The DJ Jon Quick's "Tales from the Superhuman DJ"

A new genre for a new generation

2009-07-13T03:39:00.000-07:00

After tons of MJ salutes I djed in the past couple weeks, I've come to this conclusion: MJ passing has brought upon a seperate genre

for us djs. The genre is just that: MJ! You know how I list the type of music I will be playing on a flyer or promotional eblast. You've seen it....it reads like this - "Jon Quick will be on wheels rockin' all styles: hiphop r&b reggae soca". Well now the list will read like this from this day forward: "hiphop r&b reggae soca MJ"

Yep, that's right. "MJ" is now a genre a music. I thought people would grow tired of all the MJ music being played in the past 10 days or so but its actually quite the opposite. There were a couple occasions last week in which the party didn't start until I threw on some MJ. Real talk!

Now me, I've always had at least 10 songs in my MJ rotation that I would play throughout the night. "Wanna be where you are" was always one of my warmup songs, "Wanna Be Startin' Something", "Dont Stop til you get enough", "Off the Wall", "Remember the Time", "The love you save", "Blame it on the Boogie", "Rock with you", "Dancin' Machine", "I want you back" whear all in my normal rotation before his death. Now I've added about 6-7 more that I play on a regular. And nobody complains. They seem to love it!!

Although he is gone, in some ways he isn't. His passing has introduced his timeless music to a whole new generation! Look how some of his album sales spiked in the past couple weeks. One thing you should know......MJ will always be alive through DJ Jon Quick's turntables. This was the music I grew up on....the music I learned to mix on....hell, I had 4 "Off the Wall" lps because the first two wore out from mixin'! Long live the King of Pop!!! Whoa...I feel another mix cd comin' on! Heeeeheeee!!

DJ Jon Quick is at the following venues this week:

Tues: La Merde - Cabanas Rooftop @Maritime Hotel - 88 Ninth Ave at 17th st. - 6-11pm

Wed: Love & Basketball @Moca - 2110 Frederick Douglass Blvd at 119th St. - 8-12am

Thur: Third Thursdays @Taj - 48 West 21st between 5th/6th Aves - 6-11pm

Fri: Be Owt Party w/Jersey City Ques @Boys & Girls Club -1 Canal St. Jersey City, NJ 10-2am

Fri: Funky Buddha @Pranna - 79 Madison Ave at 28th St. 11-4am

Sat: Premium @The Vault - 225 E. Houston @Essex st. - 11-4am

MJ, Moonwalks and Memories

2009-06-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

I just got in from djing the most emotional set in my 20+ years of djing. I felt my eyes well up a couple times during the set. Yes, you guessed right.....the day the greatest who ever did it, Michael Jackson, passed away and of course I did a most memorable mixdown. I just found out about his passing only an hour before I was slated to spin at a new venue, 17 Below. Although I have plenty of MJ on my harddrive I wish I could've known soon so I could've had ALL of his joints. Judging by the ovation I received after my set was done I think I did quite well.

What did I play? I "went in"!! I went in so hard that even hardcore MJ fans came up to the booth and told me this was the best mix they'd ever heard! I played the normal classics like "P.Y.T.", "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" and "Starting Something". I also got deeper with "I wanna be where you are" and "You can't win" from the Wiz soundtrack. The energy in the place was almost supernatural....and somewhat overwhelming at some points!

This night I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. MJ transcends all hatred, prejudice and other negativity that makes our "brand" of human sad at times. He will always be remembered by me. Always. I learned to blend mix off hits like "Baby be Mine", "Can you feel it", "Dancin Machine"and "I want you back". Is it just me that feels like I've lost a family member?

Here is 75 minutes of the musical magic that occured last night. Please share and enjoy!

www.deejayjonquick.podomatic.com

Here are some of the memorable images.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=275951&id=848815018&l=d7940544e7Advertise

I'm returning to 17 Below this Saturday night for another set. Something tells me I may be asked to go in for "Ben's" friend again. It would be an honor. As I moonwalk into my bedroom,

I'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite MJ moment?My all time fav is when he did the moonwalk on Motown's 25th anniversary schedule! MJ, if you are reading this, just know that the world mourns deeply and misses you very much! God bless you!

