Pioneer Profiles: In conversation with NETSKY
Pioneer Profiles is a monthly insight into the headlining acts that are game changers in the music industry. From their favourite gigs to their biggest inspirations, delve into their personalised profiles and discover all you need to know.
In conversation with NETSKY
Now a household name across the world, NETSKY is now considered one of the most influential DJs to date. We sat down with the Belgium-born artist and got the lowdown on how his budding music career started at the ripe age of 12, how he met his girlfriend at a house party and of course, why Pioneer DJ gear is the best in the biz.
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play…
I got my start in Drum & Bass and that’s what I produced in the early stages of my career when I was an underage kid in nightclubs. Over time and as I’ve grown up, I’ve played with other genres, produced a lot of different music and worked with a lot of different artists outside of Drum & Bass. I’m just interested in music generally, I listen to everything and I think my set reflects that.
What inspires you when you're playing music?
The crowd, definitely. It’s funny because when I make a lot of my music, I am completely alone in the studio. I can love a song but playing it out to a crowd gives it identity and inspires me to work on it more.
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
I’ve got a fairly simple setup at home. I work on my MacBook Pro with Ableton live, and have a few synths and a couple of neglected plants.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I started off learning drums as a kid and then one day my drum teacher showed me how to put those drum sounds into a computer. I was maybe 12 years old. Everything changed and I was suddenly set on producing. The DJing followed shortly but definitely wasn’t something I set out to do. I was a shy kid and in the beginning, I definitely preferred being in my bedroom making music rather than being on stage.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
There have been so many for so many different reasons. There’s the house party gig where I met my girlfriend… the big production festivals like Coachella, Pukkelpop, and Tomorrowland. Some of my own tour shows, solo and with the band, were massive achievements. And then sometimes it’s club nights in random spots in America where you meet amazing people and just have the best night.
Who is your favourite DJ?
One person that comes to mind right now is Craze
What is the future of DJing?
I’d like to think stems have a future. Very cool to see some software implement stuff like spleeter.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
Pioneer is reliable and worldwide. I’m so glad all the features I asked for in the past are now part of the pro-line-up. The CDJ-3000s are so fun to play with. Love the hardware beat skip button
In conversation with KATANA
Known in the music biz for bending the boundaries of electronic, hip-hop, RnB & Trap as a DJ and producer, local talent KATANA has quickly solidified himself as one of New Zealand's most iconic artists. Aside from creating his own sound, he's also the founder of BASSMENT, an underground electronic music community which supports local artists in their craft. We sat down with KATANA to discuss the future of DJ'ing and the concept behind BASSMENT Tv.
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play…
I love playing any BASS music with bit of tasteful samples.
What inspires you when you're playing music?
I love digging into music and discovering new sounds that express my vibe. It’s hard to describe but I’m always looking for the sounds that ‘feel right’ to me.
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
Currently, I’m using Pioneer DJ XDJ-RX3 and VM-70 speakers at the studio.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I use to work at the club 4:20 and Rising Sun on K’rd as a porter. Working there gave me an opportunity to listen to and meet many local/international legends every weekend and I began collecting records naturally.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
BASSMENT, Our platform which offers opportunities for everyone to play whatever they like.
Who is your favourite DJ?
Shintaro - Amazing song selection and skills. He is different.
What is the future of DJing?
DJing will be accessible to everyone like how skateboarding is. Regardless of age or skills, you will probably give it a go in your lifetime.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
It is the true club standard equipment. Reliable and the user experience is great.
Can you tell us more about the concept behind Bassment TV?
Bassment TV is a Youtube platform for introducing local talent as well as giving them an opportunity to express their passion and interests in club music culture. Unlike club events, we have no limits in terms of showcasing artists. To make it accessible to everyone, I made a booking system that allows people to book their recording sets online free of charge. Our aim is to provide a safe space for our community and introducing a gateway to our local club music scene.
