It’s hard to overstate the influence DJ AM has had on the art of DJing.
There are a handful of DJs who have massively influenced the art of DJing.
- Kool Herc taught us we could mix two records together. - Grandmaster Flash taught us we could scratch. - Q-Bert taught us the turntable could be a musical instrument. - AM taught us we could play whatever records we want.
Before he died, DJ AM inspired DJs around the world to break through boundaries many of them weren’t even aware of. He broke new ground for the profession of DJing as well, as the first to make $1 million a year, and then $2 million a year, from playing records.
Our guests today are telling AM’s story to the world in the upcoming documentary AS I AM: The Life and Times of DJ AM, a beautiful picture of an incredibly talented, heartbreakingly flawed human being.
Kevin Kerslake directed As I Am, and has been an important director of music videos, documentaries, and commercials for over 20 years. He’s made videos for Nirvana, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, among others, and documentaries about Bob Marley, Queens of the Stone Age, and Electric Daisy Carnival. Pick up some lessons in how to stay creative from one of the most creative guys around.
DJ Kevin Scott co-produced As I Am. He became close to DJ AM as they were both on the come-up around the Southern California club scene, and later the global club scene.
In our interview, they give us some insights into possible links between addiction and creativity, and talk about how to tackle painful subjects with grace and humor.
Kevin Scott recalls one particular day in Los Angeles when DJ AM changed the course of DJing forever. You’ll have to listen to find out what happened.
We also talk about a LOT of other DJs.
Mix Engineer: James Soriano