Rock the Flea Mr Nugget - an interview with DJ Nugget
by Anna Rasshivkina
DJ Nugget, a.k.a. Adam Kulik, is a DJ who performed at the 2008 Sundae Market. He has been busy performing with music legends like DJ Jazzy Jeff and Quest Love. We asked him for an interview and he gave us a few moments of his time for a more in-depth look into himself and his musical career.
AR - What inspired you to be a DJ?
N - Growing up I always enjoyed listening to music and dancing. I was fascinated when I heard DJ's mixing records together and I knew that I had the ear to do it myself.
AR - Who are your influences?
N - Growing up it was Funkmaster Flex, DJ Jazzy Jeff & DJ Premier. I still look up to them just as much as well as the guys who put nightclub DJs in the spotlight. Guys like DJ AM, DJ Z-Trip, DJ Vice, DJ Fashen and many others.
AR - How did you start out as a DJ?
N - There were a few guys in my neighborhood who were older than me and were the DJs in my high school. Once they graduated, I took over with another one of my friends and we began djing all the school functions and various parties around town.
AR - What were the obstacles you ran into?
N - I remember starting out I always had equipment issues. I'm basically self-taught so I had to learn about different kinds of wires and connections, how amplifiers worked, etc. Setting up was always stressful to me because if something didn't work it was all eyes on me.
AR - What’s your favorite part about making music, being a DJ?
N - Watching the crowds reaction to what you're doing. Nothing is more gratifying than watching 500 people go nuts after you drop a mix.
AR - Can you tell me about your record label, Amplified Entertainment?
N - We're not a record label. Amplified is merely a promotion company that I started so that I could put a face behind the parties we were throwing.
AR - Do you just remix songs that already exist or do you also create your own (not to suggest that the remixes aren’t your own songs, but you know what I mean)?
N - I've been playing around with production for years, making beats and remixing tracks. Most of the stuff I've been doing recently is generally made so that I can include it in my set when I'm playing a show. I've been making tons of remixes of popular songs recently.
AR - Who is your favorite musical artist to listen to?
N - My favorite group of all time is A Tribe Called Quest. I listen to a ton of different music but some of my favorites across the board are Bugz In The Attic, Phoenix, The Roots, Jay-Z and anything DJ Spinna touches.
AR - Have you traveled with your music?
N - I've played in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York City, Baltimore,
Denver and Phoenix.
AR - What’s been your favorite place? Why?
N - I love playing in LA because I get to see a lot of DJ friends when I'm out there and the party ("Quality" at Zanzibar in Santa Monica) is always ridiculously packed and crazy. Big shout to DJ Haul and Mason.
AR - Favorite part of the experience? Why?
N - Just going into another market and making people get down is the best feeling. It lets me know that I'm doing a good job regardless of the fact that I live across the country in a much smaller market.
AR - Have you been on tour? What were the hardships associated with it?
N - I've done two small West Coast tours but nothing crazy. No hardships! Nothing but good times. Although I hate waking up early to catch flights.
AR - How did you get involved with Sundae Market?
N - My good friend
Ben Falvo (the mastermind) called me up and asked me to be involved. I couldn't resist.
AR - What do you think of SM?
N - I love it. Its brilliant! There is a lot of talented and thrifty people and it's given me the opportunity to meet many of them.
AR - Do you think that Pittsburgh needed an event like SM?
N - Absolutely
AR - What is your relationship with sponsors?
N - I do a good job and they pay me! Haha. I think they thought I would be a good fit for the Market so I just tried to show and prove. Everything has been working out great.
AR - Do you create any other art in addition to music?
N - No But my house is full of dope artwork from local artists. My best friend is super talented so he gives me new pieces quite often.
AR - What are your aspirations both in terms of your musical career and in general?
N - I'd like to continue to travel more while I'm young and eventually settle down somewhere and open my own club/bar where I promote my own events and shows.
AR - Where can people listen to your music or buy your CD?
N - You can download tons of free mixes and learn more about me at
www.myspace.com/djnugget and
www.djnugget.com
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