Smirnoff’s Master of the Mix: Episode 5 Recap, And The DJ That Stole Our Hearts

Welcome to America’s premier DJ challenge.

SMIRNOFF’s Master of the Mix is where the turntable’s top dogs compete for a grand prize of $250,000. And in case you miss an episode, Rager Onions will have an exclusive spin every Tuesday…for the rest of the season. From harnessing hip-hop to telling their life story through music, this season of SMIRNOFF’s Master of the Mix has been nothing short of a melodic rush.

In last night’s episode, guest judge DJ Irie took the contestants on a deep-roots tour of the show’s host city, Miami. Along with the routine judges, Kid Capri, DJ Mia Moretti, and Ben Maddahi, DJ Irie encouraged the contestants to incorporate what they learned as the inspiration for their three-minute set. And with just nine DJ’s remaining, the competition was bound to get heated in episode five. Chicago’s very own DJ Dimepiece was scratched from the pool, and now only eight DJ’s remain. Because 9 – 1 = 8.

Who are we rooting for?

The only babe that’s left, of course.

Born and raised in Seattle, DJ Tina T was voted Las Vegas’ best female DJ in 2010, 2011, 2012. She’s currently locking down her Friday night residency at one of Las Vegas’ premier clubs, Marquee Nightclub.

“I started playing the violin in 5th grade. After discovering turntables in high school, I was captivated by the art and started practicing every day. When I went to college, I decided to quit the violin and spend all of my practice time on the turntables.”

Her versatile taste and open format style brings pure mayhem to any crowd she spins for – mixing together top-40, hip hop, 80’s rock, and electro. When I talked to her last week, she told me that she never goes in with a hard plan. Like all naturally gifted spin-masters, DJ Tina T can read the energy of a crowd. And that’s a pretty clutch skill to have when your success depends on the mood of your audience.

“I don’t like to be predictable. I consider every crowd a new puzzle to figure out and as an open format DJ, I will go in several different directions throughout the night. I like to take people on a journey through different styles and eras of music. My versatility, diverse music selection and turntabelist background make my style unique.”

Here’s a little more insight into the life of the rockstar herself.

Artists/DJs you look up to: DJ Craze, Cut Chemist, DJ AM, DJ Riz, Q Bert, Mix Master Mike, DJ Vice.
Who are your favorite artists to spin: Mostly artists who make club bangers, dance tracks, people like: Lil Jon, Rihanna, Pit Bull, Britney Spears, Too $hort, LMFAO and EDM producers like: DJ Chuckie, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Jump Smokers.
Favorite Smirnoff cocktail: Lemon Smirnoff and soda water
If I won: I would continue to tour the world doing what I love, and give back to the community that has allowed me to get where I am today.What will you do when you’re done deejaying? I can’t imagine myself ever being completely done DJing. It’s in my blood! I do hope to have kids and start a family one day, but I will always be involved in DJing one way or another. 

Smirnoff’s Master of the Mix airs every Monday at 12am EST on Vh1, and you can listen to all of the sets from last night’s episode right here.

As a little bonus, here’s a recent mix from Rager Onions’ favorite Master of the Mix: DJ Tina T.

FMLYBND – Electricity [HAPPY][INDIE-ELECTRO]

FMLYBND is six member indie-pop electronic band from Isla Vista, California. Unlike much of the music we post on, their approach to “production” is vastly different. For one, they play instruments.

That sounds like a relatively frivolous and simple distinction, but in a world of computer-based producers it’s a breath of fresh air. FMLYBND dabbles in a wide range of instruments to record their phenomenally simple, yet beautiful, sound.

The group’s members have a long history with one another, becoming somewhat of a family over time, and the inspiration for their name – FMLYBND. Their single ‘Electricity‘ is a perfect example of their ability to truly coalesce after many years of working side-by-side. One simple listen will affirm this.

If you are into some of that more filthy stuff check out Candyland’s remix of this very same song. The duo does an excellent job of maintaining the track’s melodic integrity, while still laying down the grime when needed. Give both a listen and throw some support these artists way. That is if you like good music.

You like good music…right?

Aelian – Hat Trick (Blaster Remix) [HUGE DRUMSTEP ♥][HEAVY][FREE]

This particular Rager loves Drumstep. For all you half-time structure junkies out there, I am referring to the incestuous love child birthed by the assimilation of my two favorite genres: Drum and Bass and Dubstep.

This Rager also knows a HUGE track when he hears one. Blaster’s remix of Aelian’s original release ‘Hat Trick’ is off-the-charts insanity. This track is so big, so in your face, it’ll leave your head like spinning. Keep in mind that you have been forewarned: this song is fast, loud, and dirty.

Rage on brosephs and brosephette’s.