Jul 2010 The Mener!

Real Name: Dr. Derek Thomas Southworth III, Esq. M.D.

Alias: The Mener

Hometown: For all intensive purposes, Reno.

Age: Almost 31

Profession: Full time DJ, i.e., unemployed!

Hobbies: Clocking the bitches and smacking the hoes.

Affiliations: The Source Tribe, www.themener.com

 

 

Q: When did you get into electronic music and what made you decide to become a Dj?

The first rave/party I went to was early in the fall of 1993 at the old Fallout Shelter. I started DJing in 1997 because I was starting to throw parties and no one wanted to open, plus at this time a couple of good friends started playing, so it made sense. I actually started out just playing hip hop and scratching really poorly on mis-matched belt drive turntables and a Radio Shack mixer.

 

Q: What genres do you play and what others do you have an interest in? Which is your preferred style to play out?

Mostly house and breaks, but you can, on rare occasion find me playing techno, hip hop and 80's music. My preferred style varies depending on the situation and my mood, but it is always some combination of sub-genres of house and breaks. Lately I've been playing a good dose of heavy basslined house and funky breaks together.

On a sidenote, there's something so spiritual to me about house music. The rhythms, the hidden messages, the drums, the BPMs; its all so primal. There was a study conducted in 1999 linking house music to your heart beat. The study found that when a track was played at 128 BPMs, the subject's heart synched with the music while dancing. Their heart was actually beat matching! You can't claim that with many other genres. Like Eddie Amador said once in that famous song, “Not everyone understands house music. Its a spiritual thing, a bodiful thing, a soulful thing...”

 

Q: Alright, tell us once and for all, what the hell is a “Mener?”

I knew this question was coming! Well first of all, I want to state for the record, it is pronounced like “Menn-err.” You would be surprised how people butcher it and how many people think it is pronounced “Meaner.” Truthfully, it's actually not that impressive of a story. Back in 1995 I had been doing graffiti for two years and writing the name “Speed” which was given to me because I had a small obsession with “Speed Racer” as a child. I couldn't stand the name or the letters and was diligently looking for something else. I decided I wanted to write “Mentor” because I was always schooling people on the history of hip hop culture, but someone much more experienced and talented was writing this as a side name at the time. I fucked around with the letters came up with some that flowed well, hence “Mener” was born. I spent a good amount of time coming up with different meanings for it and my favorite was the “act of being yourself.” “Me” being yourself, “N” being short for “and” and “Er” being the act of doing something (like surfER, writER, taggER, you get the gist). Apparently, it is also is the verb “to lead” in French.

 

Q: How long has the Mener been around the Reno Electronic Dance Music Scene? What were your first experiences in the Reno dance music scene and what were they like?

17 long years!! As previously stated, my first party was in the early fall of 1993 at the Fallout Shelter. I think some girl I was crushing on invited me and I was like, "What the fuck is a 'rave?" To me, it was so crazy! All kinds of different people from different groups, all dancing, getting along and loving the music. I had never really felt like I belonged anywhere until that first party. It was your quintessential early 90's rave; smart bar, lasers, lights, kids in oversized overalls, checkered clothes, oversized gloves and top hats. I want to say CDC Music (Christophe, Dutch and Carlos) were playing, but I have no idea. I was the ripe old age of 14, and was always so clueless as to "how in the world these people can still be dancing so hard still at 3am." The first time someone asked me where they could find some “X” I just stared at them blankly, having no clue what drugs were. Oh, those were the days!

 

Q: What was the first party/event that you threw in Reno and how did that go? Who was on the bill, who did the sound and what venue etc?

The first party I threw was called "Battle of the B-Boys" and I think it was in late 1997, but don't quote me on that. It was at the old 4th Street Youth Center which I think is now a fire station or something. I vaguely remember who was playing. I think Mike G, Waks, DJ34, and David Elan were playing. I know I was playing hip hop really badly in the back room and I think this was the first party local rapper Tree Woods ever went to in Reno (he was actually my mailman at the time).

My first "real" party was "Evolve" on June 20th, 1998 at the old VFW hall by Starlight bowl with The Source Tribe. DJs on that bill were Morgan, Sentry, Ayam, B-1 and Eric Daniel. Kenny C did the sound and people balked at the "high price" of $10. This was something of a disaster for several reasons. 1) We were a bunch of dumb ravers and thought it would be a good idea to go to a rave at Cal Expo the night before in Sacramento and roll our faces off, 2) There was a huge party that same night in SF that a lot of people were going to and 3) We met some asshole that offered us free tickets to aforementioned SF party and we were so indecisive as to what to do that we wound up doing the party somewhat last minute. Oh, also a friend of mine decided it would be a good idea to dose the hell out of everyone who wanted acid at that party, so instead of one hit, they were getting ten! People were getting butt naked and fighting! All in all though, we were pretty proud of it even though we lost a decent chunk of change.

