Home Town: Sacramento, but moving to the Oakland this month!

Favorite Color: Purple/Blue

Companies: MiddleGround Productions, MD TECH computer consulting

Genres: House, Breaks, & Techno

Web: www.djmalacai.com; www.myspace.com/djmalacai

1. You were a mobile dj before you became a house dj. How did you get into djing the first time around?

I bought my first set of decks, Gemini PT-2000’s, and mixer - a Pioneer DJM-600 that I still have - in May 2002. My goal was always to be a house or “club” DJ, but, you know, that path can be long and difficult. Once I got equipment, I started to get offers to DJ private parties, corporate events, birthdays, etc. Mainly hip hop and popular music. But it was a good start playing in front of crowds, learning programming and mixing. The mobile aspect also made me start collecting lights, lasers, & fog machines, something that continues to this day… I love lights mixed with sound!

2. When did you make the change to House music and why?

I’ve been playing House music since Day 1 of my career. As soon as I got decks, I bought a bunch of house vinyl to learn to mix with. In the early days, I was mainly into funky house, stuff like DJ Dan and Donald Glaude, maybe stuff Bad Boy Bill would spin, and deep progressive or vocal house… stuff like John Digweed or Sasha. All of those guys were huge influences on me as DJ’s. I fell in love with electronica in the mid to late 90’s. My first rave was sometime around 1997 or 1998... Trance was huge then. Seemed like Mars & Mystre headlined every party, lol. I’ve loved music my whole life. My parents made me take piano lessons from age 6 to 10. I hated it. Turns out I don’t have the patience to play with both hands in two or three octaves at once. But it taught me music theory and how to read and compose music, stuff that I’m glad I have experience with now. It also led me into playing trumpet and bass guitar, instruments that I really enjoyed. So now I play house music, which is my favorite genre of all music, not just electronica.

3. How has Electronic music and the scene changed your life?

Electronic music has definitely changed my life! I feel I owe a great deal of gratitude for the opportunities to meet new people… the scene in many ways is like a huge second family, dysfunctional at times but still something that encourages participation, and is accepting of all people, offering love and compassion. I love the underground feel and vibe of electronic dance music… I’ve been involved with a lot of musical scenes, and nothing else has the fun and flavor of rave music!

4. Please describe your music and why you choose those genres.

I describe myself as an old-school house DJ with a few new tricks. I love the break beat genre; it’s not as big here on the west coast as in other areas of the USA or the world, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. To me, it’s all house music. Everything came from house, and one of the great things about house music is that it includes pretty much every other style of music, including the kitchen sink. Most of the DJ’s I know are music connoisseurs, and play whatever they want, but it’s all great. I’ve heard some pretty diverse sound styles and vocal sound bites combined to sound absolutely amazing and new. You’d be amazed what somebody can come up with using the Star Wars cantina band and maybe a Cartman sample or two.

5. You are well known as a Sacramento dj. What other companies and cities have you worked with and in?

I wouldn’t describe myself as “well-known”. At least not yet, ha. I’ve had the pleasure of playing gigs in San Francisco and the East Bay. I love that whole area, and am moving there this month. I’ve played a few gigs in towns outside Sacramento, but not many. I’ve also run my own computer consulting business for almost four years.

6. You joined MiddleGround Productions a couple years after returning to the scene. Do you think joining a event production company hurt your career or helped it?

I think that MiddleGround, specifically, helped me and my career… the chance to team up with others to create something more than just one person can is amazing. I owe a great deal to my crew mates - Alex - TupperWare Blue; Elbereth; Neoblue; Formless; Recoil; and Teapotica. Not only from the standpoint of throwing good parties - they are all really good people and personal friends. MiddleGround is the only affiliation I’ve ever had. I made up a name of one when I was all by myself, Another Late Night Productions - a tribute to a DJ Dan CD title - but never really did anything with it. I think I still own the domain name.

7. And would you suggest joining one to an upcoming dj with no affiliations to any crews?

No, not really. I think a new DJ should concentrate on learning solid mixing skills and playing good music. That will help you out way more than who your friends are, or what affiliation you have. A dj crew is just like a gang… and these days, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Crip or a Blood. You’re still a gangsta. Good music is good music. Period.

8. What was the best advice given to you about being a DJ?

Ah, man, I gotta give props to Pete Patterson - I don’t expect you to know who he is - but he was a DJ friend of mine back in the day. He told me to never use BPM counters. That it would set me back 2 years. Did I listen? Hell, no. Was he right? Absolutely! KIDS - STAY AWAY FROM BEAT COUNTERS!

9. What was your absolute worse gig so far?

Honestly, I’ve learned something from every gig so far, so I don’t think of any gig as the absolute worst one. I played an outdoor renegade with Technics decks, but the worst Numark mixer I’ve ever played on. One channel would randomly cut out, and you had to jiggle the fader to get it to come back. All set up on a folding card table, which wobbled every time you cue’d a record. But it was still fun, and every DJ pulled it off. Come to think of it, my worst gig ever was when I was the most drunk and trying to DJ. Horribly sloppy and embarrassing. There’s a lesson in there somewhere, but I haven’t learned it completely yet

10. What are some of your goals for the next year?

To get my ass down to the Bay area. To get more involved in producing music with my friends. To keep learning new skills and exposing new people to house music. Plus, I’d like to throw a few more epic parties with my friends in MiddleGround!

11. Do you have any thoughts on the state of Sacramento's scene?

Sometimes, the Sac scene is great. I have many legendary memories from Sacramento parties. Other times, I feel like one of the “illegitimate illuminati” - I try very hard to not let ego get in the way. Some days are easier than others, you know? It’s something that I will work on the rest of my life. I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to go down and join the Bay area scene, but I will never forget my times here in Sacramento. It’s my hometown.

12. Anything you would like to add?

A big Thank You to everyone who likes my music and supports the scene. And thank you to anybody still reading this…

You can download my music @ http://music.djmalacai.com/waxattack128.mp3