iDR has been blessed to have wonderful designers, movers, and shakers participate in our "In the Pressroom". In the past we've had fashion related interviews, however this interview is a more in depth insight on Barry Lai. We got a peek at him as a person, a dj, and a designer.
Barry and I go far back, we went to design school at San Jose State University. We parted ways when I continued my education at Academy and he finished up at state. From then until now, his fun personality and outgoing characteristics has not changed. It has made him well rounded and grounded person. It's fascinating to see a person grow from the days of making runs to Kinkos at 4am to now working at Imeem as Interactive Collateral Designer. Barry is not only a designer but also DJs during the night owl hours at Blowfish Sushi, Metropark, & Puma events as of recent. Read on below to get to know him.
THE PERSON
Where did you grow up? and how has it effected your perspective on life?
Grew up in the East Bay. San Leandro to be exact. San Leandro was a very tame city. The nightlife isn't as easily accessible without a car so I had to find other ways to keep myself busy. Most of the time was spent watching TV, collecting useless things - pawning them off, drawing comic book heroes, breaking apart figurines and as you could have guessed, hanging out at the mall. Yeah, I have a pretty random childhood.
What was it like?
It was like a very long and boring roller coaster ride. The only time I had fun was when I do dirt. There were definitely officers of the law around but I knew when to shed a little puppy face action. Honestly, my folks did a fine job of raising me. I love them. There were times where they didn't agree with what I did but I'd always find the light on when coming back home.
What in the past influences you today?
The music of the past. I still keep up with the new but nothing beats the old mix tapes stashed deep in the back of your closet. Those tape cassettes really have reminiscent effects on me. It's almost like a time stamp of my age. Slow jams like Subway's "This Little Game We Play" and 112 "Cupid" makes me think about those days...ah yes Subway, whatever happened to those guys by the way?
What about being Chinese American effects or molds you today?
I honestly think I hve it good as a Chinese American at my age. Actually, any race in general. When I grew up there were some racial boundaries that were Taboo. It's an unfortunate thing but racism and profiling wont be gone any time soon. It's sad but I feel it's the fuel of some businesses in America. Think about it, that's what these folks who market their product keep in mind when reaching out to you. These businesses thrive on you acting upon their judgment. Comedians would have less jokes, reality shows wouldn't have as much content, we would already have a African American or female president serving their term…the list goes on. I am lucky and blessed to be here and enjoy every moment of my life as a ABC. (American Born Child)
What was your family structured and how has it effected you?
I am the oldest of two siblings and first generation ABC. This means paying respect to the elders, setting a good example for the younger family members and always helping the family when needed.
Being the eldest how is that being responsible for 2 younger siblings?
I made mistakes so my siblings didn't have to. I'm blessed to have the family that I have because they believed in my talents and propelled my dreams. I want to call my folks right now. Ha
THE DJ
How did it start?
It started with a pair of hands and a group friends who wanted to get into it. I always wanted to get into it because of my fascination for music and art. in high school I would go over to my friends house during lunch to mess with his tables. It wasn't until the first year of college did I get my own. I was rooming with my high school buddy Joe and I was constantly messing with this tables. Naturally, I felt bad for playing loud music in his room (while he was sleeping during the late and early hours) so I went ahead and did what every dumb aspiring Dj did: purchase a wack system. It was a "DJ right out of the box" set. It came with two turntables, a mixer, a pair of featherweight needles, a pair of paper speakers and shitty headphones. I'm not going to say who the maker is because they are making some respectable products now but I fell victim to that buy. It was like a hobo stew where you just throw everything you have in your fridge that's edible into a pot of water and see what you cook up. It's still edible but rest assure, you will want a better meal afterward. Not even a month in, I sold my setup to a dumb aspiring DJ and got the standard 1200's.
How did you get into the scene?
By watching people play. It naturally got my fingers itchy. A few of my friends started making mixtapes in our apartment. We would mix, scratch, and act out skits with sound effects while enjoying frosty alcoholic beverages. It got even better when we started getting paid to play at clubs and events.
Where would you get your music?
Man, local record shops and a high school friend that had connections to KMEL's record pool. It was pure heaven when you find that single with the a'ccapella, instrumental, and a respectable remix.
How has music influence your lifestyle?
Kidding me?! Without music I wouldn't be here. I would probably be working at a dead end nine to five burger joint. Riottt was such an inspiration for me. I helped develop and strategize the music behind Be The Riottt festival and eventually gave me an outlet to do the things I love.
Do people around you influence your taste in music?
Yeah. Definitely. I leech music finds off friends and I discover more through different channels of research. Music is never ending.
If you could design an album which musician and why?
Man, there are so many musicians and artist out there that I respect. If I had to choose, it would probably be an artist from Naked Music label. I enjoy their music and cover artwork.
Where does being a DJ fit in your life? Could you see that changing?
No, not really. The way I see it, being a DJ will mellow down from those club endorsements and end up at boutiques in stores and weddings. They pay a hell of a lot more, you can network 10x more and more people appreciate you at the end of the night. At clubs, I would probably spend the money I make back at the bar. Not cool.
More to come-videos, an exclusive 55DSL spring photo shoot, his designer friend Wes, and more info on Barry as a designer! Definitely be on the look out for FREE imeem swag on our Part Deuce post! Check Barry and his studio: DESIGN REHAB
Barry in iDR's Black Book Spring 08
iDR is super excited to announce another event.
We had so much fun at our last event in San Diego, that it was in order to have some fun back in the bay! Come out, grab drink and chill with us at Sound Stackin with DJ Cutso, 55DSL, Plstk, Vapors on May 30th at Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge San Jose California.
We had so much fun at our last event in San Diego, that it was in order to have some fun back in the bay! Come out, grab drink and chill with us at Sound Stackin with DJ Cutso, 55DSL, Plstk, Vapors on May 30th at Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge San Jose California.
video credits in house team
photograpahy credits in house photographer Todd P
