DJ AK - The queen of the decks

By Brendan Todio

"To play without a passion is inexcusable" as spoken by Beethoven, one of the greatest musicians of all time. A.K is an example of Beethoven's words, with not just the skill and the ability to make a set sound seamless, but she also carries the knowledge of music the surprises even some of the greatest.

Drift Australia quickly catches up with DJ AK and chats about the influence of urban music on the mod car scene and her upcoming mixtape tour.

Drift Australia:
Tell us about DJ'ing at the Auto Salon. What was it like? How much of an impression did the custom car / mod(ified) car scene leave on you?

DJ AK:
Playing at the Auto Salon was a really cool experience, I really enjoyed, plus I think everyone really got into it. People would walk past, sort of look twice - then stop and watch. I think it left a great impression on me, especially because it's not like anything else I've ever played at; there were so many cool cars and DJ's to look at and I'd never really been into or seen anything like that before.

DA: Do you see yourself DJ'ing at the Auto Salon again? (or other future auto events, for that matter)

AK: If the right opportunity came up again, I would definitely love to do another auto event, whether that be Auto Salon, Drift Australia or something else!

DA: I was listening to your mixtape and parts of it reminded me of watching Fast and Furious movie series / hip-hop party culture.

What synergies do you see between your music and the mod car scene / drift?

AK: Oh thank you! Well what's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of someone showing off their car? Loud music bumping through the speakers! I speak for the ladies when I say there's nothing worse than seeing a really hot car at the traffic lights just to hear some horrible music coming out of it. I've been know to wind down my window and stop my music to listen to people smashing music in their car(s) and nothing sounds better than a hot Urban beat by artists like Dre or Timbaland.

DA: Custom Cars / Drifting is often had the stigma with car honing; but its associated musical culture is often overlooked. Over time, we've seen more DJ's at the Auto Salon and there was even DriftFest (a Drift and music festival in 2007).

How influential do you think music is with defining the culture that is associated with custom cars / drifting?

AK: I think that it's hugely influential, there is nothing better than a nice day and a fresh CD you've just made for your car and just cruising. How boring would drifting of even just driving your car be day to day without music in your car? If you've ever had a busted stereo you will know what I mean!

DA: Generally speaking (I'm sure there will be heaps or others that will disagree), at the moment it’s hip-hop and bits of dance music that make part of the culture. Do you see the musical influence growing from other musical styles?

Not really, I mean like you mentioned before, The Fast and The Furious is a perfect example of that its (urban music) part of the the culture as a whole. Even if other music style do become popular within it, I think that they will come an go, but Urban will stay a part of it.

DA: You know, we have had a female drifter in the Drift Australia series...

Yeah, Catherine Colerio. Showing the fellas anything they can do, we can do too :) Best thing is, she's from the big V!!  You go girl!

You have a mixtape - Best of Both Worlds - that came out earlier this month. How was your mixture launch? What was the reception like?

Mixtape launch was amazing! I had such a good turn out and have heard nothing but good feedback about it. With this mixture I wanted to do something difference and basically have a cd that will never go out of style and that I haven't really heard out before. It's a classic old skool gangsta mixture with mainly west-coast rap. The flip side is a club CD will all your favourite and new club tracks to bump before the club.

What upcoming tours / shows do you have?

Well at the moment I'm in the midst of doing a national tour which kicks off this Friday in Maitland Newcastle but will also be doing some more cd giveaways in Melbourne… you can check out all my gigs at www.facebook.com/djakpage

Maybe we could see you at a future Drift Australia event?

Definitely, hook it up!!!