Artist / Group Name: DJ Walt Thizzney- Alex Macias (Producer,dj (mix and on-air),sound engineer,songwriter)

Artist / Group Website: myspace.com/djwaltthizzney, Kcrhradio.com KCRH 89.9 fm

Artist Location:East Bay Area Northern Cali

How did you get started with your music?
It started when my pops got me a turntable/cassette set up when I was 11. I learned to make pause mixes and scratches on my little stereo system. I also wrote my first rap at that age. Still remember it to this very day, however you will never hear me spit it.

What are you currently working on?
Pushing the project mixtape with the Da Tykoon "It's About Time", aside from two projects that are nearing completion. One with Visualeyez which features a Hip Hop style, and a project with Sirewater which features a more mob style of Hip Hop/Rap.

What kind of music do you listen to and how does it influence your music?
I listen to everything except new country pop. My favorites include Kool 'N' The Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, Prince, Micheal Jackson, Ferry Corsten, and Thievery Corporation. I use a lot of influence from the 70's and 80's, mixing samples from those eras with new age synth sounds and slappin' drums.

What's your opinion on mainstream music today? What do you like or not like?
I think for the most part Mainstream music is sounding better than has been in the past couple of years. Thanks to the internet artists are getting play that normally wouldn't have seen the opportunity in the past because of their independent label status. The thing that I dislike about the mainstream music today is there still seems to be a cookie cutter approach to what makes pop "pop".

Who do you admire?
I admire artist that can break that mold and redefine styles that peoples ears tend to get stuck on.

Why would people want to listen to your music over someone else's?
I think it can relate to different people on different levels. I make songs to fit different moods, I can swing the song one way with a party vibe, or get sentimental and put people on nostalgic level with my music.

Who have you worked with and how have they affected your work?
I have worked with Conscious Souls, Enzyme Dynamite, Visualeyez Kutlis, and DaTykoon most recently. They really revived my confidence in myself. Working with them has been pushing me to stay in that creative state of mind. Also, working with different genres keeps my mind tuned in to the music making process. Working live musicians helps me check myself as far as knowing how to apply the rules to making music. Working with the vocal talent helps keep my sound alive by adding that finishing touch.

What is your local music scene like?
I run a Hip Hop night one Saturday a month at Palomares Cafe/Bar and Grill. At Palomares we feature artists and I DJ, I also dj on-air Saturday afternoons12pm-3pm and do live mixing for kcrhradio.com's morning show. Email me at waltthizzney@gmail.com for info.

What suggestions do you have for other artists in the music industry?
Music classes and recording class are where its at. I got a lot know how from enrolling in school. Not from just the technical aspect but also the creative aspect.

Where do you see yourself in a year from now?
Getting closer to finishing my Mass Comm degree at SF State, and producing as much as possible.

Any additional information you would like us to know?
Yeah, tune in at myspace.com/djwaltthizzney, and look for upcomming mixtapes and projects with my name on it or any artists Im affiliated with, such as Da Tykoon, Visualeyez Kutlis,Conscious Souls, Second and Soul, Sirewater, Corus and Enzyme Dynamite.