Conversing with DJ Suspence

DJ Suspence

Maryland-based, DJ Suspence talks about becoming a DJ, dream gigs he would love to spin and not having sex appeal.

When I look in the mirror, I think I see all of the flaws within myself.

Interview | Photography Jerris Madison
Model DJ Suspence
Photography Assistants Joseph James Hall, Nicholas Giuricich

Special thank you to West St. Studios, Brooklyn

Rings/Watch/Necklace/Boots H&M/Model’s Own
Suit Zara
Sunglasses Banana Republic
Hat Goorin Bros

DJ Suspence

Rings/Bracelet H&M/Model’s Own

DJ Suspence

(Left)
Sweatshirt H&M
Leopard Pant Forever 21
Sunglasses Banana Republic
(Right)
Sweatshirt H&M
All Jewelry Model’s Own/H&M

DJ Suspence

Rings/Bracelet H&M/Model’s Own
Jacket H&M

Interview

What’s your nationality?

An interesting question that I get asked all of the time. My nationality is as follows: I am a Greek and American citizen. I was born in Greece and lived in the United States for the majority of my life.

Where do you reside?

I live in Maryland, located right outside of Washington, DC.

What types of music you gain inspiration?

I love all music and all genres. Some more than others, but I do truly love all music. Music that has a heavy influence of rhythm and beats draws me in. Lyrics are important too. Just because the beat of a song is dope doesn’t necessarily make it a song that will pull me in, however, that certainly is a good place to start. House Music, Hip-Hop, and R&B are a few music styles that are towards the top of my heap of music style favorites.

What inspired you to become a DJ?

I used to promote clubs for a good 10+ years. I hired DJs and often marveled at the job that they had. There is something special about playing music that you did not create and blending it together to influence people to move, dance, or feel something. I always stood on the sidelines and watched these masterful artists make their followers and fans do some of the craziest things on and off the dance floor. I guess I wanted to have that ability. Moreso to make people feel something that motivates them to do something.

What are your dream gigs and clients youíd like to spin?

My dream gig/client would allow me to do whatever I wanted to do musically. And, have a crowd of people who are eager to ride with me on a musical journey that starts with every participant coming into the set dry and leaving completely soaking wet while screaming, “DJ SUSPENCE IS A BEAST!” (smiling).

When we released your cover, women loved your beard. Is there a story behind your beard?

Firstly, I want to thank the Editor in Chief and photographer, Jerris Madison for shooting me! It was an honor to work with him and his team. And, to answer your question, I was shocked and proud to be on the cover of OBVIOUS Magazine. I never really embraced my beard throughout my life, it always seemed to grow weird, and before it turned gray, I used to shave it all of the time and sport the “clean” face look. I was on vacation and decided to let it grow. The reaction I was getting from having my beard was amazing. It was at that moment that I realized that my beard was something that enhanced my look and that I should consider keeping it (in spite of it being gray). I think I haven’t shaved my beard off since that vacation, and the compliments just make me realize more and more that I made a wise decision.

Do you feel you have sex appeal?

Who me? Naw. Not at all. It’s funny I get compliments, and people tell me how handsome I am, and it seems far more often than I could ever imagine. I don’t see it or understand it. But, I am grateful that people do. When I look in the mirror, I think I see all of the flaws within myself. My manager, Joseph James Hall, will hate this answer, but it is true. I just donít get it. When I look at myself, I just see me. Certainly not anything that is sexy!

What’s your ideal date?

Believe it or not, I am an introvert. I like to do things at home. My ideal date is eating a good meal (notice I didn’t say me cooking the meal, I said me eating it – SMILING), listening to some good music, and then retiring to the bed and having a good night sleep 😉

Dream vacation?

I would love to return to Athens, Greece. I haven’t been back since I was a child and returning home in any capacity would be a dream come true!

What’s next for your career as a DJ?

Continuing to perform in shows and produce music. I am already working with several new artists to produce original music and also remixing music that has already been created to add a DJ Suspence musical flair, style, and bang!

How do you handle negative social media responses, if you get any?

We all get negative comments/energy from people who are on social media sites. Depending on the subject matter, sometimes I respond and sometimes I ignore the comments and statements that made. I try to focus on my goals which include getting my name, face, music, and style out into the world. I understand that everyone is not going to love me, and some will even hate on me. But, I am here to bring joy and happiness through music and hopefully my imagery. That is what I focus on more than anything. I brush the negativity off and focus on the positive. ■