DJ Snakes
A Hidden Artisan
The Keeper of the Beast

Matt Heller aka DJ Snakes is somewhat of an enigma. He is a true believer in art, poetry and music, a renaissance man, and yet he is a deejay that loves rap and hip hop. Heller is making a name for himself much like the radio Deejays of the fifties and sixties. I remember Dick Fabian and Bob Dyer, leading the way at WKNZ, taking their show on the road and becoming every bit as popular as the young bands they promoted on the radio. Heller’s gig is quite similar When he’s spinning the discs and rappin’ to the beat you get the idea he is revealing more than just the gospel of the streets. He is on a journey of discovery that nourishes the soul as well as the body. He is an act of liberation that dares you to get on the floor and find that aliveness inside of you. In fact he’s daring you to become your genuine self. Move your body to the rhythm and the beat. Listen to the music, close your eyes and dance and imagine all that is regal about you and rediscover your true nature. Heller has proved to be as resilient as they come with a dogged respect for the genre he espouses and an appreciation of any work of art that is authentic and heartfelt even when it gets down and dirty, out in the street, where our real prophets reside.

When did you first discover your love for music?

I’ve always been into music for as long as I can remember. I used to tape songs off the radio and rabidly watch music videos on MTV and The Box. I was always fascinated by the way music makes people feel. The places where music can take a person are infinite. Songs are relative to the listener. They tell a story or create a feeling that is unique to whoever hears it. I always knew music was in my heart because of how important it is to my life. I’ve spent years listening to records as therapy when I’m down, at work, or as a soundtrack to the good times. My ears have always been open to all genres of music and perspectives. There are sounds that I’m into, but I’m open to all genres and recommendations.

When did you start out as a DJ?

I started dabbling with the turntables about 12 years ago. My friend had a DJ setup in high school and I liked making mixtapes on it so much that I had to get my own. I’ve always loved hip hop because of its honesty and its roots in almost every genre. Searching out the sample sources to my favorite beats has led me to music that I never would have experienced if I didn’t dig in the crates and go beyond the here and now.

How did you learn your craft?

I learned a lot about the art of being a DJ on my own. I used to practice for hours with no real gigs in sight. There are so many people who showed me little things along the way that ended up being pivotal. Simple things like how to set my weights or how to EQ my blends made me a better DJ. I’ve incorporated subtleties into my mixing that were influenced by everyone from DJ legends to local dudes. I’m an energy sponge and I get inspiration from life in general.

Do you view yourself as a musician?

It’s in the eye of the beholder whether or not I’m a musician. Sometimes I focus on rocking the party and other times I jam with bands like Thick as Thieves. I’m sure anyone who saw our show together at the Pub would agree that what I do with scratching requires timing and musicianship. I take DJ’ing seriously and I want to show people that what we do is an art and not simply playing music.

Do you focus on rhythm, beat or lyrics in your Hip Hop shows?

When it comes to hip hop, I try to be myself above all else. I think people respond to my style because I’m honest about what I want to play and what live acts I choose to showcase. I don’t pander and I never underestimate a crowd’s intelligence or taste. I’m into good music period whether it be hip hop or anything else ever made. The roots of hip hop are an amalgamation of styles and genres. I try to paint the entire picture of hip hop and at the same time not be boxed in or fall into the stereotypes and generalizations that come along with being a club DJ.

Tell me about some of your favorite or most successful shows

My favorite shows are by far The Realness series I do every other Wednesday at White’s Bar. There is a raw energy and honesty about the bar that fits perfectly with The Realness vibe. I’ve noticed that rappers like to perform at White’s because people pay attention and listen to what the MC is rapping about. The creative control is another important aspect to the success of my night. I’m a much better performer and my shows are the most successful when everyone involved has the freedom to do their thing without being censored or pressured to do pop music. I think one of the best things about White’s is that people can come as they are. I look out into the audience and see a diverse crowd on Wednesdays that want to see hip hop in its rawest form. Beats and rhymes.

Tell me about some of your guest stars and what they contributed

I owe a great deal of my success to the rappers that come out every other Wednesday and help me promote and bring different crowds into White’s. I couldn’t do it without them. I was pleased to see that many of the artists and promoters I have worked with in the past year were recognized at the Review Music Awards. I’m glad I could be a part of a successful year for local hip hop. Saginaw has a highly talented pool of MC’s, promoters and DJ’s. Things are really coming together and I’m trying to do my part in uniting the local scene and making everyone stronger as a unit. I’ll do whatever I can to help other artists have an outlet and be a promoter that gives more weight to talent than a buzz.

Peace
Bo White