Brittany Benton, aka DJ Red-I, stays extremely busy. When she's not DJing events around town (clubs, weddings, art openings - you name it), she's teaching Spanish at her day job or running her record shop in the evening or rocking concert venues on the weekend (w / her hip hop group).
How long have you been DJing? How did you get into it?
I've been DJing professionally since I graduated from OU in 2009. I’ve always been a music collector (hoarder) but when the economy tanked in 2008, my job prospects after college were pretty dim.
What’s your preferred DJ setup?
Two turntables, a basic mixer and lots of vinyl.
Tell us about your record shop (Brittany's Record Shop) …
It is located in the heart of Slavic Village (E65th and Fleet Ave). I sell new and used wax, tapes and art. Strictly hip hop, reggae and soul (and jazz of course).
What’s new with your hip hop duo FreshProduce?
We are wrapping up our 4th album which is set to release early 2019. We’re also excited to be releasing this project on vinyl.
How would you describe your DJ style?
My style is eclectic and energetic. I love mixing genres and eras of music. I like to show that good music is universal. On any given night, I’ll blend Beyoncé, Daft Punk Bob Marley, and Bowie. I love to see people say, “I can’t believe she played those songs together and it WORKED!”
Where’s your favorite place in Cleveland to DJ?
Favorite DJ memory?
Doing a 90s hip hop/dancehall set in the south of France.
Top 3 wedding dance floor fillers?
Whitney Houston - Wanna Dance With Somebody
Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk feat. Bruno Mars
Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It
Favorite track of 2018?
Roll (Burbank Funk) by The Internet
You’re stuck on a desert island with only 1 record – what is it?
Computerised Dub - Prince Jammy
