AGE – 23
HOMETOWN – Port Chester
CURRENT LOCATION – Brooklyn
INSPIRATION – Jonathan Peters
Where did you develop your passion for music?
Ever since I was a little kid my life was consumed with music. It was such an intricate part of my life, not only did I listen to it all day, but I couldn’t fall asleep unless my stereo was on. But, it didn’t end there, I needed to take it to the next level. When I was 11 years old my best friend & I used to write and perform hip-hop. Soon after I also bought a pair of turntables, and some records so I could learn how to Dj the music I loved so much. This would lead to me getting a chance to spin a couple of high school parties around Westchester. I stuck with writing hip-hop for a long time, and it’s still something I work on every once and a while. The problem was around the time I turned 17 hip-hop music started to take a turn for the worst. Everything in my life started to change as my preference of music switched to strictly house. In association with this change I took my knowledge of spinning hip-hop & brought it over to house music. I bought a pair of cdjs & the rest is history.
Tell us about Shakarone Entertainment.
Mike Terra, Joey Loves, & me, founded Shakarone in 2007. The combination of talent began on the UWS of Manhattan. I had already gotten down the basic science of spinning house music when Terra ended up partially moving in with me. We spent hours on end practicing so we could be ready to take our talent to the scene. We wanted to make things official so we decided to combine our skills together & unite under one name. Shakarone was a name that seemed not only so original, but it had a ring to it that made it hard to forget. Almost two years down the road and there aren’t many people who haven’t heard the name.
What life lessons have you learned through music?
The main thing that I’ve learned from music is that no matter what music will always be there by my side.
If you had to choose a quote or a line to describe what motivates you day to day, what would it be?
“As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn’t supposed to ever let us down, probably will. You’ll have your heart broken and you’ll break others’ hearts. You’ll fight with your best friend or maybe even fall in love with them, and you’ll cry because time is flying by. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you’ve never been hurt. Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances. You just have to live life to the fullest, tell someone what they mean to you and tell someone off, speak out, dance in the pouring rain, hold someone’s hand, comfort a friend, fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts. Don’t be afraid to take chances or fall in love and most of all, live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back.”
- Unknown
If you had a time machine where would you go and why?
Woodstock. There really are so many different time periods that I always dreamed about experiencing. 1995 NYC, Studio 54 days, the year of the dinosaurs, but in the end the chance to experience those 3 days of Woodstock has been something I’ve always wanted to have a chance to go to. Just the thought of some of the most influential people in music history all together at one event is mind blowing, and to add to it, no rules!
Do you produce your own music or plan on doing so aside from playing others?
I regularly make edits that always get amazing responses when I play them live, most memorably was my edit of Robbie Rivera’s “Feel This.” Other then my edits, I have produced 5 other tracks to date, but I still have a little more learning to go before I will pump out something that will send waves through the streets of New York, but I can promise it’s coming soon.
What set up/programs are you currently using?
My set up at home is a little different then what I use live. At home I have a Mac book pro running ableton, a djm 800 connected through a motu interface, a 26 channel midi controller, a keyboard hooked up to Lucifer, and an efx 1000. When I spin live I only use my djm 800 connected to ableton through a motu interface.
What was your main inspiration for your sound?
As cliché as it is for most I have to be honest as say that Jonathan peters has the most influence on me musically. I have to state that this is JP up until about 06.
Entertainment is not killing music; it’s the music killing entertainment, your opinion on the statement?
Overall, the music industry is a really fucked up place. The politics of it all always has a negative effect on what goes on. Other then that I think that drugs also had a really powerful impact on the vibe overall. G & Tina really introduced a new era of zombies to the crowd. We went from everyone dancing & having a good time to people just standing around ‘’shmangled’’. I just wish we could get back to the unity and connection that was once there. The vibe that made the scene what it was. But, at the end of the day, it might be light years before the scene comes full circle.
Where do you see your career in 5 years?
Five years is a lot of time. I plan to have a lot accomplished within the next 5 years musically & career wise. I do believe that before 5 years is up I will have a top-notch production out.
What are your favorite things about being a Dj and being and artist?
I live for the opportunity to be able to tell people how I feel through music. The chance to stand behind the Dj booth, and look out on your crowd as they clap their hands & dance, gives you a rush like no other. I spend hours and hours trying to get the music that no one else is playing & I put it all together in a way that separates me from everyone else. When I finally get the moment to put all my hard work to good use it gives me a feeling that only one other person in the world can give me 
Favorite places to eat in NYC?
Sushi Samba is hands down my favorite spot ever. I go there for everything, birthdays, dates, etc. Other then that I love Haru sushi, Cafe Habbana, and Mad Dogs Mexican.
Name 2 fun facts that most people would never guess about you?
I’m in 90,000 dollars debt thanks to college, & I’m Jewish.
Terry Nova – Love Sick Dope (Summer Sessions Pt.2) by TerryNovaa