 

Q: Any strange requests, odd happenings or just weird things ever happen while you were ever playing?

God, so many! The one that comes to mind right now is this time I was playing at this very upscale lounge in SF called the Bubble Lounge. I was playing some cheesy, super deep house as that was what I was getting paid to do. This beautiful Brazilian girl comes up and asks me to play some Madonna. I told her I didn't have Madonna or I would play it for her. She persists telling me every DJ has Madonna and will pay me $20 if I play “Ray of Light.” I continue to tell her, I DONT HAVE ANY MADONNA. She then tells me she will show me her breasts if I play Madonna, to which I reply “Alright.” She shows me her amazingly perfect breasts and I tell her, “I still don't have any Madonna, but goddamn you have a perfect body.” I laughed and she stomped off very annoyed. Also, one time I got booked to play a lecture hall at UC Davis with Andrea and Atom O.N.E. That was incredibly strange.

 

Q: Where has the music taken you to play? What states, cities and which is the most memorable to you?

I've been pretty fortunate to play a few places either being booked there or already being there and hooking up a gig. I've pretty much played all over locally. By locally I mean Reno, Tahoe, Sacramento, Davis, Grass Valley, Nevada City, San Francisco, Oakland and all parts of the bay area, etc. Other places further away that I can think of are Dayton and Cincinnati (Ohio), Indianapolis (Indiana) , Louisville (Kentucky), Seattle (Washington), Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, St. Louis (Missouri), Washington DC, University of Maryland, Houston (Texas), Ithica (New York) and New York City.

The most memorable was probably the first time I played in Dayton, Ohio in 2001. Skylab 2000, Nigel Richards, Dj Mea and Soulslinger were headlining the main room and my old partner David Elan and I were the headlining the second room. It was the first time I had been flown out anywhere to play and actually paid a substantial amount of money. This party was insane. It was a Halloween party thrown by some witches at this creepy, old (and somehow still functioning) roller skating rink. Kids there were insane! For one, they all took what were strange drugs to me like Zanax, Morphine and K (I was used to the standard west coast E, Acid and Mushrooms). For two, I was happy to meet party kids and they were blown away that a "DJ was ACTUALLY talking to them and hanging out like a 'real person!" This was the first time someone asked me for my autograph and I seriously laughed to myself and thought I should write "Rave till dawn. Love, Mener." but I played it cool and just signed my name. When it was time for me to play, I was so nervous my hands were shaking! I had a thousand or so kids staring at me wanting to know what the "California sound" was and I could barely keep my hands steady enough to adjust the records properly. I played a decent set, but definitely had a couple small mess ups and left with it being one of the most memorable nights ever.

 

Q: So how many women do you think you have hooked up with from being a dj? Any funny stories you feel comfortable talking about?

A gentleman never asks and a lady never tells! HAHAHA...Actually, I cant think of a single one off the top of my head. I'm sure there's been a couple across the years maybe? I've never truly mastered that skill though, I mean, I'm busy DJing and don't have much time to talk and spit game. I should maybe ask Bird how he does it, because that motherfucker cleans up!

 

Q: What kind of venues do you prefer to play (club, underground, legal rave, 18+, 21+ all ages etc.)?

It really depends on what city I'm in and what style music I am in the mood to play. If I'm in Reno, I definitely LOVE all ages parties the most. Kids just go so ape-shit for the music and get into it so much. I feed off the energy of the crowd so much, that I'm usually dead tired after playing a set from jumping, screaming and dancing so much myself. If I'm in San Francisco my favorite is to play 21+ shows and drop funky deeper style stuff. In San Francisco people all act like they're teenagers, but have very refined and discerning palettes for good deep house.

 

Q: What format of music are you playing music in these days? What do you prefer and why? (vinyl, cd, laptop etc.)

These days I’m playing strictly CDs. I miss the days of vinyl; the feel of it, the digging through stacks of records for that gem…but its not realistic or feasible to continue with that format as it is expensive, heavy and only a fraction of what is released digitally comes out on vinyl.

 

Q: What's the one track that never leaves your record bag or Cd case?

When I was playing vinyl it was Blaze, “Talkin’ Bout Power,” which is still the best house track ever created. It took me eight years to track down, so I bought three copies! Haha…These days, Wiesel and Captain Coma's, “Falling Up” because its weird as hell, super pumping, mixes well with everything and it drives Gamma insane. It’s a small hobby of mine to fuck with Gamma. I love that dready S.O.B.

 

Q: Have you noticed a decline in attendance at events or clubs you play, and do you think it can be attributed to a possible loss of interest in the music?

Dance music is going through a strange transition right now. Nearly half of all the new top 40’s songs currently on the radio are strictly EDM based, so there is a surge in the numbers of “sheeple” that are into it and I don’t get as many requests for rap or Madonna anymore. Inversely, at least locally, all ages underground attendance has plummeted while the 21+ crowd is flourishing. I'm not really sure why that is to tell you the truth, but I'm not upset to have several options to hear house music in venues that are 21+...

