Derrick “Dstrukt” de Mayo has a thing for pineapples, grapes, and V8 Juice. Believe it or not, these are the very things he needs in the studio to get the inspiration going—which was what inspired his newest EP, Pineapples and Grapes. When he isn’t busy in the studio, you can find Dstrukt spinning at 55 South’s weekly soul dance party, Motown on Mondays, and making (good) fun of colleagues in the prolific South Bay DJ collective, BVMO.
Metro recently had the opportunity to talk and share some laughs with Mayo. We found out how he ended up in the panoramic class pictures for both Mt. Pleasant’s and Silver Creek high schools panoramic picture, discussed the beautiful inaccessibility of cassette tapes and found out how he really feels about the DJ community in San Jose.
Back 2005 you landed a sponsorship from streetwear clothing brand Acrylick. You then became an official DJ for the brand and now you are releasing your next EP with them. How did all that come about?
I did one mixtape with them, and one of the reasons I got sponsored was because I was a homie. At that time they didn’t know big artists in the industry like they do now. I did one mix tape with them and it went pretty far.
After that, I started going out and doing my own endeavors. Now with this new house EP coming out I knew I wanted it to be really special, especially with it coming out on cassette tape. I knew I didn’t want anyone else to sponsor it except them. I don’t do weekly mixtapes with them but rather special things—like this EP for example.
So let’s talk about your upcoming EP, titled Pineapples and Grapes, which you are releasing on a cassette tape. What can we expect to hear?
Two joints on the EP are disco house and two joints are like deep house. Then there is this one that is a retro ’90s house track. The vocals, the drums, the samples, is all of that retro 90’s house stuff.
Why did you want to release it on cassette?
Music is so accessible, which is cool. But everyone is so stuck on downloading music and then listening to it for just two days. I feel if I give something to the consumer that isn’t as accessible, they might appreciate it more. And plus, its physical. You get to see the artwork and you get to hold it. As opposed to Soundcloud—I’m not knocking on Soundcloud—but everything with it is so quick. So, with the cassette tape, you have to really listen to it. And its not for the marketing or anything. I’ve always wanted to put something out on tape.
So, how do you feel about the short shelf life of music?
Well it doesn’t give people the opportunity to cherish the masterpiece that the artist made for the listener. As soon as they start loving something, they are already on to the next one. And sometimes I wonder if people really take the time to listen. And thing is that with all this music, things can start sounding the same. So it’s great to take your breaks, go back into it with fresh ears.
What inspired the title, Pineapples and Grapes?
This is the story: As a kid I never ate fruits. I would get stomach aches from fruits. Finally, this year, I started eating it and my stomach wasn’t hurting. So, for a month straight, I would eat pineapple and grapes in the morning. During this process I was also listening to house music and started creating house music. I never knew I liked pineapples and grapes or house music—and it was like a light coming from the stars. I really liked pineapples and grapes and I really liked house music. Pineapples and grapes triggers this creative thing in me and it changed my life (laughs). On a side note, when I’m in a rut with music, I drink spicy tomato V8 juice with garlic tabasco sauce and a of sprinkle black pepper. Actually, right now I’m drinking a smoothie out of a wine glass and kicking it with Shea Butter.
Wow you guys and your liquids.
(Laughs) That is why we are called BVMO!
Speaking about BVMO, what is going on with you guys currently and what can we expect in the future?
We remain a unit, but right now everyone is out there building their own individual strengths. We still collaborate on tracks here and there, but right now everyone is doing their own thing.
Sum up each member of BVMO, in your own words
BVMO is the most versatile music crew I have ever been in. From style to personalities. Everyone has their own strengths. We are like the Power Rangers robot. But to sum up each member of BVMO:
-Smoovgroovs is melted dark chocolate on top of your sundae. He is raspberry molasses.
-Rcade is the wrecking ball that crashes your building. He is King Kong and he will take your oreo cookies.
-Shea Butter is the Dalai Lama. He is the spirit and soul of BVMO. The most versatile and handsome (laughs). He is the glue that keeps everyone together. He is Cassanova.
-And myself, well, I’m also a wrecker. But I’m also a sensitive thug, like I’ll put on some Lionel Richie.
You recently released a music video for the remix of Yuna’s song, “Lights and Camera.” Why of all songs you’ve made, did you decide to do a music video for that one?
I’ve never done an indie pop/electronic joint. Out of all the tracks I’ve made, I really enjoyed making this one. It was so left field for me. I got such a great response out of it. So I wanted to do a music video for it, especially because the lyrics told a story.
Yuna – Lights and Camera [Dstrukt Remix] from DjDstrukt on Vimeo.
What’s your experience within the community of DJ’s in San Jose?
Well first, here is one fun fact. I went to Mt. Pleasant High School, but I kicked it at Silver Creek High School so much that the teachers knew me. I also ended up in both panoramic pictures at each school. I don’t think anyone has ever done that. So, if you look you will see me in both Mt. Pleasant’s and Silver Creek’s panoramic pictures.
As for the DJ community, it’s a super close-knit community. If you’re in it, then it means you’ve got skill. We support each other and we DJ together. We give each other gigs. We are one big family and within it we all have our own individual crews. The competition keeps it healthy. So, we have dope music, dope people, skillful DJs and we all get along together. Plus we are all comedians (laughs).
Do you think as a crew, you are carrying the traditions from other DJ crews in the South Bay or it’s about innovating?
We are innovating right now. Especially because I feel there are a bunch of kids that don’t have respect for the turntablist culture. We consider our generation the last generation of real DJs. I don’t know younger kids that are interested in scratching or all the technical stuff that a DJ crew should have. Now you can just go on Soundcloud and load up music on your laptop and then DJ at your friends party.
So do you feel its important to pass your knowledge down to younger people interested in DJing?
I would love for young cats to ask me to help them. For those who don’t know how to cut or how to use Ableton—I would love to teach. But I don’t think it’s like that anymore. I feel it’s important to have leaders in our local cities (that are DJs) to provide more substance within the whole DJ culture things like battles as opposed to “oh I’m going to load up my mix on Soundcloud or whatever and now I have X amount of followers.” But honestly, for the younger kids interested in learning, hit me up. It’s about spreading the love, as cliche as it sounds. Spreading the music and everyone getting better at their craft. I want students. I’m still a student and I’m learning more, but I’d definitely be down to help.
You are one of the DJ’s for Motown On Monday’s at 55 South. It’s been quite successful for the most part, what do you think makes the San Jose MOM different from other MOM parties?
At the MOM SJ party, we have the local DJs and we also have a bunch of guests DJs. Also MOM SJ tends to pull a younger crowd, mainly college kids. Some of these kids don’t know what’s up with what we are spinning but they get to listen to some awesome music. It’s also awesome to meet other DJ’s face to face, rather than their Facebook wall. Everyone comes out and we all get to meet each other. It’s a good mixed crowd.
You’re finishing up with a gig at MOM, where do to grab a bite to eat?
Angelou’s Mexican Grill. You’ve gotta get the loco moco burrito and a side of nachos and fries.
