This week, we meet PWR-SERG, a passionate DJ based in Los Angeles, with 16 years of experience behind the decks. From house to R&B, hip-hop, and rap, his dynamic sets on SoundCloud are absolute must-listens! He tells us how he uses tracks found using RepostExchange in his mixes and using the platform to stay motivated in his craft.

How did you first get into DJing, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?

What sparked my interest in DJing was when I began promoting at The Arena in Hollywood for "Grove Thursday" nights. Every week, I encountered different DJs like DJ Klass, Richard Vision, Artistic Raw, DJ Sol and many others, with DJ Sol hosting the event each Thursday. Witnessing their talent week after week, along with my deep passion for music inspired me to pursue a career in DJing.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

My greatest influence while growing up was definitely my peers. I often doubted my abilities and would be hard on myself, questioning if I was truly good enough. However, it was the constant encouragement from those around me that kept me going. They would often reassure me, saying, "You've got talent, keep at it!" Their support played a significant role in boosting my confidence and pushing me forward.

If you could DJ any event in the world, which one would it be and why?

Honestly, I'm passionate about doing what I love most, which is "Bringing music to the people." I'm open to spinning anywhere, but if given the chance, I would choose Dirtybird Campout. I have flocked with Dirtybird Records since 2009 when I first experienced Claude Vonstroke at the Los Angeles Love Festival 09 for the first time.

How do you approach creating a new mix? Is there a story or theme you often follow?

That's a challenging question. Whenever people hear me perform live, they often say it's like I am telling a story. Honestly, I just go with the flow. I aim to keep my audience riding a wave of great tracks from amazing artists I admire.

What's the most challenging part of putting together a cohesive mix?

The most challenging aspect of creating a cohesive mix, in my opinion, is understanding your music. A DJ must have a deep knowledge of the music in their library/crate to seamlessly blend tracks and understand which ones complement each other.

What software or equipment do you prefer using when recording your mixes?

​​I record my mixes using Ableton. When I'm performing live, I either run a virtual audio setup on Serato and hit record on Ableton Live, or I connect a USB to a DJM and press record. It all depends on the equipment I'm using at the time when I go live.

What advice would you give to any budding DJs out there?

The advice I'd offer to anyone aspiring to become a DJ is to take your time learning the craft. You don't become a pioneer like Carl Cox overnight; it requires dedication and hard work. Every day, there are new techniques to master and new music to discover. Additionally, there's talent you'll learn through personal experiences. As a DJ coach, there are certain things I can't teach my students; they must learn them on their own. So, my advice is simple: take your time, have fun, and enjoy the journey.

How do you handle song requests during a live set?

Honestly, I'm not the type of DJ who enjoys taking requests. When I'm in the groove on the decks, I'm more focused on creating an atmosphere where people can dance and enjoy the music I bring them. While it might sound harsh to say no to requests, I'd rather be upfront about it. I've encountered DJs who joke about taking requests but never follow through, and I prefer to be straightforward and honest. That's just the realness in me.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations we should be on the lookout for?

Yes, indeed! I've recent discussions with Mizter Bonez from SHLUMPED RECORDS about collaborating on a track, and I'm really excited about it. Additionally, I always make sure there's something new for my listeners to enjoy, so I highly recommend everyone to follow me on SoundCloud to catch my latest releases

How do you decide which tracks or artists to repost? Do you have certain criteria?

I believe in catering to what the crowd enjoys hearing, but I also believe in supporting local artists. Every Saturday, I DJ for the Culver City Sesh, where I provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and share their music with the community. It's all about collaboration and working together, rather than competing against each other. So I repost any artist I see on RepostExchange. We all start somewhere. It's about supporting each other.

Have you discovered or collaborated with any artists through RepostExchange?

Yes, I've collaborated with numerous artists from RepostExchange. Every week, I used to release two new episodes on SoundCloud. On Mondays, it was Monday House Sensation, and on Wednesdays, it was High 5 Wednesdays. I played a mix of radio hits and new releases, featuring artists I discovered on RepostExchange. Of course, I always asked for permission from the artists to use their tracks in my episodes and would shout them out on the mic, letting listeners know who they were hearing. Additionally, I live-recorded my episodes on TikTok simultaneously, which was a lot of fun!

Can you share a specific track or mix that gained significant traction due to RepostExchange?

I have posted several tracks on RepostExchange that have gained significant attention. Honestly, you can catch my live mix on RepostExchange's top 40s on and off. I love it because it motivates me to keep doing what I'm doing. It feels amazing to receive support from people on the other side of the world. Thanks to RepostExchange, I've seen my numbers increase on SoundCloud insights, and I truly appreciate what they're doing for artists like me on their platform. Thank you very much.

Connect with PWR-SERG on SoundCloud, RepostExchange, and Instagram.

Want more? Sign up at RepostExchange.com.

This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.