In the Spotlight: DJ STRIKE
8.2002

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Name: Greg Chin
Age: 30
DJing: 16 yrs
Music/genre: All good electronic (techno, tech house, house, ambient, etc…)
Favorite artists: Too many! Depeche Mode, Global Communication, John Beltran, Underworld, Beethoven, Chopin, the list goes on!
Venues Played: all over the globe
Resident: ...of the world
Contact Info: info@substancerecordings.com
Web Site: signalcommunications.net and substancerecordings.com

Q - How did you get started in this business?
A - Well, I started at age 4, when I began playing the piano. From there, I started composing at age 10. I started getting into electronic music around age 12, and DJing around age 14. I released my first single with the band I was in while still in high school. All these things just kind of escalated into what I'm doing now, which is producing and DJing.

Q - What can your fans expect in the upcoming year?
A - Well, there are quite a few projects out now, and in the works. Aside from the 2 CD projects I spoke of earlier, I've completed a remix for the next Noel Sanger release on Musicnow Records entitled "Dissident." I have a single coming out on Josh Wink's Ovum label entitled "Perfect Love." I'm about to start remix production on an upcoming single for John Digweed's Bedrock label. My next single on UK's Hooj Choons with Josh Collins and Jason Dunne, is in its final stages of production. Our original is done, and so is my remix. My main focus right now, however, is the full length Ad Finem album entitled Poeme. I'm really excited about that, since it's an opportunity to really do something other than just normal club stuff. I get to get back to being a songwriter, and not just a "track" producer.

Q - What projects are you currently involved with?
A - See above…

Q - In your opinion, what makes you stand out from others in your field?
A - I think my equal involvement in both production and DJing. Also, especially here in Miami, my mixing style is pretty unique. I play a bit harder (a good portion of the time). I don't know. You may have to ask around on that one!

Q - What is your most memorable moment as a DJ?
A - There really have been quite a lot. I've had the opportunity to travel and meet some great people around the world.

Q - Is there anything about you people don't know that may surprise them?
I'm a devout Christian. For a lot of people, it seems a bit strange for someone who is involved in this kind of work. I don't try to force my beliefs down anyone's throat. I try to live by example, but I'm not perfect.

Q - If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, how would you do it?
A - Passionate, creative, introspective.

Q - What do you consider your best quality to be?
A - My passion for my work and those I love. Although, sometimes it comes back to haunt me.

Q - What do you do for fun when you are not Djing?
A - I love being with my family and friends and much as possible. I love watching movies at home in full dolby digital surround sound! And I can't forget my passion for video games… Atari 2600, Nintendo NES, Xbox, PS2, Gamecube, and Game Boy Advance are all in my room and always on when I'm there!

Q - What inspires you the most in life?
A - Love. Sound corny? I don't care. Love!

Q - What is your favorite food?
A - My family's! I'm from a mixed racial background (Dad's Chinese and Mom's Jamaican), so I think I get the best of both worlds! Chinese food and curried mutton! Yummy!

Q - What kind of kid were you growing up?
A - I think I was a pretty good kid. I was a good student, never got into trouble. Pretty boring actually. Just like now, I was heavily involved in music (and video games in my spare time).

Q - Growing up, what did you think you'd become?
A - Since the age of 3, I always knew I would be a musician, though I had no idea it would become such an integral part of my life.

Q - What advice would you give someone interested in your field?
A - There will be discouragement at every turn. If you work and build your craft and skills, you'll be able to shut anyone up who tries to discourage you. Let your talent speak, and everyone will hear. Remain humble but confident. No one likes a show off, but everyone loves a confident star. Remember, at the end of the day, you're just a person like anyone else. No greater, no lesser. Stay focused and driven. Don't let the trappins of this lifestyle dictate who you'll be. Those things can literally kill you.

Q - Any additional Info you'd like to include:
A - Fear is the mindkiller, time is the healer, love is the answer.

My current albums are my solo album Pages from the Blue Diary* on my own Substance imprint, and my project with Tabitha Byng under the name Ad Finem. Our latest CD EP is entitled Forever and a Day on Harlequin Records.

* DJ Stryke's album Pages from the Blue Diary is available at Specs on South Beach

Email Address: info@substancerecordings.com