There are DJs that take you on a euphoric journey through the amazing sounds they play, and there are those that just bring out the wild child in you on the dance floor by playing your favourite tunes.
To see both characterizations in one individual package these days, as it is usually a ‘one or the other’ type of deal, is sporadic. I’m not trying to say that it’s a bad thing, because there are people who choose their own methods to execute certain abilities.
Though I must say that it takes one hell of a demeanor to possess the skills to control the musical momentum of a party; but it takes an incredible master mixer to actually inspire people to join the industry and become a DJ. This is where Neil Pepito comes in.
Neil’s aura can be quite intimidating at first. His built and height might leave you in his shadows as he towers over you, but give it a while to actually get to know the guy and you’ll see him for who he really is: a laid-back, no-nonsense individual with a knack for light-hearted humour.
If you were still playing with your Legos during the 90s, chances are you aren’t very familiar with Y101’s Party Patrol. Take this as an Easter egg about the city’s music industry. Party Patrol was a breakthrough for Cebu’s radio scene, as it was the first ever segment to feature live mixing on air, catering to the A-B crowd. Neil was one of the front men to dominate the airwaves with impeccable rhythmic ideals.
Aside from his flawless mixing abilities and his excellent ear for great music, he has a way of empowering and motivating the people around him. I personally consider this man to be one of the very few people I look up to and respect in regards to his personality as a DJ, and skill as a musician. He’s an all-around cool guy; a positive entity that you wouldn’t mind jamming with hours on end.
When did you become a DJ? Was it always a passion of yours?
• I started to get into DJ'ing when I was around 14.
What made you decide to go on Y101’s Party Patrol (when it first started)?
• I knew nothing else and was never interested in anything else but mixing & remixing. I'm not too sure who came up with the Party Patrol concept; but our DJ Crew (Ultimate Creation & GAP Mobile) was invited to do the show every Friday night.
Did you know at that point that DJ’ing would become your career?
• I still don't look at it as a career. I just continue to do it for the love of it and for the love of music.
What is your personal genre of choice? And does it change when you’re playing for the people?
• My personal genre of choice is Tech House. Music is so influential that it can reach out to you subliminally. Tech House doesn't promote violence, hate, it doesn't degrade, it's not vulgar, it doesn't even talk about love or heartache. It gives you the personal freedom for interpretation. All it does is influence you to dance your ass off to thick kick drums & funky bass lines.
Do you take them on the journey or do they take you?
• Now that's a great question. Back in the day you're given a 3-4 hour set to create that journey to build, keep steady, peak, and then smooth out. Nowadays it's the crowd that almost has control of the situation especially when you're only given an hour for your set.
Were there any struggles along the way when it came to your musical career?
• Time! Time has always been a struggle for me when you need to juggle being a responsible father as well.
You left for the US and stayed there for quite some time. Did that have an impact on your life musically and personally?
• ABSOLUTELY! Growing up in San Francisco in the 80's, it was the time when Hip Hop was still in its rawest form. I could easily match the beat then start scratching the song in. Living in Cebu at 17, I had to learn how to play different dance genres and work on my mixing skills to become cleaner, smooth and in perfect timing. Joji Sarmiento & Jonathan Tionko kept me up late nights til the early mornings to help me work on my craft.
Who are your musical influences?
• The Beatles, Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, RUN DMC. Anything Rick Rubin & Arthur Baker were producing in the 80's.
Are there people in your life who inspire you to keep going?
• The people who inspire me to continue my passion are the random folks that constantly come up to me to tell me I was responsible for motivating them to get into DJ'ing. To be influential to people in a positive way is a great feeling.
How many tattoos do you have, and can you give us a short narrative for each one?
• I currently have 3 tattoos. It started off as a half sleeve cover up for a piece that was done when I was around 18 or 19. It's now a full sleeve with 2 Arowanas. I wanted to do something Japanese themed with Koi because I was drawn to the intricate shading of the scales; but felt I wasn't worthy enough since I'm only 1/4 Japanese. So I went for my love of the Arowana because of its grace, the way it attacks, and it’s known for good luck! We won't discuss my 3rd one; it still needs to be covered up.
It’s been 20 years since the last Party Patrol. Does it seem that long?
• 20 years has gone but when you see your old friends and listen to Y101 on the radio, it just feels like you never left!
Are you planning to record your own music any time soon?
• DJ'ing and Producing go hand in hand. I do have some stuff in the works but I’m still looking for that solid time to commit to it!
Do you have any advice for the up-and-coming DJs in the city?
• My advice for them is to please continue to push new music. Don't play what everyone else is playing. Create an identity. When you drop that new track, own up to it, smile at the crowd and sell it with confidence.
Quick Facts:
Favourite Food:Anything Japanese - from Ramen to Sashimi, I love it all!
Favourite Summer Vacation Spot: IBIZA SPAIN!
Your personal top summer track: Wow I actually don't have one!
All-time favourite track:Numbers by Kraftwerk - My first ever experience with the Electronic sound changed the way I listen to music forever.