The WPGU music staff caught up with DJ Mertz, aka Brian Mertz, for a friendly chat. Speaking for WPGU, Kim Nguyen

1.) How long have you been interested in becoming a DJ? Also, what inspired you to become one?

I became interested in becoming a DJ after going to a New Year's Eve party in London in 1998/99. This party had a total of 12,000 people and it was without a doubt the best New Years I'll ever have. I knew some of the artists that were there (New Order, Underworld, etc) but I had never seen a DJ set to such a large audience before. The Chemical Brothers did a DJ set and it was just fantastic with the sounds, the visuals and the energy. I had never seen anyone create that much energy and response from doing nothing more than playing records of songs that I loved. When I came back, I hosted a radio show at my undergrad school (Illinois Wesleyan) that featured electronic music. I was just playing songs off CDs like a normal radio show. Eventually I got local Bloomington, IL DJs to come in and spin live on turntables. Seeing them playing on turntables 5 feet from me every week had me hooked. When I came to Champaign for law school I decided I needed something besides law to focus on or I was going to go crazy. So I gave in to the urge that had been building since that party in London, saved some money and bought my turntables. I have been spinning ever since. So I've been DJing on turntables for 4 years now... and playing out in clubs, parties, etc for three years.

2.) Are there any particular DJs that have influenced you?

The Bloomington DJs had a huge influence on me. They taught me the basics and I was mesmerized by them. So I still consider DJ Zeek and DJ Web to be my primary teachers. When I came to Champaign, DJ ImpacT had a big influence as a guiding figure. I would not be where I am today in Champaign without ImpacT's invaluable advice on what to do and what not to do, and him believing in me as much as he has. Most recently the Sound Republic in Chicago have been an influence because their believing in me has really helped me become a better DJ. Confidence is key. Plus they've opened doors for me that only someone on their level of DJing could open. All DJs need help like that to move ahead. In terms of big name DJs in house music, influences definitely would be Ben Watt, Raoul Belmans, Aaron Ross, Fatboy Slim (he may be cheesy, but no one has more fun than him DJing), and most recently Justin Martin and the Sunset crew in San Francisco have influenced my sound and what I'm playing. Lastly, two of my friends who are also nominees have been enormous influences. Bozak is always pushing me to expand my sound into new (and old) directions. And of course, my DJing partner J Phlip has been an influence for years on me. I always feel like I need to bring my A+++ game when DJing with her. She has made DJing in Champaign an absolutely unforgettable experience the last three years. It's really impossible to say how much of an influence playing with her all these years has been on me.

3.) What kind of music do you usually listen to? Do you have a preference?

When I'm in a good mood, it is almost always house. For me, house music is the purest expression of joy and what is good in mankind (no exaggeration). When I'm not in that jubilant a mood, I listen to a lot of old soul and funk, as well as some quality hip hop. And of course, I still listen to lots of indie rock.

4.) What do you think about the Champaign-Urbana music scene?

As a whole, I think it is amazing. From the rock scene to the hip hop scene to the house scene, there is so much quality music here. There may be ebbs and flows in each of those scenes, but on the whole, it is incredible the talent that thrives in this town. Specifically for the house scene right now, it is love/hate for me with Champaign. I love that the people that really care about their music challenge you to be better and play as well as big name performers, particularly within the house scene. There are so many venues and opportunities to play in Champaign, and that in itself is great, but the fact that this town, with a few exceptions, demands that you be good at what you're doing, has made me a better DJ than if I lived in a town that just didn't care if a bar had a DJ or a jukebox. I love that getting to play out so much and playing to discerning audiences and appreciative lovers of house music has made me a better DJ than if I was playing out once a month for an hour in a big city. It's helped me with confidence, reading a crowd and taking chances. On the flipside though, because CU is so small, it is immensely frustrating trying to get house music in this town to be at the level of recognition and respect that enjoys in big cities like Chicago. While I think within the last year we've gotten better crowds than even places like Indianapolis, it is still immensely frustrating on slow nights to be playing well, but only having a few people appreciating it. That said, as long as one person is dancing or enjoying what I am spinning, then it is worth while for me. As a promoter though, I just wish more people in Champaign would give house music, or any music they don't know for that matter, a better listen with open ears. Plus the cops in this town need to lighten up on house parties. But that is another story entirely.

5.) What is the best thing about being a DJ?

I got into radio DJing to share music with people, especially great music they may not know. And so to get to actually do that live, instead of behind a radio board, and see people's immediate reaction... I love that. One smile, cheer, surprised face, shaking body, whatever. Just one and my night is made. There's a rush that comes from it, and I've grown very addicted to that rush. I'm just starting to get to travel to new places to play. Nothing glamorous yet. But having that road in front of me is exciting. Sharing music with new audiences is a new rush entirely. And I guess the friendships that have come from DJing are also amazing. There are a lot of just general acquaintances I've made over the year. But 95% of my closest friendships I've made through DJing. I can't be thankful enough for that.

6.) What is an aspect of being a DJ that you find particularly challenging?

In Champaign I find promoting to be very tiring. Putting up posters, sending emails, running web sites, word of mouth. There is a lot more to DJing in this town than just showing up and playing records. And even after you do all that, there can be pressure from managers that just don't care about the music and care more about bodies in the door or sales at the bar. I've been fortunate this last year to work with some great managers (Robb at Boltini, Kosmo at Soma and Ward at Cowboy Monkey) who understand ups and downs at bars, and actually are willing to help get more people out to events instead of just blaming the DJs like some other bar owners in this town do. Cough cough. On the whole, it is challenging that there are SOOOOOO many DJs. Even in Champaign there are a ton of DJs. So when you're just starting out, it is a challenge just to get 45 minutes to play at a house party in this town. I feel blessed that I've reached the level where I get to play as much as I do here and people now think of me for parties and events. But if I want to start seriously playing beyond Champaign, there is a ton more work I have to put in to make that happen, simply because there are so many DJs in the US and all over the world right now. Everyone wants to play, but there are only so many hours in a party.

7.) How does it feel to be recognized as "Best DJ" in the Local Music? Awards?

I'm thrilled to be nominated. I've put in a lot of hard work not only behind the decks, but trying to help organize and promote electronic music in Champaign this past year. What makes me the most happy is that all five nominees either in part or entirely, play quality underground electronic music, ranging from house to drum n bass to broken beat, to even weirder stuff. None of these DJs would ever reach to play Lil John (well maybe Bozak's punk ass would... haha) ... I think all of these DJs have been incredibly true to themselves. A lot of DJs, especially in this town, are terrified to play what they love and so they only play what they think crowds will dance to. Usually it is recycling the same crap that has been on MTV and in mainstream clubs for the last 5 years. I'm proud of all of the nominees for all the success they've achieved by being true to themselves and even more proud that Champaign-Urbana recognizes the nominees' dedication to the music they love.