Mr. P-body is an amazing DJ who has been part of the nightlife world for almost 15 years. He provides the best music and entertainment in Arizona's finest lounges, restaurants, bars and clubs. Get to know more about him.

Arizona Foothills Magazine: How long have you been in Arizona?

Mr. P-Body: I have been in Arizona since I was 5 years old. I am almost a native but I was born in Louisville Kentucky.

AFM: When did you pick up DJing?

Mr. PB: I never aspired to become a DJ; it was something that just kind of happened out of being a musician. I played in bands in the 90’s Tempe band scene but after that I produced a hip-hop group and the rappers needed a "DJ" behind them when they performed. At some point, I used the turntables at someone's party and since I already had musical knowledge, enthusiasm and knew a lot of people, I slowly evolved into a DJ and building a career out of it.

AFM: What’s life like for a DJ outside of the parties?

Mr. PB:Well, it’s a little bit rockstar because I'm also the bassist in a band called Elvis Before Noon. However, outside of all the gigging, I have a very busy life because I have started to move into graphic design and PR/marketing, which is directly connected to the branding I did for my DJ career. Yet, it is a popular myth that every DJ gig is a party. I do a wide variety of gigs-corporate, weddings, background music, etc. A lot of these are anything but a party. It's a job just like anything else, albeit an enjoyable one. I often joke with people that, my fee is for moving the equipment in and out; the fun part, the spinning, is virtually free.

AFM: What’s your go-to song when the party is slow and no one is dancing?

Mr. PB:That all depends. The song that is like some sort of equivalent to an "easy" button could be a classic or a current hit. The audience would ultimately determine what I would reach for. There is also the timing. For instance, you cannot play the top current hit or whatever the big request of the day is in the beginning of a set because, then what? But then again, something by MJ usually works.

AFM: Why do you think you won Best of Our Valley?

Mr. PB:I believe it is a deserved title in that I've done many, many high profile events and I am called up for more of them than I can handle. I have to give some of the gigs away. Not many would argue that my resume is extensive and list of venues played but getting a lot of your supporters to vote and vote consistently for 2 whole months was often handled by my fiance, Chevon, who I must acknowledge as a sort of campaign manager. She was contantly jumping up and down on Facebook sidelines posting like a cheerleader, "Don't forget to vote!" 

AFM: What’s the craziest party you’ve ever DJ’d?

Mr. PB:The infamous JackRabbit Lounge Christmas party on Camelback Mountain comes to mind. They were annual and calmed down in recent years but about 5 years ago, it seemed like thousands came, and the ladies were dressed to the nines--until they got really drunk and were hardly dressed at all. People danced into a frenzy. I looked at my watch and I was stunned to see it was 4:30am. Believe it or not, a particular wedding comes to mind that was at Silverleaf Country Club. One of the most energetic crowds I've ever seen. They started dancing before dinner and in it's primetime I felt like I was Deadmau5 at Coachella or something. I keep asking the bride and groom to get married again.

AFM:  Since you have many years experience, do you feel that DJing has changed at all thru the years?

Mr. PB: The essential part of entertaining your audience or client is still the main goal but I would say that the crowd's expectations have changed. Crowds used to allow you to be an artist and let your set develop and surprise them. Now, since "everybody's a DJ" or owns and iPod, people are used to hearing whatever they want to hear whenever they want in this computer/iTunes age. So they now come up and demand their song and there are many who are starting to behave as if you're a giant jukebox and your expected to have every single song ever made and they want to hear their request instantly.

AFM:  What’s the weirdest song request you’ve ever received?

Mr. PB: New Years Eve at Valley Ho. A guy asked me for Iron Butterfly's "In a Gadda Da Vida." He was like, "Any chance?" I said No. He came back and asked again.

AFM:  How much preparation is there when you get ready for a gig?

Mr. PB: This all depends on the nature of the gig. Weddings and corporate gigs often require some work on the microphone with announcements or award presentations. Musically, I think it's far more important to know the audience. I'm not one of those guys that sits down and makes a list for the night's gig. I read people and feel the vibe. People walk up and ask, "What are you starting with, or what song is next?" I have no idea. I just play what feels right.

 AFM:  If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be doing?

Mr. PB:Other than playing in a band? Well, with all of the marketing that goes along with my 2 musical arts, I feel like I am doing most of what I would prefer to. I guess I would say that with a little luck, there is always a way to find yourself doing what you want to do if you try hard enough, are patient, and seize opportunity.

AFM: When you aren’t DJing what do you like to do with your free time?

Mr. PB: I'm now referred to as P-daddy with a daughter named Jasmine Glory Scott so when off work. It's gotten quite domesticated and it's a good thing cause I hang at home with my family and cook and watch AMC's top TV shows or Network sitcoms about babies like, "Raising Hope." Otherwise, I love films, bike riding, and learning all the challenging aspects of the art of upright bass.

Click here to visit Mr. P-body's website.

Click here to see him as a winner of the Best of Our Valley Contest.