How did DJ Sterling get started?

DJ Sterling is not exactly sure when he became addicted, but we know music has been in his soul for a long time.

The pivotal point could have been when he was little and his mother and uncle used to have him talk into a tape recorder and mimic TV and radio, while they recorded him.

Or it could have been when he discovered he could take two tape decks and create pause mixing. Whichever it was, these early experiences helped shape DJ Sterling and can be seen today in his MC and radio skills, as well as his mixing.

At the age of 14, Sterling’s passion in music had taken a permanent place. He took his last $20 and went to the local used record store where he bought everything from Funk, Latin, Blues, Acepellas, Rock, and even Walt Disney. From that day on, Sterling has been mixing and experimenting to create his own personal style of music. Taking the aceppellas from Row, Row, Row Your Boat and adding a flavorful back beat is grasping the true art of mixology.

Breaking into the scene, Sterling accepted any gig one could think of. From Corporate parties to backyard barbeques, Sterling continued to fine tune his art of mixology while building confidence and learning the intricacies of the industry.

What is Sterling doing now?

Covering 160,000 miles in the last two years, Sterling has had an opportunity to play along some of the best talent in the world and at some of the most luxurious clubs in the world. Currently, Sterling is working on expanding his studio productions while keeping his ear to the street. He also holds a weekly residency at Devil’s Martini in Scottsdale, AZ. Keeping a foot in the digital world and one in the concrete jungle, Sterling can anticipate changes coming to the music scene and adapt accordingly. One can find Sterling’s commentaries in local, national, and on-line magazines. Sterling has been fortunate enough to serve as a consultant for club managers, positively affecting their bottom line. In addition, he serves as a resource for other DJs, fielding questions from well established people in the music business. The human internet if you will…connecting to others who gain results.

Where is Sterling going with his music?

Music has changed and it will keep evolving. The way we hear it; the way we get both old and new music; and the way we make it. That is the beauty of it all. Constantly striving to find a better way to develop tracks, Sterling twists styles - pushing things to the next level. Known as the “genre splicer”, Sterling is king of the mash-ups. Mixing a hip hop song with some rock, jazz and a touch of funk makes Sterling the mixologist he is today.

Sterling admits though, if he was starting as a DJ in today’s world, he would do things differently. “I would make the overall process totally digital. Music is going towards the digital realm. I would use Serato and manipulate it through vinyl or CDs.” Today’s world is computers. Learn to understand the inner workings of both PC and Mac. The more a DJ can understand, the less frustrated they will be with the end product. Sterling suggests another key to success is building a legitimate song base. Identify companies that can give you a constant supply of music or pick up some clearance music…classics if you will, bargain cuts, “B” sides, etc. These songs can be downloaded into your Serato and thousands of songs are at your finger tips.