Mix Series #3 - Ryan Durkin

When did you start DJing? What inspired you to keep at it?

I started DJing when I was 15. A friend of mine sold me an old beat up set of Gemini turntables and a handful of hip-hop and house records for $50. I sort of lost interest in DJing when I went to college and decided to focus more on producing. When I turned 21 I was finally able to check out some of the dance nights in Boston. Thursday nights at the old Milky Way in Jamaica Plain inspired me to start DJing again. T here was so much talent packed into such a small, obscure place. I have to big up DJ Ghostdad for orchestrating a lot of those Thursday nights and for being the first DJ in Boston to put me on. Also have to big up the Do It Again Crew: BREK.ONE, Mayhem and Chris Devlin. D.I.A. was the realest Sunday night weekly dance party ever to hit Boston (RIP).

How was this mix put together?

Sometimes I like to keep it real and do a mix 100% live, but this time I tried something different. I used some editing software to sew together a bunch of songs that I love in a short amount of time (elements of over 30 songs in 25 minutes). I love making weird edits to work into my live sets; this was an opportunity to make a whole bunch. There wasn't a focus on a particular genre or era. Just good songs that I love.

What are some tracks or albums that you've been really into lately? Any artists or DJs to keep an eye out for (either locally or national/international)?

In terms of music I am involved with, watch out for new hip-hop stuff from Black Element and Jelani The MC. These guys are both really opened minded and talented MCs that are cool with me infusing my electronic and dance influences into hip-hop beats. I am also working on a side project with Ghostdad that is sort of a nod to old rave breakbeat records from the 90s as well as some of the new dancehall influenced jams. Oh, DJ Evaredy and I also are doing a four-turntable routine these days under the name The Wet Bandits. Some other producers I am feeling lately are Malente, Toddla T and XXXChange. Also loving Radioclit's The Very Best album and new South Rakkas tunes.

Favorite Thing about Boston? 

I think we have a great electronic music and DJ scene. We may not have these sweaty electro moshpits every night like in L.A. or something, but we do have a devoted group of party people who will trudge through the snow on any night of the week to dance or at least head nod to all kinds of music.

Least favorite thing about Boston?

All the people who live here but hate on Boston constantly. Stop complaining and make something happen! If you can't have fun in this city then you are hopeless

Download the mix here:

Ryan Durkin - Any Given Friday Mix (25 Minutes).mp3

Tracklist (25:27):

Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle (Durkin Intro Edit)

Jerry Butler - Melinda Latino

Fresh Gordon - Gordy's Groove

Dee Dee Sharp Gamble - Easy Money

People Under the Stairs - The Hang Loose

Blondie - Rapture

Busta Rhymes - Dangerous (Acapella)

Earth Wind & Fire - Shining Star

The Doors - Break On Through (Bossarocker Remix)

Roy Ayers - Brother Green (The Disco King)

Gossip - Heavy Cross

Junkie XL - Cosmic Rave

Nightlife Unlimited - Let's Do It Again

Kid Sister - Right Hand Hi

Jelani the MC - Let's Dance (Acapella)

Bros - When Will I Be Famous

Mike 2600 - Now Here's a Funky Beat

Gap Band - Early In The Morning

The Clash - This Is Radio Clash

Fake Blood - The Dozens

6th Sense - We Don't Stop (Acapella)

Ready For the World - Oh Sheila

Malente & Dex - Lions (Acapella)

Thomas Dolby - She Blinded Me With Science (Durkin Re-Rub)

Bumblebeez - Rio

Black ELement - Stickup Kid?!?! (Acapella)

Bolivar - Merengue

13th Floor Elevators - You're Gonna Miss Me

Crucial Conflict - Hay (acapella)

April March - Chick Habit

J. Dilla - Crushin'