Press Release Interview via
Social Media Platforms
Twitter: https://x.com/ricobanksdj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricobanksdj
Website Information: https://www.elicitsound.bandcamp.com
Booking Contact: DJ Rico Banks - 469.994.1600
DJ Market: Dallas, TX
Link to DJ Rico Banks Radio Shows or Mixes
https://m.soundcloud.com/radio101usa/dj-rico-banks-beat-lab
**General Background**
1. What inspired you to become a DJ?
Growing up and watching some of my relatives work in the industry. The art caught my attention early.
2. How long have you been DJing, and how did you get started?
Over 15 years
3. Can you tell us about your first gig and how it went?
It was a college pool party at JSU in Jackson, MS for an on-campus club. Definitely was a good time to say the least
4. What genres of music do you specialize in?
Rap/Hip-Hop and R&B
5. Who are your biggest influences in the DJ industry?
Big Oomp and Southern Style DJs
**Technical & Performance Skills**
6. What equipment and software do you prefer to use for your sets?
Pioneer DDJ with Virtual DJ interface
7. How do you prepare for a set at a nightclub?
I usually show up 2 hours early, put on my headphones and do a freestyle warm up
8. How do you transition between songs to keep the energy flowing?
I use a mix of drops and normally stay between the 3 & 5 pitch range
9. What’s your approach to beatmatching and mixing?
I just listen to the song and adapt on the fly honestly
10. How do you handle technical difficulties during a live set?
I let the sound engineer and production team handle that
**Crowd Interaction & Music Selection**
11. How do you read the crowd and adjust your set accordingly?
I DJ most of the time live without headphones so it keeps me engaged
12. What’s your go-to track when you need to get people dancing?
Megan Thee Stallion - Body
13. How do you balance playing requests with keeping the flow of your set?
I don't
14. Have you ever had a challenging crowd? How did you handle it?
Always. The job is to make them enjoy the music you present
15. How do you keep your sets fresh and exciting for repeat audiences?
By keeping my library current
**Nightclub & Industry Experience**
16. What’s your favorite nightclub or venue to DJ at and why?
The old Hunt Club in Hattiesburg, MS. A big venue, screens all around and 2 floors. Perfect for creating a vibe.
17. Can you share a memorable experience from one of your performances?
Driving around Ricco Barrino to shows after the “California” single went top 10 and him and his management team trusting me to get him there safely.
18. How do you build relationships with club owners and promoters?
By networking, communicating and not burning bridges honestly. Just being a decent person.
19. What do you think makes a nightclub DJ successful?
Listening to the audience and allowing their trust in you to make you better as a DJ.
20. What’s the biggest challenge of being a nightclub DJ?
Understanding what a good working situation is.
**Personal & Career Growth**
21. How do you stay updated on new music trends and industry changes?
By listening to podcasts and reading industry news reports.
22. Have you ever produced your own music, or do you plan to?
Yes. I recently released a new music production album.
23. What advice would you give to aspiring nightclub DJs?
Be yourself.
24. Where do you see yourself in the DJ industry in the next five years?
Working in the industry in some behind the scenes roles.
25. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received as a DJ?
Closed mouths don't get fed.
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