Meet Dj Aphro-di | Veteran & Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dj Aphro-di and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ Aphro-Di, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Future Funk is a sample heavy genre that is pulls from black and brown music from the 70’s and 80’s. Disco. House. R&B.
I had always been a self-described student of music. When I looked into who the demographics of who was producing future funk I was blown away. The average popular future funk producer is between 17 and 21 and 7 out of 10 of them reside outside of the United States at the time of writing. To me: That meant that the music my granddaddy used to play for me in his Cadillac lives on.

I decided that the reason I wanted to DJ was to push the genre as a whole. I love the music. I love how different artists interpret and flip popular samples. I love the homage it pays to the classics. I love how it brings new life into music that wasn’t circulated widely before the internet existed. I love how it is positive and largely does not include any cursing or lyrics that promote violence or sexual content. It is formatted to be family friendly because at its core it is 70’s and 80’s music.

I started mixing and spinning different future funk tracks after meeting (Team Discotheque Co-Founder) Nite Patrol.
He and I were both bedroom DJ’s at that time and after having a couple of practice sessions and studying the genre and its contributors, I knew that if I could cut a solid mixtape, that could be my key to getting out of the bedroom.

The rest is history in the making.

-DJ Aphro-Di

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most excited about expanding my largest project A collection of mixtapes that I named: Nostalgia: Future Funk Radio.

The project is named after Groovy Kaiju’s party series: Crystal Nostalgia.

I started doing exercises to teach myself how to DJ and my practice sessions evolved into Nostalgia Mixtapes.

In each mix, I take the work of three future funk producers and challenge myself to blend their often wildly contrasting styles as smoothly as possible. At the time of writing, I have done 24 mixes which means I’ve covered 72 different producers from all around the world and I’ve done my very best to show respect to them and thank them for their contribution

As for what sets me apart from others… there are definitely a few things. First, I don’t monetize any of what I do online, Mixtapes, Original Songs, Live Streams. All of it is free. Second, I embrace technology and AI, I use stems (AI Software) so much that I would say it is integral to my mixing style when I’m doing future funk show. Third, I don’t take myself too seriously. I am side-questing this, I respect those who wrap their lives around the music + entertainment industry but I recognize that there’s a limited window of time that someone “fits in” out at a nightclub or event. I don’t want to be that guy fighting to hold on when really, I’m just in the way of the next young person who can be sprinting where I am currently walking.

How did I get to where I am today professionally: Meticulous planning + Preparation whenever Opportunity struck.

I knew two years ago that buying a DJ controller when I was a transient living out of my car was a good move because I could teach myself a skill that I could use to make some extra cash and network on.

When I was browsing the web looking for shows and saw that there was a future funk event in town (Crystal Nostalgia) I knew I had to go there and see what the community was like. There I met Groovy Kaiju and Nite Patrol.

When the Yoi Toki (A Future Funk and Vaporwave) promotion came into town later that same year I knew that I needed to be at that show. I was having fun, but I was also taking notes and paying attention. I listened to the DJ’s sets, and I paid attention to what they played and what they didn’t. I took note of the crowd. I observed differences between fans of the genre and newcomers. I asked people what they thought of the show right on the dancefloor.

When I got to meet Samuel Valentine (The Promoter Behind Yoi Toki) who was spinning at the show and also walking around to check out the crowd and mingle with the guests I made an impression on him and shortly after the following Yoi Toki show I met him again and told him that I was planning to go out to Austin to see them spin. I had recently moved out here FROM Austin and had a very strong network out there, I wanted to personally lead the city to the dancefloor.

Out of nowhere a few days before the Austin show I get a DM from him one day asking me if I had any future funk mixtapes online. It turns out that when he had an opening he remembered me from LA and reached out.
When the opportunity struck, I was prepared. Shortly after that I was on the first thing smoking to Austin, Texas to perform for Yoi Toki.

Was it easy? Some say ” Man Plans, God Laughs” I am grateful and eternally thankful that God gave me the tools to plan and protected me from elements that would have thrown my plan off track.

I have learned quite a bit along the way. When it comes to promoting shows, traveling and working with DJ’s having tact and foresight is key to protecting the greatest good. Always try to protect the greatest good.

I want the world to know that there is a place for those who can’t dance but love being at high energy shows. It’s in the DJ Booth xD

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Downtown Long Beach
J-Town
Venice Beach
Santa Monica
Hollywood

We can bar/restaurant crawl at any of these places!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Groovy Kaiju is truly a remarkable force in the future funk scene, effortlessly blending talent and kindness in a way that resonates with everyone around him. His music not only captures the essence of vibrant rhythms and catchy melodies, but it also reflects his genuine spirit, making listeners feel uplifted and inspired.

Beyond his artistic prowess, Groovy Kaiju possesses an incredible knack for networking; he builds authentic connections with fellow artists and fans alike, fostering a sense of community that elevates the entire genre. His warmth and enthusiasm create an inviting atmosphere that encourages collaboration and creativity, proving that his skills extend far beyond just making great music.

It has been an honor to know him and share the stage with him.

Website: https://linktr.ee/wokeupsauced

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wokeupsauced/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@96.FMFutureFunkRadio

Image Credits
@augnosmedia