago one night, and heard this craaazy BAAASSSYY stuff called Drum'n'Bass(jungle) and just got rocked by those heavy low ends and those super crazy beats. It was faster and harder than anything I'd ever heard (sounds kinda dirty huh??) and that has been my thang ever since. Something about being able to create sounds so powerful, was pretty fulfilling. I picked up 2step along the way, a perfect blend of house and dnb I think. Soulful, heavy bass, and breakier beats. Bottom line....I just love bass.
2.) Are there any particular DJs that have influenced you?
--- I was a big fan of Phantom 45, Dylan, 3D, Aphrodite, Plastik Man, Ed Rush and Optical and any thing off of Moving Shadow...(i.e. Dom and Roland and EZ Rollers) when I was younger. Watching people throw down bass like that is always influencing to me! Recently I've been more into Friction, ShyFX, DJ SS/Formation Records, Evol Intent, Twisted Individual, lots of Renegade Hardware/Trouble on Vinyl, some True Playas, definitely pulled the Dillinja card a few times! Keaton for sure, Hype, man...I could on forever! But most of all, my biggest influence as a DJ would have to be, and much respect to the late Bill-e Most, founder and father of Organic Grooves out of Kankakee. Dear friend to a lot of us dj's around town, he put me up a lot as a young DJ and we all miss him very much. Audio engineer, DJ/Producer, Promoter, and a great inspiration. Much love.
3.) What kind of music do you usually listen to? Do you have preference?
---I was always a big fan of Punk and Indie. I listen to a lot of blues though. Jazz, I'll kick it to a show tune every once in a while =) But mostly I think, I dig the acoustic/singer songwriter solo sound.
4.) What do you think about the Champaign-Urbana music scene?
---I think this town harbors a lot of incredible talent!! Left and right we've got Dj's and Bands winning awards and random competitions, to touring and releasing albums, signing on to labels all over the place!! It's amazing to watch it all happen around you. Everyone here is very supportive and encouraging and more so appreciative and respectful of everyone's work. I think it's great!
5.) What is the best thing about being a DJ?
---I love rocking out with my friends and watching people have a good time. It's a good feeling to watch people having a blast and dancing all around knowing you got to provide not only a respectable service, but a damn good time to boot!
6.) What is an aspect of being a DJ that you find particularly challenging?
---Well, for me I think getting people to listen is the hardest part depending on where and what I'm playing. Not a whole lot of times I can play somewhere rockin some nasty D'n'B and expect people to stick around. Kind of an acquired taste I guess. Definitely not a lot of love for D'n'B around these parts.
7.) How does it feel to be recognized as "Best DJ" in the Local Music Awards?
---Pretty surprising actually, more than anything I'm a singer/songwriter, and concentrate most of my energy into that. I didn't think anyone really played that much attention to my djing other than Boltini on Fridays. I appreciate it very much!