Rostam’s 30 – One on One with DJ Mark Stylz

Posted 2/24/13 by DJ Rostam

Rostam’s 30 is LTCL Magazine’s new initiative led by DJ Rostam to introduce new hot artists to our college readers. Simply put, we interview these artists with 30 questions and provide their music links for you to download and listen to daily. Let us know what you think about Mark Stylz with a comment below!

Well boys and girls of the college world, this week on Rostam’s 30, we have for you an exclusive one on one interview of the Vegas resident DJ, Mark Stylz. DJ Mark Stylz is the Program Manager at the Palms Hotel and Casino and Resident DJ at Playboy Club, Ghostbar, Moon and Rain in Las Vegas, Nevada. Vegas known for its non-stop wild party routine, it’s definitely big props to Stylz to stay focused by holding a big role as a DJ in the Sin City’s nightlife.

How did it all start?

Beginning as a BBoy breakdancing in various parks and youth clubs throughout San Diego in the early 80’s, it was evident that spinning records would be the natural progression for a young boy who loved the hip hop culture. By the time he was 12, Mark Stylz got his first pair of turntables and hasn’t stopped rocking ever since. After 20+ years of dedication to DJin’, Stylz has had many residencies at some of Los Angeles’ hottest and most exclusive nightclubs. The combination of his turntable skills and tasteful music selection has earned him many residencies in Las Vegas and around the country, including Scottsdale, San Francisco, San Diego and Atlantic City to name a few.

Meeting one on one and watching the man at work was a superior experience for a working DJ myself. There are multiple different styles behind Stylz that keeps the party rockin’ all night long. Watching him up close gave me a chance to see it all for myself. He is phenomenal on the turntables with his scratches, drops, cuts and smooth transitions. He recently competed in RedBull Thre3style Competition dropping 5 different genres of music in his live set and placed 2nd, so again big props to the man. Performing with big names in the music industry has earned him the spot he’s at right now. At the age of 39, he says he has more energy than ever doing what he is mostly passionate about! And let’s be honest, the man knows how to keep the crowd moving on their feet all night. ‘Soldier of Sound’ is truly a title well deserved for him. For more on Mark Stylz follow him on his official Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Full Name: Mark Pacheco
Stage Name: DJ Mark Stylz
Occupation: DJ
Genre: Open Format
Gender: Male
Age: 39
Where did your stage name come from? Stylz was my B Boy name! I got the name from the movie “Teen Wolf” circa 1985.
Where are you from? San Diego, CA.
Where did you start your career? I rocked a Junior High School dance; when I was 11, with my parents’ turntable and a boom box plugged into a guitar amp. Still got the amp and the boom box.
What city do you represent? Southern California.
What gave you that initial push? It chose me when I was 4 yrs old. My parents were tired of me asking them to play my Sesame Street record, so they showed me how to do it myself. I have been fascinated with the turntable ever since. Also, being a break-dancer taught me how I wanted to hear my music. There has never been an initial push; it’s just something I have always done.
How long have you been in the industry? I played my first club at 17 (1990). It was called, Distillery (San Diego) an 18 and older club.
If you had to give a thank-you speech, who would you thank and what would you say? I would definitely thank God for the gift of sound and thank you to my family for their love and support.
What makes you a softie? My wife and daughter, and they know it.
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? I would score movies.
What are three hobbies of yours other than what you do? Surfing, Break Dancing and Producing Music.
Pepsi or Coke? Coke. Unless Pepsi wants to sponsor me then, “Go Pepsi!”
Rap or Hip Hop? Hip Hop, because “Hip Hop” is the culture. It’s a lifestyle. It includes DJin’, Break Dancing, Rapping, Graffiti, Writing and etc. It’s the way you think, speak and carry yourself. It’s a cultural representation of a class struggle that makes it a way of life.
House or Dubstep? House, but I love Dubstep! I fell in love with the House movement because it reminded me of the Hip Hop movement. House spawned (for lack of better words) the ‘Techno/Underground’ culture, which gave birth to multiple genres of music, like Dubstep.
What do you eat a lot more than anything else? Otter Pops, Alexander the Grape fool!
What was the first event you ever played at/put on? First nightclub was Distillery (San Diego)! Thank you DJ Kool T! But I played school dances, parties, and roller-skate rinks before that.
What are some of your accomplishments in the field? Recently, I was asked to compete in the Redbull Thre3Style battle in Las Vegas (very honored to be considered). Playing in Las Vegas for the past 8 years is a huge accomplishment in itself, which has given me the opportunity to play all across the country. Las Vegas is like the NFL of nightlife. Just making a team is hard enough, but to excel for years in the game is truly an accomplishment.
What makes you different than everybody else in the industry? My ability to read any crowd. I started DJn’ when it was about the dance floor. It still is to me. I play whatever it takes to make people dance. Reading the crowd is truly an art form. It’s not something that can be taught.
Do you produce? If so do you prefer performing or producing? Yes. Both! Each is fulfilling in its own way.
Who would you love to perform with? I would have loved to perform with the late Michael Jackson.
What’s your long-term goal? To make and play great music that affect people in a positive way.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out? Hang out with my wife and daughter. I love our down time together! I’m truly blessed to provide for my family with my passion. Never thought a pair of turntables could do that!
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event? The very first ‘big deal’ event I ever played was my 7th grade sponsored dance. I ran for Class President so I could book myself to DJ. Well, I won, and I did. 45 minutes into the dance my amp blew. It was smoking and everything. Obviously, they had to stop the dance. Embarrassing at the moment. But looking back on it now, that’s hilarious!
What advice would you give to up and coming artists? Be true to yourself! If you‘re truly passionate about doing something for the art of it, you’ll be great at it.
What are your goals for 2013? In 2013, I will continue to educate myself on the technical side of music production and produce more tracks.