Chicagoist Mix #4: Skyler Mendoza
By Jake Guidry in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 12, 2010 9:40PM
Chicagoist Mix Series is an ongoing feature that profiles local DJs and features a mix compiled exclusively for Chicagoist. This is mix No. 4, brought to you by Skyler Mendoza.
We'll admit we didn't plan on having two of URB's best local DJs contribute mixes for Chicagoist, but hey, we'll brag about it. Zebo, who contributed our last mix, was on that list, as is Skyler Mendoza, who brings us mix four, which he recorded live during a set last week at Lasalle Power Co. We're excited about this mix; Skyler, 23, is sort of an unsung hero in the local DJ scene, commanding crowds young and old all over the city. This mix features music Skyler thinks other DJs need to hear, as well as some old school tracks and stuff that he can listen to for days. We're sure you'll replay this mix more than a few times as well.
If you want to catch Skyler spin, be sure to head to Lasalle Power Co. on November 25, where he'll play with Kid Color, Moneypenny, Gemini Club and Codebreaker. Check below for our interview with Skyler and, of course, the mix.
Chicagoist: You play, like, eight nights a week, right? How do you keep the energy?
Skyler: Honestly, I have no idea. I don't do any drugs, so it's truly a mystery, but I think it has a lot to do with my passion for music. I love DJing and the feeling of controlling the room. It feels good; music keeps me up for days.
C: You've been included on all sorts of bills at all sorts of venues. What's been the key to your versatility?
S: I am the kind of DJ that can play just about any type of music for any crowd at anytime, but the key to what I've been doing is not letting the crowd control me. I'm not afraid of the sorority party girls or the old bachelorette party telling me I'm doing a bad job because I'm not playing enough Katy Perry or enough hip-hop. What I've been doing is making those kinds of people forget about their favorite radio songs while they are on the dance floor and fall in love with the music I'm playing.
C: Electro was sort of the zeitgeist of dance music the past couple years, but that trend is changing. Where do you think dance music is headed?
S: Well, as far as mainstream goes, electro is now what it was to a lot of people two years ago -- something new and exciting. From my point of view, the taste makers are now looking for music they can groove to rather than jump up and down while chugging Four Loko. All types of house music are starting to resurface and grab more and more attention and lots of kids are starting to do more research, which makes it easy for someone like me who has always tried to play house to an electro heavy crowd. But as for me and my future, you can expect a lot more tech house with a touch of Latin.
C: What have you been listening to lately?
S: For the past year i've been studying a lot of Booka Shade, Robbie Rivaria, Pleasurekraft, Manuel De La Mare, Kaiserdisco, Marco Lys, Sam La More and Joris Voorn, while listing to a lot of Latin music.
C: What can we expect from you in the next year?
S: I've been working on some production and putting together a tour, "From Chicago With Love", coming in the spring, as well as starting more events that showcase Chicago's unheard talent.
C: Can you tell us a little about the mix?
S: The music I like to put in my mixes are songs i love and can listen to on repeat for days at a time. I also choose tracks i think other DJs should hear. I dropped a few old school tracks in there and some new stuff I hope to hear people playing next time I'm in the club.
MP3: Skyler - Chicagoist Mix #4
Tracklist
Gospel (Super Flu's Antichrist Remix) - FormatB
Chicago Milkshake (Original Mix) - Jay Lumen
Chicago (Erick Decks Remix) - DBN
Fantasy Girl - Pierre's pFantasy club
Music Is The Answer (Gabriel Vezzola Mix)- Celeda + Tenaglia
Gimme Some More (Mendo Mix) - Steve Lawler feat Roland Clark
Enigma (Original Mix) - Hardwell
Bad Love (Groove Armada UK Drop Mix) - Booka Shade