Guest DJ Profile:

Reed Streets

I met Reed Streets through mutual friend and fellow Draw Straws alum, DJ Dav. I could immediately tell that Reed was dedicated to the music and perfecting his DJ craft. He holds down a few different residencies in the greater Philadelphia area, and when he’s not DJing, he’s knocking out beats at home on the MPC.  

This month, Draw Straws is hosting the release of Reed’s new mixtape project, Philly 5. Like the name implies, 5 Philly DJs each contribute 15 minutes to a continuous mix. I’m extremely honored to be included on this project along with the esteemed company of Romes, Adam Bomb, DJ Skipmode and Reed Streets himself.  In the meantime, check out Reed’s killer dancehall mix below, and be sure to check him out and grab a copy of the Philly 5 mix at Draw Straws on Tuesday August 7th at Silk City.

Guest DJ Profile:

DJ Skipmode

As a founding member of the Illvibe Collective, DJ Skipmode has helped to set a high bar when it comes to DJ skills and production in Philadelphia and beyond. The Illvibe’s Bodyrock parties are legendary 4 turntable workouts where only the finest platters are served to a frenzied dance floor. Skipmode’s extensive mixtape catalog proves that the skill, knowledge, and love for music do indeed run very deep.  Check out his thorough Gangstarr tribute mix below, and come hear him rock at Draw Straws, Tuesday August 7th at Silk City.

Guest DJ Profile:

Danophonic

The funky technician, Danophonic, has been a busy guy in (west) Philly for years. He operates a home studio that’s filled to the brim with vintage instruments and gear, has cut records as a member of the Roots crew, steadily holds it down on the DJ tip, and he’ll even fix your leaky pipes if you ask him nicely. If you’re ever in the mood for something off the beaten path, take a trolly ride up Baltimore Ave to Elena’s at 49th St. where Danophonic’s music selections are as soulful as the food. (VERY)  Check out his supremely funky Chaz Jankel edit below, and be sure to come see him at Draw Straws, Tuesday August 7th at Silk City.

Photos and event recap from last month’s party over at the Phlight School blog. Check it out!

Special Guest Host:

Chris Vance

We’re very excited to have Chris Vance guest host the 4th of July edition of Draw Straws. Vance has been putting in work the last few years in Philly’s dynamic hip-hop scene. His commanding stage presence and ability to weave from high energy party rap to complex and enganging story telling have set him apart from many other local MCs.  As a founding member of Phlight School, Vance now has several mixtapes under his belt, and is steadily expanding his camp through tons of guest verses and collaborations.  You may have seen him rock a crowd at the Veteran Freshman concert series or as host for Emynd & Bo Bliz’s monthly party The Bounce.  Check out one of my favorite Phlight School tracks below and come check out Chris Vance on Tuesday, July 3rd at Draw Straws

Guest DJ Profile:

DJ Dav

Some people might be quick to (mis)label DJ Dav as a “new jack,” but find yourself at one of his nights with a blindfold on, and you’d assume the DJ you were hearing had been doing his thing for years.  DJ Dav is a young guy with a deep knowledge of music and a natural understanding of how to move a crowd. He keeps busy in Philly with residencies at Rouges Gallery Bar, the Proper Panda party at Voyeur Nightclub and the Philadelphyinz’ monthly party Hot Mess at Silk City.  DJ Dav’s love and appreciation of the music shines through in his sets. Listen to him cut up some 2012 hip-hop below, and catch him live on July 3rd at Draw Straws.

Guest DJ Profile:

Philly Will

I had the pleasure of meeting Philly Will about a year ago through our mutual friends at ANMLHSE. I’d never heard him DJ before, but as soon as he touched the decks, I know it was a wrap. Will has some serious old school flavor blended with cutting edge technique that make him a great party rocker. He holds down several hip-hop events in Philly like Underground Phresh and The Boom Box, and as a producer/engineer, is one of the main brains behind the production house Phlight School. Check out a Phlight School track below, and check out Philly Will on July 3rd at Draw Straws.

Guest DJ Profile:

DJ Bruce

DJ Bruce has been holding things down in Philly for a few minutes. You can catch him at the Rogue’s Gallery bar, where he champions new dance sounds for the party masses on a weekly basis, or monthly at The Ball, one of Philadelphia’s premier disco and house parties.  DJ Bruce has also taken his love of dance music to New York under the alias STRONG, showcasing his retro-futuristic sounds to a new party crowd. Don’t pigeonhole the man though. He’s well versed in many other DJ styles, namely hip-hop, and he can go toe-to-toe with the the best of them.  Check out DJ Bruce and DJ Apt One’s The Ball Vol. 1 Mix below, and be sure to some see Bruce on July 3 at Draw Straws