As The Community Spins: Interview with DJ Mitchell Ledbetter
The
Conscious Column
By L. Barker
As The
Community Spins: Interview with DJ Mitchell Ledbetter
It’s amazing when you go to an
event and the people are smiling, the crowds are moving and the mood is just
right for the feeling. You get to release your day with your favorite tunes to
lift your spirits and take your mind off of anything that deters you. Who do we
have to thank for this? The DJ!! The art of spinning started as an original
centerpiece for the world of hip hop and has grown into pushing emcees into the
limelight. However, nobody ever forgets the disc jockey that gets the
adrenaline pumping with the rhythm of synchronicities. Although it may seem
like an easy job, it is no small feat. I got the opportunity to sit down with
local DJ Mitchell Ledbetter who is very well-known and respected for his
talents he displays within his community.
Grab a tune, listen and enjoy the read.
You just might take up being a DJ after this, the sky is the limit!
Lashana: What is it like putting together events that enrich
your community through entertainment? What is the main inspiration for doing
it? How do you feel after seeing a successful event that you put together and
seeing that your crowd is satisfied?
Mitchell: Community based events are great.
Whether I'm the DJ or not, I give support in [these] events and assist
how I can. It's always a good feeling putting together something great for my
community, especially when music is involved. The inspiration, I love my city. It's
a surreal feeling seeing people have a good time through my work [and] it’s
cool to receive compliments and to see/hear people are pleased.
Lashana: If you could permanently exist in one musical era which
one would it be? Why?
Mitchell: 70's [for the] originality of the music [and] the cool behind it. The
women were beautiful then, also.
Lashana: What is the go to song you keep in your playlist when the
crowd seems to be dragging their feet?
Mitchell: The Wobble by V.I.C. usually gets people moving. Back That Thing Up
by Juvenile gets an honorable mention.
Lashana: What is one mistake you see a lot of DJ's making? What
advice could you give to those seeking to get started as a DJ?
Mitchell:
I usually don't listen for mistakes honestly. I try to hear/watch how other
DJ's blend, song selection, and just overall timing. A mistake I made first
starting out as a DJ was music selection at certain events. You have to know your crowd AND know your
event. A DJ shouldn't play break up
songs at a wedding reception! (Laughs) The
best advice I can give to a future DJ...Practice, arrive at least 2 hours
early, if you can, and always have a card on you, always.
Lashana: What is it that you enjoy the most about being a DJ?
Mitchell: I enjoy mixing the most. Blending songs together and telling a story
through my DJ sets. The initial shock of [hearing] "he's a good DJ"
is a great feeling as well. Especially from people who haven't heard me DJ
before.
Lashana: How often do you hone your
craft?
Mitchell: I used to practice daily for hours when I first started.
Now, at least once a week I try to get a good couple of hours in of just
grooving and free styling.
Lashana: Let me into the “behind the scenes” version of your night.
What measures differ when setting up for an indoor/outdoor event? Which do you
prefer to do?
Mitchell: The set up usually is the same whether it's indoor or outside. Indoors
usually have stairs and outdoors it's usually a walk, so it's a workout at
least. I don't have a preference either
indoor or outside. I try to set up the same way each time. Just to make sure
everything is good and I don't skip anything. Loading up takes about 5 minutes
[while] unloading and setting up usually depends on how far I have to set up. Average
time is about 30 minutes.
Lashana: What are some major challenges that you face when
preparing for a set? How do you overcome these obstacles in a timely manner?
Mitchell:
Cord shortages, blown speakers, computer freezing, microphones going out,
physical fatigue, people, mental freeze, weather, miscommunication, forgetting
equipment. Showing up early helps [in
setting] everything up early. I can make sure my equipment works right and
everything is cool. Also, I DJ alone before each set to get mentally ready.
Contact Information:
Contact Information for Mitchell Martell Ledbetter:
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/Mitchell3287
Instagram @MitchellMartell
Twitter @MitchellMartell
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