Since 1998 Kim Dezen has gained a reputation as a battle DJ par excellence, placing either first, second or third in the local and national DMC turntablism contests. He’s played at a variety of hiphop shows alongside acts such as Mixmaster Mike, Latryx, Aceyalone, Company Flow, Mystic Journeymen, DJ Craze, DJ A-Trak, DJ Vin-Roc, Blackalicious, Swollen Members, DJ P-trix, DJ Noize, Scratch Perverts, DJ Vadim, Cash Money, James Lavelle and Shortee Blitz. He’s also played with bands such as the Fuglemen and Beat Smugglers.
How did you get into hiphop?
I remember when I was about 10-11, my brother starting listening to groups like Public Enemy and NWA. At first I didn’t really know what the music (hip hop) was all about, but eventually I started to really like and appreciate it. None of my friends at school were into hip hop at all and there was hardly any exposure on TV (except the occasional film clip on rage) – so I used to buy magazines to find more out about other artists, the music, culture etc. I was really into groups like 3rd Bass, Ultramagnetic MC’s, De La Soul, A.T.C.Q, Gangstarr & Brand Nubian.
You’ve been DJing for a number of years. How did you get into it?
I used to go to a few underage parties with mates from school during the holidays when I was about 15/16… specially the Pulse parties that used to be held at Synagogue (Adelaide). That was the first time I was really exposed to DJing – what it was all about and how it was done. Whenever I could, I’d watch DJ’s like HMC, Angu$ and Brendan – studying what they were doing and how they mix-in tracks one after the other. I’m not sure what it was, but I just found it so fascinating – particularly the technical side of things – how you could mesh two tracks seamlessly together.
Soon enough, I started replacing my CD’s/Tapes with vinyl. At the same time I would also religiously listen to 93.7 Degree In Da Shade on 3d Radio (Hosted by Madcap, Quro and DJ Next). I’d tape each show every week and listen in closely and work out how they were cutting/scratching between each mix.
Eventually I hired some decks and tried my hand at it. From there I was hooked. After a few years of saving (and convincing my parents that it wasn’t a waste of money) I bought decks and a mixer – and progressed from there.
Do you play anything else apart from hiphop?
Yes definitely. I play different styles (mainly beat-orientated) such as funk, breaks and jazz – more so than just hip hop these days. Music has always had an important part to play in my life – what I listen to depends on my mood or how I’m feeling at a particular point in time. If I were only playing the same style of music all the time, DJing for me would become quite boring and repetitive.
I find that playing different styles (particularly during the same set) allows me to be more creative with the way I piece tracks together – both musically and technically.
Do you prefer to battle, or to just DJ at a club and why?
Both have their good points and their bad points!! You can’t beat the rush you get after walking on stage; ripping shit up and getting the crowd open during a battle/comp. However, putting together battle sets is rather taxing – both on your time and your wallet!! I’d have to say that right now – I’m more focused on club DJing rather than battles. It lets me incorporate both styles of DJing into the one set. In some aspects, club sets can actually be more challenging. It takes time to work out what works in a club situation and what doesn’t – and that only comes with experience.
How different is DJing in a live set up with the fuglemen or beatsmugglers to DJing alone?
When you are apart of a live act, you quickly learn that you are there to enhance/add to the overall sound – rather than overpower it! Most other DJ’s I’ve seen tend to think that they have to ‘prove’ themselves on stage. ‘I gotta be the most technical or I have to have the fastest cuts!!’ I say ‘Fuck that!’ More often than not, keeping things clean and simple, complementing the beat and other musicians is more effective than scratching/cutting a million miles and hour. However, that’s not to say that I water down my style… Moderation is the key. Whatever it is – its gotta have the funk!
I find that within a live set up, I can be a little more experimental. Lately I’ve been using different types of effects on-stage (wah-wah, flange pedals) to create a whole range of great sounds. Despite what a lot of people might think, the turntable really is an instrument.
Have you ever considered getting into producing your own material?
Maybe in a few years time I might, but I don’t have any desire to produce my own material at this stage. I’d much rather devote most of my time and energy into improving my skills than anything else. You can never practice too much!
What do you think of the hiphop scene in Adelaide at the moment?
Hip hop in Adelaide has been moving forward in leaps and bounds of the past few years. The scene is constantly growing – with more MCs/DJs bringing out quality releases all the time. Support for the local scene is strong. I’ve gotta say that there’s always been a lot of talented, quality artists coming out of Adelaide. It’s a shame that we’ve missed out on quite a number of tours/acts of the past few years though.
Where do you see hiphop heading? (locally and internationally)
Judging by the amount of radio air-play (particularly Australian hip hop) and the number of people heading out to shows, hip hop will only get bigger. Its great to see hip hop taking a place in music festivals like the Big Day Out and more recently – Wozone here in Adelaide.
You been successful in a lot of Australian DMC battles… any dreams of taking on the world?
Nah not at this stage! There is still a lot more I want to achieve here (locally and nationally) before I head overseas – if the opportunity arises!
Have you toured anywhere overseas?
No
Who inspires you?
Other DJ’s and musicians who are passionate about their music and aren’t afraid to experiment and try and different things.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still DJing, still ripping shit up!!
You can find Kim Dezen playing at Wozone, and Minke most weekends, as well as being a performer at the South Australian Dance Music Awards.