DJ DREZ | JOURNEY OF SOUNDS

Whether he's on the stage or in the studio - DJ, producer, musical director and sound ambassador DJ Drez is about the journey into sound. By cutting and composing original tracks his sounds assist the body's movements when dancing or doing yoga asana.

He integrates elements of hiphop, world music, soul, funk, jazz, and reggae into his signature sound. He has worked with a number of top artists, including KRS 1, Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray, as well as brands that include Adidas, X Games, and ABC to name a few. We talked with Drez to find out more about his style, his recent solo work and Alpine Swift.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How is a Yoga DJ different then other DJs that we're familiar with?  

DJ DREZ: I actually don’t consider myself a “yoga DJ.” In that I dj all kinds of music in many different kinds of venues which include everything from a hip hop club and world music festivals to yoga studios and yoga festivals.  I do play a huge range of world music that is appropriate for a practice.  I think the fact that I practice yoga and have many related spiritual practices adds to my ability to connect the students and teacher in any given environment.   If anything, that's what makes me a very good “yoga DJ.”  

AM: What music do you focus on for yoga?

DJ DREZ: I play a lot of instrumental world music. I also produce specifically for the practice and again I draw upon my own experiences on the mat. Practicing yoga has helped me tremendously in how I am able to support students and teachers sonically. It is actually a careful play of energy between us all. I never have a set play list and instead let the music flow organically with what is actually happening in the room.

AM: What styles of music do you play/produce?

DJ DREZ: I come from a hip hop, soul, jazz and world background. So this always heavily influences anything I play and produce. You can hear my roots in the music I play. Even if it has elements of Africa or India you can feel the hip hop and soul, Vice Versa.

AM: 'Alpine Swift' recently dropped. What was its inspiration?

DJ DREZ: My literal travels, my mind travels, my family and my art. I realized how often I am on a plane, train or in a car.  Starring out of a window. Meditating or imagining.  Always in flight to create and do what I love, which is make and share music. My art. Traveling has been a big part of my career and journey, with pockets of touching down here and there. I wondered if there was a bird like that, always in flight and Alpine Swift came to mind. Did you know that bird can fly for hours, days, and months, while sleeping, and eating mid-flight.  Its not by choice for me, but part of the unglamorous road I have to walk in order to do what I love to do and make a living. Now can you imagine what that feels like sometimes? Can you imagine what that might sound like? Alpine Swift.

AM: What other artists have you worked with and do you have a genre you like to work in?  

DJ DREZ: I love working with my wife Marti Nikko. She is an amazing singer and we released an album last year called Dreaming in Sanskrit which is a sweet, boomin' mantra album supported by hip hop and reggae beats.  It's really something special. We have already started working on its follow-up. I also work with many MCs, singers and some super fresh musicians. I really enjoy collaborating with others.

AM: What's your favorite music to listen to?  

DJ DREZ: Thats difficult to answer. That's like asking which child do you love more. I love what I love, especially what is really done well.   I don’t worry about boundaries and categories so much. If it sounds good, is well made and moves me then I can listen to it. I do come across music that sometimes isn't for me, but I can appreciate i because it's well done. No matter what, it has to have soul.

AM: With your busy schedule (solo projects, collaborations) of being a family man, working with a number of artists and sought after organizations, how do you stay grounded and balanced?

DJ DREZ: Yoga, mantra, breath, good nourishing food and great yummy sex!  Those are all super important.  I wouldn’t be able to work it at this level without those practices supporting me.

AM: When you're not working - what do you when you have time for yourself?

DJ DREZ: I try to spend my off-time with my family and in nature. I nurture them and they also nurture me. It's one of the reasons i do what I do. They inspire me to be the best me.  Nature supports these qualities too, helping me to feel the earth under my feet. To be in quiet when I am alone and with them. I even hear my son differently in nature. So we try and take many nature walks and spend a lot of my off time at the beach or hiking up our mountain. Included in this are practices of yoga, mantra, breath, good nourishing food and great yummy sex!

1. Sound Ambassador - Anahata Ether

2. Bombay Dub Orchestra - Dust (Pigment of Your Imagination Mix)

3. Marti Nikko - I Am Love {Plum Mood edit)

4. Sound Ambassador - Anahata

5. Moby - Memory Gospel

6. Bonobo - Terrapin

7. DJ Drez - Light Me Up

8. Trevor Hall - Who Ya Gonna Turn To

9. DJ Drez - Sugar Drop 77

10. Domonic Dean Breaux - Morning

Read more from the Jun Issue.

HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA MEXICO

As someone who is constantly on the go, you know that it is essential to check in with yourself in the way that suits you best. Earlier this year, our co-founders were invited to the Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya in Mexico. The primary purpose was to enjoy and share the Rock Spa which includes a phenomenal treatment that combines a deep tissue massage, music, and vibrations on the massage table. While there, they were also treated to staying on the adult side of the property know as Heaven as well as enjoying a phenomenal suite. At the time, our Style Director covered this trip for a Time Inc publication as well as another story that she ran in DJ Mag (as she is the Fashion Editor of the top EDM global publication).

It's being shared here today as we all love a #TBT and why not at a place that mixes the need to have a good time through music and partying, great food as well as proper relaxation. While on this trip, a number of pictures were shared through our Style Director's Instagram.

The Hard Rock Hotel is an all-inclusive resort that caters to families, singles, couples etc. It is highly suggested that those who have adults in their group should book to stay on the Heaven side as there are no children on this side, you have your own pools, restaurants, etc and if you would like to venture to the other portion of the property, you can do so! Upon arrival, the guide escorted them to golf cards for the Heaven check in (which was a nice way to see the property and to get a bit of a tour with our guide) - and at the check in area, they were able to see who would be performing while there, special events, book additional amenities that were not included in the all-inclusive package etc.

At this resort, all-inclusive means that you have your wet bar in your room with an assortment of non-alcoholic, beers, and well spirits in your room. In this case, both stayed in a suite known as the Deluxe Platinum Sky Terrace that has access to a balcony (which most rooms seemed to have) as well as an entire second floor terrace (perfect for couples, girlfriend getaway trips) above with a jacuzzi. In addition to being able to being able to have room to spread out, it was optimal for spectacular views outside, people watching and complete disconnection.  This also includes meals at the restaurants (as many times as you want whether you have breakfast, lunch, dinner and have snacks by the pool - or decide after dancing that you have t to hit the buffet). It's always a good idea to check about making reservations as many times you do have to let them know in advance for places that may have greater traffic flows and of course, you can go to the bars and pretty much select whatever you wish to drink without additional charges (unless it is a premium beverage). 

Throughout your stay, there are activities during the day and at night that are apart of your package while also having others that you may have to pay an additional amount for in terms of renting gear for certain water activities. Of course, one of the biggest reasons to go to this property is just to veg. One of the things that sticks out is the fact that a number of the places by the pool had chairs that were also in the water which makes for a very peaceful time - easy access to the water, the ability to be that much closer to the swim up bar and more! At this resort, having music constantly pumped into the rocks, paths and more is truly an immersive experience and it always allows you to feel like you're in a state of zen. If you're not looking to be so close to people, there are a number of cabana areas that are tucked away where you can still have the experience without feeling like you're in a large group while only being an eye glance away from one of the attendants who can ensure that you will still have your beverage or lunch!

This trip's focus was about experiencing the very anticipated Rhythm and Motion Synchronicity at the Rock Spa which is a 50 or 80 minute treatment. When entering the zen f this portion of the facility, you are taken into an ornate lounge where you can enjoy the hydrotherapy pools before any of your selected treatments. These 3 pools are meant to bring your body from its current temperature, to a very cold one, to a hot one and then one that is moderate. The attendant walks you through the experience and upon completing these areas you can rest until you are brought into your room or enjoy infused waters and light bites. It's such a contrast the pulse and constant motion of the property outside of the walls. Here you're able to turn inward in anticipation of the treatment.

Once called upon you are led into the room which has your massage table and a dome that is over your head. The treatment is a Swedish massage which really gets into your muscles. There is a soundtrack that is selected (depending on the theme of the property) that will pay during the session. What makes this so amazing is that as the masseuse works on your body, you are stimulated with the scent of the oils, the rhythmic nature of the massage that is set to the beats of the music as well as the table which enhances the beat through your body and the dome ensures that the music stays overhead. The volume, beats etc are perfectly placed that your mind goes on auto-pilot and you are transformed into a different state!

At the end, when you leave your room, you sit at a table to enjoy a specially made beverage which ties in the experience that just took place. Guests of the treatments can go back into the area to enjoy the pools, lounge area etc. Upon leaving - you can literally float back on your walk through the property to your room, the pool etc. The ability to have the mind, body and soul come together in such a perfect way is a feeling that will leave those (whether you're a veteran of massages or a newbie) ready to book this again!

When staying at Hard Rock Hotel, there is a major draw for those that are a fan of music and of course, when you're in the common areas, your room etc there are elements of memorabilia, musical aesthetic and so much more. It's highly encouraged to take some time while waiting for dinner, coming back from one activity to the next to see what is curated from jewelry by Hendrix, Blondie's outfits and so much more!

There are a number of destinations in Hard Rock Hotel's portfolio and although they all focus on music, unwinding, spa treatments and more - each location has something that is unique that ties back into the area! Take some time to check out what city speaks to you and enjoy a vacation on your own terms.