September 18, 2024 • 33 mins
He’s an internationally renowned DJ, a Miami style icon and the pregame opener for the Miami Heat for the past seven years. But perhaps the most intriguing facet of DJ Cardi is his humility. This is no small feat for someone who just returned from working a private gig for Dakota Johnson at the Toronto Film Festival. But catering to A-list stars like Leonardo DiCaprio or regularly performing at the Cannes Film Festival, Formula 1 Grand Prix and Pegasus World Cup is just another day’s work for the Miami native.
If that’s not enough, Cardi is a recognized fashion aficionado. Forbes recently hailed him as “one of Miami’s style icons,” where he curates soundscapes for brands such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Vogue.
On Oct. 12, the celebrity DJ will return to Key West to support United Way of Collier and the Keys — a retirement benefit to celebrate Monroe County’s longest-serving elected official, Andy Griffiths.
DJ Cardi joins the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast to discuss his love for South Florida, the influences that shaped his eclectic style and his love for exquisite cuisine and movies.
Limited tickets remain for DJ Cardi, performing at Andy Griffiths’ “Gone Fishing” retirement benefit for United Way of Collier and the Keys on Oct. 12 at the Beachside Resort. Tickets are on sale now and available on web or Facebook at United Way of Collier and the Keys.
https://uwcollierkeys.org/event/andy-griffiths-retirement-party/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome everyone. And thank you for joining me, Brett Myers,
your ho your host on the Florida Keys Weekly podcast
here in Key West in our studio.
I always have a great show. You know, we bring
on great celebrities guest. You name it, but this one,
you're going to love it. I promise you. And I'm
gonna get to it before I do. Uh I wanna
thank our friends in radio land at WKW FA M-16
(00:22):
100 FM, 103.3 FM. You radio listeners. Thanks for doing that.
If you're not on radio, you know where to catch
us at Keys, weekly.com, Apple, Spotify,
Amazon. All the cool places you want to get a podcast.
We're there. You can find those under the Florida Keys
Weekly podcast.
And of course, this podcast is brought to you by
overseas media group. That's the local digital company that brings
(00:45):
your website, social media seo all the things you don't
wanna deal with. They do it, they do it with
a world of expertise, but they do it with local
service that's overseas media group.com. You can check them out today.
I wanna thank them for bringing this show to you. Now,
this show, this is what you, this is what you're
here for. Uh today is gonna be a fun day,
especially if you're South Florida. Pretty much international, national, international.
(01:07):
This person is well known,
but if you're a Florida person, particularly South Florida, a
heat fan or just a music fan or a fashion fan,
those things all are kind of synonymous, I guess in
South Florida, this is your icon, this is him. And
so without further ado, I'm gonna introduce uh DJ Cardi
who's from Miami. He's the premier DJ producer known for
(01:27):
his signature sound, combining his love for R and B
and hip hop with,
that's the infectious, feel good, disco house music. Uh His
ability to connect with his audience has propelled him to
the forefront, performing at high profile events. If you know
much about DJ Cardi like Formula One Grand Prix, the
Pegasus World Cup, the Miami Open on and on and on.
He plays for the Miami Heat for seven seasons. Now
(01:48):
he opens up if you go into a heat game,
he's the reason you're getting down. He's the reason you're
having fun.
Um He's also at the uh Kayla Center for seven seasons.
He's held on to res res uh residences. If I
can say that at the World Class resorts like the Cove, Atlantis,
Bahamas and the Fountain Blue Miami Beach, uh extravagant dinner
parties at B can tell you go on, he's done
(02:09):
it he's the go to DJ for VIP clients. If
you go to his Instagram page, it's like something out
of a storybook that we all dream of the people
that this guy hangs with. Um He even does star
studded movie premieres at Sundance Can
uh Toronto International Film Festival every year. It's not like
a one time thing every year. They want him there.
