DJ I.AMSTERDAM
When did you start DJing – and what or who were your early passions and influences?
My name is Benjamin also known as DJ I.AMSTERDAM. I’m born and raised in the beautiful and vibrant city Amsterdam. With being involved in music all my life. And I’m a professional DJ for almost 10 years now.
Since I can remember I have a passion for music. Growing up, music was a big part of my daily life.
My mom was a big fan of Soul..jazz..disco…funk and reggae, and that’s what I grew up with.
What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments in your artistic career?
As a teenager the Rnb/HipHop and dancehall became really big. Being a 90s kid I’m a big fan of the (old school) Rnb/HipHop. After always making mix tapes for friends and family I bought my first turntables when I was 19. And that was the beginning of it all!
What are currently your main challenges as a DJ? What is it about DJing?
The main challenges as a DJ now a days is that they’re a lot of ”DJ’s”. And I feel that DJing is an art form that isn’t seen as an art form anymore. DJing is a mix of knowing how to mix songs…having timing and rhythm/feeling and really important knowing how to ENTERTAIN a crowd.
I love entertaining people with music. It’s one of the best feelings in the world to see people having fun because of the music I play. And I always say….music brings people together!
What do you usually start with when preparing for a set?
I usually start my gig with a beer/whisky or rum and a shot. I zone myself out…put my headphones on and listen to 3 tracks on my phone.
- ASAP ROCKY – EVERYDAY
- JETTA – I’D LOVE TO CHANGE THE WORLD(matstubs remix)
- KANYE WEST – CAN’T TELL ME NOTHING
What makes you decide to play a particular record during one of your sets? Is there a criteria other than pure subjectivity, for selecting what to play at a gig?
I go on feeling and vibe!
