DJ em-D: America's deejay and producer working in all musical styles

Saturday 21st December 2019

Tony Cummings spoke to Philippines-born, Seattle-based deejay and producer DJ EM-D



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DJ em-D: "Not really. Christian hip-hop helped me catapult my walk with Jesus Christ. That's why I started the radio show, and from there deejaying and music production came along - even though that was the thing I was already doing when I was in the world. I want to let people know there is an alternative out there, the same feeling and vibe I had when I first heard the music."

Tony: It seems that in the States very little hip-hop and dance music gets on the radio.

DJ em-D: "It definitely does get frustrating. It's a bit of a challenge. But it's all in God's timing. People just need to give us an opportunity. With dance or electronic or hip-hop, I think my sound can cater to the believers and also the non-believers. When I talk to artists about ideas, what we want to write about, we get creative not just for the believers but also for the non-Christians. But Jesus will always be the centre of all the music I make no matter what artists I work with."

Tony: Are you going to be able to keep on pumping out a single every month?

DJ em-D: "I have more that I'm releasing, coming 2020. I have more in the works - plenty of surprises for everyone. I'm excited for 2020 to roll out."

Tony: Will they all be with featured singers, or are you going to put out some instrumentals as well?

DJ em-D: "That's one of the plans. Without giving out the whole details, there's a few things that I want to do and people like that I want to work with; like you said, do some instrumentals."

Tony: You've got three kids. Do they dance around to their dad's music?

DJ em-D: "Yes! They are my number one fans. They are my A&R. I let them hear my music first. If they like the music, then I will put it out. If they don't like it, we'll keep it in the bag."

Tony: People divide dance into different styles, and artists tell me "I do house" or "I do electro". You seem to do a lot of styles, though.

DJ em-D: "It's true. I like to make music that I love, whether it's country, whether it's rock or pop, hip-hop, dance."

Tony: Come on! You've not done any country, have you?

DJ em-D: "Like I said, there's a lot of music going to be coming out. It's a possibility! I don't want to be in the box as a DJ. I want to be able to make music that I love to listen to, that people may be able to relate to the feeling I get listening to different genres of music."

Tony: Do you have any ambitions yet to fulfil?

DJ em-D: "Yes, there's a lot I would like to achieve, but it's all in God's timing. As far as producers and artists, I'm comfortable where I'm at. Whatever doors that may open, God will open, and we'll go from there. I would like to work with Lecrae, for example, Blanca and For King & Country. Who knows where the Lord will take this." CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About Tony Cummings
Tony CummingsTony Cummings is the music editor for Cross Rhythms website and attends Grace Church in Stoke-on-Trent.


 
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