DJ Mark Grant has certainly been busy. Immersing himself in the Chicago house scene, he's been involved with Cajual Records and has released several critically acclaimed items, including the CD A Taste of Cajual. Now, the man who's worked at such hot spots as Red Dog is still heavily involved in music, being a DJ, remixer and entrepreneur; he's in the process of forming his own label, Blackstone Recordings.
Where you are from: Chicago
First record you ever bought: Looking for the Perfect Beat, Chinese Rap, and Get Wet by C_Bank
What kind of music you listened to while growing up: Soul/R&B classics, disco, classic rock. Those are some of my first memories.
What you listen to now: Mostly my own music, not because I'm vain, but I listen for ways to improve. Some good ideas come from regular listening (in the car, at home) that don't always come in the studio. I also listen to other house dj's and some of my musical influences, I mentioned earlier, still.
Current regular gig(s): I don't do any regular gigs, they rotate on the road. I'm on a plane responding to your questions right now, about to play in Scottsdale, Ariz., @ SOHO, the next day in Albuquerque, NM and then Valentine's Day in Santa Fe @ Swig. You can always check my website, www.djmarkgrant.com for an updated dj schedule. (Did I just PLUG website?)
Best part of your job: Being able to do grown-up things and handle grown-up responsibilities from something I've loved all my life, music. You can't beat that.
Worst part of your job: Nothing that bad considering the good parts.
Musical influence(s): No one in particular. My experiences with different genres of music are my heaviest influences. Like the ones I mentioned earlier.
The future of music: I hope it's not free downloads.
Best musical trend ever: Ummm!
Worst musical trend ever: Ummm!
Best thing about Chicago: Family and good people.
Worst thing about Chicago: Weather and bad people.
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