What one DJ/Musician/Group been most influential for you as a DJ?
So I was just curious and thought it would be interesting to see where DJTT’s members come from as far as creative influences go. Like the topic asks, What one DJ/Musician/Group has been most influential for you as a DJ? and why, if you have a story please share! 
Evol Intent for their versatility and incorporation of midi into their acts
Ean Golden and Moldover. Once i saw these two i sold my turntables and started on the digital path.
But i think my biggest musical influence is probably Beethoven. His transitions, builds, and rhythm have always gave me a basis for my music. Both in djing and playing music.
Beethoven, amazing! The build-ups in the 5th or the 7th are so massive and energetic, nothing competes with that. 
For me, as a DJ, i got the biggest influence from 2many djs(Soulwax), Erol Alkand and Sebastian( Ed Banger ).
Basically, seeing Erol Alkan live by Accident, at a time where was hating every kind of electronic music. He just kept me dancing all night long, and opened my eyes for dance music.
Him and 2many djs are just kicking out the best live sets, nicest trackselections of the whole scene.
When i saw Sebastian live, it was crazy, that dude can turn a whole dancefloor, turn into a Moshpit with a massive Pogo-Dance, and then throw in that cheesy “it’s my party” song, and it fucking rocks the place.
Look em up if you like Nu Disco, Electro, Dance music.
It’s probably going to be a cliche thing to say, but I’ve always loved Daft Punk’s live performances. Incorporating that element of surprise into their sets to create such a high level of energy is always something I try to recreate.
Not that I just sit around and copy their technique, but it’s something that still blows me away every time.
Same here for me with to 2many djs, i am not trying to copy them, but i can spent hours to figure out why a certain thing is just so goddamn good!
The MINUS crew
word!
I would have to say Justice, and after I watched the documentary Scratch, I was hooked. I got reading about Traktor and watched the Rafik DMC video and was blown away.
Armin van Buuren - the way he connects with his audience is just amazing. Pointing out people in the crowd, making a heart sign with his hands, and the sheer energy he has behind the decks. I mean seriously, if he pointed at you during his set and made a heart, wouldn’t you go nuts?
Donald Glaude. Such a performer!
went to a party about 12 years ago and saw DJ Dara play some DnB, i
was hooked on DJing and EDM ever since.
Probably I might feel a little bit odd and awkward if a performer, albeit someone I’m a fan of, pointed at me and made a heart.
Also, I think just a lot of local DJs inspired me. From my experience at clubs and seeing how the crowds react to music, it’s really cool.
my inspiration would have to be Sasha. When his album Airdrawn Dagger came out some years ago, i couldn’t believe my ears! plus i was probably on mushrooms
i love the energy of dance music and way dj’s can use it to stir emotions and move entire crowds of people. but when I listen to Sasha’s mixes its more like a personal adventure through the soundscapes he fabricates.
+1 Sasha/JD are right up there in my book.
The Upbeats
This question is so easy to answer for me. It may sound kind of extreme but after listening Ricardo Villalobos I realized that djing was what I wanted to do for a long time. I alreday knew the basics but he impacted very deep in my mind… it changed my view and approach to djing.
If you have not had the chance to listen to him, please take some time one day to do it, he is one of a kind dj.
This is an old example, but one I like…
Sasha, without a shadow of a doubt.
I had got all the Northern Exposure and Renaissance mixes, and they were good but I was certain his reputation was hype. So I went to see him live at Bedrock in London. The place was rammed, the vibe was electric and he played music like I have never heard in my life before - angelic, textural, muscular tunes. I was straight the whole evening and it was still a life changing experience.
Later, I discovered that he had been playing at most of the musical events that shaped me, like the early Universe raves and dance clubs in Torquay and Exmouth. Sasha was even a regular at my local record shop, Mighty Force Records. Not such a fan of his recent works compared to when he was remixing D:Ream and M-People and working with BT’s lush piano pieces, but he’s never boring. the fact that he’s a digital DJ is a bonus.
Him and Pete Tong. Listening to the Essential Selection while travelling down south past Stonehenge, listening to him break the big tunes of the 90’s was another defining moment. His mixes always start off with the pop tunes the kids want to hear, then he takes you on a journey that ends up in some seriously twisted techno places. I think people underestimate his skills. He’s dropped tracks I would never touch and he pulls it off (e.g. Paolo Mojo “Sirena” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a67HwrJK5kw). I have a lot of respect for Tongy.
+1 for local dj’s. Cincinnati doesn’t have much of a scene for electronic music, but we have some really talented dj’s. Can’t forget Mr. Dibbs, and Animal Crackers.
One of the biggest things i left out was, SCRIBBLEJAM!!! (R.I.P)
Been going there every year since '98, and seeing the dj competitions was probably the reason i got behind the decks in the first place.
Things like this helped it along…
I was right in front of the stage for this.
Derrick Carter, no question. I’d been mucking around with dance music for about 4-5 years and played just about every type of dance music before I properly sat down and listened to his stuff (about 1998). Up until then I’d played everything from goa trance to coffee table deep house. It was after this epiphany that I really discovered the sound that I still play.
The records he chooses to play really chimed with all the bits I loved about house music and he made me realise it’s perfectly ok to mix sweet melodic tunes with techy repetitive tracks and that there’s nothing wrong with accessable, non-pretentious tunes aimed squarely at the dancefloor.