As a child growing up in Brooklyn, Keith Bailey (better known as DJ Total Eclipse) loved nothing more than sneaking his father's vinyl records out of their sleeves and playing with them on the floor.
From the kind of vinyl scratching that no doubt made his father tear his hair out, Bailey transitioned into the kind that gets you multiple awards and a place in the X-Ecutioners, one of the most respected DJ crews in the hip hop world.
As one of the first members of the X-Ecutioners, DJ Total Eclipse helped pioneer turntablism. This art form sees the turntable transcend its status as a mere tool for sound production to become a true musical instrument (if you've never seen it in action, check out the documentary 'Scratch' to see just how epic an instrument it can be).
While there is definitely a significant fan base in Australia, many Aussies are unacquainted with turntablism. How would you describe what you do to someone who's never seen or heard it before?
My definition of a turntablist is a DJ who utilises turntables as a musical instrument for creative expression through blending, mixing, scratching, beat juggling and showmanship control such as body tricks and overall being confident.
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What can we expect from your upcoming show at Solbar? Will we get to see your turntable skills in action?
First of all, I am very happy and thankful to play at such a cool venue. Solbar to my knowledge is one of the newly renovated places to play on the Sunny Coast. A good friend of mine, Jesse Chirizzi, took me around for a tour and invited me to play in the front room last year, which turned out to be a packed house leaving some people outside the party. This time he thought it would be fair to plan ahead to play the back room instead so know one is left outside to party. [Before a show] I always reflect on my turntable skills to separate me from the norm of DJing which is totally inseparable. The perfect marriage.
There are a lot of techniques involved in what you do but it's also important to be able to tap into and flow with the vibe of the crowd. How much pre-planning goes into one of your sets and how much is improvised?
Normally the DJ creates the mood of his or her audience. The good DJ would know how to play and design a vibe that takes an audience on a journey of breaking new ground for themselves as a brand. No matter if it is something new, current or classic material.
Do you ever get people asking for requests during a set? If so, what's your response?
Sure, but not all the time. Most times if someone comes to me asking for a particular tune to play it would be for them to impress someone else. Such as a birthday request for a friend etc. Sometimes it would be fun as well to receive a special request where it was going to be the next song I was about to play. When that happens it means that everyone is on the same sound wave which is why I love my job.
What are the major differences you find performing in Australia compared to performing in New York and other places abroad?
Energy. When the people of Australia see or hear something that is cool and fresh they have no shame in responding with excitement whereas places like New York where I was born and raised would be a bit more reserved which is cool as well. It is different everywhere around the globe, which I am fortunate to witness firsthand and continue to explore new ground through creative expression.
You've worked with some amazingly-talented people in the music industry but if you had the chance, who would you most like to collaborate with or battle against (living or dead) and why?
There are so many artists I would like to work with in the foreseeable future. Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons would be the top of the list because for their melodic/ aggressive expressions as artist/ musicians.
What are your thoughts on where hip hop has evolved to today compared to when you first got started?
The art form of hip hop: MCing, DJing, graffiti/ writing and breakdancing in competitions is in a very healthy place in history. Hip hop has always been a subculture that came before me and will never die as long as there are creative people that love to express themselves through the music. That is what keeps me motivated to see so many people who I've influence in the present – that creates a full circle when I see them in action.
How do you feel about new technology like Serato? Is it providing more creative options or making things too easy?
I love it. I have nothing to say but to express how proud I am about the use of software and technology that is available to all DJs/ musicians. If it wasn't for programs like Serato, I don't think I would be interested in doing what I love so much from the fact that I am using such hardware like turntables etc. For myself, [technology] does make certain things more convenient like eliminating the big crates of vinyl while travelling around the globe. My body language has a lot of praise on where we are at in the world of technology.
What advice would you give to people wanting to learn the art of turntablism?
Study the right DJs and practise consistently. It is the only way to become better over a shorter time span and more importantly, have fun while challenging yourself to the next level day after day.
What else can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?
Working with more artist particularly in Australia and New Zealand while planning more workshops for the inspired who want to become more in depth to the art form of turntablism.
DJ Total Eclipse plays Solbar, Sunshine Coast, on 20 March.