Uh But beyond his music prowess, you know, card, he's
(02:29):
recognized for his impeccable sense of style. He's a Miami
style icon curating the soundscapes for renowned brands like Armani
Dolce Cabana Vogue. He's even held as one of Miami's
style icons. His contributions as a music director extend to
fashion shows, film and live performances, collaborating with his band
and orchestra to infuse live horns, strings,
(02:51):
guitar and percussion. Now you may be saying, OK, he
is a Miami icon. Why is he joining the Key
West or Florida Keys Weekly podcast? Well, he's no stranger
to the keys and one of the reasons and I
just gave a long intro for a reason because to
really and, and that could have gone on and on
to show you the stature um the prestige and how
cool this guy really is. But he comes to the
(03:12):
keys and, and where I've crossed paths with Cardi DJ. Cardi,
he's usually here because his heart leaves him here. He's,
he's usually here for an event to raise money for
a cause or those in need. And he shows up
and it blows you away. You're like, wait, what's this
guy doing here? I'm glad I'm here. It is amazing.
And that's why he comes down and today we're talking
to him about all the things about him and what
he does, but he is coming back again not far
(03:34):
from now, October 12th here in the Florida Keys for
another event that we'll talk about again for our great cause,
but I can do this intro for the entire show,
but I don't wanna do that because why we have
DJ Cardi on the line now joining our podcast and
uh Cardi, first of all, let me just say it
is a pleasure and an honor to have you on
the podcast today on the show today
Speaker 2 (03:55):
for that was quite the intro. Thank you so much.
I am so happy to talk to you today. You know,
I love the Keys. I love seeing you guys such
a great time every time I go over there.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Now, iii I try to do, I guess maybe subtly
or
maybe there's a method to the madness, most of the
celebrities and most of the big, the big names we
have on the show. I feel like have a common theme.
I've been very lucky. I've been very fortunate and maybe
this is the kind of person it takes to come
on with a bozo like me in the first place.
I'm always blown away by the humility the endearing kind
(04:26):
of humility
uh and particularly with someone like you, I mean, no offense.
When I think Miami, I think, I think that's out
of my league. That's, you know, when I look at you,
I look at your Instagram pages and I see you
with stars like Dakota Johnson and Mark Anthony and all
the heat players in all that you do.
And then I talked to you before the show today yesterday.
And you're like, hey Brett, it's cool. I can't wait
(04:47):
to come on there with you. I'm on your time.
Like it doesn't make, it doesn't compute the humility and
the coolness and, but I think that's really what makes you,
you is you're just down to earth uh and you're
really humble. And so I'll ask you that as a
Miami guy, you know, if you're talking to Armani and
Dolce Cabana and I've seen your style and you're out there.
But you know, you're also, you
uh how do you balance that? How are, what's the
(05:08):
background that makes you that way? Cardi and, and how
do you, how do you kinda stay grounded to be
that person that you are?
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Well, but I, I was born and raised in Miami.
So I've been so lucky to grow up with this
culture around me. Um And I've been doing what I
love for the last 27 years, which is d jing
and every day I wake up, I'm so excited for
the next gig. So
it's always a challenge preparing for what you're gonna do.
(05:37):
But that's what keeps my life interesting in it. It's,
you're basically making people's day making people smile, kids, adults,
you know, and the fact I'm able to still do it, I,
I'm just so excited, you know.
Speaker 1 (05:51):
Well, you can tell when you're doing it and not
just do your band, there is an energy and I
know pe people say, yeah.
Um, and, and for those listening, let's be clear, the
DJ world, the music world has evolved where DJ s
are king. I mean, that is, that's where shows take
place and festivals and, and you're one of the big
names in that circuit across, across the globe. And that's
why you show up at these places. But there is a,
(06:13):
there is a connection, there is an energy and it's
not just you and your equipment and your gear and
your turntables, there's, there's more going on, I mean, and
it's also, there's guitar, there's, you know, there's, there's, there's brass,
I've seen
the drummer going. I mean, it's just, it's all working together.
It's not like, you know, there's DJ Snake and Khalid
and these names that you're there or, you know, you're,
(06:34):
you're there. It's, you, but it's, it's brought a little
bit differently. Were you always geared to doing it that way?
Like a show and, and more music coming in and
fusing those instruments or did that evolve? Over time, those
27 years.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Yeah. Like when I was a child, I always remember
listening to salsa music, you know, with my Cuban Colombian
family and I was always intrigued by the horn and
the drums and the percussion. So I, you know, I
don't know why, but it stuck with me all these years.
