If you've spent any time hitting shows around my hometown of Victoria, you've probably experienced the party-rocking power of the good homey, DJ Murge. One of the founding members of local legends the Stir-Fry Collective (RIP) and a Red Bull 3style Battle Champion, Murge has established chops as one of the best selectors and mixers around. I was supposed to hook up with him for a little Q&A a few weeks ago at the Tall Tree Music Festival, where he kicked ass (He even played Prince’s “Kiss.” Any DJ who gives me a chance to dance to Prince is a winner in my book.). But it was a festival and as is my usual outcome at such events, I missed him. But we live in the same city and he’s a rad dude, totally cool with my blowing it! I’m pumped we managed to do this, even late, because he’s a huge music-nerd, to the heart, just like me. UNITE!

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1. Do you remember the first album you bought with you own money?

This is awesome. I was with my dad when I bought it and I was pretty young, it was Michael Jackson Thriller on vinyl. I remember I played it and played it and played it. Well, actually my dad played it because he wouldn’t let me touch his stereo. <laughs>

I suppose it’s kind of redundant to ask if you still listen to it. I mean, it’s Thriller.

I still have it and still listen to it. I don’t know if I still have that original copy but I have a few copies kicking around the studio for sure. Lately my favourite track has been “Human Nature.” For some reason in the past few years that song has really rung true. I’ve had the opportunity to play it a few different chill sets and it’s working. Mos Def was at Montreaux Jazz Festival or something and he did a live version with his band that was super cool too. The other jams are still the jams – “Pretty Young Thing,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” – but “Human Nature” as of late.

Five Alarm Funk is one of the greatest bands in the world. There's really no doubt it, at least for those who have seen them live. Doug Benson may have (sub)titled his last comedy record "Forced Fun," but there's no doubt in my mind that the term was invented for these cats. In the middle of their fury is lead-guy and Animal's brother, Tayo Brantson. Guy is a fucking machine, seriously. I get tired just watching him at their shows. He also talks and sends emails with the same enthusiasm. I've had the pleasure of talking to him a few times and this time was no less pleasurable.

1. The first record you remember going out to buy with your own money – what was it? How old were you?

<laughs> It was probably…I think it was 2 Legit 2 Quit by MC Hammer. I must have been 6 or 7 or something like that. That’s the first thing that pops into my mind.

And when is the last time you listened to MC Hammer?

You know what? It wasn’t that long ago. <laughs> We pumped, uhhh, that song…”Can’t Touch This,” we pumped that coming home from Seattle like a year and a half ago and it was just awful! Like, what the hell is this? It’s just so funny, almost comical in a way.

It’s amazing to think how many millions of homes that record was in.

It is amazing, right? But I mean, kudos to Hammer. He’s got the pants and that dance. Man, it’s sweet.

Those pants are timeless. That song might age poorly but those pants are timeless.

Yeah, I know. And for the life of me I can’t find a sweet pair of Hammer Pants anywhere.

5 Questions with Rags #20 - DJ Murge

5 Questions with Rags #6 - Tayo Branston (Five Alarm Funk)