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Crim Dolla Cray.
As part of an occasional interview series, we’ll highlight St. Louis DJs, cutting across as many lines as possible. From folks with monthlies to those who’ll never be found at the same place twice; from the most experienced to those just getting their feet wet; from those who embrace new platforms to those whose sets stay true to the originators. And while we’ll splash into this concept by talking to folks working in clubs, we’ll find time to highlight those who bring curatorial skill to the airwaves and to webcasts as well.
This time out, we’re chatting with DJ Cray Dane Wayser (formerly Crim Dolla Cray) who provides us some answers on her past and present interests, as well as a hint towards the future.
Did you have a record player around the house when you were a kid? If so, who made the record purchases? Parents? An older sister or brother?
I didn’t get a record player until I was 19 or 20 when I took my grandmother’s out of the basement and got it repaired. She let me have it. But I bought records before I had a player, when I graduated from high school. I was already thinking about becoming a DJ.
What was the first purchase you remember making? This could be that cartoon theme song 45, or the first “adult” buy at the record shop. Or both!
The first CD I bought was Baby Face, For the Cool in You, and Salt-N-Pepa on cassette, Very Necessary. The first album I bought was probably N.E.R.D. In Search Of…
Getting current, what media do you use in a live set? Vinyl? MP3s? CDs? Or is it anything goes/whatever serves the moment?
Vinyl records. I don’t really like to work with MP3s much right now. I just want to put my hand to vinyl. I like the original way of playing records, like when DJs really started being DJs. I figure I can move on to digital music later.
What makes for a good night? A really tight set? Or audience vibe? Maybe a combination of both?
Both. I’ll play a few songs and scan the crowd to see if it’s getting people dancing. I start with slow songs, just enough to get them settled, and then I work my tempo up. A good night is when I get people dancing.
Whose sets turn you on, either in town, touring or residents in other cities? Who would you travel to see spin, whether that’s a day trip or a drive across town?
In town, I like to see Bump & Hustle (DJ Makossa and Nappy DJ Needles) and Nightchaser (Mark Lewis and Alexis Tucci). I’d love to see Daft Punk, they’re an all-time favorite. I’d go out of town to see Motor City Drum Ensemble, P-SOL, Bosq and Late Night Tough Guy.
What are records or tracks or artists that would never leave your crate? How about a record, track or artist or that’s been a mainstay in recent weeks, or months?
I rotate my records a lot, but there are a few mainstays. Top five: Azealia Banks, “1991” EP; Gerry Read,'90s Prostitution Racket; Late Night Tough Guy, Tough Cuts No. 2; The Chemical Brothers Star Guitar; and Freeez, Southern Freeez.
If you could design your perfect night, would might it include? Sharing the bill with a live band? Video projection? A big audience? A massive collection falling into your lap on the day-of a gig? Basically: draw up your own bliss.
I would love to play a roller-skating disco dance music extravaganza. Or maybe a house party for friends that lasts all night. I love to keep the party going.
Here’s a link to our previous DJ conversation, with DJ RasNit.
