• The rise of DJ virus

 DJ Virus, the infectious beatsmith who’s been captivating Sri Lanka’s music scene for over a decade, is more than just a DJ. He’s a musical chameleon, effortlessly blending genres to create unforgettable experiences. Inspired by legends like Swedish House Mafia and local heroes like Lunatics, DJ Virus has crafted a unique sound that’s as diverse as it is electrifying.

From headlining New Year’s Eve shows to sharing the stage with international superstars, DJ Virus has consistently proven his ability to ignite the crowd. His infectious energy, coupled with his uncanny knack for reading the room, makes every set a memorable journey. The Daily Morning Brunch sat down with DJ Virus for some insight into his work and the industry.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What are your biggest musical influences, both local and international? How have they shaped your DJing style?

I have drawn inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences throughout my career. The electrifying sounds of Swedish House Mafia, Alesso, and Avicii have played a pivotal role in shaping my creative vision and their music and performances are what inspired me to be a DJ.

Additionally, I am deeply inspired by a multitude of talented local DJs, including DJ Lunatics, DJ Hiranya, and Selectro, who among many others have added their own unique spice to my mix. It’s this eclectic blend of international flair and homegrown talent that fuels my love for music and keeps my sets fresh and exciting.

What has been the most memorable moment or performance of your career so far?

Choosing a single memorable moment in my career is quite challenging, as every event holds a special place in my heart. However, the New Year’s Eve shows I headlined on the South Coast stand out as a dream come true for me since childhood. Each club I’ve performed at had its own unique vibe, where we enter as strangers but leave with unforgettable memories.

One particularly funny moment occurred during several graduation events at a specific hotel. We developed an inside joke because, for some technical reasons, the power would inexplicably cut out in the middle of our performances – this happened three times! Yet, each time, the crowd’s energy was so electric that it didn’t matter; their enthusiasm made those moments truly unforgettable.

In 2017, I had the honour of opening a festival featuring international acts. I remember feeling incredibly nervous before stepping on stage, but my friends were there to support me, which made all the difference. Since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to open for many more international artists. The experience has been nothing short of insane, allowing me to connect with them on a deeper level. I’m grateful to still be in touch with several of these talented individuals who continue to inspire and guide me on my journey.

As an open format DJ, how do you seamlessly transition between different genres without losing the crowd’s energy? What techniques or strategies do you use?

The beauty of being an open format DJ lies in the freedom to explore a multitude of genres. This dynamic approach keeps the music fresh and the energy alive, but it requires a deep understanding of the crowd. I pay close attention to their reactions and energy levels, allowing me to make informed decisions on the fly. While I sometimes deviate from traditional blending techniques, it’s essential to have a well-curated music library to take those creative risks, as each track has its own unique character.

Strategically, it can be challenging to adhere to a single method in such a creative field. However, one effective strategy I use is segmenting my sets into 15-minute slots dedicated to specific genres and subgenres. This structure not only helps maintain a natural flow but also gives me the opportunity to prepare for quick transitions, ensuring that the energy remains high without any clashes between genres.

What did you learn from your time as a radio presenter and resident DJ at ‘Kiss FM’? How did that experience influence your DJing career?

I consider myself fortunate to have been part of the Kiss Entourage for nearly eight years. This experience has been invaluable for my brand, Virus. During my time in radio, I learned how to predict music charts, discerning which songs would be hits or flops. This insight taught me to continuously discover the latest music and trends, helping me stay one step ahead. I entered the radio industry as a novice, and the team at Kiss FM taught me everything from managing my music library to exploring new sounds. One of the most enlightening aspects was learning to appreciate the diverse perspectives on music and genres, which greatly enhanced my understanding of my audience as a DJ.

Public speaking was initially one of my greatest fears, but my supportive bosses and colleagues encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. This experience proved essential during gigs, allowing me to confidently take the mic and energise the crowd.

My time at Kiss FM also instilled a sense of professionalism and taught me how to effectively market a music brand – skills that are incredibly valuable in today’s industry. Additionally, working in radio enabled me to connect with various professionals in the music scene, leading to opportunities to perform at major events, all thanks to the exposure I gained at Kiss FM Sri Lanka.

How do you prepare for a set? Do you have a specific method for selecting tracks and building the atmosphere?

Preparation is key, as it builds confidence when I’m on stage. While I can’t predict exactly which songs will resonate with the crowd, I always curate my set with fresh edits and new versions. My open format library is essential for maintaining high energy throughout the performance.

As I mentioned earlier, I utilise a 15-minute method for structuring my sets. In the first 10 to 15 minutes, I focus on current trends and play tracks that the audience is eager to hear. This helps build trust and rapport with the crowd. From there, I gradually transition into different styles and genres, always testing out new tracks along the way to gauge their impact.

One of the most important factors in creating an unforgettable atmosphere is maintaining my own energy and passion. No matter how great the song selection is, if I’m not fully engaged, the atmosphere can fall flat. By keeping my enthusiasm high, I ensure that the crowd feels the same vibe, resulting in an electrifying experience for everyone involved.

What are your future aspirations for your DJing career? Are there any specific genres or venues you’d like to explore?

Absolutely! I am dedicated to continuously exploring and learning about music throughout my career. It’s fascinating how new sounds are consistently emerging and making their mark on the industry. Genres like Afro music and tech house have significantly influenced this decade, and I’ve been actively creating remixes while also investing time in producing my own singles.

As for venues, there are countless places I dream of performing at. We’re fortunate in this generation, as many trailblazing artists and DJs from Sri Lanka have successfully broken into the global scene. Their achievements inspire me, and I see them as paving the way for local talent to embark on world tours.

Ultimately, my next big dream and goal for Virus is to follow in their footsteps and take my music to international stages.

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who are just starting out? What do you think is the most important quality for a successful DJ?

My first piece of advice for aspiring DJs is to believe in yourself – this is absolutely crucial. When starting out, you may encounter people who mean well but don’t fully grasp your vision. That’s perfectly okay; what matters is that you maintain your self-confidence. As you work on your craft, those around you will come to understand and support your journey. Don’t hesitate to seek help and grow alongside others in the community.

Passion is another essential quality. It’s the driving force behind everything you do, so always pursue your love for music. For me, the inception of Virus stemmed from a deep desire to share the emotions I experience when I listen to music. That passion is something that can’t be contained.

Discipline is equally important if you want to take DJing seriously. Additionally, I firmly believe in fostering a supportive environment rather than tearing others down. The more we uplift each other, the more opportunities we create for everyone – a true win-win situation. In this creative industry, every DJ brings their unique flair, so stay inspired and always keep learning.