By Fay Al Humoud
Signed to All Star Canadian Record Label BPM Recordz and Civilization Records, DJ Rellik sits down with Kingdome to detail his journey as a young DJ/Producer from Cairo. Residing in Kuwait, he offers the best in Deep House, Tech-House, Nu-Disco, Indie-Dance, Techno and Progressive House Music.
How did it all begin?
I was given a piano as a birthday gift from my parents when I was seven. I used to listen to the music on TV or radio and try to play what I heard on the piano.
Where did the name come from?
The name originally was Killer. I realized that it was cheesy so I thought why not try to read it from right to left? With advice from my friends, I finally settled with Rellik.
What gave you that initial push to become a DJ?
I always felt the need to share the music I love with as many people as possible, and DJing seemed like the perfect choice.
What genre would you describe your tracks?
I would describe it as EDM (Electronic Dance Music). I try my best to combine different elements from different genres of dance music in one track.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Tiesto. His performances gave me the motivation to become the producer I am today. I’ve seen him perform four times.
What subgenre doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
Tribal House.
What was the first event you ever played at?
Club 25 in Cairo.
When you play, is it pre-planned or live?
Live, of course. I like to improvise.
Which other countries have you played?
Lebanon and Kuwait.
What single night out has been the most memorable for you as a DJ?
Definitely my first gig.
What is the best event you’ve played at?
The Aqua Marine Event here in Kuwait alongside DJ’s Kade B, Majed Zane, Amir Sharara (Dubai) and Omar Fayyad.
What do you love about the scene?
I really like how it is becoming very noticeable in almost all countries in the world. Electronic music started as a fringe subculture, and now it’s the biggest youth culture in the world.
What is something that bugs you about the DJ scene?
Making stupid people famous.
If you could eternally be stuck on one year’s music scene, which year would it be and why?
The 70’s disco scene. I just love it.
What was the first record you brought?
Eminem’s “8 Mile.”
What is one track that got popular that you can’t stand?
PSY’s “Gangnam Style.”
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
Linkin Park’s “Somewhere I belong.”
Out of all the tunes you have, which one “never fails”?
Me & My Toothbrush’s “Gold Member” (the original mix).
What is your favorite tune of all time?
Bob Marley’s “Is it love.”
Are you able to share any of your secret tricks with me?
Practice and persistence makes perfect!
What is your opinion regarding the difference between old school DJing where everything was restricted to vinyl and modern DJing where most tracks are never put on any physical medium before or after release?
Time changes technology. Back in the day, DJ’s weren’t in the media. Dance music wasn’t in sales charts and the DJ was the nerd in the corner. Nowadays, million-dollar stages and venues are built just for DJ’s. My point is that now it is easier for me to just get a tune on a USB stick, tour the world and it will pretty much do the same job as vinyl did back in the day.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
The National Geographic Wild Channel on mute with some deep chill out music.
What do you do outside the dance music scene?
I like to have some quality time with my family and friends.
Where do you think the scene is headed? One year from now? Five years from now?
The scene will definitely grow bigger and better. This is our time to shine.
What is one mistake you see a lot of up and coming DJ’s making? What advice would you give them?
My advice is to get your head out of that laptop and stop being a Robo-DJ. Almost every successful artist has this moment where they stop being a fan or admirer and look for their own signature sound.
You can follow DJ Rellik on Soundcloud @rrellikkkkk and on Instagram @Djrellik.
Originally published on www.kingdome.co. You can follow Kingdome on Facebook and Soundcloud @KingdomeMagazine, Instagram @Kingdome.co, Twitter @KingdomeCo and on YouTube: Kingdome Magazine.
