Praveen Jay - From House Parties to Beach Parties

This week we step away from bands and soloists and feature someone who has made his name in the party scene with quite a big bang. You are bound to see a million posters of parties circulating on Facebook with Praveen’s name on it. Praveen had truly humble beginnings I happened to be at one of the first house parties he played at and I can tell you he is darn good! Check out his rise to fame!

How did you find your calling as a DJ?

Well ever since I was a kid if there was one thing I loved the most, it was music. It was always a part of myself. As I grew up to be a teenager I started producing tracks on basic music softwares such as FL studio and Adobe Audition along with my school friends. We had this idea of producing a music album. Along that immature journey it was after I started partying at the age of 16, I started realizing that Electronic Music was my cup of tea. The knowledge I had about basic elements of music made it easier for me to evolve my skills into the art of mixing. I started off as a mobile DJ playing some private gigs and friends' parties, which soon got me the opportunity to step into the nightlife industry as I took over Club D's as the Resident DJ in 2009. I would have to say that paved the path for my uphill climb as one of the country's most wanted DJ's and I'm still working my way up, because there is no finish line for success. Music is a deep ocean and there's so much more I still have to learn. But I'd have to say I'm very happy of where I stand now as an Electronic Music DJ and Producer.

What was the very first gig you played?

The very first gig I played was my own event called "STRESS BUSTER" which I hosted at Club D's while I was working there as the Resident DJ. The event mainly focused on the after exams school and college crowd. It tuned out to be a success with a fully packed house and also gave me an identity as a Event Organizer. But the very first Beach Rave I played was "SPACE" at Buba Beach, Mount Lavinia in December 2009. The event was organized by En-V Productions and is still remembered as one of the most biggest beach raves of all time.

How do you know that your mixes will please audiences?

That's a good question. A DJ should know know the crowd as much as he knows his Music. You have to study the audience who dance in front of you when you're on the decks. But it's about taking chances and exploring new aspects of Music. Especially when it comes to underground music and you play new tracks that the crowd hasn't heard before, the audience reaction depends on how you present your set and the performance you give on stage. I always put myself as one of the audience and see if I feel the music first. If I don't feel it, then the audience won't feel it anyway. Your sessions have to be fresh, energetic, groovy and also entertaining at the same time.

How far do you think you have come in your career?

I've come quite along way in my career but i still have a very long way to go. I never stop learning cause as the technology is advancing, there's so many new things to learn by the day. I'm going on my 6th year as a professional DJ and I'm happy and also humbled of where I have reached upto now. It's not a very easy thing to earn that name, maintain it and also be one of the most in-demand DJ's in this very competitive industry.

What is the fundamental thing to get a proper mix?

I'd have to say the most important thing to get a proper mix is your hearing ability. If you can't hear then your doomed. But apart from that the most important things of mixing is Beat Matching, Sound Balancing, Identifying Accurate Cue Points, Using the correct FX and also Perfect timing. If you mix two tracks at the wrong time then you don't get a smooth and proper outcome. I always tend to mix the tracks in a way where the audience don't feel the change of beat. The session has to go in a flow. That's the proper way to keep the floor intense. You should leave the audience guessing what's coming next. Surprise them!

Who are your influences in music?

Even though my genres are typical underground music such as Tech House, Groovy Deep Tech, Nu Disco, Deep House and at times a little bit of Dark Techno, I would have to say my biggest influences as DJ's are Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto and Dash Berlin. But when it comes to underground music there are so many new artistes now who produce quality tracks. If I have to name a few it would be Shiba San, Guy J, Victor Ruiz. But the list just goes on!

Your thoughts on every kid picking up a console and calling themselves a DJ?

Haha! Well to be honest, trying to become a DJ has become a trend now. Everyday you see some new kid spinning at some corner of the beach. For all of us professional DJ's in the field, it was only music and pure passion towards the art of mixing and entertaining the crowd which drove us onto becoming DJ's. That is why it helped us become successful Artistes and create a name for ourselves. What i have to say is, if you're doing it out of love then do it right. Do it because it makes you happy and do it with passion. Not just because it looks cool on you and you want to be famous. There is no other feeling like making the audience happy with your unique style of performance and seeing them dance in joy.

Who would you consider notable DJs in Sri Lanka?

Well I hope your question means "Apart from yourself"? LOL! Kidding eh! Well, I would say every professional DJ who has made a name for themselves as one of the best DJs in this industry is a great DJ. They have made it this far because of their unique talents, skills and ability to entertain the audience. But my personal favorites would be Shiyam, Tim, Upul, Dishan and Dr. Baby as they are among the few successful senior DJ's in the country. Not forgetting there are also a few talented upcoming DJ's who really do it for the love and passion towards music. I wish those kids good luck on their future.

By Reihan Stephen