One love

The Superhero DJ, Jon Quick

How does one become "Legendary"

2009-06-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

To be come legendary. Hmmm. How does one attain that level of excellence. How does one go about such a journey. Personally, I'm not sure if I'm on that path but I would like to share a couple of recent stories.

Not to long ago, I was djing somewhere out of state on a Saturday night, which obviously prohibited me from doing my regular Saturday residency: Premium Saturdays at The Vault. When I came back the next week, one of my promoting partners stated that there were a group on West Indian girls quite upset that I wasn't in the building. They went on to tell my boy that they wanted to hear Jon Quick spin a wicked reggae set because their friends had told them that my set was on point.

This was almost laughable to me, not because my set isn't on point, but more so that I never thought of myself as a reggae dj whom people would come to hear my reggae set. I definitely have studied and made it a point to be able to more than efficiently rock dancehall and rockers, old and new, but never would've thought someone would actually come to hear me rock that particular genre. Proves to me that hardwork and due diligence pays off. Being originally from West Va, I had to learn reggae kind of on the fly as I started to get more gigs in the city. Glad that someone appreciates the hardwork I put in.

The other short story I'd like to share is that I was told recently by this really cool entertainment attorney that I was the "vogue" dj to have for black professional events. She went on to say that the so-called professional parties that don't use you dont' even seem legit now. I humbly told her that I felt she was exaggerating but then her girl, who I didn't know, stated as such. It really made my day, as the black/latino urban professional market is one that I did identify as to being a key to the success I've had so far. This was great to hear!

Tonight I'm going to once again, get down on my knees and thanks to God for helping persevere through many trials and tribulations as I stayed the course. No, I don't think I'm at "legendary" status by a longshot but its good to know that people do talk and are saying positive things about you as an artist/dj. (Yes I consider myself an artist and my sets are performances...yeah, I will save that for another blog).

Important dates: June 23: 100 Black Men and The Bus Stops Here fundraiser starring

Jerome Bettis, future Hall of Fame running back from the Pitt. Steelers.

July 10- Krush Groove 11 at The Vault

Talk to you soon!

DJ Jon Quick-Turntable Superhero

"Saving the planet....one party at a time"

917-603-1001

Why I don't get tired

2009-05-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

DJ Jon Quick with long lost

friend Marlene aka Marly

I was very surprised that after 5 events on 5 consecutive nights

I actually still felt energized. I couldn't quite put a finger on it as to why

but then at the end of the day the answer was right in front of my face. Its you.

You are the reason I do this thing called djing. Yes, that's right...you!!!

You are the reason I strive to be the best. When you walk through the door,

come up to the dj booth to give me a hug or high five, it gives me energy. Energy

to get me through 6 hours of standing up straight in sometimes a hot dj booth!

I must say that I'm blessed to have to most passionate, caring and intelligent

music fans on my mailing list! That's why from time to time I ask you questions like

"what is your top ten from......" or "who is your favorite?". I respect all of you

and you honor me with your presence.

Gotta big up my friend Marlene...I've know her for 17 years. This is someone that I've always admired and respected as a very down to earth and beautiful person! Amazingly enough, first time she heard me spin was this past weekend as we hadn't seen each other in about 10+ years! It was special for me because she used to bartend in spots that I only dreamed of spinning in. Now she is a successful business woman with her own hair products(Go Marly, go Marly!) while I think I'm doing pretty good with this djing thing. Its funny how good things come to those who work while they wait.

Anyways, I have Krush Groove 10: Brooklyn vs Queens - Battle of the Boroughs Pt. 1

coming up on June 5th at the ultra sexy venue HEA. Make sure you arrive early. Doors open at 11pm. Free for my flygirl b4 12am. 10.00 for my b-boys b4 12am. 10.00 and 15.00 respectively after 12am. Come rock out with the Superhero and my boy, DJ CEO!

I am my Mother's son

2009-05-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

As we celebrate another Mother's Day I figured I'd

share a little story about my mother.....the greatest

mother anyone could ever have.

