Name: Adrian John Flanagan
AKA: DJ FLNGN
Current schedule: This weekend I have private gigs, but next weekend I am playing Axis/Radius on Thursday, Afterlife on Friday and School of Rock in Tempe on Saturday. My schedule constantly rotates.
Genres spun: I mostly spin electronica and techno. Those are my faves. But I also play hip-hop and Top 40, depending on the venue or club. A lot of DJs stray from mainstream music, but I welcome it. The more gigs for me, the better. That's how I look at it.
How did you get started as a DJ? I dabbled in DJing with my neighbor's very old gear. In 2005, I went to Hot Pink! (remember that). I asked Denny [Le Nimh] if I could play a set and he said yes. From there I became friends with Dirty Dave, William Reed, and several other guys who are now well established DJs in the Valley.
What's your opinion on the hipster scene? Most hipsters appear to be very artsy and indie, especially with music. But I think they're just like everyone else, they'll dance to a good, catchy beat. A few weeks ago at Bar Smith I played a Benny Benassi remix of Katy Perry and it flooded the dance floor. Hipsters included.
Is it hard to get ahead in the scene? I would say yes. The indie dance scene is pretty tight and there a lot of DJs. I was lucky to play with them years ago, before the scene sort of blew up.
What kinda advice would you offer anyone trying to get into the scene? As for the bigger clubs, I'm friends with a few promoters. So that definitely helps. There is a lot of competition out there. So lots of practice is very necessary. Make mixes, put your music online, and burned CD's with business cards can come in handy. Most of all, network with other DJs and promoters.
Best experience as a DJ so far? I got to play with Felix Cartal in 2009. He's on Dim Mak Records (home of Steve Aoki and Bloody Beetroots). I'm a big fan of the label, so it was an honor to share the decks with him.
And the worst? Playing the Cow Pony in Tucson. When I got there the sound system was completely taken apart. One speaker was blown. The cocktail server spilled a beer on my laptop and they paid me with a bad check.
How long have you been DJing? I started in 2003, but started playing bars/clubs on a regular basis in 2005.
What bygone club do you miss the most? Probably Homme. If I recall it was demolished into a parking lot.
Craziest shit you've seen at a club or gig? Two girls going at it...REALLY going at it! I was DJing at Homme's industrial night in maybe 2007. We were upstairs and two girls were on the couch. It was pretty crazy. Hands up the skirt and kissing almost every part of the body.
Preferred poison while DJing? Drink of choice is Stella Artois.
What local bands are you a fan of? My favorite local band is Tugboat. I also dig Kinch and Black Carl. I've also been meaning to check out The Whisperlights.
What songs will always get your crowds going? Le Castle Vania, Boys Noize, Deadmau5 and Bloody Beetroots always get dancers. Lately I've been playing La Roux's "In For The Kill (Le Castle Vania remix)". That ALWAYS gets dancers.
Worst request you've gotten? Not long ago I got a Boyz II Men request. That one should hold the worst request title for a while. I'm there to entertain, so if the request fits I'll try to play it. If it's not a fit, I'll tell them. Usually they're cool with it and understand.
What sites do you use for music? RCRD LBL, Sundtrak, Living Electro, and Gotta Dance Dirty. All of my electro music is bought from Beatport, iTunes, or downloaded from a music blogs.
Do you shop anywhere locally? I really like Zia's. In fact I was there today and bought the new Toro Y Moi album.
Which albums are digging this far into 2011? My favorite so far is Cut Copy. I'm also digging Tennis, Toro Y Moi and Lykke Li. I downloaded the new Radiohead via Mediafire. Haven't listened to it yet.
Top five bands of all time in no specific order? Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Deftones, Rolling Stones and Interpol. I have "Turn On the Bright Lights" tattooed across my chest. So I guess Interpol is my favorite.
Favorite concert you've seen in the last year? I saw Interpol at an 800-seat venue in San Diego in September. It was nice seeing them back to playing a small venue.
What are some of the underground artists have you been pimping in your sets lately? Feed Me. He's a new artist on Deadmau5's label. Also Classixxx and Depressed Buttons. I'm also playing Duck Sauce, a new DJ duo featuring A-Trak. They won't be underground for long.
Do you like introducing people to new music? I love it. I'm constantly asked to make mixes of new music. Always happy to do it.
Last album purchased: Toro Y Moi today. Cut Copy a few weeks ago.
Track that's been stuck in your head lately? "Rococo" by Arcade Fire. My co-worker has been listening to baroque/classical music as of late. The strings remind me of Rococo.
