DJ New Era Discusses Love For Hip-Hop in Alabama, Mixtape DJs, and Trailblazing the Culture
Residing in Alabama, DJ New Era has built a name for himself as a top-shelf DJ holding down residences in Atlanta and New York, as well as playing guest sets in Texas and various other markets. Having over 14 years of experience, DJ New Era is veteran in the game with a love and knowledge of music that is apparent every time he gets behind the turntables. New Era delivers an open format style of mixing in which he successfully mixes Top 40, House, Hip Hop, Rock, Disco, Moomba, Reggae and every other genre in between seamlessly.
More than just a nightclub DJ, his experience and individual style have garnered the attention of corporate heavyweights such as Victoria Secrets, Macy’s, DSW and Abercrombie & Fitch. Combining a highly acclaimed mix catalog featured on the leading online mixshow catalog, ClubKillers.com and Livemixtapes.com he has gained notoriety amongst his peers and acquired heavyweights such as Sway and DJ Enuff. He’s interviewed artists such as Rapsody, TLE Cinco, Big Yavo, Tay Money & many more.
Hype: Where you from and how’d you fall in love with hip-hop?
NE: I’m from Fairfield, AL. I feel in love with Hip-Hop around the year 1997 when a rap group by the name of Wu Tang Clan released their double disc album, “Wu-Tang Forever”.
Hype: What are your musical influences/inspirations?
NE: My inspiration came from mixtapes. I used to make mixtapes for people at my high school. I was known as the bootleg guy. My favorite mixtape DJs were DJ Drama, Kid Capri and DJ Clue.
Hype: What was your first set of equipment you purchased?
NE: The first set of equipment that I purchased was The Reloop RMP-1 and a basic Numark mixer, I also had a Dell laptop.
NE: My name came from wearing New Era Fitted Caps.
Hype: What role does radio play in the music industry today?
NE: Radio plays an important role in the industry. Records are heard in the club first then the radio gives it that extra push.
Hype: How important is the DJ in music, what does your day to day look?
NE: The DJ is very important. We are the key holders to breaking a lot of music. Yeah you may have social media but without the radio spins, mixtape placements, interviews and club spins you are limited. My day to day consist of zoom meeting, music logs, the gym, and radio work.
NE: The biggest memory took place when Lil Boosie was released from prison. His first show was in Alabama and I was the DJ.
Hype: What’s your motivation?
NE: My motivation is my son.
NE: There is never a right time to deliver something for the culture. If you have a new idea and you feel it may take off never sit on the idea. Time waits for no man or woman. A trailblazer is someone who is always working. There is no such thing as a break. A risk taker is trailblazer in my book.
Hype: What does success look like to you?
NE: Success to me is being able to put food on the table and keeping the lights on.
Hype: What’s the best advice you can give to emerging DJs in radio?
NE: Best advice for emerging DJs in radio is stay hungry and focused.
NE: I have an album set to drop this summer and more opportunities to get on the road to smash some clubs in the line-up. Stay connected with DJ New Era for upcoming dates and announcements here.
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