Posts tagged Toronto

FEATURE FRIDAYS: DJ AGILE

After an incredible couple months for the squad (including: a party rocking clinic courtesy Icy Ice, as well as our own Thrilla in Manila) we’re back this Saturday to bring you some more world class talent.

This time, The Blast is proud to present Toronto’s very own, DJ AGILE.  Arguably Toronto’s #1 party rocker, Agile has earned a reputation both as a DJ and producer.  While his regular residencies are considered the hottest tickets in town, Agile stays busy producing, having worked with the likes of: Nas, Method Man, Dwele, Kardinal Offishall, Melanie Fiona and many more. We got a chance to catch up with the Stylus DJ and Juno Award Winner and get his thoughts on Hip-Hop, Toronto, influences and the future.

BLAST:  Who are you?   What do you represent?

AGILE: My name is Agile.  Some call me DJ Agile - I represent BrassMunk/Remix/BigBlackLincoln

B:  Where are you from?  Tell us about the music scene in your city.

A: I’m from Toronto, Canada. The music scene in T.O. is as diverse as the population. So many cultures makes for an original melting pot of music. It’s quite unique

B:  When did you start your creative path?  How did you get into your art?

A:  I started in high school. I started making mixtapes for people, and I caught the music bug HARD. from there I started to DJ school dances, house parties and then clubs. From there I discovered producing. That was it for me. I was always into music as a fan, my career just naturally developed. I seemed to have been in the right place at the right times for certain things.

B:  Why Hip-Hop?  What does it mean to you?  How would you describe your generation?

A:  I heard Rakim and I was hooked.  I liked other hip hop songs I heard up until that point, but Rakim changed everything for me.  Hip Hop is just a cool culture that speaks to the youth.  Always has, always will.  My generation are the trend setters.  We blaze paths, we don’t follow

B:  What’s the first album you ever bought?  How old were you?  Tell us how you got it.

A:  Kid & Play - 2 Hype - the cassette.  I was in my early teens.  I bought it on the streets in ATL on a trip with my family.  I couldn’t believe the price, it was so affordable. (I was too young to know at the time it was a bootleg).

B:  What artist do you respect the most (past/present)?  Why?

A:  Pete Rock.  His production inspired me to produce.  If it wasn’t for him, I probably would never have gone this career path.  He sparked me.  I used to vibe out for hours listening to his records.

B:  Tell us about your newest project.   How does it differ from others?

A:  I’ve been working on a mixtape/album for 1 1/2years. Differs because I have no timetable.  LOL.  I’m doing things as I am inspired.  It’s a mixture of all my skills. Production, DJing, songwriting and mixing.

B:  What cartoon character do you identify with most/What super power would you have?

A:  Tony Stark. He lives a crazy life. Wolverine has a the craziest power. I just don’t want to be as hairy as him.

B:  What’s your guilty pleasure track?

A:  Right now, anything by Rick Ross. He knows how to choose beats!!

B:  What’s the future hold for you?  What’s the best piece of advice you could give those coming up?

A:  I’m gonna be travelling a lot this year so that is what I have on my plate. For those coming up, if your doing music for something other then the love, then you’ll have a short career. Or even worse, you won’t love your job. I love my job, so I work at it most of my waking moments, but it never feels like work.

Check out some of his award winning mixes here: djagile.com

Agile will be at Marquee this Saturday with the entire squad in tow.   Needless to say, it’s bout to get real heavy.

We’ll see y’all tomorrow night. 

Be well world.