DJ, saxophonist and producer… How are you incorporating all of that into your current DJ performances?
It is tough to give attention to each art form but I do my best to keep everything progressing. Sometimes I just DJ, other times I just play sax with bands or live over other DJs. Everything comes full circle when I spin and play the sax at the same time. It’s the best when I get to play the tunes I feel are best for layering the sax with. I spin some of my own tracks in there as well.

How does it feel to be classified as one of Vancouver’s favourite underground party DJs?
If people give me props like that, I’m thrilled. I’m from the old school of DJing in Van. I started spinning shows in 1994 and was lucky enough to be part of the scene back then.

What brings you out to Hong Kong?
This year I was in Toronto for the summer doing music stuff. Things were good there but for a musician it was essentially the same hustle as in Vancouver. The opportunity came up for this gig in Hong Kong and I jumped on it. This residency allows me to showcase my spinning and live saxophone work in a very slick venue. MO Bar looks absolutely amazing. I really appreciate Asian culture and I’m excited to get to Hong Kong and see what it’s all about. I think it would be great to learn a little Cantonese.

Have you always wanted to be a musician/DJ?
When I was 4 years old, I wanted to be the A&W Root Bear. At around 9 or 10, I wanted to be a cartoonist. I started DJing when I was 13 and actually made some money playing for house parties, weddings, and such. So I guess technically mixing records was my first job. I was playing sax in the school band around that time too. The thrill of performing has always drawn me in.
Who is the most inspiring person you have worked with?
I really enjoy working with Rennie Pilgrem and he’s been a great help and inspiration to me.

What was the first record you ever bought?
When I was about 10 years old, I bought Herbie Hancock’s Future Shock for Rockit. Coincidentally, I’ve currently got Rockit on my cell as a ring tone.

What are your goals for the future?
Right now I’m flying solo, but at some point I plan on starting a new band with both electronic and acoustic elements. I’m sure music will be a lifelong endeavour for me and hopefully I’ll be practising and learning new techniques till I’m old and grey. I just want to play wherever I can and be a positive influence on people around me, musically and spiritually.

For people who haven’t experienced your DJing, what should they expect?
At MO Bar, I’ll be playing a wide range of music geared towards the upscale lounge atmosphere. I’ll be mixing downtempo, nu jazz and other modern chill sounds. I’ll also be getting into some deep house and other sophisticated uptempo dance grooves. I like to utilize the effects on the Pioneer DJ mixer, do some subtle scratching, and of course I’ll be getting live on the saxes. Right now this lounge-style performance is very appropriate for this stage in my life and music career. Keepin’ it cool.

Cool indeed! Club Angel XX

Spence can currently be seen at MO Bar (Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 15 Queen’s Central Road, The Landmark, Central 2132 0077)
Tuesday-Saturday from 8.00 pm.