In conversation with Grant Marshall
As one of the OG Kiwi DJs there's no question that Grant Marshall is one of the most recognisable names in the music scene. Starting his craft at age 16, Grant has a few years of expertise up his sleeve. You may know him from his work on George FM, hosting his own show on Saturday mornings. We chatted to the house music fanatic to discover everything he loves about DJ'ing, what inspires him, and of course, his favourite equipment to play on.
Photographer: Dean Mc Carthy
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play…
It’s this thing called HOUSE MUSIC.
What inspires you when you're playing music?
I love finding new music and sharing it with an audience. The excitement of playing a new track and watching the response of people in the room and on the floor is magic. Radio is a great place to do this too but you can’t experience first hand that smile or ‘whoop’ of excitement that you get in a venue. I also love to create a room that is inclusive, finding tracks that work on multiple levels with experienced clubbers and those just new to it all.
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
1 x Pioneer XDJ-RX, 1 x Pioneer RMX1000, Pioneer HDJ S7 Headphones, 2 x Technics 1200 Turntables, Logic Pro X, A White Board (IYKYK)
What inspired you to become a DJ?
Spending every dollar I had each week on records, working part-time in a record store (256 Records and Bassline Records) and wanting to play these sounds to an audience beyond myself and my cat.
Photographer: cRaZyiNgLiSh
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
Favourite? Too hard to answer, that’s like asking what’s your favourite record of all time, but memorable? 2014 ASB Christmas Party (I know, not what you were thinking right but hear me out). My son was born that day, I was in hospital the night before and all of that day and finally got the word I could leave about an hour before I was due to play. My set was outside on top of the then new ASB building in Wynyard Quarter, it was unbelievably surreal! What was supposed to be an Ibiza chilled house session turned into this heaving DC10 monster all under the backdrop of my son Sasha arriving only hours earlier.
Who is your favourite DJ?
Roger Sanchez, The ‘S’ Man.
What is the future of DJing?
Technology is an interesting piece of what we do. So many lament the departure of vinyl and the move to the digital age. As much as I miss the way things were, the digital age of DJing has brought with it far greater creativity, versatility, mobility and stability. It’s here and it’s staying and I do not miss carrying 40KGs of records from my car to a club at 2am when it’s raining, nor leaving them in your car when you attend the after party. USB technology is great, Rekordbox is an amazing piece of (free) software. I don’t know what the future holds but all that matters is the music and floor.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
The Pioneer CDJ 1000 was a landmark piece of equipment, it was a turning point where many made the jump from wax to digital, so good was the technology at the time. Many learned to ‘drive’ on this unit and each new subsequent unit added more features and functionality to a ‘car’ that we already knew so well. Over time you learn techniques and tricks that work for you to piece your music together in a DJ set - a style if you will. I have learnt to do this with Pioneer and my style continues to evolve as new Pioneer equipment also evolves.
In conversation with Queen of the decks, Sin
As one of the few female DJ’s in New Zealand Sin has made a rightful name for herself as the queen of the DJ decks. Her high energy personality and undeniable love for all things music transcends into every performance she gives, making for a night ( or early morning) to remember. We chatted to the self-coined muso about her inspirations and how the future of DJing needs inclusive lineups. 
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play…
High energy, feel good, goosebump-inducing 4x4
What inspires you when you're playing music?
simply put, a dance floor full of people dancing, shouting & smiling.
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
Lucky for us, our upstairs neighbour is a lovely, hard of hearing, 80-year-old (but if she could hear I reckon she'd be so into the tunes) so belting out on our CDJ2000's and DJM900 mixer goes well in the makeshift rave corner of our apartment. We also love our rx2. it's the perfect all in one machine and we often take it with us to keep the night dancing at the after-party.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
My dad and I have a really special bond over music when I was like 12? We sat up late one night and analysed this one record from a kiwi band called pluto, the track was dance stamina. we sat and listened to it like 5 times in a row and discussed what we loved the most about it. it's still such a banging record & the name is just so damn fitting cos I think it's important to be a raver that is last to leave the dancefloor, before you become a DJ. My lifetime love affair with music began there, discovering, dissecting and collecting music has been my thing ever since. That’s what inspired me to become a DJ but what has kept me here is that I've come to realise my favourite compliment ever is "you have good taste in music" and although it's not verbal, getting that confirmation via movement and smiles from music lovers on a dance-floor is hands down the greatest feeling ever.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
Canopy festival, Christchurch, 2020, the electric rush stage. the sun was out, the dancers were loud & we had a fuckin' good time.
