DJ Zach
Where are you from? Hometown? I was born in Michigan but grew up in Telluride Colorado, went to school in San Francisco and lived in New York.
How long have you lived in Kauai? 11 Years
Favorite Hobbies? Surfing, Snowboarding, Skiiing, Hockey, Dirt Biking, Hiking, Wakeboarding, really anything sports related including Fantasy Football and of course, Djing
How long have you been working for KSK? 9 Years
What do you love about Kauai? Kauai is just so peaceful. Its such a magical place which seems almost frozen in time. The tourists and locals are always so friendly and you can spend your days off just lounging around on the sand or getting in an extreme day of watersports, or both, its your choice. Absolutely love Kauai
How long have you been a DJ? Ive been DJing with Turntables for 24 years, 22 years professionally performing for Night Clubs, Bars, Events, and Concerts before I was even old enough to get in. I first started DJing 28 years ago at a local radio station and fell in love with all aspects of the craft. I graduated from the Globe Institute of Sound in San Francisco. Grew up playing the Saxophone and learning Music Theory. I can play a little piano but just for composition. Often compete in DJ Battles and Competitions but my favorite part of DJing is Turntablism, Scratching, Beat Juggling, Mixing, drumming and body tricks. I also love making mixtapes, remixes and composing albums for artists. I will also fuse beat making, remixing tracks, while adding samples and effects. I run sound boards, signal flow, and lighting for bands as well as MC for a local luau.
What do you love about being a DJ? Djing is so much fun and there are so many different ways to DJ, anyone who loves music has some way or another been a DJ, even if they dont realize it. Its something everyone can enjoy!
Favorite wedding or event or DJ memory? Probably meeting and performing with artists that I grew up listening to and admiring such as the Wu Tang Clan, the Whalers, Coolio, Guru from Gangstarr, Talib Kweli, the Roots, the list goes on and on but when you’re a kid they seem unreachable but as you study the craft and surround yourself in culture you end up becoming a part of the musical community and over time meet more and more people who are so talented. Every person on stage or behind the scenes are so talented and its just an honor to pick the brains of every person you meet or just have fun cracking jokes and hanging out.
What do you listen to when you’re NOT DJing? I love old school or underground Hip-Hop. Any Hip Hop with a jazz beat and poetic articulate lyrics. But I love listening to Classic Rock, 80’s, oldies, Blues, Jazz, Classical, 60’s & 70’s, EDM, a little newer Country and of course Reggae. Where ever you are or whatever you’re doing there’s a genre of music to fit the occasion.
Why should a couple choose you for their wedding? The most important part of the wedding is that everyone has a great time and I love creating a fun environment for everyone at the wedding. I try to play songs for everyone, from the young kids up to the grandparents. I try to play songs to spark memories of when you were growing up or special songs you heard on your road trip across country or at school. Anything that creates nostalgia. Your sound track to your life is what I want to help create. I MC the events and keep it fun and professional but to be honest I am not the type of MC to talk much, I keep it short, sweet and to the point while letting the music do the rest. I also keep the event moving by communicating with every member of the event from photographers to coordinators, chefs, shuttle drivers, bartenders, as well as the bridal party, family members and of course the Bride and Groom to make sure every moment is captured perfectly and everyone can excel in their job and have fun while doing it.
You’ll find Zach to be a DJ or many surprising talents. He’s an accomplished Alto and Tenor Saxophone player. He’s a student of music theory, sound engineering and production. He’s an award-winning turntablist, playing alongside the likes of Coolio, Wu Tang Clan, 2 Live Crew, the Guru’s and the Wailers and has been invited to play in many top clubs across the country because of his talent (NY, LA, Vegas, Denver and SF). He is verifiably one of the top 3 turntablists in the US.
