Spin Diego

From the Frat House to the Big Stage

For most up and coming DJs, opening up for Shwayze and LMFAO sounds like a far-fetched dream. But, it’s reality for Los Angeles native DJ Skinnie. At only 22 years old and on the brink of graduating from San Diego State University, Skinnie is the man behind the decks for Chris Young, a talented local hip-hop artist. This gig has allowed him to tour with Shwayze and LMFAO and play sold out venues.

When he’s not touring with Chris, you can catch Skinnie at some of the hottest nightclubs around San Diego. Pay attention to this young, up and coming DJ. We have high hopes for him in 2010!

Favorite Happy Hour: 4.0 Deli by SDSU
Music Genre: Hip-Hop/ Electro/ Party Rock

What do you like to do when you’re not DJ-ing?
Finding the new, hottest music and hanging with friends.

What is something only a local would know about San Diego?
It was a lot cooler when you could drink on the beach.

How long have you been DJing and how did you get started?
Seven years. I got started in high school as a hobby, and then a good friend of mine got me into the house party movement. After high school I moved down to San Diego and started doing Fraternity parties and then finally landed my first paid gig at Deco’s in 2008 right after I turned 21.

How did you come up with the name DJ Skinnie? Did you come up with the name or did someone coin you with it?
(Laughing) When I was in High School my friends would always call me “Skinny Ryan” and tell me to hit the gym and get bigger. Well, long story short I haven’t gotten any bigger; I have hit the gym, but the name stuck with me to use as my DJ name and it has worked out pretty well.

What separates you from every other DJ?
I like to interact with my crowd. I don’t like to sit in the corner and just play the music; I would rather be grooving with my audience.

Top 5 Songs of all-time:
“I’m Goin’ Back to Cali” by Notorious B.I.G
“P.Y.T” by Michael Jackson
“California Love” by 2Pac
“Shots” by LMFAO

What is the hottest song out right now?
“How Low” by Ludacris

What is your best memory DJ to date?
Playing a sold out show in Tucson, AZ with Chris Young, LMFAO and Shwayze.

What is the difference between performing at a bar or club and performing with Chris Young?
The atmosphere.

Which do you prefer and why?
I prefer to perform with Chris because of the collaboration. It feels good when you walk on stage and take control of the audience by getting them hyped up.

How’d you get set up with Chris Young?
We met at a Fourth of July party that some friends of mine were throwing down in Pacific Beach.

What’s next for you and Chris Young?
The sky’s the limit.

What is your DJ pet peeve?
Song requests. That is for a radio station; I don’t come up to people at their job and tell them how to do it. Let the music move you and explore new songs rather than what is pumped to you through the radio.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
A shot of Patron and a Red Bull then some breathing exercises to keep myself calm.

What is the toughest thing about DJing?
Keeping the dance floor moving the entire time you are up there. In the end it makes it all worth the while.

How is San Diego’s music scene compared to other large cities?
In my opinion San Diego is very radio based; most of what people want to hear in the club is what is played on the radio. They need to give DJ’s a chance to play something new, so they can explore different types of music.

What direction do you see DJing going?
DJing has a lot of potential. Ever since it has become digitalized, there are a lot more opportunities for people to explore their musical interests.

What’s your career goal as a DJ?
To have residencies at multiple nightclubs and traveling around the world as a DJ. I would love to get paid to travel and have a good time; then again, wouldn’t we all. (laughing)

Do you have a New Years Resolution?
To do a set at a large festival in front of a huge crowd.

Stay up-to-date on DJ Skinnie’s next move at MySpace.com/DJSkinnieSD