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DJ Elmo
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DJ ElmoMusicianship Incognito
2005-09-08
Article Written by: Benjamin Cameron
A DJ is not a musician in the traditional sense, of course, but if you listen beyond the manufactured sounds at how the product is created (presuming the DJ you are observing is of a high enough caliber) then you will hear musicianship. Set an ostinato (basic thematic pattern) and layer it with polyrhythms, melodics, and creative transitional phrasing, and you get music. You will hear the manifestations of someones thoughts and feelings, and there is skill in some of the techniques they employ. Listen and feel-whether you realize it or not, there is expression here.
With so many different types of people who have different takes on life ad different ideas, its no wonder that there are so many different ways to create art. Further perpetuating the broad spectrum of possibilities is the diversity of culture, instruments, and musical styles. The ambiguity of perceptions thus attributed brings to life, within each avenue of expression, everything from ambiance to aggression. Because of this, however, there are also so many different opinions regarding the many different ideas for artistic musical expression. Pros and cons can be attributed to anything by anyone, but they are all for the most part, subjective to paradigm and perception. Regardless of the latter, one very important aspect of art cannot be denied in any manifestation, as this aspect is the very foundation from which it is created passion.
Josh Lawrence, better known among partiers as DJ Elmo, has been throwing down his groove for just over ten years. Like anyone else whos good at what they do, hes experimented with different things and gone through his phases, but today its mostly about trance and progressive house. Though well defined in his own style of expression, he is well adept at altering his approach to suit the crowd, calling forth improvisational skills that are sure to keep the dance floor full. Elmos spinning stays off the path of what others do and has its own unique vibe, but nothing can beat the energy rush of seeing and feeling the crowd relinquish their inhibitions and lose themselves in the mesmerizing ambiance of Elmos groove. He is largely inspired by the high-energy response of the crowd and in sharing the joy.
DJ Elmo produces music and is ambitious about creating his own records. Two turntables and a microphone, however, are not his only experience in the creation of art. For nearly five years he played drums in bands drawing from metal influences; then his DJ career started getting serious. Before long he found himself in Orlando, bringing the roof down at Firestone for old school Sundays and late nights at Fluid. He held residency at 600 North for awhile before their final closing, and just a few other venues he has shaken are Taboo, Roxy, and Barbarellas in both Orlando and Daytona. One of Elmos most memorable moments was when he was on tour in Alaska. Someone he had never met before approached him and said, Hey man, I heard you in Orlando!
DJ Elmo is influenced by Prince, The Cure, BT, H.I.M., Keoki, and for the production, Postal Service. His greatest inspiration, however, is derived from his mother, who is more than supportive of his dreams and endeavors. He spun with trance master DJ Christopher Lawrence, and will perhaps spin with other masters as he tours through Europe, Toronto, and other locations outside of the U.S.
DJ Elmo has a very energetic, positive personality. You just have to make the best of the situation and stay positive, or else you wont always be able to see the positive. Thanks Elmo, for your words of wisdom. He can converse intelligently for hours, and he digs good lyrics.
You can catch DJ Elmo in action every Friday night at the Love Bar in Daytona, or check WhatsHappeningDaytona.com for all his other gigs in Volusia and Flagler counties. For shows outside Volusia and Flagler counties, visit www.MySpace.com/Elmodjs.
So the electronica scene doesnt entail the use of actual musical instruments, but the bottom line is thisDJ Elmo and many other DJs are very passionate about what they do and what they put out there. That definitely counts for something.
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