Who is your favourite DJ?
Graham from Lee Mvtthews and honey dijon.
What is the future of DJing?
Inclusive lineups, and colourful dance floors.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
It’s just the standard and that’s for good reason. It’s functional, reliable and allows creativity.
In conversation with renowned DJ, General Lee
There’s no question that General Lee is one of New Zealand’s most renowned and respected Dj’s. With a list of noteworthy accolades under his belt, including mixing the first ever Ministry of Sound CD back in 2011, General Lee has made waves in the DJ scene and still remains one of the hottest artists in the DJ world to date. We sat down with the musical legend to discuss his favourite gigs to date, his main inspirations and the lowdown on his favourite gear to use when performing.
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play…
House music all night long!
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
I’ve had a lot of different setups over the years. Today you will find my studio a full Pioneer set up. Pioneer 1000 turntables and the glorious Pioneer S11 mixer. Serato is also a massive part of my home studio. It gives me the freedom to be digital and still play records.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
My parents had a Night club called the Forge in Papakura. It opened in 1978. I came along three years later. My love of music started at a young age. When I was 10 years old I started gravitating to the DJ booth. Back then the DJ gear was 2 x Technics 1200’s, Denon tape deck, VHS player, 1 x BVL mixer (wish I still had one) and a Denon 2000f cd player. I got my first taste of playing to a crowd when the resident DJ rang in sick and I got the call up to play. I had only ever played to an empty dancefloor. When I experienced playing music to a crowd, I was hooked.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
It’s impossible to name one! But probably Rhythm & Vines, Ohakune Mardi Gras, Lagered to name a few.
Who is your favourite DJ?
I’ve got a few. Norman Cook aka Fatboy slim, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jon Carter, Carl Cox.
What is the future of DJing?
The technology that DJ’s have today is incredible. DJing has evolved into a live experience. Whether it be Live vocalists, drum machines and samplers or even an instrument.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
When the first Pioneer CDJ 500 came along in 1994 in changed the game. It created a crossroads. A lot of DJ’s started making the switch from vinyl to cd. I believe Pioneer started that migration. Every CDJ release from 1994 has been an iconic step in the right direction. It has given DJ’s so much more technology to use in their sets year after year. Pioneer DJ is the industry standard in my opinion.
In conversation with DJ and vocalist Tizza
Growing up singing and playing musical instruments, Tizza was engulfed into the world of music from a young age. From creating mixtapes for her school friends to playing at Rhythm and Vines, Remix talks to DJ and vocalist Tizza on her favourite genres to play, how sharing music inspires her to keep creating and what the future of Djing looks like.
Photography: Toaki Okano
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play…
I really enjoy playing house music. There are so many different sub-genres, so it keeps things feeling fresh and fun. You can find me playing anything from Funky Disco House, Bass House, Electro, and Tech House.
What inspires you when you're playing music?
Nothing compares to the moment of connection you have with a crowd on the dance floor. I love sharing music with people and I like to think of each gig as an opportunity to show the crowd a unique experience.
Photography: Chontalle Musson
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
At home I am fortunate enough to use a few different set ups, the Pioneer XDJ-RR is an affordable option for decks that are pretty similar to a club set up. The USB compatibility is great for this especially. I was also very lucky to have won the George FM Locked and Loaded Mini Mix Competition, sponsored by Pioneer where I received a Pioneer DDJ SX-3 and DJ HDJSW Headphones. Using all of this gear has been a great learning curve and pushed me to improve my skill set.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I’ve been a music nerd since I was a little kid. I’ve always sung, played instruments, and written music. When you get a bit older and you start attending gigs, you realize there are so many different ways to share this passion with others. At school I used to create the most niche mixtapes for my friends, looking back it’s funny to me how directly that translates with what I’m doing now. Striving to create a perfect vibe for the crowd. It felt like an opportunity wasted if I didn’t at least try DJing. When I started learning I was hooked. 
