Exclusive Interview with DJ Fingaz

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Fingaz, shortly before his performance at Illuzion Phuket on 24th October.

You are an American Turntablist, DJ and music producer, born in Detroit and raised in San Diego (USA). You are is the official Tour DJ of Hip Hop artist XZIBIT and you won two "Best DJ" awards - one at the San Diego Music Awards and one at the Lifeworks Music Awards. How did you get into DJing?

Well to keep it kind of short, I think I was around 13 years old. I was inspired by a neighbor of mine that was a DJ, at that time I was already into music and breakdancing but the DJ element was something that caught my eye when I used to watch him in his room spin and scratch records. then around the age of 15 I got to experience my first dance club with one of my cousins, her boyfriend was the DJ and it was an all ages type of club. I just remember standing there and watching him control the crowd and what a good time they all had and also all the hot girls that came up to the DJ booth as well. HAHA

Your signature sound is an open format mix of Hip Hop, R&B, Electro, Reggae and Rock. Your slogan is "Good Music, No Gimmicks". How would you describe your music in a few words and what tracks, videos or mix-sets would you recommend as an introduction for someone that is not familiar with you yet?

Yes! I love to be creative and I love to blend all of those Genres of music together, for me that is creating the perfect party! I don't segregate people, race, creed or color, so why segregate music!? if it makes you dance, sing, remember, feel etc.. then its good music and creating a memorable party is what I do best!

Well I love people and I like to interact with the people always! and I always play something for everyone in the room! no one is left out. at some point in my set, you will say OH WOW, he just played that! I feed off the energy that the people give me, I love to get on the Mic and even go in the crowd during my sets.

You have played at exclusive nightclubs all over the world, such as Gipsy (Moscow), VIP Room (Paris), PURE (Las Vegas) & Dragon-I (Hong Kong) and for brands such as MTV & Playboy. What were your personal career highlights, the best and the worst gigs you ever played and the funniest things that occurred during your performances?

So many amazing times and experiences in my 19 years of doing this, I have been lucky to play in over 50 countries! but one thing that really stands out was when I got the chance to play in Iraq for the US troops in such a crazy place like that. Also, I don't look at any gig as bad, because I'm doing what I love and I will always give the same energy if there is 50, or 50,000 people. I have had some really funny time on tour with Xzibit! haha that's for sure.

How does your current schedule look like, where and what kind of events do you play and what are you currently working and focusing on?

Well right now I'm booked solid with my exclusive residency in Hong Kong and also monthly dates in Vietnam, Taiwan and now here in Phuket! So Asia is my main focus at the moment. I really love Asia!

On October 24 you will return to Thailand to perform live at Illuzion Phuket. Did you keep previous Thailand performances – and Thailand in general – in good memory? What can the Phuket crowd expect of your performance?

Last time was my first trip to Thailand and I had such an amazing time DJing at Illuzion, the energy was awesome! the people were so friendly and came to party! I also got to visit some really cool things around the city, night market, big buddha and a baby elephant! haha, I am so excited to be back oct. 24th and I hope that I make more friends and great memories! so please if you see me, say Hello! Let's take a photo together and enjoy the universal language of GOOD MUSIC! Please also follow me on my social media Instagram: @fingkong and www.djfingaz.com! Thanks guys!