Cleo Khary

An interview with Cleo Khary: >>Are you from Baltimore? If not, how did you come to settle here?>>Yes>>What was your musical influences growing up and did you play any instruments?>> Most of my musical influences growing up came from my mother. A consummate singer on church choirs and an overall lover of good music, she helped to instill a sense of musical awareness and diversity into my life. Eventually joining the church choir myself I have been surrounded by music all of my life. I have played many instruments although I have mastered none (actually not even close :o). My favorites are the piano, drums and congas.>>Tell us a little about yourself. (growing up, your dj history, experiences, etc.)>> Growing up was great. A loving family and plenty of opportunities to get into trouble. I became really interested in music (primarily rap) around 12 or 13. I wanted to be a rapper (I just knew I had skills :o). My homeboy and I even auditioned for a record deal, but alas it wasn’t to be… My first record was “The Show” by Doug E. Fresh. I had one turntable and a tape deck and I would do little remix edits (ahh..those were the days :o) . I always loved to dance, which drew me more into the music scene. I remember going to little house parties in people’s basements or whatever (with that one red light) and watching the dj rock the crowd. I often felt compelled to become a dj so that I too could rock the crowd, making people dance and feel good. I would take advantage of any opportunity (usually with disastrous results) offered by the host dj to get on the “wheels of steel.” My dj career spans about 18 years. Most of my gigs have been private parties for others or hosting functions of my own. But I have also played at many clubs like The Depot, DC Sanctuary, Paradox, and Fluid. I have held a couple residencies at local venues as well. From time to time I make a cameo appearance during the set of one of my many dj friends but not for long, I wouldn’t want to steal the show (lol)!