I just love that type of rhythm. So I had
to bring it into my set. And once I started
(07:08):
playing with the musician, I'm like, let me add another guy,
let me add another guy and you know, basically channeling
like
the James Brown, you know, days, you know, and making
it bringing it to the forefront in 2024 you know,
just bringing that funk and soul to current music, you know,
(07:30):
we're still taking jazz, you know, and bringing it to
the current and it's so interesting because you could really
grab people and bring them in, you know, with that
type of music.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Well, just my litmus test here in the Florida Keys.
You've come down for Wesley House Family Services who do
a lot for the community beyond Key West all the
way through marathon and Key Largo and up the Keys
and beyond.
Now you're coming down for uh another great cause we'll
talk about. But I've noticed on the dance floor at
these events and, and I know these events you're doing
that I've seen are, are small events for you. I know,
(08:05):
I know your scope in the, in the large places
you play and the audiences. But from a small sample size,
there's a lot of different people at these events. In
the keys. You have older people, younger people,
uh all walks of life and, and, and you don't
really ever see with all due respect to those who
you know, entertain down here. You never really see someone
capture the entire room the way you do everybody. It, it,
(08:26):
it really, it really speaks to everybody. No one's even
those who don't like to dance are out there. They
either love the percussion, they love your beats, they love
the energy. There's a lot going on. Um Tell me
a little bit about your background. You know, you talked
about getting into this
and we have some great DJ S here and, you know,
you know, did you catch a big break early on?
I mean, this is kind of a cliche question but
(08:46):
you know, Dakota Johnson Johnson didn't just wake up and
call you one day you had to build this reputation up,
you had to build, build your career up. Um When
did you start to see like, how did you kind
of start out? Was it just you doing DJ gigs
and then it evolved or did you have, did you
start out early and have an early break early or
under someone? Tell us a little bit about that background?
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Yeah,
I, I think I really came up at the right
age with vinyl in the late nineties.
You know, there was, there wasn't any youtube to teach
you how to DJ. I kinda had to figure it
out on my own. I didn't know any DJ s
so I was the only DJ in my class and
in my school and then by the time I was 15,
I started renting out banquet halls to do these events
(09:24):
and thinking more entrepreneur type, you know, how can I
make the most of it and started promoting and getting
the bigger clubs. And by the time I was 17,
I was DJ the 21 and over clubs that were
well known because my skill set was so advanced from
just f you know, following uh the guys that came
(09:46):
before me, you know, those mentors and
I hit a big break when I got this residency
at the Cove Atlantis in 19 92,009, sorry at the
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. And there I met so
many people from around the world. You know, I would
fly in every other week to play there at this
(10:07):
um luxurious pool. And these people took me around the world,
these clients, they were like, hey, come to London, come
to Thailand, come all over, you know, and I really
started seeing
uh music from the world. And when you have that
knowledge of music, you're able to kind of um pivot
(10:28):
in a way when, whenever you see something working. All right,
let me see if they're, if I can convince them
to like this, you know, it's like a psychology and,
you know, I've always stuck with that and always been professional,
always loved to dress up
and just being happy. I think being happy is an
infectious thing. Once you see somebody smile, somebody's gonna smile
(10:51):
back at you, you know.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Absolutely. And, and you feel it and again, I'm not,
you know, I'm doing a podcast with you and, and
it's fun to pump you up. You don't need me to, I,
I can't be more honest, you feel it at your shows,
you feel that happiness, you feel the vibe and I
know that's the way you should feel anytime there's a
DJ and there's music and I love DJ s
and I love music and, and so there's a lot
of them that I love, but there's a different caliber
with you. And I know there's been an evolution with
(11:14):
your career. Um You mentioned something and we, you know,
we're talking here with DJ Cary out of Miami on
the Florida Keys Weekly podcast.
You mentioned something when you, you got that gig in
Atlantis and then of course, you're connecting, you know, that's
the great thing about music, particularly from the level you're at,
you start connecting with the world, one connection leads to a,
to another. And, but when you're doing that, were you
(11:37):
already one thing I wanted to ask you, you mentioned
your style and you always like style.
Now, if you go to your Instagram page and we
talk about Dolce Cabana and Armani, you're a good looking guy,
you're stylish. It's pretty cool. It's like the total Miami package.
But was that always you, are you always in the
style or did that kind of come along as you
evolved as a DJ in your career?
Speaker 2 (11:54):
I, I've always been into style, like, uh I've always
kind of been ahead, but the last few years I've
kinda tailored it a little bit more with the suits.
