Photo credit to Jonny Rabbit Photography
If you’ve been to Indigo on a Friday night, you’ve probably danced your heart out to one of DJ Keigo Shimomura’s killer sets. For this week’s edition of Behind the Booth, we got to find out what turns his tables.
Why do you love being a DJ? What is your favorite part about it?
I have an appreciation for all types of music, and I love sharing it with everyone. I used to always be the person who changed the music at the party, and now, I get paid to do it. When people react to my music, and all the different ways: that’s my favorite part. I like to show people music that they don’t know that they like.
How did you get involved with it? Who inspired you?
I have always produced music, and in high school, I was making hip hop beats. I would go into Philly and sell them. From there, it was a pretty easy transition into electronic, and it never started with EDM for me; I started with rap and hip hop. All the shitty DJs who played the parties I went to inspired me to start DJ’ing. One day, I thought that I could do that, so I did.
Is there a specific style that you stay true to?
A lot of people like to say that I’m a house DJ or a trap DJ and that’s not it; it would be boring for me to only restrict myself to only one type. I will always be an open format DJ because I don’t have the patience or attention span to play one type of music. And, I love playing on my turntables. You can’t scratch on CDJs.
What was your first show, and what was your favorite show?
My first show was at my fraternity, Acacia, and it was like a week after I bought my equipment – it probably wasn’t much different than what I was complaining about. My favorite show would probably be the RedBull Threestyle competition; that’s what made me realize how different I was from other DJs in State College.
What song never fails to get the party started? What songs do you listen to before a show?
I would have to say “Hypnotize” by Biggie or “Party Up” by DMX. I always like to start with hip hop or rap because nobody just walks into the club fist pumping, you’ve got to get that started. Before a show, I just listen to the most recently added stuff on my iPod, whatever that is.
Are there any upcoming shows, or performers, that you’re excited to see?
I’m going to Bassnectar on Thursday and Disclosure in Philly later this month, which I am super pumped to see.
If you could do one thing to improve the EDM scene in State College, what would you do?
I would ban house music, specifically 128 bpm! It would force DJs to get out of their comfort zones, and make people explore and discover new music. This scene is a little stagnant.
Clubs or House Parties – Who parties harder?
House parties and clubs both have their merits. Clubs usually have much better systems and everything is organized. House parties have that level of intimacy that clubs can’t provide.
How often do you produce, and are you working on anything now?
I produce everyday, and yes. I have a new song out today! It’s called “Da-DOING (Ass Like That).”
What event will you be playing next?
I’ll be playing at Indigo on Friday. Every Friday, I play with DJ Nammo.
*Insert Mikey Lin name-drop here!*
If you’re not 21 just yet, check out some of his mixes below!