I was an 11th grader at Dunbar High School in Dunbar,

West Virginia when I met a student teacher from

West Virginia State College. He happened to be a chaperone

at one of our school dances I was djing. He asked if I'd be

willing to go down to the college and dj some fraternity/sorority

parties for him. I told him I'd love to but I wasn't old enough to

drive. He said that he would try and get one of his frat bros

to possibly pick me up. I told him I'd ask my parents if it was ok with me even going down there.

When I got home later that evening, I told my parents what the student had asked of me. I told them that the event wouldn't be over until 2am. My father wasn't to keen on me being on somebody's college campus that late at night as a 15 year old but at the same time he knew I was never one to drink, smoke or give them much trouble. My mother then told me that she'd take me down there and pick me up. My dad looked at her like she was crazy but she said that if this was something I really wanted to do, she would support me. Everything worked out.....worked out a bit too well actually. After rockin' out for the Alphas that night, every fraternity and sorority on the yard wanted the 15 year old kid from the local village to come dj their event. I was worried that my mom would one day say no and if she did I would've totally understood. She never did though. When my dad would come knockin' on my door to tell me to turn the music down when I was practicing, I could hear my mom tellin' him to leave me alone because, in her words, "he is doing something that he seems to love".

Well when my 16th birthday came. I was able to get my learner's permit in the morning then I came back that evening to take my road test and yes, I passed. Now I was able to drive myself to all of my gigs, that way mom didn't have to come get me after every event. I look back on that time now and just smile......feeling a indescribable warmth in my heart. Mom, if you are reading this, just know I love and appreciate you everyday of my life! I am, indeed my Mother's son. Happy Mothers Day to you and all the wonderful mothers out there who have sacrificed for their children!

Peace,

DJ Jon Quick - Turntable Superhero

"Saving the planet...one party at a time"

917-603-1001

www.djjonquick.com

www.twitter.com/superherodj

The Natural High

2009-05-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

I often get kidded on why I don't drink like the rest of my friends. Yeah, that's right, I don't really drink......maybe on special occasions but those are far and few in between. To be honest, I never really cared for the taste of alcohol but I know that most people don't really drink for the taste, but rather for the feeling of euphoria associated with alcohol. I know people who can't seem to have a good time without drinking. To each his own is what I say but I have my own drug to get me that "high" feeling! Its called
djing for you.

I used to always wonder how come athletes never seem to want to retire, despite knowing that their skills cannot keep up with the current game they are involved in. I have come to understand why now. Its that high...that euphoria that one experiences in the form of thousands of people cheering for you when you are doing your thing! That's a feeling that is indescribable....its like you are on top of the world! That feeling is basically irreplaceble. In the words of Mr. Kanye West "its amazing"!

I feel so blessed to be able to experience that feeling several times during the week. There is nothing like working on a fly mix in the lab, rockin' it in public and then receiving the love from the crowd you are rockin' for!! I consider every set a performance and I try to rock out hard, whether its for 80 people or 8,000 people! I've come to realize that people appreciate the passion and enthusiasm I try to display when behind the wheels. Just the other week, I walked into Moca maybe 10-15 minutes late. I received a nice applause upon arrival from a group of female music lovers who told me later on that they came specifically to hear me play. They went on to tell me that there friends were going on and on about this "superhero" dj with an "ill theme song" and how he goes in hard! Little things like that make me ALMOST blush as well as reinforce my belief that real music fans can tell if a DJ is on point and dedicated to seeking greatness.

The Vault on a Saturday is like Madison Square Garden at times. When myself, Cosi or Marc Smooth throw on a hot joint, the crowd screams and roars and trust, we feel you! This past Saturday, when I went into my rock set with Nirvana I thought the roof was gonna cave in.
Its a special party because its not your typical club crowd since the event is birthday party driven. That means you get tons of people who normally don't go out but because its their friends birthday, they come out to have a good time! Its crazy....when I step into that booth, there is a true transformation that occurs. I get intense, adrenalin starts pumpin, etc. This past Saturday one of my best friends was standing next to the booth, looking me dead in the face as I strapped on the headphones, readying for my set. She said she was noticing how my whole affect was changing as I prepared for my performance. I told her she was absolutely right. I have several goals in mind before my set starts: 1) to make the crowd roar as much as possible, 2) to perform a special mix that make people look back at the dj booth smiling and 3) by the night's end, have people just come up and give me a pound out of appreciation and love. When those 3 things happen(and they happen more times than not), it normally means I'm leaving the venue
"high as hell". No drug can ever duplicate that feeling. I guess at the end of the day your love is my drug. Keep it comin'!

