The Jazz World Artist Profile  Exotic DJ

Keith Richard aka “Exotic DJ” is a Las Vegas based DJ and Remixer who can play for any crowd with an aggressive mixing approach and a music style that will make you exclaim, “Damn…that is MY Jam!” For 20 years, he has brought his vigorous style and dynamic stage presence to events throughout North America.

“Singing in bands really helped my perspective in creating my mixing style as it stands today,” Keith said in an interview for Metro Magazine. “I try to blend the instruments rather than the beats.”

Keith worked in the San Francisco Bay Area for 11 years in venues such as City Nights, San Jose Live, DB Cooper’s and Harry Denton’s, playing for the “Bay’s” diverse crowds. There he also honed his voice over skills as the spokesperson for JBL, Rolm and Panasonic at major trade shows.

Relocating to Las Vegas in 2001, Keith has played on and off the Strip at MGM Grand,

The Rio, Harrah’s and Mandalay Bay, soaking in the screams of the crowds in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

To add a different dynamic to his shows, Keith is able to include video mixing to the party. “It just adds to the experience, especially at the beginning of the night to keep the early birds entertained.”

Finally, Keith’s skill set does not include just the normal club music….He is the originator in Smooth Jazz, not just playing it, but beat mixing the genre. “It is a challenge, because you not only have to have the knowledge of the music and the catalog to perform this for a crowd, you also have to choose music that will make people groove, even though they might not be familiar with the song,” Keith said in an interview for Hot FM in the U.K.

Some of the artists that inspired Keith to beat mix the genre; are Boney James, Norman Brown, Incognito and Candy Dulfer.  “The styles of these artists really led me to start creating continuous mixes, to keep those grooves going,” Keith said in an interview at a press event at the Jazz & Wine Fest – Golden Nugget Las Vegas.

You can catch Exotic DJ mixing smooth jazz live in the mix on internet radio, and at select performances during live shows!