Patrick Stoops, or P.Stoops as he's known around the local music scene, is a hard working DJ, producer, sometimes writer and record digger. I first met Stoops when he was a writer for Scene Magazine and interviewed me for a piece he was doing on the local music and club scene. I never thought that a handful of years later he would be one of the most popular DJs in town and a member of a roster that I manage. Check out the following Q&A and get to know Mr. Patrick Stoops. - Brad Petty, Director of NPi Entertainment
How long have you been a DJ and how did you get into it?
I got my first pair of turntables in 2000. At the time I was in high school and me and all of my friends were really into electronic music. I had a couple basic computer programs and synths, and we'd spend most of our free time messing around and making electronic music. I idolized turntablists like DJ Qbert, D-Styles, and especially Mixmaster Mike's work with the Beastie Boys on 'Hello Nasty.' Early on, I focused on scratch DJing but found myself more and more getting into mixing and beat matching. I had a bunch of my grandpa's old exotica and jazz records and would spend hours mixing them with hip hop breaks. I adopted the habit of taking whatever was available and trying to make new music out of it.
What is your preferred DJ setup?
Whether I'm using a computer or doing an all vinyl set, two turntables and a mixer is all I need. I'm not brand-loyal to Technics (though I admit they're the best by a long shot), but, Audio Technica makes a nice turntable as well. As far as mixers, my go to is a simple two-channel DJ Tech mixer. It's an absolute workhorse and I've put mine through hell.
Favorite place to DJ in Cleveland?
I can't say I particularly have a "favorite" place to DJ. There are so many venues with a unique vibe that comparing a place like Touch Supperclub that has a darker, more intimate vibe, to a place like Mahall's, which can be so colorful and crazy, doesn't feel right.
How would you describe your DJ style?
In creating my own original sample-based electronic music, I would say I'm more of turntablist/scratch DJ. However, I know that doesn't always go over well, especially in a wedding situation. For more party-forward DJing, I lean more towards beat-matched and seamless long-form dance mixes. I love spinning house that leans on the funkier side, 60's and 70's funk and soul, and indie electronic tracks.
Favorite DJ memory?
There's one particular memory that I'll always remember. I was the late-night closing DJ at the Night Market in downtown Cleveland and, while a lot of the people had already left before I started, those that stayed went wild. They formed a dance circle, some incredible b-boys started poppin and lockin, little kids joined in. It was just so purely fun and I felt really connected to the audience, to the point of it didn't feel like "audience and DJ" but more of just a bunch of strangers-now-friends getting together.
Top 3 dance floor fillers?
"I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)" by Jamie XX
"Busy Earnin'" by Jungle
"Whiplash" by Meal Ticket
You make original music – tell us a bit about that creative process.
A lot of my original music is sample based. I listen to a lot of strange music (60's experimental synth music, field recordings, etc.) and pull samples from there. With synths, samplers, guitars, and a host of other instruments I fill out the sound and compose from there. Lately, I've been experimenting with layering different harmonic material on top of the existing harmonies to create a new tonal properties. Heady stuff aside, I try to create pop music through the equipment and process of making hip hop.
When we first met, you interviewed me for a story that you were working on for Scene Magazine. Do you still write?
So, I don't write for Scene anymore, but I'd say my desire for writing has not left. Lately I've been reading the new Beastie Boys autobiography and watching a lot of lectures on music theory. I've always loved non-fiction and could see myself taking on a larger non-fiction writing project in the future but between a full time job, DJing, and writing music, I can't see that happening anytime soon unfortunately.
I know you play out a lot at local shows, any local bands or artists that you’d like to spotlight?
There are a lot of really great local musicians in Cleveland. Some of my favorites include the instrumental electronic rock act Times10, hip hop group Nothing Major, and synth pop artist Summer School.
Favorite song to spin in 2018?
"Bubblin" by Anderson .Paak - I didn't even have to think twice about this one.