Mr. Life Of Your Party is not only a nickname but a statement one which rings true for the DJ Fly Ty. Fly Ty is not only one of the most energetic and eclectic DJ’s in New York City, he contributes countless hours giving back to the youth.

UHH: Where are you from?

DJ Fly Ty: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

How did you get into DJ’n?

Growing up I had a neighbor around my age and his dad would let him use the DJ set to throw parties in the basement of our apartment building. I started watching him DJ at the parties that he threw, I loved the energy, and that itching sound of the needle when it hit the record.

Why did you want to become a DJ?

I liked the way people responded to my energy when I was going to parties while in college. I love music and how different components started evolving. Once I got the feel of putting records together and it intersected with my energy, it was majestic.

Tell me about your experience the first time you DJ for an audience.

Well, I thought it was my lucky night when my mother let me go to the basement party and my neighbor actually let me, DJ! I got on the turntables, spun like three-four records, then my neighbor got back on. As I exited the tables, I saw his father was dying laughing. When we spoke later he told me how horrible I did and that my ass needed to practice, and practice a lot. I started practicing at his house any chance I could get because I didn’t have my own equipment, I started to get better, and go to Beat Street Records to purchase my own vinyls.

What kind of music did you listening to growing up?

I grew up playing drums in a church so I listened to gospel music. Then when I was in Junior High School I was in the concert orchestra where I was introduced to Beethoven, modern jazz, funk, and pop. As I got older I started listening to Biggie, more Hip Hop, and old school music.

Do you have a favorite genre and why?

R&B because I'm so emotional. I like to sing so when I listen to R&B I just get into my own zone.

Which DJs inspire you and why?

DJ Hollywood because of his showmanship, DJ Brucie B I grew up on his mixtapes, DJ Jazzy Jeff because I loved the way he cut and scratched, DJ Scratch because well his name speaks for itself, Funk Flex because I loved the energy he put behind the music, I remember when I heard 60 minutes with Funk Flex and how crazy it was, DJ Red Alert because he’s one of the greatest radio DJs, and DJ S&S one of my favorite party DJs ever.

How serious is the role of a DJ?

The DJ’s role is the nucleus of the event. The DJ is responsible for the energy in the room whether a party, a stadium or concert. The DJ sets and curates the vibe, by reading and maintaining the energy of the crowd.

Explain how the DJ’s role has changed over the years?

The role of a DJ has not necessarily changed however the instrumentation and method of presenting your art have changed drastically. The instrumentation and technology have changed simultaneously; ex., back in the days there were vinyls now there’s laptops if you didn’t have a record you had to buy it the next day, now you can instantly download it from Youtube.

What’s the best way for an upcoming artist to approach a DJ?

Great DJs appreciate having time to listen wholeheartedly to a piece of artwork and determine ways to incorporate it into their set. An upcoming artist is always welcome to approach a DJ, in person, by email, etc, however just NOT during a set. It is not a good time.

How do you feel about the music of today in comparison to what you grew up listening to?

I appreciate music today, however, I feel it has changed in many ways. I feel artist underuse the power of their platform compared to when I was growing up. Artist was more relatable or understandable now many artist lack originality, purity, and creativity. But it’s fun, and that all that matters.

You are an international DJ which country would you say has the greatest audience to play for and why?

Honestly, every time I go to a different country I think that the energy can’t be matched and I am always surprised by next trip. I always receive the highest hospitality and am often welcomed back because they enjoyed my set and my overall vibe, from Canada to Jamaica, to Germany, France, and even Switzerland.

Tell us about some of your most exciting moments as a DJ?

Many of my most exciting moments have been times when I have been able to surpass exceptions of a DJ and provide individuals with a memorable time full of positive energy. I was honored when A bride called me one morning in tears, asking for a miracle due to the cancelation of another DJ. I was able to DJ the wedding & reception and by the end of the night, the bride was in tears thanking me. She explained that I had done more than just play music, I created a safe and fun atmosphere. It always just as exciting when I am able to play at events and the people express how much fun they had, how much they loved my selection of music, and overall my energy.

What sets you apart from most DJ’s?

While most DJs focus on the songs, I focus on the energy. When I am at an event I help move people from whatever may be happening in their lives to a zone of joy and provide an outlet for stress. I keep in mind how I have used music to cultivate my happiness and try to create that for my audience based on the energy. I am able to provide my audience with the tool of music whether at a party where they can use music to dance or a classroom where music can be used to free a young child’s mind or provide a bridge to self-expression.

Why do you think it’s currently so hard for an artist to get there record on the radio?

I think that since technology has changed the process behind radio music has also evolved. Back in the days, the radio was the first place you would hear a song then you would try and buy it, now there is more of a formula involved with radio play. Songs are almost always heard on different platforms now before reaching the radio and the highlight of this is there are now exponential amounts of avenues for artist to showcase their creativity.

What makes a song great to you?

Great hook, great beat, great wordplay and the artist’s ability to intertwine the three.

Tell us about what you do at the schools for the kids?

Well, that differ based on what the school has onsite and access to, what the students need, and most importantly the student’s interest. Some of my during school projects include teaching music fundamentals (i.e. reading music sheets, counting music notes, and writing music), teaching the drums, music/ lyric analysis classes, music then & now comparison classes, bullying workshops, and self-expression through music groups. Some of my after-school projects include teaching students to DJ (i.e mixing, blending, and searching for different genres), encouraging students to share their work in front of the class, and provide entertainment for school functions.

How important is it for you to be a mentor for inner-city youth?

Well, that depends on what you consider the inner city. Being a mentor for youth, in general, is of utmost importance whether inner city or otherwise. Youth are the most impressionable and to me being a mentor is synonymous with what it means to be a teacher. As a mentor, I seek to understand where students are, what is important to them, read cues that may be instrumental in understanding them and what they may be experiencing. As a mentor, it is important for me to be the adult that they feel understands them and can lead them to make the best choice. It inspires me more when I see that I am able to reach a youth and change their mindset by helping them to think it through whether it be musical lyrics or life events.

Tell us about the most memorable moment you have had while working at schools with the kids.

One kid comes to mind especially when I think about my most memorable moment working at a school. After working at an after-school program at a middle school for a few weeks, one of the students had his mother buy him a laptop and a DJ mixer which he brought to class. He expressed to me that because of the class he wanted to learn more and practice DJing because he felt free, DJing gave him the opportunity to be in control of his world. At that moment I realized the effect I could have on a young mind, how I could connect with them, and a tool that I could share with them.

What advice can you give to an aspiring DJ?

As an aspiring DJ it is important to do your homework, learn as much as possible about your craft, be a student every day, and learn every genre. Most importantly find what makes you uncomfortable as a DJ, whether its interacting with the crowd or mixing/spinning a particular genre, make sure you work to get better at it.

Connect with DJ Fly Ty
Facebook.com/mrlifeofyourparty
Twitter.com/djflyty
Instagram.com/mrlifeofyourparty
Soundcloud.com/mrlifeofyourparty