Revealing... I want to be Bermuda’s international DJ

DJ Rusty G gets the crowd going. You can see him at the Drunk In Love event at Cosmopolitan tonight.  

is known as one of Bermuda’s top DJs who brings the energy wherever he goes, whether he’s playing at a party or hosting his radio show.

He goes by the name of Rusty G and was born in Barbados but raised in Bermuda. Rusty G began his DJ career in 2004 while studying in Toronto. He is a part of the Shadyville Caribbean DJ fraternity.

These days, you can hear him play music on Vibe 103 daily. Rusty G plays a wide variety of music and excels in soca music. He just released Soca Madness 5, a podcast for free download.

This weekend, he is hosting Drunk In Love at Cosmopolitan Night Club on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a special Valentine’s Day event. Rusty G has a slew of upcoming events, including Mardi Gras and Return Fete in March.

Aside from DJing, he is the Fairmont Gold Manager at the Fairmont Southampton Resort. He won a VIP award in 2010 for his outstanding work in hospitality. Visit www.djrustyg.com. 

Interview by Mikaela Ian Pearman.

Your earliest memory?

Climbing trees as a kid, picking grapefruits, oranges and loquats to take home to my mom.

What were you like in school?

I was a pretty hyper kid, always running around. My teachers said I was a smart kid but talked too much and was easily distracted. I was a big time video game junkie as well.

Who is your hero/heroine?

My parents have always amazed me growing up. They really taught me the importance and value of hard work and dedication in life. I also use successful people all around me as inspiration. The world is full of incredible people, they all help paint this ‘super person’  I see in my mind.

Which human trait do you dislike the most?

I can’t stand laziness.  Life is too short to sit around and let it pass you by. Whenever I see people not utilizing their talents it frustrates me. I don’t understand why some people don’t just try a little harder sometimes.

Human trait you value most in others?

Loyalty, straight up!

When did you last laugh out loud? And why?

Last night actually, a friend sent me a link online to a pair of Yeezy 2 — Red October shoes on eBay selling for over 10,000,000 pounds. I nearly fell out of my chair!

Your greatest fear?

Letting a life-changing opportunity pass me by.

Most embarrassing moment?

I have this tendency to climb on things when I DJ. One night I climbed on this shaky table and almost fell right off it. 

Property aside, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?

My car most definitely and then DJ Equipment.  

Your ultimate ambition?

I want to be Bermuda’s international DJ. Almost every weekend you see promoters bringing DJs here from all over the world. I want to be the DJ from Bermuda... travelling the world!

Describe yourself in three words.

Focused. Ambitious. Hustler.

Best party you’ve ever been to?

This is a tough one, I’ve played events with thousands of people but my wedding reception last November was the best so far. Good times.

Anyone you’d like to say ‘sorry’ to?

All the Broncos fans out there… boy that was rough!

Worst job you’ve ever done?

I’ve done a lot of dirty jobs. Kitchen porter, bus boy, I even worked as part of the clean up crew at Somerset Cricket Club during Cupmatch one year.  (Props to those guys for real!)  All those jobs made me appreciate hard work and motivated me to finish up with school.

Closest you’ve ever come to death?

I was in a bad car accident last year. Still counting my blessings on that one, amazing how life has the potential to change completely in a matter of seconds.

Your desert island song?

I would probably choose Bitty Mclean’s Walk Away from Love, an incredible reggae remake of the original David Ruffin song
recorded in 1975.

What animal would you be and why?

One of those predator birds, like a hawk or eagle.  Must be dope to fly wherever you want, 110 per cent freedom.

If you had a time machine, where would you go?

I would go back to the mid 80s and see how my folks were living when I was a kid.  

Your most memorable dream?

I’m living it right now!

Best advice you have ever taken?

Try my best at everything I do in life and be open to new opportunities and suggestions.

If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be?

If I didn’t DJ in my spare time I think I would probably still be into music in some way.  I always wanted to learn how to play the sax. 

What do you most dislike about you appearance?

I wouldn’t mind being four inches taller, it isn’t easy being short sometimes!   

What’s your attitude to money?

Can’t get enough!  

Which cartoon character is most like you?

Leonardo from the Ninja Turtles.

Most treasured possession?

My turntables.  I’ve had the same pair of technic 1200s for almost eight years and I still prefer to use them compared to any other DJ gear I’ve used.

A dream location for a home?

Bermuda is such an amazing place; I’d love to own a house with a view of the great sound one day.  If not here I think a penthouse apartment in Manhattan, New York, would be dope.

What keeps you up at night?

My ambition keeps me up. I never want to waste a single second of any day.

Guilty pleasure?

Rum. 

Your attitude to exercise?

I tell myself I want to exercise four times a week.  I end up exercising about four times a month. 

Proudest achievement?

Probably when I won a VIP hospitality award
in 2010.

If you were a pigeon, who would you poop on?

George Zimmerman.

Pet peeve?

I can’t stand people who are always late. Drives me CRAZY!

Most daring thing you’ve ever done?

Zip lining in Hawaii was a big step for me.

What would you most like to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as Bermuda’s best DJ. A cool guy with a clear passion for the art of DJing and a genuine love for all types of music. Hopefully people will look back on my career one day and say ‘that dude was the best DJ Bermuda ever had’. Even the haters! 

Most important lesson life has taught you?

The world is constantly changing... adapt to your surroundings or get left behind and forgotten.