Early in the summer TEENage gave you a sneek-peek into what happens when you vacation at Beaches Negril.

As we pointed out, TEENs can enjoy the Trench Town game arcade, as well as visit the X-Box 360 Game Garage, with the host of games that console supports – from street-racing to karaoke.

One of the specific TEENs activities is the DJ Scratch Academy. TEENs and tweens, staying at Beaches Negril, can learn to DJ through Beaches Resorts’ exclusive partnership with Scratch DJ Academy, founded by the legendary Jam Master Jay of Run DMC. Sessions include scratching, mixing, copyrighted material and state-of-the-art equipment, which are available for a nominal fee.

Another is the partying at the exclusive club for TEENs 16 and over – Club Liquid – where you can rock to the hip hop and reggae beats all night.

While we were at Beaches Negril we met with two of men entrusted with your fun at the property – Paul ‘DJ Clutch’ Grey and Brian ‘DJ Brian Banhan.

Grey is the Scratch DJ Instructor at Beaches Negril, while Banhan group audio-visual co-ordinator for Beaches Resorts and also takes the turntables at Club Liquid.

We enjoyed our time there so much that we went back to have a chat with these skilful young men.

TEENage: How long have you been practising the art form?

DJ Brian: I have been a professional DJ for nine years with Beaches Resorts. My first experience as a DJ was at 15 years old, when I watched my friend at a club as a DJ. He did not show up for work one night and the owner asked me to help out. It was love for the art after that.

DJ Clutch: I have been a DJ for 12 years. I was the 2004 Heineken Green Synergy first runner-up. I also earned a scholarship to attend the Scratch Academy in New York in the same year (2004). In 1999 won the Richie B Mix Master in Motion competition.

TEENage: What was the experience in New York like for you?

DJ Clutch: I had the opportunity to learn the art of deejaying by top DJs to the stars such P Diddy, Christine Aguilera, etc. To be taught by the academy that was set up by the best Scratch DJ of all times – Run DMC – was a dream come true.

TEENage: How did you start out as a deejay?

DJ Clutch: First, I had a love for electronics at the age of 16. I had a friend, while I was living in Portmore, who had a turntable that eventually became mine. I hooked up the turntable to an amplifier and began playing records, which I enjoyed doing.

DJ Brian: It was a hobby for me in high school. However, after leaving school I was into accounting, but it became too boring and did not suit my personality. I always had a passion for music. During my TEENage years in Burnt Savanna, Westmoreland, I would always look forward to my mother leaving the house on Saturdays so I could blast the music.

TEENage: How rewarding can a career as a DJ be?

DJ Brian: I have the opportunity to travel to the Caribbean islands, such as the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos where other resorts within the chain are located. One of my responsibilities is to train other deejays who are hired by Sandals/Beaches Resorts.

DJ Clutch: If you are good at the art form then it can be a rewarding one. You can extend yourself by performing at major events to getting into music production.

TEENage: In your opinion, who is a DJ?

DJ Clutch: A real DJ has to start from turntables or CD players. No software. Technology is available to mix music, but I believe you must understand the art of scratching. You must also have a passion for music and the art form and willing to invest in it.

TEENage: How did you get into deejaying full-time?

DJ Clutch: I found myself listening to the radio, and listening to the DJs on the radio blending songs. I enjoy my job very much. It’s exciting to do what you love.

TEENage: What do you love about your job or about being a DJ?

DJ Clutch: I get the opportunity to teach the artform.

DJ Brian: I enjoy blending music. Like I said it’s an art form and you have to understand how to scratch and blend music perfectly. I am the resident DJ at Beaches Negril and the resort has the Club Liquid. I play there most of the nights, but to be the DJ for a state-of-the-art club with state-of-the-art equipment is any deejay’s dream.

TEENage: Do you have any mentors in the field?

DJ Clutch: They would have to be Colllin Hines and Alrick and Boyd from FAME-FM. I always listen to their mix selection. A DJ should be able to feel the crowd and know the best music selection suitable at that particular point in time. The DJ is somewhat responsible for ensuring that the entertainment, party or event is filled with energy and vibe. This is all dependent on music selection and ability to blend music so the transitions go smoothly.

DJ Brian: I have the utmost respect for DJs like Collin Hines and Delano from Renaissance. I grew up listening to Collin Hines.

TEENage: What is your favourite type of music to play?

DJ Clutch: Hip Hop is my favourite.

DJ Brian: I like every type of music. If I were asked to be more specific I would have to say Hip Hop, Reggae Rock from the ’70s and ’80s.

TEENage: Where do you see your self five years from now?

DJ Clutch: I hope to get into music production.

DJ Brian: I see my self as a director for Sandals/Beaches Resorts working to improve the quality entertainment provided for our guests – the focus on music, sound and lighting effects. I still want to continue in the field of training deejays as well.

TEENage: What advice would you give to someone who is an aspiring DJ?

DJ Brian: You must have a passion for music. Follow up on the latest releases and always be up to date. You must also be familiar will all genres of music. This is also important as DJs interact with their listeners/patrons. At Beaches Negril, I interact with people from all over the world. As such you must have an appreciation for various genres, so that when special requests are made, you can meet their expectations.