Interview with Brell and DJ Commish

by: Darnell Teague & Jonathan McNaughton

CMB: What started the collaboration between Brell & DJ Commish?

Brell: It all started back in middle school. We kept in touch over the years and decided to do a mixtape in 2010, but we had to delay the project. During that break I think we both perfected our crafts and we linked back up last year–the rest is history.

DJ Commish: Our collaboration started way back in ’97. We were just two little niggas that knew nothing about music, but knew we wanted to make music. It started in Brell’s basement, recording music on tapes, and started making beats, and bringing our talents together.

CMB: What Is your Definition of hip hop?

Brell: My definition of hip hop is expressing yourself. Whether you’re a rapper, DJ, producer, break-dancer, graffiti artist, or just a fan. It’s important to me that this culture stays relevant.

DJ Commish: The definition of hip hop for me is young, fresh, evolving, and vast. Hip hop is a culture and lifestyle that not everyone understands. Hip-hop is what you live, and what you make it. It’s an expression of you, and your story, told through art, music, fashion. A little bit of hip hop lives in everyone. Known Sayin!

CMB: What Inspired the Brell Mixtape Project?

Brell: I was inspired from other artists around the city. We have some real talent out here, and I felt it was my time to display mine. I was also inspired by the amount of rhyme books that were collecting dust at the crib.

DJ Commish: I’ll admit, the inspiration for me was us not being a part of the local music scene, and seeing that we can do the same thing, and make good music, and knowing that our talents need to be heard before we leave the earth.

CMB: When did Brell & DJ Commish first start making music?

Brell: I started making music at 13. I started off making beats and thought, ‘Damn, these beats needed rhymes,’ so, I worked hard on both crafts. From 16 to 21 I was in multiple talent shows and battles throughout the city. I also write music for other artists.

DJ Commish: I officially started around 96-97. I had bought my first beat-making software in middle school, and when I turned 18, I bought my first drum machine and turntables, and from there the DJ/Producer role stared for me.

CMB: Where, in Colorado, did you guys grow up?

Brell: I’ve lived all over the city, but Park Hill is home! S/O to Lavert lol

DJ Commish: Park Hill, 35^th block. Five blocks from the Holly. Skyland / Ned’s, anybody from Park Hill knows that area.

CMB: Why should people check out the new mixtape from Brell and DJ Commish?

Brell: Because my lyrics are crazy! I can easily connect with the listener and keep them interested ,not to mention the type of beats that are being used, and the scratching by DJ Commish. It is a solid body of work.

DJ Commish: It’s fresh, new, dope original production, dope original lyrics, and most importantly, we put a lot of ourselves in this mixtape. Late nights, arguments, overcame creative blocks, it shows through the music. We made sure all the pieces came together just right for this mixtape.

CMB: What does 2012 and the future hold for Brell & DJ Commish?

Brell: 2012 is just about over, but for the remainder we’ll be rocking a few shows and promoting this mixtape! We’re already back in the studio working on my 2nd mixtape, According to Brell, so be on the lookout for that in 2013. I’m also going to be working with a crew of very talented artists from Denver.

DJ Commish: 2012 holds a lot of shows, a lot of music from us, and some new artists that are coming into the scene with us. We got a reunion EP coming out, but I’m sure Brell doesn’t want me to speak too much to that just yet! And I’ll be releasing some DJ remix exclusives as well, just a lot of good music for people to grab ahold to and rock with.

CMB: What are some of your guys’ pre-recording rituals that get you in the zone for making music? 

Brell: Rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse. That way, nobody’s time is being wasted in the studio. I like to have a few friends in the room just in case someone has an idea.

DJ Commish: I usually start off with a nice alcoholic beverage. I like to play other artists’ music before I start a session, it gives me inspiration, and gives me a goal to compare my product to. Usually when we are tracking in the studio we have friends that always bring a party favor, if you know what I mean . . .

Tags: darnell teague, jonathan mcnaughton, brell, dj commish, mixtape

Category: On The Scene