I've been designing my own suits um for these events.
So three months before an event, I'm, I'm designing the
suits and I'm having them tailor made here in uh
in Miami at a few suit shops that I work with.
(12:17):
And that's kind of like that kind of makes me
stand out because I'm not wearing exactly what everybody else
is wearing. And it's also part of the art, you know,
like the music is an art
and also the visual, you know, you have to think
about how you present yourself, you know
Speaker 1 (12:36):
how it does and, and it really encapsulates, you know,
you have a Miami style and there's no, there's, you
can't go wrong with that. And one of the greatest
international cities in the world, one of the most, if
not the stylish Paris Miami, there's others, you've got it
down and, uh, and you wear it well as you know,
um how much has, how much has Miami changed since
you started doing this? And how much have you changed
with Miami? I know you're worldwide, you're seeing a lot
(12:58):
of things and I guess I'm kind of fishing here.
How much have you influenced that part of Miami that's
changed as the Wynwood movement started and a lot of
the obviously EDM and house music comes along and DJ
S come along. There's a lot of, and you have
a lot of different fusions. You're not ne necessarily encapsulated
in that, but, you know, walk me through some of
the changes with you and Miami and, and who's changing? Who?
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Well, you know, I was big in the club scene
in the late uh 2000, early 2010, but things started
changing with the nightlife. It, the clubs started dying down
and smaller um bars and restaurants started kind of becoming
the
place to be, you know, so I love doing these,
(13:41):
these dinner parties at like Bate of Tucan. Currently at
uh Delilah. People like to go for dinner and a
show and an experience and, you know, cell phones also
changed a lot of the things. Now back then people
used to just dance, you know, they used to dance.
Now everyone's on their phone and, you know, they'll record,
(14:03):
they'll record themselves having a little fun, you know,
and then start actually editing the video or the photo
at the, at the party they're at like, cause they
just wanna post and show everybody that they're having a
good time. So, you know, that's something that I don't
like as much. But what I do like is the
(14:23):
incorporated uh uh live music element. You know, I see
so many musicians. Now when I go out, you know,
you'll see a sax player, you'll see a percussionist on
top of the bar,
you know, the live music scene, they're always having a
lot of shows at the Adrian Art Center. So that's
something I really like to do is go out there,
(14:43):
look at the live music and the singers and try
to discover new artists to work with.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
Well, I know you do it for the love of
music and like you said, the smile is infectious and
you can tell you're doing it for that reason. But
as fans, as those who love to watch you and
listen to you, of course, we love the, the celebrity
aspect of it. I know you're probably immune to it.
Um You're part of that people know you. But I
do wanna ask just
(15:11):
those listening. I think it's fun to hear these stories
and I'm not gonna, I'm not gonna pry too much
for you to name drop because you could, we could
probably have about a week long podcast of just, you know,
those you hang out with. But when, when did you know,
like when, when did you have that aha moment? I mean,
now every Miami heat player knows your name. You're part
of that culture, you're part of the Miami culture. Stars
know you Mark Anthony, I mean on and on and on.
(15:31):
But before that, I mean, I know you were in
Miami around a lot of stars and you were in
that scene. But when did you know that? Like, hey,
I'm kind of famous too, like, you know, and I
ask people that sometimes were, were you in an elevator?
And someone said, hey, it's Cardi or, or, or a
billboard popped up like when, when did you know, like I'm,
I'm kind of famous now too.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
No, no, I'm not famous at all. I'm not famous
but the right people know me so that there's a difference. No,
there's a difference when the right people know you. And
that's a really good question and looking back on it
now this goes back to like the two, the two
thousands when I was like doing the night club,
when all the big record labels would come see me
(16:11):
and give me all the, the records and then the
actual rappers would show up to the club to hear
me play their music, you know, like it was, it
was a real, like, all right, this is the guy
in Miami, we gotta go to him, you know, so
I would see all these rappers in the club. Uh
like when Pit Bull was coming up, that was a
great time. You know, people would show up to my
(16:32):
parties and perform for free, for free, just get on
the bar and,
you know, Lil John, we had Ludacris, we had t I,
we had so many rappers at that time. They're still
doing it today, but that's when I knew. All right,
these guys are here. They know I'm doing something right. So,
and they want me to play their music.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
That's awesome. I'm an Atlanta guy. I'm from Atlanta originally.
