Born in the States, raised in Germany and known by many as the “ambassador of music”, it is to no wonder that DJ William Reed is being showcased as a tastemaker throughout the industry.
William Reed is known for DJ’ing celebrity parties, festivals and many prestigious clubs and venues internationally. As one of SoCal’s busiest DJ’s, he has also DJ’ed alongside members of The Ramones, The Smiths, Sex Pistols as well as Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Kaskade
Currently maintains DJ residencies at The Standard, Ace Hotel, W Hotel Los Angeles, Skybar at Mondrian Hotel, as well as many prestigious clubs throughout Los Angeles. He also hosts the global online music show Balcony TV, as well as Beat Connection, a radio show on Dash Radio, alongside Snoop Dogg.
Recently voted ‘Best DJ’ by LA Weekly, which now sits at the top of William Reed’s long list of awards
Hi William, please tell us about you?
I am a full-time, professional DJ and music curator living in Los Angeles, CA. When I’m not DJ’ing, curating events or producing music I enjoy Art, travel, film, photography and exploring nature.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Social, funny, loyal.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Good question. Probably my Mother!
When and how did you start DJing?
In 1996 I moved back to the states from Germany where I grew up. My buddy and I picked up a couple of portable CD players–and when I say CD players I mean Sony Discman–and a wonky Radio Shack – channel mixer. Armed with this, a stack of CD’s and a strobe light from Spencer’s, we’d rock high school house parties on the weekends. The rest is history.
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
So, so many. Everyone from Prince to Bowie, The Clash to Miles Davis, Billie Holliday and Serge Gainsbourg, Kraftwerk to CAN, Giorgio Moroder, Brian Eno, 60’s French Pop, Psyche Rock, ambient electronic, underground house & techno.
What advice do you live by?
The golden rule.
Best stage/party/club you have ever played?
I love festivals and intimate venues equally. Playing on my home turf is great because you know how to read and work the room.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Eclectic, open-format
What music do you like?
I grew up on punk rock and the underground German techno scene. Today, I lean towards music of any genre that pushes the envelope, inspires me or hits the cerebral cortex in the right way. This can include underground hip-hop, jazz, soul, funk, rock and electronic.
You have worked with big names in the industry, can you tell us some names?
Paul Epworth who produced Adele, Pet Shop Boys, Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, Calvin Harris, Kaskade, Steve Aoki and quite literally hundreds more.
And who would you love to work with in the future?
Anyone who is doing something really innovative, unique or pushing the envelope. Other than that I’d love to go on an arena tour in support of an established act.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I’m collaborating on a new project and anticipate a summer release.
Who are your favorite designers?
Tom Ford
Three things you can’t live without?
Music, the beach, my iPhone
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
So many to choose from. The one that comes to mind immediately is Dennis Rodman dressed in drag making it rain on my DJ booth. I also DJ’d a thanksgiving party in a Turkey suit once. Does that count?
What advice would you give to up and coming DJs?
Be cool, be humble, work hard, treat it as a job and be professional but have fun. At the end of they day you’re playing someone else’s music so don’t take it too seriously and don’t have an ego.
What do you do in your spare time if any?
I enjoy non-music related things like creating art, photography, hiking, nature, travel and exploring. I’m also a film addict and amateur historian.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Beets–no pun intended.
And your favorite cheat food?
The Santa Fe chicken (vegan) sandwich from Veggie Grill.
How important is Social Media for you?
It’s an essential part of the job, really.
Do you support any charities?
I am a long-time supporter of Mercy for Animals
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Sleep-in, open-air brunch, convertible-drive through Topanga Canyon, sunset in Malibu, dinner with friends followed by a concert at Hollywood Bowl and nightcap on my rooftop.
Where we can follow you?
Quote: Being a gentleman never goes out of style
Holiday Destination: Morocco
Food: Indian
Restaurant: Cafe Gratitude
Drink: Unsweetened black iced tea
Song: The Rolling Stones – Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Sports Team: FC Bayern
Movie: Anything from the Criterion Collection
