Jaime Lim Munson or DJ Poet Name Life, as he’s more commonly known, is headed our way. The Black Eyed Peas’ tour DJ, known for his 2012 chart-toppers ‘Digital’ and ‘Everyday’s Valentine’, is currently working on a new material, and training Paris Hilton on turntable, amongst other things. He speaks to Soundbites ahead of his Dubai gig this weekend.
Q: You have been a long time collaborator/producer/DJ for the Black Eyed Peas. What’s that been like?
A: The Black Eyed Peas and I go back a long way, we are friends from high school in Los Angeles and we used to make music from back then. In 2009, I co-produced the mega hit ‘Boom Boom Pow’ and later was the tour DJ for their E.N.D tour. It was an amazing opportunity that spanned the globe with an average crowd of 40,000 per concert.
Q: You were reported to have said that Katy Perry and Fergie will try for careers on the turntables. Why do you think so?
A: I wrote a song for Fergie, ‘Feel Alive’, which went on to become a huge success. She’s focusing on her own career right now and I think it is great. Paris Hilton asked me to be her teacher in the art of mixing and I train her every week. Her artistic talent really surprised me and I am sure she will become a famous DJ soon.
What’s happening in the US in the music scene is big — it’s a cross between mainstream music and electronic beats. The revolution started with the Black Eyed Peas and David Guetta’s track ‘I’ve got a feeling’. The music industry sat up and took notice of electronic music then and now from New York City to Las Vegas all the night clubs are taking that route. All the fashionistas now want to be DJanes for this reason.
Q: Why the name DJ Poet?
A: I grew up in a troubled area in LA and sadly most of my friends were involved in gangs. I was the official writer of the group — always writing loving letters for their girlfriends — and that’s where the name poet came from.
Q: What do you love and hate about nightlife in general?
A: I love the energy, emotion and the cultural diversity that nightlife brings. After every Black Eyed Peas concert we used to organise an after party at clubs for a more intimate performance with the crowds. The stage can be quite impersonal and mechanical.
Q: Where’s your ultimate place to perform?
A: I have had the opportunity to spin at some of the most beautiful night clubs in the world but Ibiza will always be some place special in my eyes.
Q: What can we expect from your Dubai show?
A: I have been in the studio for the past few weeks so it’s my first performance after New Year’s Eve. I am really excited to come back to Dubai and see all my friends and family. I will be playing some fresh tracks straight from LA.
DON;T MISS IT
DJ Poet will be spinning his tunes at the Fashion Night Blue Festival at White X Beach Club at Rixos, The Palm, Dubai, on Thursday night. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets from Dh100. Call 056 1751010.
