INTERVIEW! Que es Eso, Eso es Queso

Here at SFC, we try to support local talent as much as possible because life is hard for struggling artists, and we appreciate that. So, we go to the shows, take photos at the house parties, and after long enough, we start to think of a few of the local DJ’s as basically part of the Family. Casey Darren Childs, known to the world as DJ Queso, or Queso Kills, is one of those friend of family types, who has recently scored himself a spot in this years “2010 Red Bull 3-style DJ Competition,” which is set to take place during SFC’s favorite month of the year, March. As a friend of the family’s, we are totally rooting for him.

Although Queso doesn’t actually speak Spanish, he is fluent in creating dance music geared specifically to any particular audiences’ tastes. With almost a decade of DJing under his belt, Queso has gained experience working besides established touring artists such as Switch from the UK and A-trak during the Fool’s Gold Summer Tour of 2009.

Queso’s earned his spot on the Red Bull challenge, and it is our firm recommendation that you listen to this mix while you read this here interview, in order to really understand what it is that makes him so well deserving.

DJ Queso – quesoisdeadcrushdiscomix

Do you have a set playlist or does each set come to you spontaneously?

No set playlist, but a routine set that I love to play, and will only play it if the vibe is right. It’s a collection of party favorites and booty bass songs. But the most fun sets I’ve played lately have been at Crush and Pulp. Mostly because of the vibe and energy was pretty distinctive from the start. I played at 10pm at both events, and already there were people dancing on the floor. I played a mixture of electro and rave music and it was amazing.

Why did you decide to start DJing?

I used to play guitar in high school, and I heard a Portishead mixtape and it made me want to go out and get turntables when I was probably like 18. I bought one turntable, actually and a bunch of records.

How do you spin on one turntable, Queso?

I didn’t, but I was getting my collection together.

What kinds of records did you start off with?

I started buying a lot records that were similar to Portishead. Like things on the Mo-wax and ninja tune, and Warp records. Mostly British labels that produced Spacey Stoner Instrumental Hip Hop.

When did you see yourself transition from that kind of mellowed vibe to the Electronic dance music that you’re playing now?

After I lived in London and saw Daft Punk perform live and went to Metal Headz. It’s pretty embarrassing that it’s a drum and bass club, but I was totally into that shit. I have tons of drum and bass records. I can totally do a ’97 drum and bass set at a takeover if you want.

So, a little birdie told me that you’ve been selected to compete in this year’s Red Bull DJ competition; you must be pretty excited about that?

Hell yes, it’s a great honor to have been selected.

Tell us a little bit about the competition.

Basically, there are 6 or 8 DJs each playing 15 minute sets in which you have to showcase three different genres and rock the crowd as much as you can. What’s cool is that in the past, DJ challenges are traditionally about scratching and who can do the best tricks and whatnot. This one, instead, focuses on who can rock the house the most. The event takes place at Groove at city walk on March 9th. Supposedly, A-trak may be one of the judges. I’m really excited about that.

What do you get if you win?

You play another competition during Winter Music Conference with 6 other DJs. Win that and you get to compete in some world competition that at I think last year was in Germany or Barcelona or something awesome.

What are you doing to get ready for this competition?

Going through my library, trying to find songs that I think sound good and will be the best to play. Man, I’m thinking about it every minute of the day. I mean, it’s 15 minutes so I have to find a way to make the most of it.

And if we wanna get a taste of the action, where can we catch a sneak peak of your performances?

I’ll be playing Dark Matter at sky60. It was supposed to happen this past weekend, but we had to postpone it because of weather. The info will be on the facebook event page. Also, I’ll be playing takeover sometime before March. (We’ll give you that info soon)

Now, answer quickly

1. Did you ever have hair? Yes at one point. There’s actually a really funny pic on my Facebook right now, from Kit Kat bar. I have long hair and glasses. You should totally look at it.
2. During performance, Boxers or Brief? Boxers. Always
3. How come lizards never grow up to dinosaurs? I definitely don’t know the answer to that one.
4. What state of mind are you in? The empire state of mind.
5. If you were tiger woods would you have done the same thing? ohhhhhh, I don’t think so…
6. So what is your favorite cheese? Boars Head Jalapeno Havarti
7. 2012, what’s going to happen? uhm, maybe the end of the world?
8. Are you on Team Conan? Absofuckinglutely.
9. How many times have you been naked in public?2, and since it’s a quick question, I’m not going to explain.
10. Did you ever sleep over at a girls house, and wake up and find you were actually sleeping with your mother? God, nooooo that’s scary.

For More info, and upcoming shows, check out the Queso Kills Facebook, which is still under construction. You can also look at his Myspace

Interview by MelKat