Jazza is one of the prominent figures in the Perth DnB scene, not only for his DJ sets, but also for his support of local promoters and their nights. Thanks to Inhibit Productions he got his first break playing the opening slot at a Bulletproof gig. A nominee for "Best New Talent" at the 2007 Perth Dance Music Awards, Jazza has now played at events and venue’s all around Perth. If he's not ripping it up behind the decks at one of the many nights he supports you're bound to see the friendly Jazza on the dance floor!

1. Name?
Jared Carrier (Jazza)

2. Describe the style of music you play?
Drum & Bass (all styles within) &  Hip Hop. Lately I’ve been getting into a bit of Dubstep as it’s fun to mix.

3. How long have you been DJ’ing for?
Since about 2006, so just about 3 years now.

4. How did you come up with your DJ name?
I’m extremely original you see hahahaha (sarcasm). I think it’s just a nickname that stuck with me, everyone knew me by that and I thought it represented me more than some other kind of alias.

5. The Drum Club was a regular haunt of yours. What was it about the place that kept you going back there?
Oh man where do I start? The music. It was like a drug – I’d be there almost every Friday without fail. You could rock up on your own knowing your friends and crew would be there and have a massive night out without having to plan anything. Oh and the $1/$2 middies as well.

6. If I took a look inside your fridge, what would I find?
Beer, Bacardi, Jager, Peach Schnapps, Lychee Liquor and Chartruese (that’s for this Friday only as well haha). Probably eggs, cheese, meat, tomatoes, lettuce, bread and all the other usual stuff.

7. What was the first record you bought?
Silent Witness & Break – Hollow/The Question DNAudio 009. Still one of my favourite plates.

8. What equipment do you have and use at home?
Gone through a heap of mixers, started off with a Numark DXM09, then a Technics SH-MZ1200S, UREI 1601S, Pioneer DJM-909 and finally now a Pioneer DJM-800. Looking at getting a Rane TTM56 mainly just for turntablism work, but the 800 will suffice for now. With turntables, started off with a pair of 2nd hand 1200 mk II’s and then got a new pair of 1210 mk II’s.

9. Who is your biggest musical influence?
Hmm, I’d have to say a mixture of Qbert, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, 2pac & Biggie, Hype and Andy C.

10. What/Who inspired you to start DJ’ing?
My mates Jules (DJ Illusiv) and Ben (DJ Tzero). Before I got turntables I was pissing around with Traktor on the PC and that was about as much as I knew about DJ’ing. It was them that got me fully into it. Also, The Roller crew were an amazing bunch of guys that made years of Thursday nights amazing as well as giving me a chance to first play out semi-regularly as well. Thanks Dart, Devo, Blend and Kent!

11. You’ve started in the art of “Scratching”. How is that going?
It’s going really well, there is still so much to learn on the technical side – I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning or trying new things. It gets a little frustrating sometimes but nothing feels better when you’ve perfected a technique or developed your own. It’s like a language in itself with so many variations to communicate with to the people who are listening.

12. What DJ have you met that turned you into a tongue tied stuttering silly billy?
Every DJ I’ve met has been really down to earth and interesting to talk to…I have however I have been tongue tied after meeting the wonderful Deeizm when she came down with Makoto a few years back.

13. Vinyl or Digital ?
Vinyl all the way. I love having a collection. However for ease of use, Digital is probably the way of the future. I still have to learn how to use a CDJ hehehe.

14. Tell me about the first time you played out?
I was nervous but excited at the same time. All my mates came to the gig, it was really so great of them to come and support me at my first gig. I remember rocking up and after practising hardcore on technics decks, and then finding Stanton’s instead which I had never used before. I freaked out haha. But I still played the set I wanted with minimal mistakes. It was one of the most exciting nights of my life seeing a crowd respond to what you were playing.

15. Do you have a message for the bedroom DJ’s out there?
Just keep practising and do what you do well, and come out and support your local nights and in time you’ll get a set  (that’s if you want to play out)

16. You actively support a lot of local nights, even those that aren’t your favoured genre of DnB. Why do you think it’s important to do this?
It’s good to keep the mind open about other genres as well. If I listen to too much DnB I’ll go crazy as much as I love it. It’s all about music and having a good time, along with respecting what other people enjoy and what other DJ’s play.

17. Where can the Perth punters see you play?
On rotation Beatmash @ Bar Open Wednesday nights, Beatfiix @ Rosemount Thursday nights, Reprazent @ Bar Open Friday nights, Cube @ Shape Friday nights and if I’m lucky maybe an international support slot.

18. What are you doing after you finish this interview?
I’m going to continue working and then head out for lunch. What to have…. What to have…?

19. Open mic - 25 words or less.....
Umm hi there. I think I’ve ranted enough in this interview. Thanks for reading