If you've noticed lately that you just can't seem to control your spastic gyrations and flailing limbs on the dance floor at the War Room, or have seriously gotten your slut on to the divine beats at Chop Suey's monthly homo-sleazefest, Comeback, it was probably all DJ Colby B's fault. Increasingly famous for hot, unpretentious beats that evoke both the screaming teenage girl and shameless happy ho in just about everyone, DJ Colby B (AKA Colby Bartrug) is the most fun you can have without a prescription.
How did you blossom into the best fucking club DJ in the universe?
Oh, brother. I've got a ways to go. But I think I've definitely got the ear for track selection. I've been blessed with broad musical tastes. [And by] playing with the Hitgirl collective and the Kiss My Ass crew on nights such as Sic and Word, and getting on board with Comeback!, seeing some of the greatest talent ever didn't hurt either.
What do you spin?
I don't stick to one genre. I have my favorites: Black Strobe, Vitalic, Damian Lazarus... but I play across the board. I started playing around the time electroclash really started to become recognized as a musical genre. My early influences were Fischerspooner, Ladytron, and stuff like that. Mixing it up is what makes it exciting. I love ghetto tech, breaks, techno, house, mashups, Top 40 remixes, and dirty, dirty electro... and I love cheese.
Cheese?
Like the new Madonna... with the dirtiest, evilest, crunchy breaks right along side of it... it's sooo good!
Where do you spin?
I've played almost all the best venues in Seattle: Baltic Room, Showbox, Chop Suey, Trinity, Last Supper Club, Mirabeau Room, The War Room, Rendezvous, Viceroy, W Hotel, Re-bar, and probably a few I'm forgetting. I haven't had much time to conquer Portland or Vancouver, but that's in the works.
Why do you spin?
I'm obsessed with music. You learn so much from it. I love it when a song just makes you go, "God damn! That's so fucking good!"
Do you still carry a Chihuahua named Mr. T around in your purse?
Actually, he has his own bag. Mr. T is more famous than I am around these parts.
Where were you born, why are you here?
I was born right across the water in fabulous Bremerton, so of course I escaped as soon as I could. I've been commuting to shows here since I was 15. Seattle was the closest big city I could possibly get to. I travel every year, but I always come back home. I've been in the music scene around here for ages: clubs, labels, and otherwise...
What are your fucking weirdest/craziest/best/worst moments DJing ever?
I once opened for Modest Mouse at the Paramount. Very T-Mobile. But my oh-my-god, shit-your-pants gig was when I was going to play in Portland with Fischerspooner. The opener cancelled and I got thrown onstage at the Crystal Ballroom for a sold-out show, still in my baby DJ stage, with my little two-channel mixer! I was so excited and so... petrified. I've played with a lot of amazing artists: Peaches, Scissor Sisters, Miss Kittin, Fanny Pack, Avenue D...
What are your goals?
In January I will be working on my first mix CD, and then, a tour. I'm planning to play in Miami during WMC, and in Europe this spring. I've played in New York City, Paris, and then some. I'm hoping to start hosting larger shows to develop my name overseas. My goal is world domination. Isn't everyone's?
Where will you be spinning soon, soon, soon?
The two best events this month will be the new club POP at Chop Suey on December 27 (this one is 18+), and of course, the end-all Comeback New Year's Eve party at Chop Suey!
How is your sex life?
Who's asking? Well, if you must know, I'm down to make out with just about everyone, but alas, I'm not currently dating. Being mistaken for a lesbian has its advantages, but I make an effort not to tease the ladies too much... I'm a fan of the meat.
Amen, sister.
adrian@thestranger.com
