Producer Mark Ronson has paid tribute to his close friend the late turntablist DJ AM.
Hidden behind his public persona, Mark Ronson is a genuine music fan. One of the most powerful producers around, his new Business International project features a host of star names and surprise appearances.
The producer recently took time out to appear at a tribute show in honour of DJ AM. The turntablist passed away earlier this year following a drugs overdose, having built a fearsome reputation as a DJ.
Speaking to Spinner, Mark Ronson explained his admiration for DJ AM. “I think he basically invented an entire style of DJing,” the producer claimed.
“He was the first person to have sort of these DJ battle-level skills and could still just kill a party and had such a great taste, a wide range of taste. He was pretty much the best club DJ I’ve ever seen. There might be other DJs that I prefer their taste, or I would dance to more, but as far as like, ‘Holy s—, wow,’ and beyond that he just was a great friend.”
Continuing, Mark Ronson explained that DJ AM was instrumental in boosting his own career. “He was so supportive as well, he would always do what he could to help me break records when no one was playing any of my shit and shouting out ‘Rehab’ in Us Magazine when they’d have his playlist and whatever it was, he was just an awesome dude.”
Sadly passing away following a drugs overdose, DJ AM left a powerful impression on New York’s club land. Matching technical skills to an eclectic taste, the DJ also worked with members of Blink 182.
“His legacy is, he took DJing in another direction and now you have all these young kids that can scratch and bust their ass practicing to make sure they can scratch, and also play a wide range of stuff.”
“I don’t think anyone’s touching him but I think it’s definitely undeniable the kind of influence he’s had.”
Mark Ronson & The Business International’s new single ‘The Bike Song’ is due to be released on September 20th.
