K-Smooth Spinzone

Working it
by Kalani Wilhelm / 9-24-2008

Never one to resort to predictability or revert to random play mode, K-Smooth is a turntable vet who would much rather rely on finesse and feel to get his point across.

Whether on radio or in prime time at the club, keeping the music lively and the dance floor jumping he always accomplishes his mission. The skill to drop well thought out sets to spur of the moment selections is an overlooked skill and ability the 93.9 Hitmixer has mastered.

“I think a lot of people out there think it’s easy to be a DJ. We just play music and it’s not really a job,” he said. “They don’t consider we are there to make people dance and have a good time. We constantly have to think of the next song we play and so on. It’s almost impossible to please every person.”

Fresh off of a successful tour in Japan in conjunction with a hot double-disc mix tape with his Japan crew Super Good DJs in your area, you could say that smooth is just one way to describe this guy.

Wednesdays, Dave and Busters, 1030 Auahi St.; Thusdays, Tsunami’s, 655 Ke’eaumoku St.; Fridays W Hotel, 2885 Kalakaua Ave.; daily 5–6pm, Hot 93.9, [myspace.com].


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Nightshift: The Sauce at Brew Moon

Getting Saucy
by Kalani Wilhelm / 9-24-2008

Let’s face it: image is everything in clubland in the 808 these days. If promoters aren’t pushing upscale ambience they had better at least have an open bar to create some kind of mirage for patrons to buy into. The allure of The Sauce on Saturdays at Brew Moon is simple: Typical nightlife fare at a modestly sized venue with fewer bells and whistles than everywhere else.

Back in the day, you missed out if a party-filled weekend didn’t include a stop at the Ward Center restaurant and microbrewery. The Sauce doesn’t deserve the same praise yet but it’s the biggest thing to come to the establishment in years. Just don’t let the G-Spot stand by the entrance scare you.

What began as a so-so event that drew so-so numbers early in the summer has blossomed into a party hot spot for the early to mid-20s crowd.

The bar and patio side, complete with sushi bar, is reserved for refueling on drinks and getting fresh air while the grooves from the main room keep things upbeat. The sight of revelers having fun and mingling instead of standing impatiently at the bar is a sign that the bar staff can turn and burn when it’s crunch time.

It might be a good look to dress fly but leave the pricey uncomfortably heavy club attire at home. The flier that reads, “Your Saturdays Got Hotter,” also refers to the room temperature.

The party does have its own share of trendy amenities like booty shaking go-gos and party photographers, but if it encourages people to dance and look good for the camera, can it be all that bad?

DJs Flip, Fly Kid and Lex One come hard with a supply of surefire beats and club-friendly classics circa 2004. Although the main room does have booths in which to sit down, it’s virtually one big dance floor. Puddles of party foul goodness make things slick at times so beware of a fall that you never saw coming.

Backed by their growing group of supporters, party organizers prove you can make a statement in today’s cutthroat nightlife business without selling out completely.

With a cross-town competitor falling victim to noise complaints and another rival party deciding on going the monthly route, fewer Saturday night options should only keep the buzz, so to speak, and the niche crowd from going away anytime soon.

The Sauce
Brew Moon

Ward Center (second level), Saturdays
Getting in: $10, Bring ID
Soundtrack: “Closer” by Ne-Yo, “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall, “Get Buck In Here,” by DJ Fellie Fel
Dress Code: Popped collars by Ecko and LRG, halter and v-neck dresses by Bebe and BCBG
Sightings: Tia Tanaka, Nikki Sotelo, Heatherlynn, Rock Boy Donovan
Signature Drinks: $6 Crown Royal, $6 Heineken, $5 Coors Light


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Snaps from Big Top at Cirque and the Dragonfly Room

Atmosphere live at Pipeline Cafe

K-Smooth inteview

Check out his feature in the Honolulu Weekly Spinzone out on 9.24



Do club deejays get the respect they deserve? why or why not and how important is respect to you?
Most times i think club dj's don't get that much respect. i think a lot of people out there think it's easy to be a dj. we just play music and it's not really a job. they don't consider we are there to make people dance and have a good time. we constantly have to think of the next song we play and so on. and it's almost impossible to please every person in that club.

