DJ Come Of Age: The Evolution Of Music
By Tachelle "Shamash" Wilkes
Tachelle: How did the name DJ Come of Age come about?
DJ Come of Age: I chose the name to represent my whole experience and entry into the music scene. Years past, I was notorious for making compilations and mixtapes of my favorite songs. Most of the tracks I would use were by artists only I had heard of. Well, it seemed that way when people would listen, something different from the norm they were used too. People started saying to me ,"You should be a DJ". When I finally felt like I could make a difference as a DJ, I picked the moniker to reflect the idea that I had arrived.
T: Tell us about how you got into music.
DJ COA: It was really all by accident. I have little love for commercial radio. It is great for business but bad for artists and true musicianship. You can't box in creativity and hold an artist to an idea of how he or she should sound. My whole reason for spinning was to show people on a larger scale that there is too much talent being unheard and looked over. My role now has evolved to show artists how they can collectively work to achieve their goals. It's easy to say we should all work together but no one ever explains how to do it. I'm hoping my efforts will set a precedent for this.
T: What encompasses soul music in your eyes?
DJ COA: Wow! My influences are so broad. They stem from early exposure to jazz, classical, country, and international sounds. Can't forget the first days of hip hop and house music. I was there for all of that. Now I search for smooth, mellow, chilled grooves in many different genres. It's hard for me to describe but that's what makes it special. I love music which puts me in deep thought and captures my full range of emotion. It has to be so pure that it can't be duplicated by anyone else. For example, I can't imagine anyone else doing a Jill Scott track. It just wouldn't work. The delivery, the sound, the vibe of it all wouldn't be the same. But let Jill do her thang and it's over. You have Soul Music!
T: Your show Soul Music of the World seems to be the future of music. Tell us how this is so.
DJ COA: Soul Music of the World is a downloadable podcast. Artists send in tracks and I mix and present them in my own style. The beauty of it all is that the shows stay online. This basically means that a year from now, new fans will still "discover" the artists I may feature today. With the support of the labels, artists, producers, etc., there is an endless amount of fresh material readily available for eager listeners. I believe the technology of podcasting, although in its nascent stages, will be a significant outlet for musicians to reach their potential audiences.
T: What is the mission behind Soul Music of the World.
DJ COA: The mission is two-fold. First, to establish a solid platform which allows the musicians to reach their potential fan base. Secondly, it is to educate and entertain people worldwide about artists in different parts of the globe. It's not uncommon to find acts that are very popular in the local scene. For example, there are loads of talented soul groups in Paris, France. Outside of Paris they have received little exposure. Soul Music of the World places these artists on the same stage as a group from the U.S. So far the response has been very positive and has helped the show grow tremendously.
T: Where is the show broadcast?
DJ COA: I record the shows at my home studio for now. Currently living in Germany, there are talks between Markus Ekholm (Slow-B Productions) and I to move the show to Gothenburg, Sweden early next year. Such a move will put us closer to a hotbed of artists coming out of Europe. Should prove interesting to say the least.
T: Who are some of the artists that have been on your show?
DJ COA: I started with those closest to me and who had a heavy influence on my growth and style. I have to mention my mentor Bekay the Brass King, Markus Ekholm, Warrick Roundtree, Wendisue, and Semokee for starters. Each one continue to contribute to the production of each episode in some way. There is a lot of work behind the scenes which I am grateful to have them all by my side. Other artists include the likes of Deborah Bond, Tedjee, Stephanie Renee, Kimberly Holloway, Salakida, Mark de Clive Lowe,A.G. Thomas, Fertile Ground, AKA Soulo, Sticko Vondrake, Jarard Anthony, Loose Ends, Slowmo, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Riz, Hanna Olsson, Paul Mac Innes, and more. From time to time I showcase other DJs in the mix or feature guest spots from other podcasters. It's important that people know there are others who are supporting these artists with like works.
T: Why was it important to bring this show to fruition?
DJ COA: It's about opportunity. I'm so glad you asked! In my vision, I see beyond a podcast or a radio show. I want to create opportunity so others can grow. There are opportunities to license music for films, commercials, or to be added to playlists at satellite radio stations. There are enough negative images which represent us in popular music culture. Soul Music of the World seeks to shed light on some positive, talented artists who can also represent us as well.
T: What new projects do you have out or are currently working on?
DJ COA: My new mixtape will be out soon. Actually, the show will go to a mixtape format beginning mid August. I grew up on mixtapes. It was my way of finding out about a lot of underground talent. Some of my favorite DJs were Tony Touch, Dirty Harry, DJ Camilo, my boy DJ Tat Money, Jazzy Jeff, and Silva Sirfa! I want to do for neo-soul and independent artists what they did for hip-hop. Blended mix cds with artists from all over the globe. It's the ultimate promotion. I'm also in line to be featured on a major cable provider in the US very soon. They have recently informed me that they will add my tracks to their playlists shortly. The tracks they will add are ones which I have featured on my program so that is a big plus for the artists. My next project will be to do a mixtape with some dope hip hop beats and mix it with comedy. That is in the works right now .
T: what do you see in the future when it comes to music?
DJ COA: I don't see an exodus from major label artists. The influence of the dollar is very strong and it drives the machine of commercial music. All facets from distribution, airplay, promotion, play a role in this. I tend to focus on shows and opportunity which appeal to me. In turn I take what I learn and share it with others. This interview is one example. I'm sure someone will read this and then reach out to you as a result. You know I'll be the first to send them your way (ha ha). But all in all, the grind is in educating the masses. It's time to bring the underground Above Ground where it belongs. Great music is made so it can be heard. We will get there as a whole but the effort has to be collective.
T: What are some words of wisdom you can offer in a world full war when we as humans are ultimately looking for peace within?
DJ COA: I set no limits on what I believe I can achieve or do. Deep in my heart I believe in what I'm talking about and my vision drives me to action. In other words, I refuse to box myself in because the minute I do, I will set limits on what I can achieve. I would tell anyone to educate yourself first. The world is yours so grasp the fullness of it while you can. Learn those different languages, try something new, expand your horizons whenever possible. You will be surprised about what will appeal to you, what you can achieve if given a chance.
T: Please add all other thoughts at this time and a website so that people can keep posted on your projects.
DJ COA: I thank you for giving me the time. It means a lot to me and I speak for countless others. We need every outlet possible to get the message across about some great music that exists. The soul scene is a wonderful niche to be a part of ! I hope this interview is the first of many to come. I'll see you at the top for sure! www.myspace.com/djcomeofage
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