RESPECT. Interview: DJ Young Music

DJ Young Music is meticulous when forging a new wave for the youth, but doing so with the foresight of a vet. As the youngest artist to acquire a major distribution deal with eOne, his own label DYMG, two signed artists, (Frank Benz and Da-Rai) and a spot in the upcoming Ultimate Mad DJ Competition, Young Music’s brand seems to be moving at a rapid rate. At only 18, his vision and accomplishments are in sync, allowing the MD native to mold a party-centric sound into something that will be everlasting. RESPECT. caught up with DJ Young Music to discuss eOne, his “Something For The Streets” mixtape series, the upcoming “X” tour with Chris Brown, and how he plans to not only expand his brand, but usher in a new generation of DJ.

RESPECT.: Being so young, describe how you’re branding yourself and your sound to make sure it touches wider markets.

DJ Young Music: “Right now it’s a whole different level, a whole different platform that I’m on. It’s the same thing I was doing when I was 14 or 15, but it’s on a platform that’s 10 or 20 times bigger, it’s a machine.”

RESPECT.: Speaking of branding, how did your deal with eOne come to life and what new opportunities has the label’s backing presented to you?

DJ Young Music: “Well I released “Something For The Streets,” it had like the top 30 or 40 hottest records coming out in the next couple months, but I had ’em early. I also had my hit “Right Here,” so I put it as the first track on the tape. The song blew up crazy, it was all over the place. After that, eOne gave me the distribution deal, which allowed me to become the youngest to date with a major music and film distribution deal through them. It gave me a bigger platform through iTunes, Spotify, etc. It opened up a lot of doors and gave me a lot of opportunities. It also allowed me to push my single which became number 3 in the country independently.”

RESPECT.: Break down your record “Right Here” and how it came together.

DJ Young Music: “Right Here” is one of those records you don’t see coming, it was random. The song is really about taking someone’s girl because he’s not treating her right. At the moment, that’s how we were living. When we heard the beat, it just happened to really fit what we were talking about perfectly. It’s not one of those records that was pre-planned or nothing, we were just freestyling and everything fit. When the song finally all came together, I was like “yo, this is a hit, this is fire.” It’s one of those things that was so hot it couldn’t be denied.”

RESPECT.: Talk about the Ultimate Mad DJ Competition. Not only what it means to you being the youngest DJ participating, but what do you hope to gain throughout the event?

DJ Young Music: “It’s such a big opportunity. There aren’t that many people that are even thought of for a competition like that. This is history for Young Music. I mean of course I look to win, but but besides that it’s just a good experience because it gives you a good story to tell and it also inspires others. Not to be arrogant, but when Young Music wins, we’re gonna take whatever prizes and knowledge and give it back to the communities to help other people, because at the end of the day, you have to help other people out in order to continue to grow. I also want people to get familiar with my sound. I’m young, I’m 18, so there are older DJ’s playing the same game I’m playing, but my youth allows me to connect with a younger, party sound. I still can’t even explain my sound, it’s just so different.”

RESPECT.: How has your “Something For The Streets” series help circulate your name and craft?

DJ Young Music: “I keep going back to it, but being so young I just got tired of hearing not only the radio play stuff that wasn’t that hot, but everything in general, mixtapes included. Some people just aren’t putting their all into what they are producing. When you put something out you should want the best quality, and that’s what I do, put out the best quality. “Somethin For The Streets” is the best quality man.”

RESPECT.: Talk about DYMG and what’s in store for the label moving forward.

DJ Young Music: “We actually have the Chris Brown “X” tour coming up. That’ me, my two artists, Frank Benz and Da-Rai, which is going to be an incredible experience and opportunity. Besides the tour, we have a whole promotional campaign going down. Starting June 7th, for about 4 or 5 weeks, we’ll be down south. All sorts of clubs, performances, etc. At the end of the day, it’s always important to go retrace your steps when you have a record on the radio. We also have the DYMG album coming out. It has records from myself and my two artists, as well a whole bunch of hot artists because it’s a compilation album. I gave other artists the opportunity to join my platform. It’s not a one man band. It’s not just about the DYMG camp, but I’ve opened up the door to let other people and their camps into mine.”