San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
FOR THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND, 6 DJS SHARE WHAT THEY’LL BE SPINNING
They recommend songs to set the tone for the holiday
Across San Diego County this Fourth of July weekend, parties, festivals and other celebrations will commence, with local DJS setting the mood and selecting music to best represent the Independence Day holiday.
Patriotism, independence and life in the United States hold different meanings for different people, and that includes the many diverse communities in San Diego.
This weekend, DJS have the ability to represent these various viewpoints through music.
For some, that means genres like Afro house and reggae. For others, it includes pop music staples about partying in the U.S.A and feeling like a firework.
For DJ HEZBO, it’s a little bit of everything. Originally from Spain, HEZBO considers an immigrants perspective with his work. To him, the Fourth of July “means celebrating foreign people.”
“I will incorporate sounds from Africa, from Spain, from Europe, from Australia [and] from the U.S.,” said HEZBO. “So it’s like incorporating sounds and melodies or elements from all over the world.”
More generally, he views the holiday as a time for friends and family to gather.
Below, six local DJS recommend and explain one song they plan on adding into their sets and share where they’ll be performing this weekend.
Diana San
“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
“San Diego is just full of so much diversity and that makes it one of my many favorite things about living here.
“This song is an absolute classic and anywhere you are, it just gets the party going! It’s a perfect song to play for this occasion and I’m looking forward to it.”
3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Beach House, 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego.
DJ Hevrock
“Living in America” by James Brown
“This is a classic ‘80s funk song from the godfather of soul himself, James Brown. The lyrics describe life for many blue-collar Americans at that time, and the chorus exudes proud patriotism without being boastful. Also, on a holiday that is usually reserved for classic rock and country music, I think it’s important we remember that funk and soul are American music forms as well.”
Noon to 5 p.m. on today, July 3. The Lafayette Hotel 4th of July Weekend Sip N’ Swim Party, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego.
HEZBO
“Notre Dame” by Eldorado
“This particular song has a lot of meaning for me. It is an Afro house track with flamenco vocals and flamenco guitar. I am from Spain and flamenco is a style that I love. For me it is a perfect track for Fourth of July because the song mix cultures from Africa and Spain. Like I said, Fourth of July for me means a day to get together with people, dance, smile and love each other like equals.”
Thugwave (DJ Calvin Harrison Ford and DJ Sorry Shark)
“What’s Wrong With You” by Well Well Well mashed up with the Home Depot theme song
“Well Well Well is singlehandedly saving the San Diego music scene and their new single ‘What’s Wrong With You’ shreds like lettuce baby ... And we gotta mash it up with the Home Depot theme cause it’s the Fourth baby!”
2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 4. The Bluefoot, 3404 30th St., San Diego.
DJ Matrox
“Fire on the Horizon” by Stick Figure
“I’ve always liked reggae. This song is a feel good song that brings me back to my roots. It’s got a really chill vibe that everyone can enjoy.”
DJ Gigi
“Firework” by Katy Perry
"[It’s a] fun dance song appropriate for the holiday. [It] gets everyone excited for the Fourth, especially when watching fireworks.”
7 p.m. to 10 p.m on Mondayn July 4. Andaz Rooftop, 600 F St., San Diego.
zara.irshad@sduniontribune.com Irshad is an intern for Pacific San Diego magazine.