The LA based DJ Excel started in Philly as part of The Skratch Makaniks Crew and learning under the tutelage of DJ royalty like Jazzy Jeff and Rich Medina. Since then, he’s become one of the most in-demand traveling DJs, playing in every nightlife market in the US, including overseas in Europe and Japan.  He produces house music with Baltimore’s DJ Impulse under the moniker ALFA PAARE.

In this interview, Excel describes mentorship in DJing, the sacrifice of leaving a market at the top and starting over to establish yourself elsewhere, and the importance of choosing a good DJ moniker.

You can follow DJ Excel on Instagram at @excelagram and catch up with him at DJExcel.com . You can also download the DJ Excel app on the iTunes store.

---

Opening Set is a podcast about DJing and nightlife culture hosted by King Most and produced by Jon Reyes. You can follow them on Instagram at @openingset and e-mail any questions/feedback at [email protected]. The show is produced with love from the Bay Area. Yee.