Brian Hamilton, aka DJ Irie, has been DJ’ing in the Midsouth and Northern California for the past twelve years. As a club DJ, Irie has held residencies at Clubs 616 and Fantasia in Memphis,Tennessee; The Bronze Gorilla in Hot Springs, Arkansas; and a four-year residency at Club Liquid in San Francisco, California.You can find him Thursday-Saturday at Bluefin in Memphis,Tennessee.

As a rave DJ, he has played side by side with some of the world’s most renowned DJs, and has occasionally headlined the shows. As a resident DJ, Irie specializes in all shades of house, downtempo, techno and progressive music.

Interview

How old were you when you started Spinning and what made you get into the music?
I started spinning at 19. The girl I was dating at the time introduced me to Justin Hand. I was so intrigued by what he was doing I had to learn. I've been a musician most of my life so it came naturally.

Tell me about DJing in Blue Fin?
Blue Fin is a welcome change for me because I'm so used to having to cater to what is hot right now and what the people want to hear. Bluefin allows me the opportunity to play great music from various genres and periods of music history than I would say at a nightclub.My mantra when someone asks for a request is..." I'll do my best to play that but remember it's a restaurant not a nightclub". When I was hired on as the resident the owner wanted someone who could create a mood that would remind people of that vacation to Miami, San Francisco or New York. He wants to make people feel as if for a brief period they aren't in Memphis. That way Bluefin becomes a haven from the everyday grind while providing excellent food and music.

What advice would you give to an aspiring DJ?
For the aspiring dj I say this...There is no rehab for this addiction. If music is not a major part of your life (like food), don't waste your time and money. If you are serious about dj'ng dedicate yourself to the art. You get out of it what you put in.

Favorite place to play in Memphis and why?
I still like house parties.I get off playing for larger crowds, but I still like the house party vibe. People are more relaxed in that intimate setting and let loose more easily.

If you could tour with 1 DJ who would it be and why?
BT. He's not really a dj but he's my favorite.

How do you get the crowd into your music?
I've always lived by the addage "where the women go the men will ultimately follow". I try to get the ladies interested so the men spend money. This keeps club owners happy.

If you got a 1 million dollar recording contract what would be the first thing you would do?
Take care of all my parents debts (they took care of me)

Do you support downloading music off the Internet and why?
Yes. As long as you pay for it. I like it because it loosens the stranglehold that the major labels have on the music industry.

If you could play in front of 3 really important people who would it be and why?
Jesus Christ, Gandhi, Mandela, and MLK Jr.They are the people that have inspired me the most. (you didn't specify alive or dead)

What kind of equipment do you use?
Technics 1200's turntables and Pioneer CDJ 800, occasionally some live percussion when I'm feeling tribal.

Describe the difference in vinyl and records?
There is no difference in vinyl and records,but the difference between vinyl and cd is tactile. There is something about being able to touch a record. The other difference is the sound. Vinyl has a warmer sound.

Any shouts out or special thanks?
Shout out all the homies at ESP Laboratories, UV Entertainment, all the club kids that keep the club scene alive, and of course the PartyScope gang. Thank you for scoping me.