 

Q: You have lived in a few different cities throughout your life, what keeps bringing you back to Reno?

Home means Nevada? Home means the hills? Home means the sage AND the pines? I grew up here. Its my home and I’ll always love and represent this awesome little town!

 

Q: You have a very outgoing, shameless personality…just sayin.

Your mom has a very outgoing shameless personality! J/K. Actually, your mom is a very sweet lady who’s always offered me food every time I’ve met her. I can appreciate that.

 

Q: Any thoughts on the state of dancing at parties these days? I know back in the day you and a group of friends were into the whole breaking, b-boy aspect of the party scene. Do you still see that around? Do you think it’s less prevalent in the house/breaks scene these days and moved back to the hip hop scene? Yes/no please explain..

I'm completely disgusted with the dancing styles and lack of dancing I see at parties these days. I get so angry when I go to a party and all I see is kids melting into the floor or freak dancing like they’re at a middle school dance or a top 40s club. I’m more accustomed to kids coming out to show and prove their abilities in dance circles at parties. House steppers, breakers, poppers, kids doing liquid, capoeria, you name it…You still see this occasionally at massives in big cities and thats why I'm a fan of massives. In 2003 I messed up my wrist snowboarding, so that pretty much ended my “b-boy career,” as I cant hold myself up anymore. I can still wreck some fools in a dance circle though!

 

Q: If you had a chance to play anywhere, anytime and with anyone of your choice what would you choose?

Probably playing alongside global giants like Erick Morillo and Carl Cox at Pacha in Ibiza or some giant fuck off festival in Europe like Creamfields or Global Gathering.

Q: What are your thoughts on file sharing websites and blogs vs. file purchasing websites?

 

I think downloading music from file sharing sites and blogs is completely unethical. I mean, most producers are regular guys who have day jobs and are just hoping to monetize their art as best as possible and get some recognition. I only buy music from authorized sites like Beatport for this reason.

 

Q: Any suggestions for other artists or promoters, either up and coming or just in general?

The best advice I can give is to stay humble. Djing EDM is, by definition, one of the most purely egotistical acts ever. I mean, you're deciding what everyone is going to listen to, so fuck them if they want to hear something different. It's important to remember that just because you're getting booked for a couple shows or whatever, there's at least 10 other kids out there that are 10 times better than you just waiting for their chance to come up. My other advice is to work hard, and don’t sell out your sound for what everyone else is doing. If you’re true to yourself and the sound and message you are trying to convey, people will eventually take notice.

 

Q: Anything you would like to add or get off your chest?

Yes! People always have a misconception that I am an asshole or something. I used to have a roommate that told me, “When I first moved in here, I thought you were one of the meanest people I have ever met, but now that I’ve gotten to know you, you are definitely one of the nicest, most self-less people I know.” I can come across crass and rude at times, but I just tell it like it is. I was raised by some sarcastic ass New Yorker parents, so I think its hilarious to talk shit and welcome when people talk shit back to me. The problem is so many people are such sensitive Susans out here sometimes. So if I’ve ever offended you, it was probably all with love and I apologize…you sensitive little bitches. HAHA...

I'd list some thank you's but I've already written an entire novel, plus inevitably I would wind up leaving some people out. So I'm just gonna say thank you to the NVRaves crew for electing me for July's DJ of the month and thank you to anyone I've ever been graced to work with, share a stage with, meet or has enjoyed my music.

In closing, I'm just going to plug some shameless self promotions and say I hope to see everyone out at Stilldream, a Keep Reno Dirty here and there and my birthday party with Doc Martin on July 31st at Wurk Nightclub.

Peace!

 

Tracklist for you biter ass bitches:

1) Reset Robot - "Snippa" (Original Mix)
2) Popof - "Blow Me Down" (Original Mix)
3) Tiga - "Shoes Noob" (Remix)
4) Mazi, Justin Long and Wasted Chic - "Dustbin Boogie" (Original Mix)
5) Dr. Kucho! - "Kung-Fu Funk" (Original Mix)
6) Pirupa - "Blu" (Original Mix)
7) Uffie - "A.D.D. Suv" feat. Pharrel Williams (Armand Van Helden Club Remix)
8 ) Riva Starr and Rettore - "Splendidub" (Dub Version)
9) Darius Syrossian - "Tap Dancing Freaks" (Original Version)
10) Joan Reyes - "Shakedown" (Bass Kleph Remix)
11) Rachel Barton - "Who Knows" (Original Mix)
12) Pitto - "Feelin" (District One S Feelin' Techno Remix)
13) Nyra - "Luis Conte" (Original Mix)
14) Santiago, Bushido and HiJack - "Puttin' It Down" (Original Mix)
15) Wiesel and Captain Koma - "Falling Up" (Original Mix)