Mix Matters Interview with DJ Sir Charles

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Baltimore MD, the city where I started DJing before I moved to Washington DC.

Where do you live now?
I live in New Jersey and work in the tri state area.

Where have you lived before?
I lived in Washington DC and New York City

What got you started as a DJ?
I got started as a DJ because I use to love to dance. I started making tapes to practice and compile all the music I was collecting.

How long have you been a DJ? 
It’s been 25 years. I started spinning in 1981.

What type of equipment did you start with and what do you use know?
I started Technics SL BD1’s , a Numark 1100 mixer and some Bose 901 speakers.
Now I have Numark TTX1s, Numark 9000 and a Rane empathy Mixer, Pioneer Cdj, Numark CDX, Rane Serato unit, Powerbook15” and Bose 802 and Tannoy Monitors.

What's your favorite Genre to play?
R&B/Hip-Hop is my favorite, but I like to spin all genres and the classics

Where do spin? (stations, clubs)
Music Choice US and UK, The Union Square Lounge/ Coffee shop in the village.

What is your role at the station?
I am the mixer for the R&B /Hip-Hop channel and a consultant for the channel.

What would you like your role to be in the future?
I am going to run my own label and continue my consultation / promotion company SCIP.

What are some of the craziest things that have happened to you while at the station? 
When I was on Air at WPGC in DC, a snow storm trapped me in the station for 2 days and I just mixed continuously with the other Djs until I fell out.

Club?
I was spinning at a club and the power went out.

Any Career highlights you would like to share?  Someone you met, something you got to do for someone else.  Anything.
Career Highs…hmmm Well in 1987 I started WPGC in Dcs 1st Mixshow with my own equipment from my house. I started the 1st R&B mixshow on Choice 96.9 in London in 1989. I was a founding squad member of Mix America in 1988 it was the 1st Nationally syndicated mixshow in America. I got to play on WBLS and head the mixsquad in 1993, with Grandmaster Flash and DJ Premier. I started the 1st mixshow on Music Choice in 1999. Those are the major Highlights that I can think of.

Who are some other DJ's that you feel are at the top of the game?  Who influences you?
Grand master flash inspired me to DJ. I love Dj Premier he is precise. There are so many Djs that listen to now across the country that I could not begin to list. I like Djs that break new music.

Do you have any Mix Tapes, CDs out?
No just my shows on Music Choice.

Give me your all time top 5
That’s a Tall order… Lol. Kraftwerk…Trans Europe Express, Rappers Delight, Soul II Soul..Keep on moving, Lauyrn Hill 1st LP, 50 cent..In Da Club.

Any groups in your area that you think need recognition?
In New York there are so many talented Groups that deserve recognition and attention. Their recognition will come with hard work and proper set up. I think new acts need to really be patient and focus. Right now I think KaySlay’s artist Papoose has a lot of potential. He is putting in the work!

Any advice to give to new DJs wanting to get into radio?
I think it is important to establish your self in the clubs and build a fan base before going to radio. Also, it is important to learn as much as you can about radio target demos like women 12 to 34 and understand exactly how it works. Too many Djs just want the exposure and the props that come with being on the air. The experience can be short lived if you don’t know why you are there.

Do you have your own website?
Yes on Myspace it’s HYPERLINK "http://www.Myspace.com/djsircharles" www.Myspace.com/djsircharles and my main site is www.sircharlesmixindixon.com.

Are you willing to take on gigs outside your area? Can someone book you?
Yes I am willing. Depending on the gig and what is needed. I can be emailed at sircd@aol.com

Why do you think radio stations sometimes go through Mixshow DJs like wild fire?
Haha. See my answer to question 17. Basically, when a DJ does not understand programming and can not adapt their style to what works for the station and see the Big picture, the station has to let them go. On the flipside, there are very talented Djs that actually have a better understanding of what’s needed than the programmers and that also causes friction. A PD or Mds ego can get in the way and politics end up causing a split. Some stations also go through format changes and the end result is a split. I lost my gig at WBLS when they decided they we no longer playing rap. The station went from a 4.6 to a 2.3 in just a few books back in 1995. I think in most cases politics are the cause of Djs being let go.

Do you think Mixshow DJs get enough recognition? If no, why and how could it be change?
Honestly, the Mixshow Pioneers of the mid 80’s paved the way for Mixshow Djs with a lot of blood, sweat and tears for the privileges many of them take for granted. Mixers today get more recognition than ever before. I respect the Djs that acknowledge the struggle it took to get the culture where it is today. In most cases, some of the younger Djs just don’t know the history. Once again, it’s important to understand that spinning on the air is a privilege not to be taken lightly.

Where do you see the state of Hip Hop and/or Dance going in the next 5 years?
The state of Hip-Hop, Dance and R&B has been moving in a cycle every 20 years. When one format gets too over saturated another takes it’s place and a new generation of youngsters pushes another format to the forefront. Hip-Hop is where Dance music was in the mid 80s. It is going to take a back seat and Dance music will re invent it’s self. Tempo and energy similar to the mid 80s is going to come back with a vengeance as Hip-hop evolves into some thing else. I think Kanye West is leading the evolution right now.

If you weren't mixing what would you be doing?
If I weren’t mixing , I would be dreaming about it…lol. I enjoy it its my escape from reality. I would probably be doing production.

What keeps you in the game?
I constantly try to re invent myself and my purpose in the Game. I love the music and the culture it drives me every day. I think it is important to want to grow and try new things.

Are you in this for life?
I think I am. My commitment and consistency will change from time to time, but I will always DJ on some level.

Any thoughts on Hip Hop getting involved in the political game?
I think it is totally necessary. I will never forget the interview Tupac did for Rock The Vote. I am so glad Russell and Diddy kept the torch going. I hope it continues. There is a lot of work to do.

How did you get your DJ name?
I got my DJ name Sir Charles in 1983 when my partner Steady Eddie was making fun of the fact that I didn’t have one. He came up with the name for me at first as a joke. I use to be real preppy with the Polo gear. I was one of the 1st to wear round glasses and blazers with polo shits and button downs. I had a style like an English professor from London…Lol I use to hate the name but all the women thought it was cute so it stuck with me.

Additional Info:
 
Real Name: Charles Dixon
Birthday: August 7th
Nationality: Black
Hobbies and Interests: Music and fashion
Favorite Food:  Jamaican and Cajun
Favorite Movies:  Sci-Fi
Favorite Thing to Do: listen to music
Major Lifetime Achievement: My production company SCIP
Major Peeves:  People that take life for granted
E-mail: sircd@aol.com