DJ Gigahurtz Interview

Last week, I had the chance to speak with DJ Gigahurtz on the phone. The vibe I got from GHZ was that he was a professional, fun-loving, hard-working dj. Gigahurtz is known as a pioneer in the digital era of the dj culture. He started after the vinyl era. Not to mention he is a part of the famous Bum Squad DJz. DJ Gigahurtz has featured as a dj for Diddy's "All White Party" and hand picked to dj for athletes such as skateboard superstar Ryan Sheckler and NBA All-star Brandon Roy. He has also done a ton of corporate events, more than I've actually seen for virtually any dj. Some of these corporations include: Nike, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, Disney, Mountain Dew, LA Fitness, Vitamin Water, Guess and more. DJ Gigahurtz also has one of the premier mixtape sagas. His -Selectro- series is unreal. Be sure to check out his story, his start, his favorite dj's and more. I can't wait to meet him and see him play. Enjoy!

Spartytunes: What advice do you have for young and aspiring artists?

DJ Gigahurtz: I guess for young dj’s coming up to focus mainly on their craft, their skill, and to make sure they have the basics first. Then, they should try to advance and focus on marketing, logos, etc. Lastly, they should focus on working consistently and being patient. It's all about doing the right type of gigs for the right type of people.

Spartytunes: Other than Portland, do you have other cities you like to play in?

DJ Gigahurtz: Scottsdale is a one, because of the weather. San Diego is also one, but I’ve only played their once. LA and Las Vegas are cities I've played more often in and the people there have incredible energy in terms of the music I like to play. I’m actually going on tour with DJ Rectangle, so we are going to be hitting up places like Hawaii, Denver, and possibly L.A., and more.

Spartytunes: It looks like you have done a lot of corporate events. Is there something about these events you like? And which were your favorites?

DJ Gigahurtz: I like the fact that it’s a different crowd you’re playing for. They aren’t necessary the “club crowd”. They appreciate the art of dj’ing a little more. In terms of my favorite(s), Microsoft was dope, and Nike was pretty dope too. They [Nike] have a huge headquarters. It’s similar to a big college. The people at Microsoft know how to take care of their DJs and have shown me a lot of appreciation.

Spartytunes: I saw in another one of your interviews you had talked about DJ Latin Prince bringing you up. Can you add on to that or reiterate it?

DJ Gigahurtz: When I first started dj’ing, I wanted to grow outside my hometown. One of my friends introduced me to Latin Prince, and from there we became friends. Things were new for me dj’ing then and he helped me get to know everything better. Later, we started a record pool. We’ve also done a ton of collaborations.

Spartytunes: The name “Gigahurtz”, where did it come from?

DJ Gigahurtz: When I first started dj’ing about 11 years ago, I didn’t come up the same way as the typical dj’s; I wasn’t vinyl. I actually started in the digital era. When I started, I was collecting mp3s, and trying to get gigs. One day I was driving, and I was thinking about it. I thought since I started in the digital era, I wanted to do something computer related, and GHZ is what I stuck with.

Spartytunes: You’ve spun alongside Jay Sean, Far East Movement, DJ Felli Fel, and various SKAM Artists. Who has been your favorite to spin with? And who is your favorite dj overall?

DJ Gigahurtz: Well, I got to open for Jay Sean, and at the time I wasn’t too familiar with his stuff. I didn’t realize how big he was going to be, but he was cool. I had a ton of Far East Movement in my library, but wasn’t too familiar with them as whole, but I got to play for them right before they got big. In terms of dj’s, DJ Homicide is awesome live.

Spartytunes: Your Selectro Winter House Edition Mixtape has to be one of my top 5 mixtapes I think of all time. Are you proud of how it turned out?

DJ Gigahurtz: My first Selectro mixtape did really well. It was one of the top downloads on Beezo[.net]. DJ Enrie (Beezo’s Owner & Founder) called me to and told me I beat DJ Vice’s mixtape. From then, I knew that I wanted to stick with the Selectro serious; but the latest Selectro, I just knocked out in 2 or 3 days. The flow just came really easily. I thought it might need more hype, but it came across well. Now you can expect the 3rd and 4th Selecto mixtapes to come.

Spartytunes: Do you have anything coming up soon?

DJ Gigahurtz: Actually, I have the -DJ’s Gone Rockstar Tour- with DJ Rectangle. DJ Rectangle is one of the most idolized dj’s in the game, and is somebody I’m excited about going on tour with. This tour, I think, is going to do a lot more than people are expecting. We are getting dates very easily. Once again I have the future Selectro mixtapes coming out. I also have another mixtape with DJ Latin Prince on the way. My management team and I are also planning a European tour. We are planning on playing in Switzerland, Croatia, Morocco, and other countries. Lastly, I am also working on a dance remix for 50 Cent’s “Hot Rod”, which is going to be released on G-Note, his new label.

Spartytunes: Any last words?

DJ Gigahurtz: I want to thank you for this publication. It’s one of the many I have on the way. I also want people to realize and recognize that I started in the digital era. Some people didn’t respect me at first, but now they finally do. I want people to understand my story. To get back to your first question, don’t be afraid to be who you are. If you don’t believe in yourself, then how are others going to believe in you?
 
DJ Gigahurtz - GHZ 1st Edition
 
Check him out: Industy Wednesdays @ Couture (Portland, OR)
 
For more DJ Gigahurtz: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace | Soundcloud