RESPECT. Interview: DJ PWILL One of the Illest Up and Coming DJs

DJ PWILL is a young DJ from New York trying to take the art of DJing to the next level. He may be a younger DJ in the game, but thanks to his attitude, mentors, and passion, PWILL has already made some major moves. Besides learning about some of his upcoming projects and events, this DJ’s interview will also give you an instant boost of inspiration that will make you want to chase whatever dream you’ve been holding out on.

RESPECT: Tell us about your upcoming projects.

PWILL: Actually I have a few finished projects I want to get out real soon. Between school and DJing live events I haven’t had the time to really get them out. I got a got a mix for those late nights in your feelings on the way, I know I need a mix for those nights so I was sure everyone else did too. And actually, the year anniversary of my mix, “You Know Why I’m Here” is coming up and I think it’s only right we get a part 2..

How do you balance school and DJing?

I try to keep my DJing at a weekend only or on an after classes basis as far as live events. Also, I like to keep my Sundays free… I use that Sunday to catch up on all work, sleep and stuff like that.

How did you start DJing?

I actually started DJing a few years ago when I came to college. I always loved music and the way it moved people, when I got to school I kinda took that leap and it turned out way better than I would’ve ever thought. I started out just mixing music on my iPad in my dorm room then I started practicing on actual equipment for a whole year before I even decided to officially begin DJing. Major shout out to my guy Swerve… that’s the guy right there, taught me so much in this game.

Who are your inspirations in music/ Do you have a fave DJ?

Some of my biggest inspirations in music gotta be people like Bryson Tiller, Kanye and Metro Boomin. Kanye’s music has really been the playlist to my life if I’m being honest. I remember listening to 808’s literally everyday all day last winter. No exaggeration. I would listen from when I woke up to when I slept. Metro Boomin really gives me hope to make it in this industry. To see someone who was just in the position I’m in… that’s crazy. Went from the dorm room to headlining his own tour in a couple of years at 21 years old… I need that.

What makes you different from other DJs?

I’m not afraid of anything. I will do anything to make it in this industry. I wanna be the one of the best to ever do it. I want to be a household name one day.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start DJing?

To anyone who’s interested in DJing, just know that it is seriously way harder than it seems. Anyone can play music. But to DJ an event and control a crowd is a whole different thing. You gotta love it. You gotta make it your life.

What’s your favorite and least favorite part of the DJ scene?

My favorite thing ever (and probably will be for a long time) is hearing that pop from the crowd when you drop a song. When they just go crazy… like that’s the best feeling ever. I be so high off that feeling.

The thing I like the least about DJing has to be the long nights and the struggle of learning the ins and outs of it all. But then again I fell in love with all that. So I don’t know if there’s anything I can say I genuinely don’t like about DJing.

Describe your DJ style

My style… my style is probably best described like a Rockstar DJ *laughs out loud*, I really go up on stage and just have the time of my life. All I think about is putting smiles on faces and dirt on shoes. I want people to be just out of it from partying with me. It’s all about the fun. Nothing else matters.

Who are your favorite DJs?

My favorite DJs off the top of my head are probably Skratch Bastid, Jazzy Jeff, Swerve and most definitely myself.

Make sure you stay updated on DJ PWILL’s latest projects by following his SoundCloud here.