DJ George Chaker
How did you get into DJing?
In my basement making step aerobics mixes. I got frustrated of waiting on others to get me new music for the fitness classes I was teaching, so I rented the equipment and taught myself to beat match.
What’s on repeat at home at the moment?
Deep house vibes on iTunes.
Define your personal style
Comfort is always first especially when I am DJing. And appropriateness. I always respect the venue policy. My ammo though, my wild and crazy tees.
Where do you shop?
Desigual for unique pieces. H&M for comfort and versatility. PUMA and ADIDAS. And most recently ROOTS.
Does music influence your look, or vice versa?
When I am throwing a party and I am in costume, YES.
Favourite DJ?
Danny Tenaglia. To me, he is the representation of meshing music so it takes you on a journey. I love the philosophy of a DJ taking you on a journey, as opposed to the way it is now a days of just banging out music.
Guilty Pleasure?
Late night snacking and Zorbas on The Danforth after a late night. Closest thing to my mom’s cooking.
Where can we see you spin or dance to your music?
Most Saturdays at Riva Supper Club on College Street. Charlies Gallery on Harbord. And daily Spin Classes at Quad East. Details can be found at www.facebook.com/georgechaker
DJ Wayne Wunder
How did you get into DJing?
I’ve always had a love for music. Growing up, I always had the latest thing to take music with me; walkman, discman. I wanted others to love music as I do; to make people dance and electronic music does that.
What’s your favourite all time track?
The other day I heard “women beat their men” and thought, wow, I just love that song!
What’s on repeat at home at the moment?
The 15th anniversary of Biggie Smalls’ death has gotten me listening to a lot of classic hip hop from the ‘90s lately.
Define your personal style.
Music has always influenced my style. I grew up with a lot of varied music, hip hop, classic rock, 90s electronic and technotronic sound, so that influenced my style, but the skater style, fitted jeans, tees, high tops and hats really stuck with me. I am a big fan of high tops and love Supra’s sky tops. At the end of the day, I dress to sweat. I dress to dance. Clubs can get so hot. I want to be comfortable.
Where do you shop?
I am a city boy; Queen street. No stores in particular. I base my purchases on scarcity; unique pieces, stuff I have never seen before. Bought the best tee from Uniqlo recently with a quote, “the only place where homelessness should exist is in a museum”.
Favourite DJ?
DJ Dan, Roy Davis and Terry Lee Brown Jr.
What do you eat before a gig?
I get butterflies before I perform. I love a great late-night meal, something ethnic like Pakistani or Thai, or something I can eat with my hands that soaks up the alcohol.
Guilty Pleasure?
Cookies. I swear the cookie monster had something to do with that.
Where can we see you spin or dance to your music?
www.housemusicdjsforlease.com
DJ Matty Ryce
How did you get into DJing?
I just decided to do it one day. My love for music was evident from a very young age. My folks have me on video naming songs at two years old. I never played an instrument, so DJing was my way into music. I bought my equipment on May 23, 2007 and by July 4 I had my first paid gig.
What’s your favourite all-time track?
If there is one track that strikes a chord with me it’s Diamond Life. Every time I hear that track, no matter what remix, I love it.
What’s on repeat at home at the moment?
Generation 303. So good.
Where do you shop?
Nike. H&M because it’s inexpensive and replacable. Guess jeans. And random boutique shops.
Does music influence your look, or vice versa?
Music has definitely influenced my style. It’s hard to separate life from music. But my style depends on my mood. You will, however, always find me spinning in running shoes, usually shiny ones.
Favourite DJ?
Kaskade. His music is so good, and it has been since the mid 2000s. And what makes Kaskade’s music even more incredible is how it has progressed. He also seems so together, never sloppy on the decks.
What do you eat before a gig?
After a gig is when the food happens. I am a big fan of Burro Burrito on College Street. Smoke’s Poutinerie is another and so is Lou Dawgs when I’m doing the King Street scene.
Guilty Pleasure?
Turning the lights off and listening to Drake. Just kidding. Actually it’s doing nothing, absolutely nothing.
Where can we see you spin or dance to your music?
I spin monthly at The Peacock, Insomnia, Byzantium and Fly. I also do weekly podcasts which can be found at www.mattyryce.podomatic.com or at facebook.com/DJMattyRyce.
____
Voula Monoholias is a contributing photographer for Toronto Standard.
For more, follow us on Twitter at @torontostandard and subscribe to our newsletter.
