It’s the newest hotspot in Vegas. And DJ Toma is the man who creates the vibe. Originally from Hawaii, Toma is Prive’s Resident DJ on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. He took some time out to talk to Clubplanet about spinning in Vegas, his musical influences, and the future of DJs.
Clubplanet: What's the best part about spinning at Prive?
DJ Toma: I get to set the tone for the night creating a non-stop party. Watching the crowd jump up and down, the girls dance on the couches, and the celebrities get into my sets is very satisfying. It’s the greatest job on earth!
What are you thinking about behind the decks?
DJ Toma: I pretty much just read the crowd and make sure everyone is having the time of their life.
Your biggest music influences?
DJ Toma: When I first started spinning my influences where James Coles, Kool E, DJ JP, Kutmaster Spaz, John Kamahele, DJ QBert, and DJ Skribble. These guys influenced me in the art of DJing but now I find myself more inspired by people behind the scenes like Terry Lewis & Jimmy Jam, Troy Gonzalez, Lil Jon, Teddy Riley, DJ Premier, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (The Neptunes), Mauricio, Dr. Dre, Kid Keoni, and Timbaland. These people are composers and producers, and it’s their creativity that really drives the music industry today.
So let’s say you’re not at the club. What are your hobbies?
DJ Toma: Body surfing back in my hometown of Hawaii with family and friends, barbequing, snowboarding during the winter, and traveling.
What are your 5 "desert-island" albums?
DJ Toma: The Chronic by Dr. Dre, Qu Tang Forever by Wu-Tang Clan, Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Live at Hanks Place by Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Songs of Freedom (Greatest Hits) by Bob Marley
How do you see the role of the DJ evolving in the next 5 years?
DJ Toma: The DJ has definitely been put on a pedestal and with the rise of Serato, it’s really stepped up the game. Those that can sustain through this transition period to digital will be the DJs that can truly program and rock the crowd.
So how’d you first get the music bug?
DJ Toma: When I was three I started playing the piano. And then when I was twelve I picked up the string bass. I also took professional dance classes intertwined with breakdancing.
Now that we want to see…
DJ Toma: Then I really enjoyed listening to DJs on the radio, and in 1994 I saved up my money for a summer to buy turntables. I practiced day and night.
What's the last good book you read, and why'd you like it?
DJ Toma: Last good book I finished was Good to Great by Jim Collins, which takes an analytical approach to successful businesses and reveals the real reason why they succeed for the long term.
Describe your typical "day in the life."
DJ Toma: If I'm not out of town, I usually start the day with some scratch practice sessions and some music production work. Then I make some phone calls, handle daily job-related duties, go to the gym, hang with friends, then on to work.
Before you die you will…
DJ Toma: Retire a rich, comfortable multi-millionaire, raise a family and spend time helping others achieve their goals and dreams.
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More info on: Prive, Las Vegas