DJ Preston Wilkins: “Good music selection and long smooth mixes are my way…”

“The music and my life have never been better than now.”

Describe to us the man-artist, what is your music identity? Deep melodic music woven into an emotional journey.

How did your love for music emerged? Listening to my parents records when I was a kid. I loved flipping through everything from Led Zepplin to Michael Jackson. The artwork on their covers was amazing and the music beneath was life changing… I was pulled deep into electronic music in 1999.

Is music a one-way street for you, or do you have another profession? I work as a firefighter here in Canada. When I’m not on shift all time is spent with family and making music! 

What is non-negotiable for you career? The style of music I play. I would rather not play music if I can’t play what is true to my heart.

Which song makes you emotional every time you play it? I’ve been really enjoying Glide by Sound Exile and Hernan Cattaneo. Such a deep, beautiful, voyage. Music from the 1980’s has a special place in my heart. I grew up in the 80’s and that was the music around my hone and in the radio. I love hearing songs from this era.

What is a characteristic of your personality that makes you differ as a man and an artist? I’m just a man so hard to comment on that. As for difference as an artist I would have to say my athletic background and working as a firefighter. I spent most of my youth through college years as a high level track and field athlete and now i work as a firefighter. This has helped me develop grit which has been key in learning music later in life. 

What does someone need as a young artist to make it in the music business? I feel in any endeavour you need a kind, positive attitude and strong work ethic. You need to be resilient!!! 

What is your greatest fear? Making poor choices resulting in a life below what I’m capable of living. Must fulfill my prophecy! 

What is your opinion about music reality talent shows? It is great to see music performed in every way possible.

We can never have too much music!

Tell us about a collaboration you dream of. Working on music with Hernan Cattaneo would be the ultimate for me:):)

Why did you want to work as a DJ? I’ve been very passionate about electronic music for more than 20yrs. It was a natural progression for me to go from a listener to a DJ. Just took some time…

What skills do you think DJs need to be a successful DJ? An honest, humble, hardworking person who loves the music. 

How do you stay up to date with the latest music trends? I spend most time working on producing. When a mix or show is coming up I dig into music on beatport for a set list of tracks. 

What techniques do you use to engage listeners? Deep, melodic, storytelling, with smooth mixes. 

What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DJ? Being able to enjoy the music I love and connect with people:):)

How would you describe your style? Story telling with deep sounds. 

How did it all start for you? I heard my first essential mix in 1999. I have been deep into dance ever since.

Who is your biggest inspiration? / Who do you have a lot of respect for? Hernan Cattaneo is and will always been number one in my heart. 

What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a DJ? As an attendee? As a dancer and partier for a Sasha/Digweed show at the Arches. A very cool place in Scotland that was an old railway tunnel station converted into club. Incredible spot that is now closed.

Are you able to share any of your secret tricks with me? No secrets here. Good music selection and long smooth mixes are my way…

What is one mistake you see a lot of up and coming DJs making? / What advice would you give to aspiring DJs? No mistakes that I needs to comment on. As for people aspiring…

Always do it for the love of the music

Where do you think the scene is headed? One year from now? Five years from now? Very hard to say in the midst of this pandemic. Perhaps dance music will start to go underground again.

If you could eternally be stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be? The music and my life have never been better than now.

What is one subgenre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves? Organic deep house

What is it that you love about the scene? Your subgenre’s scene? Deep, amazing, friendly people who love the music. What more can you ask for?

What is something that bugs you about the DJ scene? Nothing. So many good people that truly appreciate the deep sounds.