DJ Rob-Ski Interview
Check out our exclusive interview with DJ Rob-Ski.
I2G is here with DJ Rob-Ski, how’s it going?
Peace, ain’t nothin’ to it. Just enjoying life, you know? One moment at a time. What’s good?
Life is good, can’t complain. Tell me a little bit about how you got your start in music and who are some of your musical influences
Well, my family & I are from Gary, Indiana originally. We later moved to Milwaukee, WI. However at the age of about four, I learned that my Dad’s brother by the name of Earl Gault, was the drummer for the Jackson Five prior to their historic signing to Motown Records. He was their drummer when the J5 won the Annual Talent Search at Gary’s Gilroy Stadium in 1965, which led to their first-ever press write-up. In that press picture, my uncle is standing in the middle of the five Jackson brothers. So knowing that alone, lit the spark in me to also want to become a drummer. I started spreading pots and pans on the kitchen floor and playing them with spoons! My Uncle Earl was my earliest and greatest influence, in addition to the music my parents listened to. My Mom enjoyed soul music & played the Motown artist roster, Aretha Franklin, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Taylor, The Impressions, etc. And my dad was an avid jazz listener who played the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Oscar Peterson, as well as classical music. My big brother put me on to groups like The Beatles, Prince & The Time. All of those harmonies, melodies, rhythms, and serious musicianship took root in my creative mind. Later as I discovered other genres of music as both a listener and as dj/producer, other huge musical influences were Marley Marl & The Juice Crew, Public Enemy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, & J Dilla.
What are listeners in store for when they check out your new album, Apollo Village?
Listeners can expect to hear soulful musical art, in the form of instrumental hip-hop. I created Apollo Village as a nod to the apartment complex that my family first moved to in Milwaukee, and each track is named and sonically crafted in the spirit of the people, places, and things from my life during that time. You get the full spectrum of life. You hear the soul, the street, the jazz, the boom-bap, the grimey, and the harmonically elegant.
Do you have any more upcoming videos or singles?
I just released an 5 track EP called PEN GAME, which not only showcases my music production, but also my songwriting and lyrical delivery as an emcee. PEN GAME can be downloaded now at my website, along with all the other releases from my music catalog.
What are your current thoughts on the music industry?
It’s an interesting time to be involved in the music industry. Technology has really opened the doors of musical creativity. Almost to the point where there are nearly no boundaries in a person being able to compose whatever they’re thinking musically, into an actual musical work. With or without any additional assistance. And that’s awesome. On the other hand, the ability to obtain proper compensation for one’s musical creations, has been perpetually challenged. Going all the way back to Napster, up to streaming platforms of today like Spotify. Today’s artists appear to need multiple revenue streams to compensate for the diminished royalty generation they used to enjoy in the 90’s and 2000’s. It’s a fine line between creative self-expression and commercial viability. And artists have to figure it out.
What is currently playing on your playlist musically?
I literally made a playlist of my favorite joints from Sean Price and my faves from Kool G Rap. It goes two Sean P joints, then two G Rap joints for about three hours straight. It’s impossible for me to get tired of it! But outside of that, I’m rocking 38 Spesh, Supreme Clientele 2, Alfredo 2, Muddy Waters 2, anything by Elzhi, Common & Pete Rock, and the new Raekwon.
Do you have any shows or tour dates?
Right now, you can catch me live on Mondays at Bremen Cafe open mics in Milwaukee, and on Tuesday open mics at The Next Bar in Milwaukee.
What is your website information?
My website is DJROBSKI.COM. There you can find my bio, music catalog, merchandise, pics and live videos.
Appreciate the interview, any last words or shout outs?
Thank you for your time, I appreciate you and I’m honored to be a part of your journalism. I wanna give a shout out to the homies L.A. Da Boogie Bandit, DJ Robb Breakz, Kerse One, Therapy Beats, and rest in peace to legendary Milwaukee hip-hop producer Twan Mack.
