This week, we chatted with Kian Yapa, who has had a passion for music since he was a young boy. He has come a long way in his DJing career for someone so young and has even rubbed shoulders with some greats. 

• Could you please give us a quick overview of yourself? 

My name is Kian. I’m a seasoned Trinitian who led the college soccer team with finesse. My passion for sports extends beyond the field. I also embraced the thrill of motocross since my younger years.

• How did your journey into DJing begin, especially at such a young age?

From my early years, music has been my enduring passion. I found it insane that it can also influence our thoughts and overall perception of reality. It was my fascination with electric tunes that got me into spinning beats. I enjoy interlacing genres, catering to diverse music lovers, and appealing to everyone’s tastes.

• What were some of the main challenges and goals when starting out as a DJ and how have they changed over time for you?

Back in the day, I grappled with the challenge of limited resources to refine my mixology skills. However, the landscape has evolved, and now aspiring artists can secure paid slots at venues to hone their craft. One of my initial goals was to share decks with an international legend, and over time, that dream finally turned into reality.

• Can you share a funny or interesting behind-the-scenes story from one of your gigs?

During a memorable gig, a steward inadvertently carried a bottle of alcohol, recently popped with sparklers, through the crowd. The sparklers, dangerously close to decorative lanterns, sparked a fire. In a heroic move, a quick-thinking individual dashed into action, swiftly punching the lantern and kicking it until the fire was extinguished. And the crowd whistled and applauded the individual. 

• Do you have any favourite DJ gear or software that you’d recommend for beginners?

My top choice is the Pioneer CDJ 3000 due to its unified audio processing at 96 kHz/32-bit floating across all playable formats. It captures nuances like depth, ambience, and timbre shifts for a realistic spatial and musical bass sound. While it stands out in Pioneer’s range, options like XDJ and Denon also offer quality. For beginners, I recommend starting with the Pioneer SB3 and playing until you’re thoroughly familiar with the equipment. Explore the diverse world of DJ gear to find the perfect match for your style and expertise.

• Tell us a little about some of the events you have performed at so far.

I will highlight two of my favourite events. I had the honour of playing alongside international guests Aman Anand and Mark Knight. Special thanks to Back2Back Studios, Booka Booka, and the incredible team. Beyond that, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to multiple progressive house and club events, adding diverse experiences to my musical journey.

• Can you describe your state of mind during a DJ set? What supports this ideal state of mind and what are distractions? Are there strategies to enter into this state more easily?

Before every performance, I take a deep breath, exhale, and focus on the exhilarating experience that awaits me during my set. I remind myself that nothing can knock me off my game. Practice is the pivotal element in the journey to becoming a successful DJ. The more you practise, the more at ease you become with your equipment, fostering confidence for live performances. However, navigating distraction is part of the game, especially when the audience tries to communicate or requests personal songs during the set. Discover the art of maintaining composure amid these moments. 

• Would you say you see DJing as improvisation? As composition in the moment? Or as something entirely different?

DJs employ a dynamic blend of improvisation and pre-planned sets on stage. While some meticulously plan their sets in advance, curating specific songs and transitions for a seamless experience, others view it as a live composition. For me, it’s the art of improvising in the moment, adapting to the crowd’s energy, and ensuring a continuous and engaging rhythm to keep the audience moving. This intricate balance is a hallmark of the DJ craft.

• What advice do you have for other young individuals who want to pursue DJing?

For those passionate about music or any pursuit they love, my advice is to pursue it relentlessly, regardless of others’ opinions. Don’t let external voices dictate your path; your passion doesn’t need validation. Follow what brings you joy, defy the sceptics, and keep honing your craft with relentless practice. Let your seamless mixes resonate loudly as a testament to your dedication. This is your journey – forge it on your terms. 

PHOTOS © KIAN YAPA