Current residencies?
D&B's wed, tsunami's near walmart thurs(i play old sch.), w fri, various places on sat. don't forget to catch me in the mix daily from 5-6pm on Hot 93.9.

What are some cool things about being a club deejay? a radio deejay?
I guess a few things would be we never have to stand in line and i get to cut in the bathroom line if i ever have to use it. it used to be good to be a radio dj because we would get all the new songs on vinyl first before other dj's, but not anymore since it's gone digital.

What is your ideal club crowd to spin for? least ideal?
I love a crowd that just loves to dance. whether it's a brand new song they have never heard of before or old sch., they are at the club to just let loose and dance!

You've been spinning for awhile, when is your job fun and when is it work?
It's fun when your friends are there and partying with you. it's not fun when i'm super tired from a full day of work and still have to dj at a club til 2 in the morning.

What was the trip to Japan like and how did the opportunity come about?
I've been going to dj in japan since 2005. about 2-3 times a year. i did a tour to 5 cities last november and have released 2 mix cd's this past year. one of my good friends from tokyo, dj minoru ujita, wanted to do a party here in hawaii featuring tokyo dj's. so i hooked him up with the kurious production guys who do the w hotel on saturdays. things worked out and they will be doing a party sometime in november here. and in return, they flew us up last month to do parties in tokyo. it was the first time i've been to tokyo in august, and it was sure hot and very humid. but it was fun as always. the club scene is a little different then here. the clubs don't pop till at least 1am. and end at usually 5-6am. the kurious guys were a bit culture shocked, but they too have come to the conclusion that tokyo is one of the greatest places in the world.

Explain the radio business a little for those that complain about hearing the same old songs over and over again?
Radio is all about getting the most listeners at any given time. people are constantly switching from station to station. when they come to Hot 93.9, chances are they will keep it on if they hear their favorite song or a song they like. the songs you hear over and over are proven to be those songs.

Describe the crowd in Japan compared to the Hawaii scene?
The first time i went there to dj back in 2005, i was very surprised. they were very up to date with the music. the crowds were more open to new music then in hawaii. the japanese people are definitly there to dance and party. it's a place for them to let themselves go and unwind.

What's your take on the current state of Hawaii nightlife? What's good about it? What can be improved?
The big clubs are a thing of the past. there are mostly smaller ones or restaurants that turn into a club. the good thing is that i feel it's more intimate and in most cases you can play some stuff that usually wouldn't work in a big club. but i do miss those big clubs and wish there would be more opening up.
and the clubs are only jumping on the weekends. aside from a few places like d&b's wednesdays, there are not a lot of places that are crowded during the week. i remember when sundays and thursdays were big college nights.

Is it easier to please the club crowd today than say five years ago?
I'd have to say yes. old school has definitely made a comeback in the past few years. and more dj's are not afraid to play "pop girly songs" that no cool dj would play before.

How did you become a part of the SUPA GOOD DJs, UNITED 36ERS?
The united 36ers are a crew of dj's, singers, rappers and dancers in tokyo. they are headed by dj minoru ujita, who got me my first gig in japan. the super good dj's are a society of the top dj's in japan. it's run by cho-g, who is also my manager in japan.
Who are YOUR favorite deejays in Hawaii and why? i would have to say all of them. they're keeping music alive and the clubs jumping.

DJ Memoirs Spinzone

Write down
by Kalani Wilhelm / 9-17-2008
The instant needle hits vinyl, that’s when the transformation from anonymous hip-hop fan to man of the moment is completed for local turntablist DJ Memoirs.

While his contributions have been an essential piece of the life of the underground scene and elevated those around him, you would be hard pressed for him to admit it.

“I try to do my part by promoting hip-hop through mixing and turntablism at events and teaching and sharing music with those that are interested hip-hop,” says the up-and-comer.

Already a force to be reckoned with in the battle sector, he can also be found cutting it up whenever heavy hitters Bless’d Child, Nomasterbacks, Perfect Median and his own group Vitalsee put words to mic on stage.

That’s a lot of clout already and to think, he’s really just getting started.