What’s your name when you're not performing as DJENTRIFICATION?
Alex. Once, I pretended to be this guy called Mc. MERV but it couldn't have really been me. I have, like, six other names but those are for others to know.
How did you get into DJ’ing?
I started DJ'ing in ‘98 if memory serves correctly. I was trying to record a tape for listening to after going on long late night excursions into central Phx by foot, not trying ever to become a Dj, too much spotlight etc. But I have worked with multiple tape recorders and sound collage since I was 11 or 12, playing two sounds and recording on third tape deck to make weird sound experiments. WS Burroughs –cut-up style. Then some kids on the south side hit me up to play a house party. I resisted but then I did it. From then on it was all for my Hood and Us.
What’s in the name Djentrification?
It was a play on words to friends down here once we learned that was what they called it- and to fight something one needs to have a name for it. Every time there was a flier with my name on it there would be that word Gentrification-so I was forcing this word out there, when it wouldn't be mentioned almost ever in the local press. This way some kid maybe would see it and learn what it meant and one day she would maybe be able to find a solution, down the line..also I called myself this Because I really am with the Opposite Force of gentrification. To me it would be Affordable and for ALL the People not just those that could afford it, it would be Real, it would be Funky and Interesting instead of Dead like a 'loft', it would be active and Mutating it would be like the Real Phoenix they will never tell ya about cause its too esoteric to be put into words, it would be the force that is under the Earths down here, Spirits everywhere, go walk down central 4 in the morning for a year you will agree with me, even though they are quieter...for now! But, on another side, more to the present... There’s So many many Cool Spots/people down Here... Way more than I could list off- Downtown is still, more than ever-Red-Hot! I see it more clearly now though... everything is always changing, no? It’s Good.
Is there a correlation between your music and your life as an activist?
I think so! I have always felt thankful to have the chance to express myself, no matter the medium, to have a voice! to have hands that can shape, move things, or even touch a sound!! To have a chance to be a living thing!
How much of the music generated onstage is thought-out beforehand and how much is improvised?
aha! Now so busy many times nowadays i freestyle! because I havent had enough time to rearrange my stuff, be in the Lab and practice. Years back, my whole 2-hour set would be practiced to a tee.
Where do you crate dive?
I will tell ya...later for 3 bux.
But I will shout Out TRAX AND WAX! REVOLVER! STINKWEEDS AND EASTSIDE! SUPPORT THESE SHOPS and The Others too!
*Roughly* How many records do you have?
more than 20 records
Who inspires you?
I have to say My Sweetheart Erika, she Really does Inspire me just by being who she is. My Bro for surviving Prison and heroin, coming out clean and strong, head Up. My Familia for Ever. My Granny she is my hero, Ella too very very much, the Real Graffiti Writers Of PHX, The Musicians that Made ALL THIS CRAZY ISH! The Original People of these lands here, Dine' O'odham People, Good people Taking care of life... The People that Stand Up and Follow their Hearts, Those that are humble yet Quick, My Mom My Dad My Familia
Guess What? these Racists Fuckin Up AZ right Now...THEY INSPIRE ME..They inspire Me TO UNITE ALL OF US FOR EQUAL RIGHTS more than ever!