DJ Jon Quick - Turntable Superhero
www.djjonquick.com
"Saving the planet...one party at at time"
www.twitter.com/superheroDJ
917-603-1001

Weds:Moca
Thurs:First Thursdays at Taj II
Fri: Katra(downstairs)
Sat: Premium at The Vault

Progress with Grace

2009-04-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

As I sit here and ready for bed, I was wondering where I'd be without utilities like Facebook.
My business has tripled since starting on Facebook in late 07. I've always held the attitude that if I can just get heard by the right individuals, I could get some real work. It seems that Facebook has made that so much more easier to get in contact with the right people and more importantly, being able to send them to websites that feature my mixes. It also helps when one has mutual friends. All my friends support what I do and constantly rave about me, which is still to this day very humbling.

Right now I currently have 3 weekly residencies and I'm about to start a 4th one.... an afterwork event in midtown Manhattan that's going to be sick. The timing seems perfect as the weather is finally starting to act right. It's just so ironic to me as I remember a few years back basically wondering sometimes when someone was going to ask me to spin for them. Now I find myself being able to be selective with the events I choose to do. My pet event, Krush Groove, is still going strong and I recently have been named as an official tastemaker by Hennessy Black and Kinetix Marketing. I truly believe its going to be a very special summer.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=56351852604

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=59446096804

All of this ranting to say is that the power of prayer is real. Every night I get on my knees and ask for forgiveness, guidance and strength. I went from getting maybe 20-30 dates a year to over 200 dates a year in the past couple of years. Yeah, I studied other DJs and how they marketed themselves, worked hard on my branding as well but I believe that God has purpose for all the gifts he bestows upon us. Right now I'm just following his lead and to be honest, I love the direction he has me going in. I hope you do too!

Superhero Origins: DJ Jon Quick - Turntable Superhero

2009-04-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ok. I'm home sick but bored so I decided to follow some of my dj brethren and create a blog. I hope you enjoy it and please feel free to spread the love via forwarding my link. I decided for my first blog to explain the whole method to my superhero madness.

Everyone is always asking me "where da hell did you come up with the whole superhero dj theme?". I grew up on comics and I if anyone didn't notice, a lot of the great rappers started using superhero references in terms of their alter egos.
I definitely feel like I have an alter ego when I step in the booth so it was very natural and probably inevitable thing for me.

At first I was calling myself "Mr. Fantastic" back in the mid 90s. Always been a big fan of the Fantastic Four so this sounded kinda fly to me and felt right. But as time went on, I began to feel like my mood and affect really should determine what direction I should run with this. Hell, somedays I felt more like the "Human Torch"(because I left the booth smokin' after a set! lol) or even Superman(lifting all that heavy equipment by myself most of the time).
At that point I decided to just call myself "The Turntable Superhero", which basically gives me the option to be any superhero I want to be for the evening, depending on my mood. Alot of people call me "Superman", since I have a variety of "Superman tees". The "S" on my chest in this case just stands for "Superhero". Just wanted to make that clear.

People seem to really like this whole concept. I was recently named "official Marvel Comics Superhero DJ". They just need to decide what they want to do with me. All of my followers seems to have funny and poignant comments in reference to the whole superhero theme.
I have a good time with it (have you heard my theme intro at the clubs yet?) and it seems to have "legs". Lets just see how much notoriety I gain with the "S" on my chest.

One love at least,

DJ Jon Quick - Turntable Superhero
"Saving the planet one party at a time"
www.djjonquick.com

Wed: Love & Basketball @Moca
Fri: Funky Buddha @Katra(lower level)
Sat: Premium Saturdays @The Vault