By AARON TRAYLOR
Chunkiye Moua is a Missoula native who has one of the largest followings of any mix master in the region.
DJ Chunkiye, a godfather of the local Hip Hop and rave scene here in Missoula, is heard on more mix tapes than he can personally count, has performed on mix shows on local radio stations for many years, and was ranked the #1 Montana trance DJ on Myspace for nearly 3 years.
He is down-to-earth, humble, and genuinely one of the nicest men around, these are qualities that are hard to find in the often smug and ego-driven DJ industry.
Let’s get acquainted with one of the longest-lasting turntable DJs in the Missoula area:
Q: So, DJ Chunkiye, when did you start DJing?
A: Somewhere around 1999 or 2000. So long ago, yet doesn’t seem as such.
Q: What was your favorite local party in the last year?
A:Halloween 2010 at The Broadway… then crossing town to The Elks to close it down! FUN NIGHT!!
Q: Hip Hop or Techno?
A: Both. But techno is what got me to start DJ’ing.
Q: What kind of equipment do you work with?
A: Technics 1200m5g’s and Pioneer DJM800
Q: Where do you usually spin records?
A: Stockman’s Bar and anywhere else I can get booked at!
Q:What does Missoula offer that keeps you here?
A: It’s my hometown. And the girlfriend…(laughs) I love you, babes.
Q: Who is your favorite DJ?
A: I got a few for hip hop….hands down to Dj Jazzy Jeff, but for Techno live performance? I’d say Donald Glaude…and Tiesto… these are peeps I’ve seen in person!!
Q: What are your music predictions? Where do you see it going in, say, the next 5 years?
A: Music will get very electronic in the future, it already has, but Hip Hop will still be around. So get use to it, Missoula!
Q: Vinyl or CD?
A: I like CD’s for the reliability, but I love the feel for vinyl for scratching beat juggling, etc. I say vinyl!!!
Q: Old School or New School?
A: New school has good tracks. But old school has great tracks. I’d say both.
Q: Favorite lyrics?
A: Don’t really have one. But if I had to choose, I’d say 2pac’s “Life Goes On”
Q: What is one thing you would change about the current Missoula music scene?
A: For people to have an open mind, music is changing and getting more electronic, so quit hating. (Laughs)
Q:Most people you ever played in front of?
A: 2500-3000 people. Fun times!!
Q: What was your first feeling of being starstruck?
A: First massive rave I attended with around 40,000 people. Seriously one of the best times I’ve ever had.
Q: I enjoy _____ drinks during each performance. (lol)
A: Enjoy shots of 151 with my boys during each performance! We let loose. Join the party!
Get booking info and friend DJ Chunkiye on Facebook.
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Missoula DJ Aaron Traylor blogs about local nightlife, the music scene, and generally fun things to do in Zoo Town. Check out his archive for more tips and ideas for going out in Missoula.
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To say he is America’s Tallest DJ wouldn’t be far from the truth when it comes to Aaron Traylor. He clocks in at a whopping 6 foot 10 inches and has been the premiere source of the Northwest’s born and raised talent for 20 years; he’s a radio disc jockey at ZooFM, turntable mix master, and a guy who has a hard time fitting into most clothing.