Today I interview DJ MOS, an NYC and LA nightlife veteran and, with his wife DJ Kiss, the Academy Awards’ official DJ. MOS recounts how he manifested the Oscars gig and explains preparing for celebrity rooms by reading the crowd and mixing classics with current hits. He reflects on formative experiences at NYC clubs like the Tunnel, interning at Elektra Records, and learning through “DJ university”, citing mentors including Peter Paul, Du Ray, Mark Ronson, Rich Medina, DJ AM, and Clark Kent. He describes moving to LA with DJ Kiss, how they met at PM and became a DJ duo. MOS shares views on brand partnerships, DJs’ longevity, and embracing new tech while staying rooted in vinyl. He discusses AI as a research/organization tool, social media’s importance, and how COVID live streams—boosted by a D-Nice redirect—gained him 35,000 followers in eight hours. He previews film projects, new music, and continuing to DJ.
00:00 Viral DJ Moment
00:12 Oscars DJ Origin Story
02:13 Preparing for Celebrity Rooms
03:29 Teen Years in NYC Clubs
04:53 Electra Records and Leveling Up
06:35 Mentors and DJ University
09:53 Why Move to Los Angeles
11:39 Meeting DJ Kiss and Duo Life
13:26 Brand Deals and Staying Authentic
14:45 DJs as Brand Ambassadors
15:42 No Age Limit DJing
16:10 Connecting Across Generations
16:32 Music Knowledge Advantage
17:30 Relentless Gig Stories
18:51 Veterans vs New Tech
20:24 Gear Preferences Workflow
21:21 AI in DJing
24:16 Social Media Strategy
26:05 COVID Live Stream Breakout
29:03 What’s Next and Farewell
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