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Q&A: Miller SoundClash 2017 Finalist C Stylez

Representing Canada-Vancouver in Las Vegas...

The Miller SoundClash finalists are busy preparing for their trip to Las Vegas for the Grand Final. In the lead up, we'll be profiling each of them on the site. You can keep up to date with the Miller SoundClash DJ Competition by following Miller Genuine Draft on Instagram.

Tell us in one sentence who you are and where you are from?

"My name is Nevin, AKA DJ C Stylez, I’m from Vancouver, B.C., Canada."

Where did your love of music first come from?

My first memories I can remember would be around the age of 6 or 7, at that time my older cousins were my biggest influence. They had all the cool DJ gear and they were always on top of the all the newest and most popular music. I would ask my parents every weekend if I could sleep over at their house and I would spend hours on hours just listening to their music collections and reading the production credits inside the CD booklet inlays."

How long have you been DJing?

"As a hobby, since the early 90’s. As DJ C Stylez, Since 2005."

Do you produce music also?

"Absolutely, yes."

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

"Being able to do what I love and take care of my family. That has been, and will always be, the biggest highlight in my career."

Tell us about the success as a DJ you’ve had in your own country.

"Things I’ve accomplished over the years include winning awards in Vancouver to touring across Canada or working with professional sports leagues such as the CFL & NBA to being in magazines/movie/music videos or being an On-Air mixshow DJ on Vancouver radio to opening up for acts such as The Black Eyed Peas, LMFAO and Flo Rida to name a few. Now I can add 2017 Miller SoundClash Vancouver Champion & Miller SoundClash world finalist to my resume!"

How did it feel to win your local Miller SoundClash competition?

"The feeling is unbelievable. Shout out to DJ Slick Panther, DJ SafeZone, DJ Goodspin, DJ Doublespeak & runner-up DJ Suave, all the competitors in the Western Canadian finals had incredible sets, the bar was set very high right from the 1st set played. When it came time for me to perform I was a bit nervous. Once I played a few songs and got into it, I found my zone on stage and had fun! The rest was history!"

How much does it mean to you to have made it to this stage of Miller SoundClash?

"On a scale of 1-10, it’s 100! It’s a blessing and an honour to have the opportunity to represent not only my community & my city but also my country on a global platform."

How do you plan to stand out over the other DJs in Las Vegas? How will you be preparing for the finale?

"Me, as an individual, I’ve always felt like I was on the outside looking in with everything I do. I’ve always had my own style and approach to everything so just remembering to be myself is my key to standing out over the other DJs. To prepare, I’ll definitely be listening to a lot of music!"

What makes you unique compared to the other international finalists?

"There are so many different things to choose from but the one that stands out the most is that I am a synesthete. Sounds have always been an audible & visual experience for me. I have my own interpretation of sound and I see/hear things others may not."

Las Vegas is the EDM capital of the USA, with major DJs playing every weekend. If you could meet and hang out with one of these DJs in Vegas, who would it be and why?

"DJ A-Trak. He’s a living legend in the world of turntables, he’s an incredible producer & he’s a fellow Canadian."

Who from dance music’s elite do you most respect and take inspiration from?

"So many great names, David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Diplo/Major Lazer, The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake - to name a few, these artists have had critical acclaim & commercial success and have continuously been dominant. My hats off to them."

How important is it for competitions like Miller SoundClash to give aspiring DJs the chance to show their talent to the world?

"There’s a good chance you would have never heard of me if Miller SoundClash didn’t exist. There is so much talent in the world that never gets heard because traditional avenues may not cater to their qualities and/or they have no platform or outlet for them to do so. I send a big Thank you to Miller SoundClash, I feel it’s very important, It’s what brought me here and now I have an opportunity to make something of it."

Tell us a bit about your home country - How is the electronic music scene in Canada right now?

"I live in the city of Surrey which is in the greater Vancouver region, it’s located in the western part of Canada in the beautiful province of British Columbia. Rated one of the best places in the world to live in year after year. Canadian EDM is massive, our nation is home to artists such as deadmau5, DJ A-Trak, Sleepy Tom, Kaytranada, Felix Cartal, Keys N Krates, Grandtheft, Datsik & Excision and many more."

Keep up to date the Miller SoundClash finalists by following Miller Genuine Draft on Instagram.