So you're, you're, you're saying all my guys, I uh
that's incredible. And I think you're being modest. I think
you said something very, you know, pointing at you knowing
the right people. But I,
I know how well known you are now and again,
that's just a tribute to your, your, you know, humility.
But um you talked about the band and as you
came up, um and for those who haven't seen you,
(17:16):
they definitely want to youtube it and just, just see
the funk and just see the, the rhythm and just
see the chemistry because it's not just a DJ, there's
so much chemistry in this band that you're up there
with
and they're playing their heart out with you. How did that,
you know, if you don't, because I, I'm wondering this,
as I'm watching you, I get, and I'm the weirdo
every event you've been to here. I'm the weirdo up front. Just,
(17:36):
just like watching you guys and waiting for security to
be like, you're being a little bit weird. You need
to go dance or move away. But I'm so enthralled
with the band in sync and just so much passion.
How did that come? Like one at a time? Did
you know these guys, did you invite them out for try?
How did that come about,
Speaker 2 (17:51):
man? I'm so lucky. I, I really play with the best,
like the best of the best and these guys have
been doing it probably way longer than I have for sure.
Um They're, they're great. They're all, you know, either been
Grammy dominated or Grammy winners or played with Casey and
the Sunshine Band via Stepan,
(18:12):
you know, the top top people, you know, Earth Wind
and Fire. So I've just been so lucky to meet
them one by one and then I kind of put
them together. I'm like, all right, this guy will vibe
with this guy. And to be honest, we don't even
rehearse anymore. Like we don't even have to rehearse. They,
they just go with, they just go with the flow.
(18:34):
They already, they already know my
style and they play pretty much every night. So they
just adapt to what I'm playing, you know, we have our,
our little cues and I do a lot of high
end events with rock with you. They're an agency out
here in South Florida. So I've been blessed. They, they've
showed me so many great musicians as well, you know,
(18:57):
as far as singers and, you know, all, all types
of musicians. So
it's, it's really something you can't explain. You know, it's
a vibe.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Well, talking to DJ Cardi here on the Florida Keys
Weekly podcast. Uh Cardi, you talk about that with the
band and how it comes together. Um So when you,
for those who don't understand it all, like somebody might say, well,
I understand a guitarist or I, I follow the police
or I follow uh whatever contemporary, more of a, more
of your contemporary,
(19:28):
typical band. But, you know, you're, it's a little bit
different than maybe what some of the older crowds used
to or as seen if they're not from South Florida
or from a place that doesn't really have that have
that movement. Um So, and sometimes I think people think, oh, well,
then you're just a DJ. You, you've got a playlist
and you put it on and it plays. Now there's
a lot going on.
I know this is a tough question to answer in
just a, you know, a few sentences or in the
(19:50):
time that we have, but just to explain it to
maybe those who don't see it all the time. What
goes into you creating the music that you create just
for those who don't necessarily see it all the time.
Speaker 2 (20:01):
Well, that's the fun part of my job. I never
do the same thing twice. Every gig is pretty different.
Every client wants something else and you never wanna stay
doing the same set. So I start prepping around like today,
it's Tuesday. Uh Wednesday, I'm prepping for the weekend already.
You know, I'm putting my players together. They're telling me
(20:23):
the demographic. How many guests, uh do they want me
to blow it out of the water or do they
want me just to,
you know, keep it, keep it chill. You know, there's
always different vibes that they want. So I start prepping, downloading,
organizing my folders in the Serato DJ program that I use.
What's really fun with this program I use while I'm
(20:44):
D jing, I'm able to cut out stems from certain songs.
So if I wanna get rid of the drums,
I could get rid of the drums if I wanna
get rid of the third verse. Vocals, that's what I do.
That way the saxophone could shine on that third verse
and do his own rendition of, you know, the vocal
lines or maybe have a guitarist, you know, uh do
(21:09):
a solo. So I have so much fun with it
and when you're constantly working with music, your brain is
just full of ideas, you know. Oh, this song is
in the same key as this song. This will go
great together. So let me create a quick mash up,
you know, quick little remix.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
How, how many people come to you honestly who kind
of know you or recognize you and give you an idea. Everyone,
everyone's got an idea, right. How often do you, do
you get someone saying, hey, have you thought about this?
And are any, are any of those ideas ever any good?
