Philipsburg:--- "I didn't expect to make it out of the first round; this was my first time ever participating in a DJ competition and some of the other DJ's were asking who is he?"They won't have to ask any further. Kevin Hanson, aka DJ Chubs, wowed the crowds and the judges on his way to winning the first edition of the Soggy Sounds DJ Competition series last week, taking home a cash prize of US$2,500, courtesy of sponsors, Heineken and a season's gig as the resident DJ at the popular Soggy Dollar Bar.
DJ Chubs said he will deposit part of the cash prize on his daughter's account and use the rest to purchase some speakers for his DJ equipment.
The first time he ever deejayed was at a house party in 2006 while he was still studying in Tallahassee. His friends encouraged him to do the house gig seeing that he had so many "good sounds". "I borrowed one of my friend's laptop and played; the people enjoyed it."
Indeed, that was how he approached the Soggy Sounds DJ Competition: as a house party. And what a party it turned out to be for him!
"I didn't even know about the competition; some friends told me about it." He entered for the fun of it and at his very first attempt, took the crown. In addition, he also won a smart phone from co-sponsors, Telem, as well as the opportunity to host one night at the Heineken Regatta next year.
"I think my advantage was my mixing technique across genres," he said, "moving seamlessly from zouk to bachata or from soca to dancehall."
The participants were, in fact, judged on their mixing and technical skills as well as on their music selection and crowd response. The judges included some of the island's foremost DJ's – DJ Nachum Frank, Party Dude Jason and DJ Outkast.
"I admire most of the local DJ's," said the newly-crowned first Soggy Sounds DJ champion, DJ Chubs. He added that he never had a mentor, however, he is an avid reader of books written by famous DJs.
"I read about different stuff; about what they did and how they did it. It helps me to improve as a DJ."
Commenting on his feelings after winning the competition, DJ Chubs said: "It feels like hard work really pays off."
He should know. An accountant by profession, the Telem staff didn't even mention that he was participating in the competition co-sponsored by his company.
"In the finals, some of my colleagues showed up and encouraged me. I really appreciate that," he said.
"We are mighty proud of DJ Chubs' achievement; he competed like a real pro," remarked Suraj Ramdas, who represented Telem at the competition. "He did us proud."
Congratulations have poured in from the management and staff of Telem who are beaming with pride that one of them was able to win such a prestigious competition through his hard work and undeniable talent.
