DJ Evolution.biz

Photo by Rose Lambert

Dj Evolution is the chosen moniker of South Eastern PA’s own Richard Johnson. As a Disc Jockey he has been mixing vinyl records of all genres seamlessly for the past decade or so. His passion for the craft stems from a seemingly infectious enthusiasm for wax passed on from his father, in the form of a large collection of L.P.’s and 12-inch singles, in his teen years. That collection, along with the priceless history accompanying it, has grown exponentially over the course of the previous fourteen years. What was once an adolescent obsession with audible sounds has grown into a lifelong exploration of an artistic culture. 

As a deejay, Evolution’s growth has been extremely organic. Fervor for music of all types, and an appetite for any new expression to translate, led to the discovery of rudimentary mixing equipment. At this time simply a way to communicate sentiments to close friends and objects of teenage lust. Basically, a tool to smooth out the start-stop nature of previous mixes based only on song selection. At this point the concept of actually using other sources of audio to embellish became astonishingly apparent. Every snippet of sound became fair game; movie samples, sounds of nature, recorded conversations, TV clips, etc. Not yet understanding the full scope of mix dj culture, Rich was unknowingly laying the groundwork for things to come later in life.

At the ripe age of Seventeen years, after a bit of time spent exploring and navigating the underground culture of dance music, it was time for Evolution to make the obvious decision: an investment in a more professional dj setup. The first step was a mismatched pair of Technic turntables to couple with his well-worn Gemini mixer. This basic rig in conjunction with a relatively decent Pioneer home stereo and his hand-me-down vinyl collection would be Rich’s first “sound system”. As it was, his dream of becoming a professional deejay was beginning to seep into the reality of everyday life. Countless hours were spent honing his craft in the comfortable environment of his home bedroom. The exercises themselves and their results would be ample compensation for time and money spent.

By the year 1996, Evolution was feeling pretty secure in his ability to negotiate the basic skills of beat matching, seamless mixing, and track selection. It was time to get out of the bedroom and reach beyond to the outside world. Rich had made numerous bedroom mix tapes that met wonderful response from peers of all walks. Still, now was the time to present his concepts to a much broader and possibly less accepting audience. The thought was at the same time breathtakingly exhilarating and tremendously nerve-racking. Nonetheless, the decision had been made and the dues had been paid. It was time to test the waters. Regardless of temperature or depth, Evolution was determined to swim his destination, as of yet, unknown.

The next decade would be spent in pursuit of the “perfect” mix. A goal Rich would come to realize has many different forms and can only be identified by direct crowd response. Whether in group practice sessions with fellow dj’s JC5 and Rubbadubb, rocking house parties of any type, getting down at the several weekly and monthly residencies he has held or, mixing things up for one of numerous corporate clients, the object has remained the same. Dj Evolution is endlessly determined to continue doing his part to entertain his multi-faceted and tremendously dynamic audience. All the while introducing them to new music and reinterpreting the songs they love. Through the use of this relatively self-taught art form, music will be forever fresh and infinitely rewarding.  If you haven’t had the gratifying experience of checking out one of Mr. Evolution’s well mixed, albeit mashed-up sets, you should do yourself the service of seeking him out.