DJ Dario Varela

​On any given evening, you're likely to find Dario Varela inside of a Valley nightclub. If it's during the weekend, he'll be working the mixers at joints like Oceans Seven. On other nights, however, he's usually on the other side of the DJ booth, observing other selectas order to help hone his skills or scope out new songs to spin.

DJing is oftentimes a 24/7 thing for Varela, who's also occasionally performs on 95.1 Latino Vibe or at local high school assemblies as a part of the AZ Party Rockers.

He's also a veteran of the Latin dance scene downtown Phoenix, having previously gigged at such clubs as Sky Lounge and the currently-defunct Club Silver. His musical palette ain't limited to merengue and hype club bangers from Pitbull, however, as he's also a huge fan of house music and electro jams.

Varela recently spoke with Up on the Sun about his musical tastes, life in the Latin club scene, and the racial divide between clubgoers in downtown Phoenix.

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​Neil Hamburger is not your typical comic, and DJ Horsepussy is not your typical DJ. Hamburger's "anti-comedy" style has certainly inspired an entire crop of alt-comedians, and while Phoenix has a few DJs with "fucking" offensive names, none go as far to remain anonymous as the lucha libre-masked rocker.

Both Hamburger and Horsepussy are dedicated to their craft in a way that shakes loose anyone less than "hardcore" about getting down. Though Hamburger often expresses a disdain for rock music, but Horsepussy will proceed with a garage rock/'70s punk set regardless. "[I'm going to play] rock 'n' roll. I'm going to get under his skin," he laughs over the phone.

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If you want to see Gunn, you'll just have to get out to one of her shows. She's just a little camera shy.

​Sophia Gunn blends old and new professionally.

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​It's tough to argue with DJ Evil One that the life of a DJ is all about degenerative shenanigans, despite his chosen moniker.

The globetrotting turntablist has seen his share of the wild life on the road, but secretly wishes hopes for something a little more laid back, like s'mores and a little "Kumbaya." Catch his alter ego Saturday, September 24 at AiRIA Nightclub.

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​DJ Kyko keeps it on the level.

The Latin DJ holds two residencies at clubs in the Valley. Not that it's going to his head. His down-to-Earth perspective makes him a man of few words, and maybe that's a good thing. He's all action, little talk.

We talk beginnings, vintage vinyl and dance floor tacos in this week's DJ Dossier.

DJ name: DJ Kyko

Real name: Miguel Morales Jr

Genres spun: Hip-hop, electro, Latin

Regular gigs: Resident DJ for Surgenights Privileged Fridays at Club DWNTWN [and] resident DJ for Latin Ladies Saturday Night at Sky Lounge.
 
What's the best way to get a crowd going? I usually start off with a couple of mellow songs and then hit the crowd with some heat. Throwing in some Pitbull, LMFAO, YC. Rack on racks on racks. [Laughs]

Who are you listening to and spinning these days? Well, I normally listen to ESPN Radio all day long. I love sports. Go Dallas Cowboys! But in the club I play a majority of hip-hop and Latin music to give my nights more of that urban Latin feel.

Tell me about the weirdest gig you've ever played. I've never really had any weird gigs. I try and make the most of the gigs I spin at.

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John Carbis

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​DJ Element is one busy cat. Just a few weeks ago we wrote about his FreeStyle Sessions mixtape release, an now we've got work that Element and DJ Pickster, both resident DJs at the popular Thursday night Blunt Club party, are taking their sounds on the road.

Making a name for yourself in the DJ world take a lot of hard work, and Element and his Blunt Club brethren are certainly putting in their time. (Pickster just dropped the AZ Gunslingaz EP on El Cuco Recordings.)

Tonight's edition of Blunt Club, hosted by Thriftshop, will feature live art by Dump La Rock, and tunes from Pickster and Element, spinning hip-hop, moombahton, and various forms of funky electronic music. "I'll be dropping all West Coast heaters," says Element on the Blunt Club event page.

Read on for Element's thoughts on respecting one's elders, timing, and repping the Southwest.

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DJ Organic by Xappa

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