What’s one of your most unforgettable live performance experiences?
Over the years, I’ve checked off some DJ bucket list experiences, and one that stands out happened when I was fulfilled by a truly beautiful moment. I’ve always wanted to DJ on a beach in a foreign country (as England isn’t really known for its sandy shores). Picture this: sand between my toes, the sun shining brightly or stars twinkling above me as I mix on the beach. A few years back, I had the opportunity to DJ at my close friend’s wedding set on a stunning private beach, from sunset to sunrise. It was everything I had envisioned! Throughout my DJ journey, I’ve played at many events, but the combination of that idyllic setting, wonderful people, perfect weather, and those wedding vibes created an unforgettable live set.
Your style incorporates New Jack Swing, RnB, and Hip Hop. What attracted you to these classic genres, and how do you make them appealing to today’s listeners?
I was naturally drawn to these sounds as they were the soundtrack of my upbringing in East London. They filled every space, from school to family gatherings. My mother, a huge Lionel Richie fan, influenced me with his music and that of The Commodores. Being from St. Lucia, she also had a passion for Steel Band music, which grew on me. Another huge influence was the film Breakdance (or Breakin’); I’ve watched the soundtrack over a hundred times! It was edgy and fun during a time when dance films were rare.
To keep these classic sounds relevant, I don’t often play them unless requested at events. My love for these genres shapes my taste, leading me to discover modern tracks influenced by them across various styles. I believe that House music captures so many influences and reinterprets them, breathing fresh life into the music for dancefloors everywhere. It’s through House music that I maintain those classic elements while keeping my sound current for today’s listeners.
With such a diverse range in your sets, how do you keep performances captivating and cohesive for varied audiences?
The ability to read your crowd is crucial for maintaining cohesion. When the audience expects one specific genre, it simplifies your set. But at open-format events, recognizing that guests have different music tastes is essential. You can opt to play a little of everything or focus on the most sought-after genres while still delivering the best you can. Remember, the audience pays money to enjoy themselves, and keeping them engaged should be your priority. It’s tempting to play for your own enjoyment, but keeping your audience at the forefront is vital for getting rebooked. While you might not take requests, knowing the crowd pleasers in each genre can help you stay connected with your audience. Additionally, consider the overall journey you want to create, moving from lesser-known tracks to sing-alongs, maintaining or varying tempo. I perform a wide variety of genres but generally avoid mixing them extensively unless I’m doing longer sets (like 5-6 hours) or if a genre mix is specifically requested.
After years of performing, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about crowd engagement and interaction?
As I mentioned earlier, it’s essential to be both proactive and reactive. During smaller, intimate gigs, I look for the leaders on the dancefloor, making eye contact to keep them engaged. Influencing those key figures often results in them inspiring others to join in. At larger festivals, where the crowd is vast and visibility is limited, it’s about feeling the energy in the room. My extensive experience allows me to embrace various genres and absorb unique energies from each audience. I thrive on good vibes, and I find that different crowds have distinct energies, each with advantages (or disadvantages!). Limiting yourself to one genre can hinder this enriching experience from a DJ’s perspective. Of course, the ultimate fulfillment of this energy rests on the DJ since we are tasked with creating that vibe.
What challenges have you faced in your DJing career, and how have you overcome them?
I realized years ago that while RnB and Hip-Hop were my early passions, newer music in those genres no longer excited me. I felt disconnected from new tracks, always gravitating back to older favorites instead. However, in the realm of House music, I found that I could continually discover and love new sounds, unlike my previous favorites. Thus, about a decade ago, I committed to purchasing more House tracks, feeling that this genre would keep me continually engaged and excited.
What is one piece of equipment or software you consider essential for your setup, and why?
Great question! I’d say my iTunes library is the core of my setup. Since I transitioned from vinyl, iTunes has organized all my MP3s, whether on a Windows PC or a Mac. It’s filled with countless playlists I’ve curated over the years, serving as my modern-day record boxes. These playlists can easily transfer to both Serato and Rekordbox, allowing me to play RnB and Hip-Hop on Serato, while Electronic Music fits better with Rekordbox. Having a unified source of playlists for both platforms ensures a seamless performance for me.
Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring DJs hoping to establish their unique presence in the Electronic Music scene?
Be sure to look backward for music while also staying tuned to what’s current. In Electronic music, there are numerous knowledgeable DJs who appreciate more than just the mainstream tracks. Attendees love being taken on a journey, cherishing both classic and contemporary hits. That exploration of music from the past can be as fulfilling as discovering new sounds, yet many new DJs seem to overlook this aspect, often sticking to just recent releases. Remember, every new track is influenced by previous music, and those older influences can resonate with your crowd just as powerfully as the latest hits, plus you’ll gain respect from your peers for being truly knowledgeable!
We thank Wilza for sharing such an in-depth perspective on his career and experiences as a DJ. With a journey that encompasses multiple genres and dancefloors, his DJing approach is rooted in a profound understanding of engaging crowds while honoring his influences. Whether he’s mixing at intimate events or large-scale festivals, he always brings vibrant energy and a thoughtful selection to the decks.
Looking ahead, Wilza remains committed to linking with his audience and crafting memorable experiences.
Wilza Online
