PROOF Dec 2018 | Page 20

LISTEN | PROOF MAGAZINE 20 Sound Smell Taste NOUN NOUN NOUN Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard. The faculty or power of perceiving odours or scents by means of the organs in the nose. The sensation of flavour perceived in the mouth and throat on contact with a substance. Aroma. Musk. Perfume. Scent. Fragrance. To perceive or detect the scent of something. Inhale. Savour. Relish. Enjoy. Flavour. Delight. The ability to discern what is of good quality or of a high aesthetic standard. Style. Listen. Noise. Harmony. Melody. Vibe. Something that is perceived by the ear. Music. Music is his talent; his gift; his craft. And he appreciates all of it. There is not a genre of music that he can’t vibe to and make his own. From Hip Hop to Disco, no genre of music is off-limits for the DJ, because, as he points out, being a 3Style DJ is presenting regular music, irregularly. Listening is also important. And not just to music but to other people as well. It’s one of Andre’s life philosophies actually– because as far as he’s concerned, you have to listen if you are going to learn. ZS: How did your very first DJ-ing gig go? AP: It was ridiculous. I was just really getting into this DJ-ing thing, when Matthew [Fewture; DJ Puffy’s Manager] invited me to play a Saturday night for Masala. And of course, it was a disaster — my CD player, the right one just stopped working, so basically I had to think on my feet. I ended up putting on a mix that I had already recorded and just talked over it. Luckily, I don’t think anyone could tell but it was a real nerve-wracking experience. ZS: Are there any up-and-coming artists you have on repeat right now? AP: I hear people buzzing about this Rico Maserati guy. I think his movement is cool and it’s good that people are actually vibing with him. Also, Baker Steez. Baker Steez is this rapper from Jamaica — he hard, boy. We often overlook our sense of smell, which is pretty ironic since it’s the sense that we develop earliest. Though we might not realise it, smells and scents stick with us for a long time. They can transport us to another time. Or another place. And they can tell you a whole lot about a person, too. For instance, Andre’s favourite smells let you know he loves cologne, is super passionate about his job, and that Bajan beaches hold a special place in his heart. Don’t underestimate the power of smell, it can say much more about you than you know. Food & Fashion. Fashion & Food. They may seem like an unlikely pairing, but turns out they are two of Andre’s favourite things. Over the years, he’s become somewhat of a fashion icon in Barbados — a law onto himself when it comes to his style, with an ‘I-wear-what- I-want-to-wear’ kind of swagger. And food? He is equally passionate about that. And his taste is pretty good too. It might surprise you, but despite all his travels, his favourite meals are all local. But then again, considering the way he carries Barbados on his back, maybe it’s not so surprising after all. ZS: What is the one smell that reminds you of home? AP: Sea water. I go to the beach so-so. I would love to get in a sea bath but a lot of the time I don’t have the time. The smell is still close to my heart though, probably always will be. ZS: Best thing you ever ate? recognize anywhere? AP: I like breakfast, man. Anywhere I can get a good scrambled eggs and bacon. Cocktail Kitchen has a real nice steak, that is one of my go-to’s when I’m home. I like the curry from Tapas, too. Oh, and food from Oistins. I don’t have a best, man. I couldn’t choose . AP: Versace Eros, for sure. I know that smell a mile away. ZS: Describe your favourite ZS: One smell you can home-cooked meal. ZS: Favourite smell? AP: New equipment. Forget about a new car smell, there is literally no smell better than new equipment. AP: I really like my mum’s Cou-Cou and Flying Fish. It real slimy and it got in ‘nuff okras — cause you know that’s the only way to make Cou-Cou. ZS: Any words of advice ZS: You mentioned that creativity for aspiring creatives? is at the heart of everything you AP: Standard — keep learning. Don’t overthink, ‘cause that messes with our minds a lot. Crazy is good; so stay crazy. But stay humble too though, because you don’t know everything and you can always learn something from somebody. Keep an open mind and try to put yourself in different and unusual environments. Fast Facts Favourite colour: Red Little known fact: Has ADHD Favourite Genre of Music: Hip Hop If I wasn’t a DJ, I’d be: A tennis player do, how does that translate to your taste, visually or aesthetically? AP: I mean, I just like when things look different or have a unique vibe or feel to them. For instance, I love the Toronto Raptors. And not necessarily for their basketball or anything, but I just think their vibe is dope.