The Tribune

By LESH


Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE DAYS when deejays took the time to craft a music set for an event opposed to playing songs that are almost predictable one after the other are days that DJ Ampero said he hopes come back.
Music lovers he said would be more receptive and appreciative of a crafted set.

When it comes to the entertainment scene today, DJ Ampero said he would like to see more risks being taken with parties and promoters. He said the biggest gripe when talking to revellers is that they are tired of the recycled scene.

“People always want more adventures and stories at the end of the day and the current scene is a bit too mechanical to facilitate that. Deejays are almost not allowed to be deejays anymore and that’s tragic. We’re stuck in an awkward loop that aims for quick cash and sensationalism,” said DJ Ampero.
He began deejaying in 2005 as a hobby, but eventually made the transition into the professional field about three years ago. DJ Ampero told In Ya Ear he has no plans of turning back.
Recalling a memorable deejaying experience, DJ Ampero spoke about the 2012 Global Battle of The Bands Competition. “It was an awesome experience, on all fronts. I got to remind a crowd of some 1,500 people that good deejays still exist and that not every local event has to be saturated with rake n’ scrape. The event was a showcase of global music, for crying out loud. My set was twelve hours and there were no other deejays on the playbill. I got to play some great music, people were dancing from start to finish and folks still relish great the overall vibe was,” he said. 
According to DJ Ampero, Bahamians enjoy “consistency and fluid vibes” when it comes to music. “There’s a rich palette there where you can find yourself going from smooth reggae dubs to soul, hip-hop, funk, soca and of course the salad that is Bahamian music,” he said.
“In a lot of instances, the Bahamian crowd would seem to be myopic and moody, wherein, they’d really only want a certain vibe, which is cool if you were playing an event that catered to that vibe. But it’s very limiting when the event is an open-format kind of deal and you need to diversify the sound for the whole crowd,” said DJ Ampero.
He said Bahamians are very open and receptive to deejays breaking new sounds, once they know how to mix and balance their overall sound.

“They’d give you some leeway to show them new music but if you’re too arrogant and/or preachy with it, you’ll quickly lose them,” he said.
With an international crowd, DJ Ampero said a deejay can get away with a lot more. He said a deejay can almost freestyle a set.

“An international crowd would come with a bit more exposure and appreciation for actual deejaying in some instances, and that would give you the freedom to play a lot more genres and mixes that you probably won’t get away with as easily with an average Bahamian crowd,” said DJ Ampero.
To new deejays, DJ Ampero said it is always good to listen and take notes to better your craft. “I’d tell them what a few pioneers told me. Firstly, figure out what type of deejay you want to be. Do your research, try new things and diversify your palette,” he said.

“If a mix, remix or transition inspires you, DJ Ampero said it is good to practice it, then apply the same technique for your own work. Listen to as much music as you can; you won’t necessarily be playing any of it, but the more music you listen to the better your ear will get in terms of mixing and playing for different crowds. With listening, never underestimate the power of a throwback groove and take an interest in the history of music, especially the history of Bahamian music,” said DJ Ampero.

Referring to the deejay world as “very political”, DJ Ampero said: “Learn how to accept that not everyone will like you. Most of the time it would have nothing to do with the music you’re playing. You can have a stellar set that gains lukewarm reactions. But another deejay that may have tenure, an edge on popularity or hype around them, can play the same set of songs and get a completely opposite crowd response. You can either let that make you bitter or stronger.”

When he is not behind a deejay set, DJ Ampero said he spends his time fleshing out ideas and plans with his “No Hit Wonders” team. The entertainment based team that also consists of Bahamian musician RAPP Quelle and others aims to transform the way Bahamians regard the arts. DJ Ampero said they want to make avenues for future Bahamians in terms of chasing their dreams no matter how far-fetched.