On July 20th, everyone who appreciates a good DJ party is going to want to make sure they’re at Commonwealth for the Red Bull Thre3Style West Regionals. If you didn’t make it out to last year’s Thre3Style regionals at HIFI or the Canadian finals at Cowboy’s, then we hate to say it, but you really missed out. The energy in the rooms on both nights was unreal, as people crowded around the stages to cheer on their favourite masters of spin, scratch and beat dropping.
The 2014 line-up has been selected and we’re now less than two weeks away from seeing the best of the best showcase their turntable skills. Former world champions Hedspin and Four Color Zak will be at the show along with the well-known and locally loved Smalltown DJs. Beyond the out of town regulars like Charly Hustle out of Saskatoon and Vancouver’s Nick Bike, we’re most excited to see Ivan Rankic, Heebz and DJ C-SIK who will be making Calgary proud.
Following what is sure to be a cliffhanger of a competition, the three best DJs from the regionals will move on to the 2014 Nationals in Vancouver to compete against the finalists from the East, and one lucky DJ will be selected to represent Canada at the World Finals that’s taking place in Azerbaijan.
To get you excited about this year’s competition, we talked to Calgary’s DJ C-SIK, who was named regional champion of the West in 2013.
How long have you been a DJ?
I’ve been on the turntables since 1997, but it wasn’t until 10 years later that I actually got into playing as a party rock DJ.
Describe your style…
I’d describe myself as being old school. I came into DJing at a time when vinyl was still a thing and that stuck with me. I’m also a creative freestyler who loves battling and the technical side of turntablism. I always try to bring lots of energy to my shows.
Favourite venue to play?
That’s easy. Broken City with DJ Pump.
Dream venue to play?
The Gorge in Washington.
After your victorious win at the regionals last year, what’s going to be different this year?
Last year was my first time competing in a freestyle competition like that and it was tons of pressure. This year is going to be more about having fun and it’s going to be a reunion. I’m looking forward to seeing many of the same great DJs from last year.
Are you doing anything special to prepare?
I’ve been incredibly busy the last few weeks because I’ve been playing two sets every day at the Coca Cola Stage that’s set up on the grounds for the Calgary Stampede.
What else do you have on the go right now?
I’m very involved as an instructor at Beat Drop, a school dedicated to music production and teaching DJ skills.
Where can we check out your music?
Here.
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