We recently had the chance to chat with celebrity DJ William Reed. During the interview William talks about getting his start in the entertainment industry, favorite part of the job, upcoming projects, and more!
1. How did you get your start in the entertainment industry?
I first got my start in the entertainment industry helping produce underground and large scale Raves in the late 1990s.
From there I managed a live music venue and eventually segued into DJ’ing, promoting and producing my own concert and club nights, music photojournalism and eventually music editor for a number of publications and radio and music TV hosting.
2. What was your first DJ project?
Technically my first DJ project was playing the chill-out room at a rave. From there I would go on to DJ house parties with my mate.
But my first ongoing residency happened when I was invited to DJ at a bar that had fired all of their staff. I showed up with a crate full of records and ended up playing every Saturday night for five years. The rest is history.
3. What artists have you performed alongside so far in your career?
Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, Pet Shop Boys, Jimmy Eat World, Bad Religion, Cold War Kids, Girltalk, Kaskade, Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Paul Oakenfold, Psychic TV, RAC, Gigamesh, Moby, Junior Boys, Penguin Prison, Holy Ghost, members of Dee Lite, Le Tigre, The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, Bauhaus, Sex Pistols, Ramones, New York Dolls, Peter Bjorn and John, Metric, Vampire Weekend, Ladytron, Peaches, Belle & Sebastian, Devo, The Damned, Dead Kennedys, Morrissey, Guns N Roses and The Sounds to name a few.
4. What is your favorite part about performing?
Sharing new music with the crowd is always a highlight for me. Feeding off of the crowd and exchanging energy back and forth is an undeniable high of performing.
5. Do you have a stand out crowd moment you can share with us?
I don’t remember the year, probably around 2007 there was one night in particular where I was doing my Saturday night residency and the crowd was just electric. People were dancing on top of the bar and their tables, they were literally taking their clothes off. The walls were sweating. The venue was packed. We were twice over the legal capacity and the energy in the room that night was undeniable. I’ve rarely experienced anything even close to that since.
6. What do you think sets you apart from other DJs?
That is a really good question. There are so many talented DJ’s that bring their own style and unique flavor to the game.
Personally I like to keep my sets eclectic, spanning many genres across multiple decades.
7. What is your favorite part about the job?
Every gig is completely different from the one before that. You never know what to expect. Discovering and sharing new music that I love with others. Traveling and meeting new people. And, most importantly making people dance and keeping them happy.
8. Do you have any other upcoming projects or shows that you can tell us about?
I’m working on a new house music project with my mate Justin Cornwall. I’m also gearing up for pool party season this summer and am excited to announce details soon. We’re taking my rock and roll dance party, Singles Going Steady on the road next month.
9. What are your social media accounts?
@williamreed is my main account on IG
DJ William Reed on Facebook and PleasurePMusic on Twitter
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