Dj Gavin Skewes’s Journey from Turntables to Boardrooms

Dj Gavin Skewes’s Transition from Auckland to Manila

In a recent interview, DJ Gavin Skewes discussed his significant cultural shift from Auckland, New Zealand, to Manila, Philippines, and his remarkable influence on the country’s nightlife scene. His story reveals how a foreign artist successfully infused new sounds into the Philippine music scene, leaving a lasting impact.

From Unfamiliar Sounds to Musical Fusion

Skewes openly acknowledges the initial challenge of adapting to the sounds of the Philippines, having limited exposure to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) before his move. This outsider perspective, however, proved beneficial, allowing him to introduce new sounds and styles. His collaborations with notable DJs such as Budah and Steelo, and his work with the KUMU streaming platform, deepened his understanding of OPM and improved his Tagalog.

Technical Skills and Mentorship

From the start, Skewes was fascinated by the technical aspects of DJing. While many were focused on the EDM boom, he strived for a unique approach. He differentiated himself through unique blends and spontaneous mashups using various acapellas. The importance of mastering fundamental scratching techniques, he emphasizes, is crucial for a complete skillset. He expresses gratitude to his mentors, DJ Aryan and Carlo Atendido, for shaping his early technical proficiency.

Career Turning Point: San Mig Light DJ Spin-Off

Winning the national finals of the San Mig Light DJ Spin-Off was a pivotal moment. While immediate bookings weren’t overwhelming, the win elevated his profile and opened up new opportunities. He used each gig to showcase his abilities and justify his title.

The Red Bull 3Style Challenge

His participation in the Red Bull 3Style Philippines competition further tested and expanded his skills. By fusing genres, he proved that musical preferences are diverse. He dedicated significant time to training—eight to ten hours a day for two months—demonstrating his commitment to improvement.

URBN Company: Leadership and Management

When hiring staff I always keep an eye out for good people more so than good staff. Good people can be trained into good staff. But good staff cannot necessarily be trained to be a good person.

DJ Gavin Skewes

As director and CEO of URBN company (URBN QC & URBN Makati), Skewes emphasizes growth and adaptability. His DJ experiences across the Philippines and Asia provided invaluable insight into the industry. He manages various departments to optimize success and actively seeks new projects and opportunities.

Building an Inclusive Team

Skewes highlights the challenges of creating a positive and inclusive work environment. He discusses the difficulties of managing talent, balancing commercial success with artistic integrity, and navigating the political aspects of being a foreign DJ. He prioritizes attitude, taste, and skill when selecting DJ talent, valuing positive attitudes, receptiveness to feedback, and a broader perspective.

Maintaining Motivation and Artistic Growth

In a highly competitive and ever-evolving industry, Skewes shares his methods for staying motivated and expanding his musical range. He uses challenges as motivation to prove his skill and talent. He reviews his performances critically, dedicates time to practice, and remains committed to artistic improvement.

Influence and Personal Style

Laidback Luke’s influence is visible in Skewes’ style and approach. However, he emphasizes the importance of having a unique identity, drawing inspiration from diverse sources while forging his own sound.

Future Goals

Skewes envisions continued growth, aiming to expand his brand beyond his current clubs. He plans to navigate industry changes and continue to make a significant contribution. His success rests on surrounding himself with supportive individuals. He remains dedicated to his craft and leveraging his experience for future endeavors.

Mentorship and Appreciation

Skewes acknowledges the significant contributions of several mentors: DJ Aryan Magat for fundamental DJing skills; DJ Carlo Atendido for expanding his technical knowledge; DJ Brandon Jon for encouraging him to enter the San Mig Light competition; AiS NiCaution for teaching him music theory; and DJ Will Crozier for his support and belief in his potential.

Cultural Adaptation, Innovation, and Leadership

DJ Gavin Skewes’s experience represents a compelling narrative of cultural adaptation, creative fusion, and leadership in the music industry. His unique style, technical capabilities, and relentless pursuit of excellence have cemented his position as a successful and influential figure in the Philippine music scene.

Featured image by: Fidel Bretaña at URBN Makati

Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?