DJ Justin Browning

WHEN: Justin spins for Aqualounge, Ohm’s regular Wednesday Trance/Breakbeat night.

How did you get into DJing?

I started making music when I was like 11 or 12, and my dad bought me a keyboard from GI Joe’s.

Why trance?
I was hearing trance music played so rarely, so I started buying a bunch of records, ‘cause I couldn’t find any of the underground stuff on CD. I just love the celebratory chord structures and the utopian vibe that go along with trance. It’s not like I have anything against house, but for me, progressive music just sticks out.

What were you like as a kid?
If I wasn’t doing my homework, I always had my headphones on and was playing music. I always used to make mix tapes for everyone.

What else would you like to be doing?
I’d like to be playing at more raves, travelling and working in a studio on some tracks. I’m kind of limited because I don’t have a computer, and I’ve been in Portland all my life.

Tell me something about Aqualounge.
I’m trying to feature local artists and more famous DJs. On July 11 one of my favorite DJs, Thomas Michael, is going to be here from LA, and I’m excited about that. I learned a lot of my mixing style from him, like how he uses the sliders.

IN HEAVY ROTATION:
Donna Lewis Take Me Over (Warner Chappell)
Prahna Presents Xian Pachinko (Platypus)
Deep Cover Beatstalker (Hope Recordings)
Trancesetters Synergy (Hooj)
Greed Strange World (Platypus) KATIE SHIMER