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If you've ever found yourself in the I DJ NOW showroom in Queens, there's a good chance you've had the pleasure of being helped by Ernie aka DJ ERNZ. Beginning his DJ journey at the age of 14, Ernie became a part of the I DJ NOW team back in 2009. Since then, he has worked hard building a following as DJ ERNZ and, more recently, has taken on educating fellow DJs with the launch of Mixsho DJ in 2022, a lifestyle brand that aims to bring DJs, producers, and music enthusiasts together. I DJ NOW spoke with Ernie about Mixsho DJ, DJ tech, and more!
I DJ NOW: How long ago did you get started in music and becoming a DJ?
DJ ERNZ: I got started in High School at the age of 14. I started off with vinyl turntables and got to experience the changes with using vinyl , CDs , and Serato.
IDJ: How long have you been with I DJ NOW?
ERNZ: I’ve been with IDJNOW since 2009.
IDJ: In terms of performing, tell us how your prepare for the different audiences for - Clubs / Private Parties / Public Events
ERNZ: Great question. For the most part I’m obsessed with organizing my Serato crates. Usually when you’re extra prepared you don’t have think so much about what to play next once you’re at the gig. Also depending on the gig you may have to play more songs a bit faster at clubs. If I’m performing at some sort of showcase or an in store event I try to focus on remixing and being creative more speeding through a playlist.
IDJ: Name your all-time favorite pieces of gear (whether you own it or not) - controller/speakers/lights/accessory
ERNZ: To be honest I have to say at this point my RANE TWELVES have to be my favorite because I don’t have to buy needles as much as I used to when we had to use Serato Vinyl with needles. It also prevents all skipping when scratching so you really get to hear if you’re precise or not. I teach as well so it gives an authentic feel for new DJs when they come for their first lesson.
IDJ: What are some of the most significant advances in the technology that you see today compared to when you first started?
ERNZ: Its amazing to have worked at IDJNOW during the transition from CDs to Serato. That was a huge turning point because the access to music became easier through digital record pools and other websites. We no longer had to physically purchase vinyl or cds. Then once DJ controllers started to appear on the scene the access to have a complete DJ setup became way easier and less expensive. So of course more DJs were born in those time periods. I can go on with this answer forever. Other technological advances like music streaming platforms and video streaming platforms have been more strict lately with DJs simply wanting to be creative with music because of music copyright laws mixed with simple social media post. There’s a lot more to this. I’ll be talking a lot about this on my new podcast called DJ THERAPY.
IDJ: How do you see the audiences evolving as time goes on - what are some of the trends you see, and what do you think audiences look for today currently?
ERNZ: Before Djs would be a good distance away from the crowd in an event. The new trend seems to be DJs being in the center of an event and the crowd being behind them. It’s a great look for social media and visual purposes but can get messy if someone spills a drink on the DJs equipment or laptop. Anything can happen. I think it’s a great look but we still need rules in place to make sure the DJs safety is prioritised.
IDJ: Tell us about the group Mixsho.com
ERNZ: Yes! I started the Mixsho brand in 2022. Mixsho is a DJ lifestyle brand looking to bring DJs together with other DJs, artists, music producers , and music enthusiasts. We have subscription based plans for DJs to get DJ information, resources, promo music , discounts on DJ lessons , gig opportunities and more. It is going well and I’m always looking for ways to take it to the next level.
IDJ: What are some of the most frequent questions you get from your audience?
ERNZ: DJs usually ask me "What are the best ways to analyze music?" They see me doing big events and will ask what steps they can take to get an opportunity to play at those bigger events. How can I get more gigs? How can I get more exposure? What kind of DJ video should I post? How do you make the music/audio on your post so clear? (Answer: IRig) How to do a crab scratch?
IDJ: What is the experience range of your viewers (beginner/Intermediate/Advanced, all of the above?)
ERNZ: DJs from all over follow me. All skill levels. All age ranges. I think it’s cool because I can teach something but I can also learn a lot from people who have done it before me. It’s so much information that the conversations between DJs never end.
IDJ: What is the most important piece of your equipment that you must bring with you to every gig no matter what the type of event?
ERNZ: For me the MOST important piece of equipment has to be my laptop that holds my music library. I can go anywhere with any type of DJ equipment and I can make something happen. I’d say headphones would be second just because I want to be sure about my timing when dropping the next song.
IDJ: Name three key points that every DJ should know about their skill set?
ERNZ: Three points that every DJ should have in their skill set are beat matching/mixing for sure. Next I would say knowing your DJ equipment in and out. DJs will have equipment for years and not know what the other buttons do or mean. I’d say scratching also but it’s not necessary to actually make a DJ career. However it does show a different level of creativity and presentation.
IDJ: What's one piece of advice for the others who are just starting out?
ERNZ: First pieces of advice would usually be to sign up with Mixsho.com for mentorship purposes. Also to get their DJ products from IDJNOW. This DJ journey is a long one. There is a lot of information they will have to apply to their own DJ career. Being patient is going to be more of a challenge when you start comparing yourself to other DJs who have more time in the craft. You have to accept that everyone has a different path. I’d tell a DJ to focus on skill first rather than getting gigs. If a DJ focuses on skill it will make creating content online easier which will gain more share value to gain potential clients. Times have changed from needing to beg club owners for DJ opportunities.
IDJ: Are there any upcoming projects you are most looking forward to?
ERNZ: Really looking to bring DJ performance events back to IDJNOW back at some point somehow. People are always asking me.
IDJ: What’s something you like to do in your down time?
ERNZ: Some will think I’m crazy but I really like getting moments to watch a movie and organize music at the same time. I can really do that all day lol. It’s just so much music and so many scenarios I want to prep for. Think music genre, era , tempo , key , word play etc. I really take DJing serious.
For more information on DJ ERNZ check out the links below:
https://www.instagram.com/ernzworld/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ernzworld
https://soundcloud.com/ernzworld
https://www.mixsho.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@MixshoDJs
