by Aaron Malofsky of Skytram Express

Merritt boarded his vessel on SkyTram to chat about his radio program, favorite records, and his current recording projects.

DJ Merritt has achieved top celebrity status in the electronic dance scene as host of the nationally recognized EdgeClub radio program on KDGE 102.1 FM in Dallas. For more than a decade, this deejay/producer has featured new remixes and dance tunes from top artists and up-and-coming talent from around the globe. Merritt also has remixed several artists including Dallas’s electronic synth pop group, Shock of Pleasure. As part of our launch party festivities, Merritt boarded his vessel on SkyTram to chat about his radio program, favorite records, and his current recording projects.

SkyTram Express: You have hosted EdgeClub on 102.1 FM in Dallas for more than a decade. What are some of the most pertinent changes that have taken place during the course of your tenure on the show?

DJ Merritt: It’s been 15 years now this coming October. The biggest change has been the format. I don’t mix on EdgeClub as much as I used to because I’m playing so many genres of music. Music always evolves over time and the show has always been a reflection of that.

SkyTram Express: What do you enjoy most about deejaying this Saturday/Sunday morning (early) show?

DJ Merritt: What’s not to enjoy? I get to play a little snippet of what’s jamming on my stereo for everybody that cares to tune in. I just try to piece together the perfect Saturday night party mix for the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

SkyTram Express: What distinguishes the Dallas club scene from other major cities in the U.S. and throughout the world?

DJ Merritt: All “club scenes” and “underground scenes” have their ups & downs and every place is unique in their own way. The one thing that I can say is that for the most part, Dallas is a somewhat educated city as far as music goes. Maybe not as much as we were in the late '90s and early 2000s, but there are some people with knowledge out there and they are always available to anybody that wants to search out that next crazy sounding jam. Another distinguishing factor is that Dallas has the hottest women in the world.

SkyTram Express: What are some of the genres of club music that electronic music fans in Dallas/Fort Worth favor over others that make this such a unique market?

DJ Merritt: D/FW is the number five market in the country, so they like it all. Honestly, from what I can tell, the numbers are about the same for other comparable markets. We have various pockets of House, Dubstep, Electro, to whatever driving the cooler joints around town, just like other places.

SkyTram Express: What are some hot new music acts that the masses should look out for in 2010?

DJ Merritt: Miike Snow. Great stuff. Some other stuff we’re grooving on is Fred Falke, Acid Girls, Left/Right, The xx, Lifelike, Calvin Harris, Herve, Rusko ... I could go on forever. Ha ha!

SkyTram Express: Your awesome club remixes of Shock of Pleasure have a very house, electronic vibe to them. How did you discover the band?

DJ Merritt: Thanks man! They reached out to me through our mutual friend Chris Ryan (PD of KEGL, former APD/MD for KDGE). Met them for drinks one night and shot the shit. I absolutely love their sound.

SkyTram Express: What inspired you to remix and play them on your show on KDGE?

DJ Merritt: I don’t really think I had some epiphany or anything like that. I just really liked their music and had some free time to work on some electronic mixes for them. They are also very generous with letting me work on my own time. I think one of the remixes may have taken a year to do!

SkyTram Express: Are there any new dance and/or remix projects you are working on independent from your radio show?

DJ Merritt: Actually, I just got together a recently with Bobby of Shock of Pleasure. I’m going to produce another tune. This time it’s from scratch. Rather than Shock of Pleasure writing a song and then sending me parts for a remix, I’m completely involved in the original version.

SkyTram Express: What groups or techno outfits would you consider adding to your playlists if no restrictions existed?

DJ Merritt: The only restriction is time; I get to play what I want (within reason – no profanity).

SkyTram Express: Are there any essential differences between the deejay sets you play on your show versus gigs at club venues?

DJ Merritt: Totally! The main difference is that on my show it’s totally pure because there is no dance floor in front of you. For our guest DJ’s, it’s usually a set that comes truly from the inside, playing what they really want because they are not worried about turning over the dance floor and rotating them out with the bar. Also, the first part of the show is just a mish-mosh of great electronic tunes. Most are “song based” and not long drawn out DJ mixes. Time is of the essence, so we focus on what’s hot in each sub-genre and try to help develop the artists in general. Basically, we’re all over the place. When I play out at club venues, there is a coherence and build to the set. Since DJ’ing is more of a hobby now and not a job, I get to pick and choose the gigs that cater to what I’m thinking should be played out loud for a crowd. Some of the music is from the show and some isn’t.

SkyTram Express: Best remix you have heard this year (official or unofficial release)?

DJ Merritt: That’s a tough one. I really don’t have a favorite at all. I have groupings for each. With electronic music, the genres are defined really by invoking emotions. For lazy Sunday afternoon soundtrack, it would include stuff like Crazy P – “Stop Space Return,” The xx – “Shelter (Them Jeans Drum edit), maybe throw in a random Om compilation. If I’ve got that Nike iPhone power song for jogging or getting ready to go out, maybe something along the lines of Tiga’s remix of Fever Ray to something groovy like Fred Falke’s remix of Little Boots – “New In Town” or Scott Hardkiss’ latest CD. Too much quality stuff.

SkyTram Express: Best album you bought this year?

DJ Merritt: That’s one of the best perks about what I do – all the free music! If I was to have bought a full CD, so far I’ve jammed the Miike Snow CD and now recently The xx. I would most certainly would have dropped coin on those two right there.

SkyTram Express: Top three club tunes you currently love to play:

DJ Merritt: 1) On Your Radio Show: Burns – Teknique

2) Jeremy Word featuring Deanna – “Hear You Hum (Granite Remix)”

3) Joe and Will Ask? “Mongozo”

SkyTram Express: If you traveled back in time to any point in history, when would that be and what tracks would be on your setlist?

DJ Merritt: I guess back when I was in high school and college. Musically speaking, the late '80s and early '90s because it was all so fresh and new (for me at least). No elitist sub genres ... just purely about fresh sounds and having a good time. Bomb the Bass to Front 242 and everything in between. It was all techno and we had some great times. On a personal note, it would be the late '90s when I met my (now) wife. The music out then played a great soundtrack to our budding romance. For some reason Cassius -"99," Modjo – “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” and Madison Avenue – “Don’t Call Me Baby” popped into my head when thinking of back then. I’ve been blessed and have had many great times. Life is about experiences and living is creating new ones.

SkyTram Express: If I were to mention these four musicians and/or producers what would come to mind for each one?

DJ Merritt: David Bowie: Classic

Calvin Harris: Cool Pop

Kissy Sell Out: Hip

The Pet Shop Boys: Retro

SkyTram Express: What are some of your favorite hot spots in Big D?

DJ Merritt: Favorite Club: ... whoever is paying me at the moment. Ha ha!

Favorite Record Shop: ... haven’t stepped into one for years. I’ve been digital for a while now. I still have a ton of records, just don’t want any more. If I ever went to one, it would probably be Rec Shop. Phooka is a cool dude and we’ve always had good times when we see each other. So, if I had the time to go and hang, it would probably be there. If it was electronic music, I’d go hit Jason up at Remix.

Favorite Restaurant: Fearing's. Food and service is on point.

Favorite Hotel: The staff at the Palomar make that place my favorite right now.

For more information on DJ Merritt, visit these sites: www.ipodfood.com (download/podcast past shows and free music); www.djmerritt.com; www.myspace.com/djmerritt; www.kdge.com

What do you think?