DJ Malick – Mtlnights Interview

DJ Malick is one the hottest up-and-coming DJs on the local circuit, making inroads with his residency @ Red-Lite, regular bookings at Stereo Montreal, and just about every venue in the province of Quebec that caters to house music lovers.

In light of his upcoming birthday set @ Red-Lite on February 3rd with Danny Torrence, I decided to ask him a few questions.


1.Malick, what made you want to become a DJ? Who’s your favorite one at this moment?

I have always been into music. I took my first piano lessons at the age of, 5 and a few years later I started to play guitar. At age 11 I was already doing my first show with my school band. I guess I can say I've always felt comfortable on stage. But first and for most it’s been about my love and passion for all types of music. I really wanted to become a DJ when I discovered electronic music. There are too many good DJs for me to pick one; I have so much respect for locals such as Stephan Grondin, Joubin, Nicola T, Mark Anthony, and Danny Torrence. They are all very talented!!


2.Blended Productions has been in the game for 3 years now, starting off with Patrick Dream at Parking on Sunday nights, gradually shifting their main focus to promoting events at Stereo. For the past 18 months, Blended’s been the driving force behind your career, making sure that every appearance you make has a positive impact on the well-being of the club. Malick, how did you guys manage to forge such a strong alliance?

Good question? I guess everything happened very naturally. I trusted the guys and they trusted me. We have always been pushing equally on each side.


3.I’ve read somewhere that Cream 99 was your defining moment, your introduction to house music. Did you know that JF from Blended Productions shared the same ‘coming out’ party as you did? (LOL)

Hahahaha you did your homework. Because I didn’t even know!


4.Your career’s been on an upswing for the past 18 months, did you ever predict that it would all come so fast, considering that most aspiring DJs never get beyond walls of their bedroom?

For sure things have been moving fast. I'm just so grateful for being where I am now in my career, though I am far from having achieved all that a DJ can ask for.


5.How are things going with your residency at Red-Lite? How did that come about? How long have you been a resident there?


Back when I started, I think Chris Garde (from Blended) was working for them and introduced me to Michael Armstrong (owner of Bal en Blanc). Michael then gave me the chance to headline the Sunday of their 11th anniversary. Ever since we've kept in touch. He’s the one who recommended me to Robert the owner of Red-Lite. Not too long after, I was offered the position I have today. We will be celebrating a year there in April.


6.How would you define your sound?

Depending on the venue I might change my style. I play House Music, vocal, tribal, techy, proggy. I just play the music that sounds good to my ear.


7.Malick, you did a great job opening for Danny Torrence at the 4th edition of Climaxxx. What kind of mindset goes into opening a room rather than closing one?

I think when your opening you always have to keep in mind that your warming up the crowd, you have to slowly bring them to what is coming up next. The closing part is just to give them everything you have...It's free game!


8.Being a former promoter myself, I noticed that almost every up-and-coming DJ lacked range at first, relying on the big tracks too early, not really building a set properly cause that’s what nerves and inexperience do to you. Malick, how did you overcome this obstacle?

It's all about experience, how fast you understand the track, and what your vision of the music is. Go out, listen and learn.


9.What should we expect from you on Saturday, February 3rd at Red-Lite?

I've been collecting tracks from everywhere, anything I can get my hands on. I really want to show everyone who will be there on February 3rd that I can take them somewhere else with my music. It’s going to be a musical trip!!!


Malick and Danny Torrence will be taking a Music Trip at Red-Lite on Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 in Celebration of his birthday.

MTLNIGHTS Time For A Midnight Move! MTLNIGHTS!

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www.blendedproductions.com