DJ OF THE WEEK 11.15.10: DONALD GLAUDE

Donald Glaude is one of the most hype DJ’s in the game, working crowds into a frenzy not just with his killer sets full of massive hit after massive hit, but with his own enthusiasm and energy behind the booth as he jumps around just like the party people on the dance floor!

Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, where DJs let alone House music was as rare as a heat wave, Donald was more familiar with classical music and instruments than he was with the pounding four to the floor sounds emanating from Chicago. Growing up, he was a student of the fine arts having studied the upright bass and violin, and, like has happened with so many of the DJ’s we have covered on this site, things went in a whole new direction when he discovered the power of House music.

With two mix-matched turntables, a Radio Shack mixer, and a growing collection of House records Glaude began perfecting his skills and eventually became good enough and confident enough to score gigs spinning records at local venues around town. Soon after he teamed up with Daniel Wherrett another up and coming DJ who would come to be known as DJ Dan; the two became good friends and began rocking parties and establishing a following. The classical musician was now a bonafide DJ.

Glaude has come a long way since those days of the mix-matched turntables. Over the last 15 years, he has blown up into one of the world’s best and most exciting DJ’s, but he has also been busy outside of the DJ booth. He has a number of official mixed CD’s out, check out ‘This Is Me’ and ‘For The People’ for a good dose of exactly what he can do (both are double CD sets).

He’s also been called upon for remixe duties and of course, he has his own productions under his belt with the singles ‘Soul Cha Cha,’ ‘Get up,’ ‘Rise Above It All,’ and ‘Stick Em,’ which he did with DJ Dan. He also founded three labels along the way.

These days Glaude stays busy circling the globe hyping up crowds in clubs, festivals, and more all with his energetic sets and his enthusiastic spirit. Not bad for a guy that started out with a Radio Shack mixer.

For the following mix, I’d say sit back and relax, but that’s not what a Donald Glaude mix set is for. Prepare to be on your feet in no time. I can’t think of a better way to start of the week. Hope you’re ready.