Meet the DJ

DJ EarwaxXx

Raised in LA, based in Las Vegas and now known across the US for his unique scratching style, DJ EarwaxXx set out with “two duffle bags and a dream” and returned as an award-winning DJ with a wealth of experience…

California born and raised, Charleston V. Perez – aka DJ EarwaxXx – grew up inside the San Fernando Valley where he graduated from school at the start of the new millennium before attending college in LA and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Production. With music having been ever-present in his life, DJ EarwaxXx worked as a DJ on the side while studying at college, working jock parties, Greek weddings and other events.

In fact, Charleston actually started DJing many years before then, after hearing Eazy E’s ‘Boyz In The Hood’ in the summer of 1993. “I wanted to make that scratching sound they used on the chorus – at the time I was a big fan of gangster rap, since I was born and raised in Los Angeles,” says EarwaxXx. “Growing up in LA I was primarily influenced by Power 106 and 92.3 The Beat, which helped mould my sound. I was very lucky to have so many DJs to look up to at such a young age.”

Familiar with Las Vegas due to his parents taking him and his siblings there for getaways during his youth, DJ EarwaxXx had close friends and plenty of contacts in the city. So, when he was asked to become the head resident DJ at The Beatles Revolution Lounge, he took the position and moved out to Las Vegas, taking with him “two duffle bags and a dream.”

Las Vegas was where EarwaxXx really started to cut his teeth as a DJ, eventually going on to do what he does today: working as an open format DJ spinning at nightclubs and daytime events across the USA. He even used to play samples and scratch for a rapcore band called Frikshun, showing his versatility and openness to music of all types. Club DJing is where his passion really lies though, and so far he’s had an illustrious career playing across the country. One of his fondest memories of DJing was when he performed on the Royal Caribbean ship ‘Freedom of the Seas’ for a month. “I was able to play for crowds from all over the world within one floating city,” EarwaxXx says, “performing for the crew was particularly fun – now they know how to party!”

In terms of his musical taste, Charleston likes to keep things varied, while choosing different genres depending on whether he’s at home or playing a gig. “What I enjoy listening to most is R&B and Neo Soul – that's on my iPod and my car playlist,” he tells us. “In the workplace I would say EDM/remix because it is definitely the best icebreaker and gets everyone on the dance-floor singing and shaking it.” Does he have any specific tracks or mixes he uses though? “I have a little ‘money’ old-school segment – you can hear it on a couple of my live mixes!”

What really helps DJ EarwaxXx stand out from the crowd, however, is the style of DJing that he uses – namely scratching: “I implement a select style of scratching during my sets, just to let the audience know there is a living, breathing human being behind those decks,” Charleston says. “I will also get on the mic if necessary – only after a drink or two, of course!”

When he isn’t out DJing, Charleston keeps himself entertained with other hobbies. Believe it or not, he’s an avid retro video gamer and collector. He played games growing up as a kid, before he discovered the turntables. “Only recently I began collecting and playing games from my childhood again, when I found my original NES in my parents’ garage and brought it back to Vegas with me. I’m also a very big horror movie fan – you name it, I’ve probably watched it!”

Despite his love for games and movies, it’s clear to see that music and DJing is where Charleston’s passion really lies; it hooked him at a young age and before long he’d ditched his games consoles for the turntables! This commitment to DJing has paid off, not only because Charleston has played countless events across the USA, but also because he was voted Most-Talented DJ in Las Vegas at the Jack Colton Nightlife Awards.

Of course, DJ EarwaxXx recognizes the contribution that his friends and mentors have made to his success over the years, despite the fact that living the DJ lifestyle means he moves around and often loses track of them. “I’ve formed many local and distant relationships through DJing,” he explains. “Many people come and go in this industry; it is quite the task to keep track of everyone. But I keep a very close knit group of friends and hold them dear to my heart.”

As if that – the importance of keeping friends and loved ones close – wasn’t enough source for inspiration, Charleston offers up and coming DJs a few additional words of advice. “Just keep practicing,” he says. “There are so many talented individuals out there and you want to keep ahead of the game. Make the craft of DJing a lifestyle, not a job.”

Wise words, from a DJ who clearly practices what he preaches!

If you’re interested in finding out more about DJ EarwaxXx, you can connect with him via his website and social media by following the links below.

Website: http://www.djearwaxxx.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Djearwaxx

Instagram: http://instagram.com/EarwaxXx

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EarwaxXx