Photography: Chontalle Musson
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
There are so many! One of the best would have to be Rhythm and Vines 20/21. It happened at a stage in my career where I never thought I’d get an opportunity like that, stemming from the Locked and Loaded Mini Mix Comp. It really put things in motion for me and gave me the confidence that I was able to take DJing further than I had ever imagined.
Who is your favourite DJ?
I love local DJ’s! People like Zeisha Fremaux, Brook Gibson, Sin Howard. I have a lot of respect for those who are really involved with the scene, and so willing to help others who are trying to get a break. I have learnt a lot from these people. They are working hard and paving the way for the future DJ’s in Aotearoa.
Photography: Chontalle Musson
What is the future of DJing?
Given the current circumstances with Covid, New Zealand has had to rely on local talent, I’ve benefited from this hugely. I like to think that once we get back to some normality, we still have a great appreciation for the local up and coming talent that we have here in Aotearoa.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
I’ve used Pioneer since I started DJing, so it’s very familiar to me. I can confidently say that Pioneer does it like no other. It’s so important to have reliable gear so that you can focus on what matters most, the music.
In conversation with DJ and house master Dick Johnson
This month we get the inside scoop on DJ, Dick Johnson. Inspired by 90's house music and warehouse gigs, Dick Johnson has been mesmerised by the music scene since a young age. He went on to buy his first decks off a friend and the rest was history. Discover his favourite equipment to use and who inspires him most.
Tell us about the type of genre of music you like to play
Broadly speaking I play house music. Within that genre I play bits of techno, big vocal house, deep house, disco etc. I’ve never been one to restrict myself to a specific genre.
What inspires you when you're making/playing music?
For DJing, it’s finding great new music that I haven’t played out before as well as making music of my own and getting to test it out. Also when I know it’s going to be a good crowd and I can get away with really taking people on a journey over a longer set. When I’m in the studio making music I’m inspired by all sorts from hearing other DJs play to finding old samples or even pieces of equipment or synths that I’m using. I recently got the Pioneer DJS-1000 which is a sampler and step sequencer, it’s a super creative machine, great for playing live in a DJ set or in the studio, I have heaps of fun with this.
What type of pioneer equipment do you use?
As I mentioned I have the DJS-1000 which I use live and in the studio. I also have the amazing Toraiz AS-1 which is an analogue synth with some of the wildest bass and lead sounds you can imagine. For mixing, I have the Pioneer XDJ-XZ which is pretty much a set of CDJ 2000’s and Nexus mixer but built as a controller. It’s perfect for me because I use Rekordbox and Serato plus I can plug my turntables into it and play vinyl too.
How did you start DJing, what inspired you to become a DJ?
I starting DJing when I first heard house music back in the early 90s, when it was all just kicking off. We used to go to illegal warehouse parties and watch DJs from that time doing something that had never been done before and I was so determined to be a part of it. I bought some decks off a friend and spent all my money on buying vinyl.
Photo credit: Nick Paulsen
Favourite gig so far you have put in and performed at?
I was resident at The Hacienda in Manchester for 4 years in the 90s and it’s hard to match the vibe that place had. However, there’s lots of one-off gigs I’ve done around the world that have been incredible. I remember the first time I played Pacha in Buenos Aires and it was one of the most insane, up for it crowds I’ve ever played to. More recently I play regularly for Electric Rush down in Queenstown and there’s nothing better than a small venue still completely rammed at 4am on a Monday morning!
Who is your favourite DJ?
My favourite DJs from back in the day who inspired me the most were 2 of the main DJs from The Hacienda, Graeme Park and Mike Pickering, I still listen to their mixtapes now! I hear great DJs all the time, I was at a party a few weeks back and got to hear K2K and Aw B for the first time, they were so good and played all the music I love.
Photo credit: Nick Paulsen
What is the future of DJing?
