Flare /flɛː/
1. noun: Sudden recurrence of an inflammation or other medical condition "Corticosteroid treatment for Crohn's or Colitis flares"
2. verb: Burn or shine with a sudden intensity
3. DJ: Flare is a well known DJ and most known for his invention of the flare scratch.
After a bit of R&R, with our trip to New York City we are ready for another push towards the end of the year, with our sites fully 2020 locked. Flare4Flare is our palette cleanser mix series, offering tasty nuggets in the form of our 10 minute mixes. Mix #003 was an absolute treat from Dj Chrome and his 45 selection. This time around we stride from Norwich in the U.K to Los Angeles, California and more specific INGLEWOOOOD! (In a Dr Dre voice!).
This mix series gives the Dj’s the chance to challenge a fellow Dj to bring a mix to the table. Our next Dj was challenged from Jon1st (Mix #002) and comes in the shape of IFTW aka Image aka Image From The Wood.
About IFTW…
IFTW is a World Champion Dj and producer based out of Los Angeles, California. Having gotten his start in 1995, he has been a Dj for over twenty-three years, and a producer for the past decade. Born in Guatemala, he was first inspired to get into music through his father, who worked as a radio Dj in Guatemala. IFTW had his first foray into the music scene at a very productive and innovative time for his craft. Pulling inspiration from the underground bass music scene of L.A. and combining it with more mainstream genres he grew up with, he has been able to establish his own style filled with energy and an impeccable sense of reading the crowd and being able to make them move.
IFTW has had numerous accolades throughout his career, including winning the 2014 DMC Battle For World Supremacy Championship and being a 2018 Goldie Awards World Finalist and a 2018 Red Bull 3Style US Finalist. Thus far, IFTW is one of the only Dj’s to have been part of all major Dj competitions. From playing events for major brands like ESPN, Showtime, Nickelodeon, Fox, Latin Grammys, Red Bull, X-Games and Nike, to being featured on Revolt TV and touring with Hip Hop artist WAX. Music allows IFTW to travel the world rocking dance floors with his unique vibe.
You can find him in Los Angeles at his residencies: Apt 503 and The Pool at The Line Hotel. Online he can be found at www.djiftw.com and can be found across social media at the handle @iftw.
A word with IFTW…
Hey Christian, thanks so much for getting involved in Flare4Flare on Hospital Radio. Here’s a few questions for you.
Who are your biggest musical influences? I got so many, thanks to my parents who always blasted music through the house when I was little. But at the top, I would have to say Sade, she’s the queen and ‘Is it a crime?’ takes me to my happy place. Nowadays I would say Anderson Paak, his work ethic and his range are amazing.
We are very much aware of your talents behind the decks, what albums would be your Top 5 digs from the crates, if you had to pick your Desert Island Discs? Off the top of my head in no particular order ‘Bizarre Ride II’ - The Pharcyde, ‘Black on Both Sides’ - Mos Def, ‘Abraxas’ - Santana, ‘The Best of Sade’, ‘By The Way’ - RHCP.
You have such an excellent resumé and list of accolades, for us watching you beating Vekked for the DMC Battle For Supremacy in 2014 was such an epic clash! How do you construct your routines and what is your favourite part of the battle? I paid my dues on the head to head battles over here in the West Coast. I love the head to head aspect because it’s the ultimate BBoy steez for Dj’s. You against somebody else and doing your best to take them out. As far as routines, I’ve had some key Dj’s that have helped me along the way, on what a routine should have, s/o to my brotha Waystyles and my crew Battlestar Massive. I used that knowledge to trim the fat off routines and making them the most impactful.
Is there anyone you'd like to challenge for Flare4Flare? I would say DJ Cplus, his Beat Macheen mixes have been some of my favourite. On the more ‘Grimey; beat steez, I would say Big Once from Chicago.
What is in the pipeline for yourself, any future projects or events you want to shout about? Right now as I write this, I’m on an American tour for 2 months with the artist Wax. After that I got a bunch of original music that I’ll be putting out in 2020, along with other mixes and a podcast, so be on the lookout for that. Just stay plugged in my @IFTW
Lastly, before we got in touch had you ever heard of Crohn’s disease? Yes I did, but not until you guys hit me up did I find out the full details to it. Super glad you guys are bringing attention to it and glad I can be part of it. Thank you.
Cheers Christian for the support and being part of this. Keep your eyes and ears open for challenge mixes from C-Plus and Big Once….The battle against Crohn’s is on!!
For more information on IFTW check his Mixcloud here or via Instagram here
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Words: Matt Strutt , IFTW
Images & Video: IFTW Cover: Chris Colouryum, Russell Mount Audio Edits: Flint & Steel
Contributors: André Leitão
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