DJ Spotlight: DJ RED ASYLUM
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Step into the vibrant world of DJ Red Asylum, a pioneer in the soca music scene who has been igniting dance floors since 2002! Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, his musical journey began as a simple school hobby and has evolved into a thriving career that has captivated audiences across the Caribbean and the United States. Known for his electrifying presence, DJ Red Asylum has performed multiple sets at the Virginia Beach International Carnival, now in its second year. He infuses every performance with a unique blend of island vibes and creativity. In this exclusive interview, we delve into his evolution as a DJ, his passion for promoting Caribbean culture, and his strategies for staying relevant in the ever-changing music landscape. DJ Red Asylum's story offers both inspiration and valuable insights into the art of DJing.
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BTSM: When did you start DJing?
DJRA: I started DJing in 2002 back home in Trinidad, while still in school as a hobby
BTSM: When did you start getting serious bookings?
DJRA: I migrated to the US in 2007, and real bookings started in 2011. I had taken a break to situate myself and then focused on building as a US DJ
BTSM: How did you get connected to the Virginia Carnival?
DJRA: One of the organizers reached out to hire me for their launch party last year March and also hired me for the carnival events
BTSM: What is different about the VA Carnival, what makes it special?
DJRA: This carnival is very unique with the actual parade of bands being held on the boardwalk. They have Jouvert on the beach. It feels like home. It’s a great opportunity to promote Carnival, our culture and soca music in the Virginia area
DJRA: I started DJing in 2002 back home in Trinidad, while still in school as a hobby
BTSM: When did you start getting serious bookings?
DJRA: I migrated to the US in 2007, and real bookings started in 2011. I had taken a break to situate myself and then focused on building as a US DJ
BTSM: How did you get connected to the Virginia Carnival?
DJRA: One of the organizers reached out to hire me for their launch party last year March and also hired me for the carnival events
BTSM: What is different about the VA Carnival, what makes it special?
DJRA: This carnival is very unique with the actual parade of bands being held on the boardwalk. They have Jouvert on the beach. It feels like home. It’s a great opportunity to promote Carnival, our culture and soca music in the Virginia area
DJ Red Asylum at VA Carnival 2024
BTSM: How has the community been reacting to the Carnival?
DJRA: The reaction to the carnival thus far has been amazing and I only see it getting bigger
BTSM: Do you ever get nervous before playing at an event? How do you prepare for an event? Are there certain things you must do to ensure a successful set?
DJRA: Yes I do get nervous. I prepare by doing the research on the demographic of people there and also paying attention to who’s in attendance. Every DJ does different things to ensure a successful set, my remedy is to give the patrons what they want
BTSM: How has technology and AI changed DJing? Are you using any advanced tools in your set at this time?
DJRA: Technology and AI, very good question. As far as technology, it has made it much easier and efficient to DJ, like switching from records to now all digital music with the same turntable experience, but it works well for the DJs who have studied the craft. AI and these other new technologies makes it easy for anyone to become a DJ but you have to study the craft and build that experience which is nothing you can emulate. Experience is the key factor.
DJRA: The reaction to the carnival thus far has been amazing and I only see it getting bigger
BTSM: Do you ever get nervous before playing at an event? How do you prepare for an event? Are there certain things you must do to ensure a successful set?
DJRA: Yes I do get nervous. I prepare by doing the research on the demographic of people there and also paying attention to who’s in attendance. Every DJ does different things to ensure a successful set, my remedy is to give the patrons what they want
BTSM: How has technology and AI changed DJing? Are you using any advanced tools in your set at this time?
DJRA: Technology and AI, very good question. As far as technology, it has made it much easier and efficient to DJ, like switching from records to now all digital music with the same turntable experience, but it works well for the DJs who have studied the craft. AI and these other new technologies makes it easy for anyone to become a DJ but you have to study the craft and build that experience which is nothing you can emulate. Experience is the key factor.
From left: Dev, Majah Hype, Tallpree, Pumpa, Leonce, Yankey Boy, Rayzor, Red Asylum, Skinny Banton, Keith, et al. at VA Carnival
Virginia Carnival 2024
DJ Red Asylum at Virginia Carnival 2024
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DJ Red Asylum at Virginia Carnival 2024
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BTSM: Do you think these changes and advancements are good or bad for the future of DJing?
DJRA: I believe they are good and bad because the world around us is evolving, however, you have to learn the craft and gain experience to understand crowd control, etc.
BTSM: How do you stay relevant as a DJ in 2024?
DJRA: It’s a lot of work and social media is one of the main tools. One must market themselves and execute your skill when given the opportunity
BTSM: What venue would you like to DJ in the future?
DJRA: The Madison Square Garden so much history there
DJRA: I believe they are good and bad because the world around us is evolving, however, you have to learn the craft and gain experience to understand crowd control, etc.
BTSM: How do you stay relevant as a DJ in 2024?
DJRA: It’s a lot of work and social media is one of the main tools. One must market themselves and execute your skill when given the opportunity
BTSM: What venue would you like to DJ in the future?
DJRA: The Madison Square Garden so much history there
Virginia Carnival 2024
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Virginia Carnival 2024
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BTSM: What is the best part of being a DJ?
DJRA: I’m doing what I love, I get to travel see new places and meet new people around the world
BTSM: What is the challenging part about being a DJ?
DJRA: Balancing your public life, personal life (family friends) and social media
BTSM: How can people find out more about VA Carnival?
DJRA: Follow their instagram page @vabeachintlcarnival or facebook vabeachintlcarnival
BTSM: How can people follow you and book you for events?
DJRA: You can follow me via instagram @djredasylum, Facebook Red Asylum and for bookings they can Dm instagram or reach out to 832-782-2689
DJRA: I’m doing what I love, I get to travel see new places and meet new people around the world
BTSM: What is the challenging part about being a DJ?
DJRA: Balancing your public life, personal life (family friends) and social media
BTSM: How can people find out more about VA Carnival?
DJRA: Follow their instagram page @vabeachintlcarnival or facebook vabeachintlcarnival
BTSM: How can people follow you and book you for events?
DJRA: You can follow me via instagram @djredasylum, Facebook Red Asylum and for bookings they can Dm instagram or reach out to 832-782-2689