I think it’s the same as it's ever been, you have to take risks and do stuff that nobody else is doing, drop songs that people might not expect or do your own edits. Technology has changed so much and with all the new gear from Pioneer you can do anything. It’s easier to mix 2 tracks together than ever before so you have to really do something different with the music selection and way you put it together. I love the live element of DJing now, whether that’s syncing a synth or drum machine, performing with a vocalist or using something like the DJS-1000 to make something unique every time.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear to perform with?
It’s the most reliable gear out there and they create equipment that enhances the DJ experience and allows you to be more creative.
In conversation with Drum and Bass maven, Millbrook.
No stranger to the Drum and Bass scene, Millbrook gives us the inside scoop on his favourite equipment to use on stage, what inspires him most, how he sees the future of DJing and where you can see him live on his NZ tour.
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play…
I love playing Drum & Bass music. It keeps me engaged and interested with all of its versatility. It simply never gets old.
What inspires you when you're playing music?
The entire idea of being booked at a show and having the responsibility of delivering something that people will remember is always something that motivates and inspires me. I try taking people on a journey of different emotions, by combining the old with the new.
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
I currently own 3 x CDJ 900 and one DJM 900 nexus but I’m planning to upgrade to 2000s soon so I’m closer to my actual setup in a club.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
Being at events and looking at the person up there performing has always impressed me. I’ve had friends in the early days who were DJs and they always seemed to be super outgoing and loved by others. They just had that ‘Hero status’, something I always wanted to have growing up.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
It has to be ‘Get In Step’ Paris. This event had it all. The perfect crowd reaction, an amazing technical setup of lights and DJ gear as well as a fun backstage.
Who is your favourite DJ?
The answer to this question often changes. Right now, I really like watching James Hype do his thing. The way he mixes is so much fun with creative transitions and an overall broad selection of genres and styles.
What is the future of DJing?
I would love to see a future in which the DJ is more involved with the visuals of his own show. As a passionate graphic designer myself, I love designing my own artworks and videos so this is definitely a vision I have for the future of DJing.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
I didn’t use Pioneer DJ gear when I first started out. However, the moment I switched to Pioneer I never really looked back at other options. There are so many tools and different setups to be explored that I will never have a need for something else. As a designer, I also just really identify with the brand!
Find all the info on my NZ tour here
In conversation with DJ Tim Phin
He’s the Founder and the Owner of New Zealand’s biggest lifestyle magazine brand by day, and a master on the DJ decks by night. Get to know Tim Phin - from his musical influences to his go-to DJ equipment.
Tell us about the genre of music you like to play...
I play house music in most of its forms. I love to play club beats, tech and have always had a soft spot for deep house!
What inspires you when you're playing music?
It's all about the crowd for me - getting that interaction and response. It’s always rewarding to just be able to play in front of everyone.
What type of music equipment can be found in your studio/workstation?
My Pioneer set-up at home is the same as what I use in clubs. You’ll find two CDJ2000s Nexus and a Nexus Mixers. When performing, I use USBs as I get anxious taking a laptop to gigs - I’m scared I’ll lose or break it. Also, I have a cheeky Serato/Pioneer home set-up DDJ-SR for those pop-up party hot sets. Occasionally, I have been known to break out my vinyl collection of 5,000 records to some legendary house parties.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I’ve been collecting vinyl since I was 16 so music has been a huge part of my life.
What’s been your favourite gig you’ve performed at?
It has got to be the Our:House festival where I played alongside Skrillex, Calvin Harris and Major Lazer - so epic.
Who is your favourite DJ?
There are so many great DJ’s out there and I love and respect all of them but my absolute favourite has to be Diplo. His natural flair in creating tunes is pristine.
What is the future of DJing?
Like most industries, music evolves at a very fast pace and so too do its formats - as we have seen with the digital revolution. So, we’ll most likely experience different styles of music, ways of performing and experimentation with different technology.
Why do you prefer Pioneer DJ gear over others?
It’s definitely at an industry standard. It’s sleek and it’s just purely the best in the business.
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