Hailing from Bangladesh, DJ Salim grew up in Astoria, New York. His love of music started at a young age, thanks to his sisters. Soon he was playing music for family parties. At the age of 17, he started DJing at the club scene, which led to him releasing remixed CDs into the market “KSP 2000” and “Club xtc.” Soon after he was asked to DJ at private events for friends and family weddings in the South Asian community. He then started to host bigger events and in 2008 he was able to work with the team of singers for a concert in Devils Arena, New Jersey.
In 2011 he got the opportunity to host the IIFA after party in Toronto, Canada. This helped him become an International DJ and he now travels to internationally to host private weddings/events. He has also had the privilege to work with many fashion designers such as Ghazala Asam, HSY and Maria B on different occasions.
Now part of Kaotic Sound DJs, in a tete-a-tete with T Junction, DJ Salim recalls how it all started off.
1. What made you get into DJing?
My passion and love for music.
2. How is DJing different that MCing?
MCing has variations. MCing at a wedding is different from MCing at a radio show or a night club. Different crowds, but similar skill sets required. You have to make sure you're confident, load and clear but not screaming. DJing also depends on where and who you're DJing for; When DJing at a wedding, you're playing generally what the bride and groom have requested. On the flip side, when DJing at a night club/private event, we are usually playing a set, or we try and feel the crowd and take it from there.
3. How is DJing different than producing music?
A DJ plays and mixes music together, we use sound effects, loops, and other techniques to change the sound to a track. A producer is creating music, making their own personal tracks.
4. Does DJing go hand in hand with technology? If yes, how?
Yes, when I started in the 90s I was using vinyl records, and a few tapes. Soon we started using cds, and now I play tracks off of my laptop, and buy music online.
5. What kind of audio production technique/equipment do you use?
We use pioneer CDJ-2000NSX players, a pioneer DJM-900NXS mixer, and a pioneer DDJ-SZ controller (the best model yet).
6. What are your biggest achievements?
Getting the opportunity to work with and for many great artists and fashion designers. In 2008 we had the chance to work with artists like Atif Aslam, Kailash Kher, and Richa Sharma for the Summer Beats 2008 concert. Working with Amir Jamal and hosting the pre-party for the 2011 IIFA in Toronto, Canada were overwhelming as well. We have had the chance to host some of the most incredible weddings. Most of all receiving the Best DJ award from Dhallywood was absolutely unbelievable.
7. What was your biggest gig?
Hosting the IIFA 2011 pre-party.
8. What are your thoughts on DJing with Bengali music?
Bengali music has changed a lot over the years, and whenever I do get the chance to play Bengali tracks I do.
9. What do you like playing most?
I enjoy playing house and Bollywood.
10. How do you choose your songs?
We like to start with the top 40s, the song selections would depend on where I would be playing and for whom. Once we know what the crowd is feeling we start playing and blending in tracks.
11. What is it like to be up there mixing tunes and watching the crowd sway to the beats?
It’s the most amazing feeling, knowing that the crowd is feeling the music just as much as we are. The enjoyment on people’s faces when they're dancing is electrifying and for those few minutes the music is all that matters. It keeps us motivated to continue and do an even better job for the next event/wedding.
12. What kind of challenges do DJs face in the industry?
Keeping up with technology, making sure our mixing skills are up to date with the times.
13. Where do you see yourself heading?
I believe an empire can be built with a wonderful team and I have exactly that, so we want to be at the top. When anyone thinks of a DJ they think of Kaotic Soundz DJs. Hopefully, we can start producing music with other brilliant artists soon.
Rapid-fire questions:
a. What’s the most embarrassing thing you ever had to do?
I once had to play on a mixer that was really bad. It produced horrible sounds but I still had to finish my set.
b. Where did you spend your childhood?
Astoria, New York.
c. What’s one thing you miss about Dhaka?
I love phuchka, Dhaka has the best phuchkas.
d. What would you be if you weren’t a DJ?
An aeronautical engineer, I have a love for planes.
e. How would you describe your personal style?
Unique, one of a kind; I have my own style.