I get along with most people but I didn’t think a meeting with a hip hop DJ would turn into a twitter fest friendship. Mel DeBarge is one of fashion’s favorite music makers. He   spins for designers, clubs and even Société Perrier.  Over lunch at The Standard Grill we learned about his education in Japan, his love of Ralph Lauren and our mutual disdain for most runway music. 

Tell us about your uncle, Disco Dave.

He was a DJ back in the late 70‘s and early 80‘s. He did a lot of the gay scene downtown mainly Acid House. I inherited all of his vinyl! So I cheated a little bit (laughs).

I hear you went to school in Japan. How did that come about?

Well, my last year in high school was outside of Barcelona. I won a scholarship to go. Then from that I won another one through Southampton College to go to Japan for three years. I loved it and I think it molded me to who I am today. I spent a lot of time on my own since I was in Kyoto. People wouldn’t speak to you if you didn’t speak the language.  I was DJing in college so I would come back to New York  in the summers and DJ in the Hamptons. 

 How did you get so ingrained with the fashion world?

In high school I collected Ralph Lauren! And I still have so many pieces. Back in 1994 the Ralph Lauren bear sweaters were the item of the moment! It was expensive so I had to work a lot to get those pieces. It was a real sub culture. I would meet kids in front of Atrium on Broadway and meet a gang of boys who would sell me this sweater. It was a little scary I have to say. My love for Ralph Lauren vintage in Japan shaped my style today.

 Well that is a pretty amusing entree into the fashion world. How did you get to where you are today?

I started off doing store openings for fashion stores and the PR people liked the way I dressed so I think it just happened organically. I ended up doing Vogue and GQ parties. My first fashion show was with Baby Phat. I made a lot of contacts through that and it kept going. Kimora would sit with us and go through each song one by one so it was intense but paid off. I have done loads in Europe and here in New York City for Oscar de la Renta and others. I really enjoyed Gen Art because it was all about up and coming talent.

 Does the fashion world want different tunes than a nightclub?

Shows are much more orchestrated since you have to keep with the mood and even the colors of the collection. At clubs you have to figure out the audience. 

Because I have to be honest I usually find show music rather horrid. So often it’s so loud and sounds like pots and pan in a hurricane. 

I have to agree. People try too hard sometimes. But at shows like Kimora’s the music is house, urban and fun. I’ve actually lost shows because I just don’t play such obscure music.

Have you seen any musicians’ careers launched through the fashion world? 

I think it is more of a personal style. The Killers are amazing with their look. They are fisherman looking dudes! Kanye is very fashion. He was a big Polo guy too!  I may be hip hop but I wear pants that fit. So I guess we cross the barriers. 

 Which other DJ’s do you admire?

I learned how to mix with Stretch Armstrong. He is so smooth. Mark Ronson wasn’t afraid to mix rock with the Notorious BIG. And DJ Cassidy- his knowledge of music is so vast. He knows everything.

How does Social Media play into your profession?

We reach so many more people that way. I can really show people who I am and it translates to the music. They feel a connection to me and are more receptive to learning about my events and new music.

Any favorite spot to spin?

I like PHG at the new Dream Hotel. It’s like a club but the music is a little more loungey. Its fun. 

How has DJing changed. 

I miss the images! I used to flip through vinyl and know I wanted that record with Chaka Khan in the white dress. Now I have to just search for titles. Also the DJ culture has changed. We don’t hang out in vinyl shops and talk about our gig last night. You sit at home and download tunes. It’s a shame.

I totally agree! Not that I’m a DJ but I think that resonates with everyone. Get out of the house! What’s next for you?

Bowties and Goodtimes, my new app!

Tell us about it.

It’s launching January 10th.  Through this app people can see my blog and download my monthly mixed tapes. I spin everything from Sting to Michael Jackson. 

How did you come up with the bow tie app?

I have a media company too and we work with a lot of video so I wanted to incorporate that to interact with people. You can download my app and take your picture with a variety of my bowties too! I wanted it to be fun and also make a difference. Its another way of interacting on the go!