DC’s Ayes Cold interviewed Mathias for the fifth chapter of our Blisspop Guest Interview series. Ayes Cold asks Mathias about his DJ name, where he’s from, and how long he’s DJ’ed for in addition questions about the past, present, and future of the DC music scene. Mathias also offers several “top 5” lists at the end of the interview.
Let’s start with the simple things. Mathias, that’s a cool name! What prompted you to keep your real name as your DJ name?
When I first started DJing I actually used to go by “DJ Tanner” for a little under a year. Don’t ask … Jameson is to blame. Anyways, one day a friend hit me up like “hey, just heard your remix … if you need help on producing, let me know I’d love to help.†I had no idea what she was talking about. She sent me the link and it was some DJ in Rhode Island who made a really really bad remix/mash-up of DMX’s “Party Up.” So I then got on Soundcloud and typed in my moniker, and next thing I know there’s like 30+ DJ Tanners on there. Instantly re-branded myself and decided to use my forename.
“When I first started DJing I actually used to go by ‘DJ Tanner’ for a little under a year.”
And where are you from?!
Born here in dc in Georgetown. Raised in New Carrollton (PG County). After high school, I lived in Frederick, MD for a little over 10 years … Moved back to the area in 2011 …
How long have you been DJing for?Â
Thank god for Facebook memories, because it just actually reminded me of my first real gig. It was June 11, 2010 at a bar in Downtown Frederick. I was a hot mess. But it was fun.
Dang, that’s a long time. I bet you’ve seen a lot … What do you think has changed the most in this city over the years?Â
Yeah, a lot. Even before I started DJing. The biggest thing I’ve noticed is people not wanting to be as receptive to new sounds as the city used to, unless it gets co-signed by some “taste maker.” DC used to be a place people would venture out to for new sounds. I was coming to DC every weekend on the train for parties and shows back in high school. Even when I moved back in 2011, the city was doing cool stuff. I mean, we still are, but it’s definitely the small minority. Some examples would be: Nouveau Riche, Happy Sundays at the Donovan Hotel, Trouble & Bass, Red Fridays, & Moombahton Massive at U Hall, The Cool Out at The Beacon, 95 Live at Steve’s Bar Room, Sneakers In The Club, Sorted at Black Cat, KIDS at DC9, Good Times at Napoleon … I could go on forever. These were parties where you were gonna hear that good [music]. People weren’t afraid to push new sounds while still playing good current and throwback songs. These were parties that people didn’t make requests. They danced, they drank, they partied. Now these spots are either gone, or turned into a place that’s overrun by the same 20 trap songs, or some subgenre of house I just don’t understand how people can listen to for more than 10 minutes lol. I truly miss it. I mean, I get it, owners have to make money, so they have to cater to all these transplant kids to keep them coming back every weekend.
“DC used to be a place people would venture out to for new sounds.”Â
And as a DJ, what changes have you experienced in the local music scene? Or what do you see changing right now?
Over the past couple years I’ve noticed those people involved in the aforementioned parties have either moved out of DC, quit DJing and/or throwing parties, or have moved their events to smaller rooms, because it’s the only outlet. It sucks how the DJ has gone from creating the soundtrack to becoming a human jukebox in a lot of the rooms in the city.
On the other hand, I do see a lot of talent and cool events still here in the city, and people are still pushing fresh sounds, but in [mostly] small rooms [though]. Spots like Backbar, Uptown Art House, Smith Public Trust, Ten Tigers and the like are hosting cool events. I’ve also noticed a resurgence of musical talent popping up. Acts like Den-Mate, Boomscat, Nag Champa, Go Cozy, Ras Neybu, Pinky Killacorn, and Loud Boyz are some of my current local favs. I’m also loving the fact the ratio of male to female DJs is getting closer and closer to being a 50/50 game. BIG UP DA GYAL DEM!
“… I do see a lot of talent and cool events still here in the city, and people are still pushing fresh sounds, but in [mostly] small rooms [though].”
Well we’ve discussed the past, so let’s get your take on the future. Any thoughts on the direction the local music scene is headed?
I’m hoping, and contributing my part as much as possible, to keep DC as cool as possible. Everyone has their own definition of “cool,” so I’m not knocking anyone for liking what they like. What I’m referring to is that we’ve just got to keep the culture that made this city what it is in the vanguard of things going forward. There’re collectives with my same mindset that know we are a cool city, and we wanna keep it that way. Like … next month me and my TROPIXXX crew will be playing club & bass music with the Computer Club crew at a rooftop pool party downtown. The city NEEDS that. It’s gonna be amazing. Shout out to Jacq Jill. That’s one awesome person doing really cool things in the city.
“I’m hoping, and contributing my part as much as possible, to keep DC as cool as possible.”
Any cool things in the pipeline for you this summer / events you want to shout out or highlight?
As of right now, I got my first “Mathias & Friends” party coming up at the 9:30 Club, GET LOW, with some local DJs on 30th. We’ll be playing Hip-Hop, Bmore/Jersey Club, R&B, and Guilty Pleasure radio jams.
Working on a couple more for the summer including an outdoor block party. Can’t really say much on that as I’m still finalizing my headliner(s).
Starting a new party at Lost Society on the roof w/ Farrah Flosscett and DJ BO called Throwing Shade starting 7/1. Expect no radio/top40 jams or deep house as typically played there. Lots of R&B, UK, Club, Soulection-esque. & Feelgood Hip-Hop tunes.
TROPIXXX on 7/3 at Velvet Lounge
Saturday 7/8Â is the Pool Party at Liason Hotel w/ TROPIXXX vs Computer Club
Now for the fun part. Mathias’ top 5:
Places to eat at 2 am …
Try not to eat that late, but if I’m on H Street – Copycat, or if I’m outside the city and there’s Korean BBQ nearby … you already know.
Tracks that will get any crowd hype …
Good question … my go to’s are:
Playboi Carti – Magnolia
French Montana – Pop That
Nelly – Hot In Herre
Crime Mob – Knuck If You Buck
Goldink – Crew
Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It
Juvenile – Back That Ass Up
J Lo & Ja Rule – Ain’t It Funny
Things that people say to you when you’re DJing 😛 …
“Can you play some hip-hop” while I’m playing hip-hop
“Can you play that song I requested earlier? Me and my friends are about to leave”
“Can I see your iTunes and choose a song?”
“Dis ain’t bmore, moe. Where dat crank at?” while i’m playing bmore/jersey club
“Why is this version so fast? I don’t like it” while playing bmore/jersey club edit of a song
Summer 17 tracks …
​Sunny & Gabe – Vacay
Demuja – Turn Me On
​J-Hus – Did You See
SZA – TheWholeAlbum
​Bryson Tiller – Run Me Dry
Sente – Toothless
Afro B – Juice & Power
Tee Mango – This Is Where I’ll Stay
Abe – Maybe It’s Time
Wizkid – African Bad Girl
C5 – Pull Up On Me​
​Coco – Ingredients​