There was once a point where whether you were a teenager sneaking out of the house to go the party or had permission to go to the school dance or even if you were on campus or in the ‘hood or making your way in your cleanest suits and dresses to a New Year’s Ball… One question was unavoidable. \u00a0And with this past-time of wondering what the party vibe-setter was going to do and curiously wondering the soundtrack of the night – Seaspot introduces a 21st century answer from the minds, musings and voices of the stars themselves, as Seaspot also asks – ‘Who’s The DJ? \u00a0Rock with us…<\/p>\n

‘<\/p>\n

He’s one of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest’s most recognized and respected DJs – and he has been a certified jet-setting crowd-rocker. \u00a0In the clubs, on the radio and for big-time sporting and entertainment events, DJ B-Mello is one of the go-to-guys behind the music that makes people move – and he’s been going strong since the ’80s and is still going strong as resident DJ at Bellingham, Washington’s premier nightclub, The Underground. \u00a0Making the move from his traditional hub of The 206, he has transitioned up the freeway near Canada to The 360-North. \u00a0With accolades like 2012’s MCC Best Seattle DJ, 2014 Seattle Sound Music Awards Mix Master Award and King 5 News ‘Best Personality’ On Twitter for 2015 – let’s find out… Who’s The DJ?<\/p>\n

1). When and how did you get interested in and become a DJ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I first wanted to become a DJ in \u201983 and used to listen to tons of NY radio tapes and that basically shaped me. \u00a0I really became a working DJ in \u201987 spinning at the NCO club at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA. We did Eastern\u2019s Black Student Union dances and tons of house, hotel and hall parties over the next 2 years.<\/em><\/p>\n

2) Who was your mentor(s)?<\/strong><\/p>\n

My mentors basically were Jeff Ebia, Johnnie Vee and [‘Nasty’] Nes Rodriguez in that order. \u00a0Jeff taught me the basics and got me into buying records, Johnnie Vee made me obsessive with buying records and taught me so many technical aspects and how to read a crowd. Nasty Nes taught me how to be professional and take radio seriously. He also gave me my break into radio and made it so I never had to buy records again unless I wanted something rare [that] I missed.<\/em><\/p>\n

3) Vinyl?\u00a0 CD? Digital?\u00a0 All or None of the above?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vinyl and Digital. Never really was a CD guy. \u00a0Went straight from records to control records and Serato Scratch Live in \u201905 – then in \u201915 I went to Serato DJ. \u00a0If I\u2019m spinning control vinyl I use 2 Technic 1200s and a Pioneer S9 or in the club I\u2019m strictly digital & I use a Numark NS7iii.<\/em><\/p>\n

4)\u00a0 Describe who you are and what you do as a DJ… Genre, style, etc…<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m DJ B-Mello – known to be a Hip-Hop DJ since I really made a big name for myself on underground radio & mixtapes in the 90s. \u00a0I\u2019m really can rock whatever. \u00a0I come from the days when everything was played to rock the party and I am also known for my blend tapes. Nowadays, I would be considered an “Open Format” and a “Mash Up” DJ. \u00a0I\u2019m basically a well rounded DJ who can do it all. \u00a0I\u2019ve always concentrated on making my mixes clean in the club setting and on the radio. \u00a0I was always known as a street, radio or mixtape DJ but I\u2019ve morphed more into a Top 40\/Hip-Hop guy recently.<\/em><\/p>\n

5) I most admire…__________<\/strong><\/p>\n

I most admire guys who I came up with that stuck with it & still do it to this day. \u00a0The ones that continue to evolve and adapt to all of the new challenges. \u00a0Also the guys that are making a decent living but not getting all of the shine that they deserve and the ones that are doing it strictly for the love of the art of Deejaying!<\/em><\/p>\n

6) Favorite and least favorite changes in the DJ world…<\/strong><\/p>\n

My favorite changes would be how easy it is to go spin. \u00a0You normally can hop on a plane with just your backpack rather than having to check tons of flight cases. \u00a0You can basically show up at a venue & plug in and play – in most cases these days. You also have access to way more music because of carrying digital libraries. \u00a0It\u2019s a double edge sword though. \u00a0The thing I don\u2019t like is everyone and their Mom can download music and you end up hearing crappy versions and bad quality music played by unqualified people. \u00a0The overall quality has suffered and celebrities or anybody who has notoriety is quick to call themselves a DJ and go book a big gig to play out.<\/em><\/p>\n

7). My most memorable music moment is…<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of my most memorable music moments was when I was DJing the Def Comedy Jam. \u00a0Bernie Mac (RIP) had assured me he was gonna blow me up and introduced me by hyping me up so much that when the curtains came up I was juggling “Soul Clap” (Showbiz & AG) and when I dropped “Flashlight” (Parliament) and the lights came on the crowd went nuts and it was showtime. \u00a0I realized how much that old record could make people feel energized. \u00a0I had a routine and ran through a bunch of joints but it was an amazing reaction I could never duplicate.<\/em><\/p>\n

8). A DJ must… __________<\/strong><\/p>\n

A DJ must be able to mix and read a crowd. \u00a0Everything else is extra in my opinion. \u00a0I think a DJ also must evolve and stay up on music!<\/em><\/p>\n

9) What is on your playlist right now (5 items)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Migos – “Bad & Boujee”, Fat Joe – “All The Way Up”, Drake – “Fake Love”, Big Sean – “Bounce Back” and YG – “Why You Hatin\u2019”<\/em><\/p>\n

10). Favorite crowd, event-type and city to DJ…<\/strong><\/p>\n

My favorite crowd is one that\u2019s open to all kinds of music and doesn\u2019t mind waiting for you to play their favorites. \u00a0I really like New York, because I think for the most part people seem to have more knowledge of classics. \u00a0I played Too Short – “Blow The Whistle” for an 18+ crowd in Bellingham and they could\u2019ve cared less for it that night. \u00a0Imagine if I dropped James Brown or Kool and the Gang.<\/em><\/p>\n

11). I am ______________<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am DJ B-Mello your DJ idol\u2019s favorite DJ\u2019s favorite DJ! Follow me on all social media @djbmello <\/em><\/p>\n

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