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Not much pat? But I'm lucky that all my best friends,
they're all DJ S. So we're always sending each other
stuff like, hey, look what I came up with, you know,
I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such creative people
as well, you know,
Speaker 1 (21:56):
and that's really cool. So you'll do now, I know you're,
you're probably a protective as you should be and b you're,
you're humble. So I'm not gonna pry you to name
drop too much, but I know
you'll take gigs with thousands and thousands of people, arenas,
you know, wherever it might be. And I guess you'll
do with celebrities, private parties, those types of things. Um
(22:16):
Can I ask you just for some fun? Like what's,
what's some of the coolest, what big or small in
your memory of, of your career right now? What, what
are some of the coolest, you know, just fun gigs
that you have done that really stick out?
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Oh, man, there, there are so many uh to think of,
there was one that I did in Star Island with
uh Leonardo Dicaprio Mel Gibson.
Um Jonah Hill. This was right after the Wolf of
Wall Street movie, I guess. Rap um, Gerard Butler. There
(22:50):
was so many people I looked up to even little
John was out there and they just wanted hip hop
and I was so surprised, I thought they were gonna
want it to be like stuffy, you know, music or
house music. But they just wanted the down south hip
hop from Atlanta, you know,
and that was so fun because it was so unexpected.
(23:13):
But everyone had a great time there and, and then
this past week I did a party for Dakota Johnson's
movie and she just wanted the most. I, I've never
played this music. But The Strokes, the Cranberries, the Shins.
Yeah. She really was a fan of, of Remy Wolf.
(23:36):
Uh Billie Eilish, you know, I've, I've never really played
a whole night of just that type of music, but
it was challenging and i, it was a small party
for 30 people but everyone had such a great time
in uh in Toronto for the film festival. And that
was the night that surprised me. Like, wow, I can
do this as well. You know.
You know,
Speaker 1 (23:56):
you don't fit that stuff in your suitcase. Do you,
do you, how do you, how do you get it
all there? That's, I have a crazy question, but you're
making me think about Toronto and you know, you got
your stuff. Is it just, you get the plane and you,
you get it all hauled up there. How that's gotta
be a process.
Speaker 2 (24:10):
No, no. All, all I do is take my book
back with my laptop and everywhere you go they have, uh,
the standard DJ equipment on, on my writer. So, you know,
you just show up, plug in and you're set.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Has there ever been a celeb? And I'll, I'll stop
pestering you with celebrity questions. Like a fan boy here.
But has there ever been one that really surprised you?
It was just so cool. I doubt you get starstruck anymore.
But do you, do you ever get starstruck anymore? And
has anyone ever just surprised you at? Just how really
cool they were? I'm sure they all are. But like
anyone that really jumped out at you.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
Well, it's funny you say that I like um I'm
not really starstruck but I do love food Network stars.
Those are the guys, those are the guys and girls
that I'm like, oh my God, I watch you all
the time when I'm not d jing. I'm watching a
cooking show.
I'm trying to cook every day, trying to do something
creative that takes my mind off music for, for a
(25:04):
little bit, you know, so like Giada was really cool.
Um Sharon Sanchez. Um these are all chefs. Um I,
I just love chefs and food and the culinary world.
So
if I get to do um like food, food network events, cooking,
(25:25):
you know, that's, that's my go to and they're all humble,
you could tell. Yeah.
I gotta,
Speaker 1 (25:32):
I gotta imagine you're eating at the best restaurants in
the world. It's gotta be a fun gig. Um And I've,
I've seen some of those chefs on your IG page.
If no, if you just for anyone who just wants
to see DJ car, he go to his Instagram page
and you can see the fun that you're having. I mean,
I know it's photos but you're having fun doing this.
Um And you talk about these stars and you talk
about other DJ s and your friends are DJ S
(25:52):
and musicians. Um I, I'd like to ask this question
because it's sort of the way of the world now
and I love it. I love collaborations. Are you looking
at any collaborations right now or, or have any collaborations
that you've done or are gonna be doing sometime soon?
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Well, right now I'm working on my own um album.
I started during the 2020 lockdown.
So I'm so excited to put that funk project together
with all my friends. It's all live music, you know,
I programmed everything on my keyboard, but then I have
the live music elements being recorded as we speak. And
so my plan is to mix and master that. I
(26:26):
work with a lot of gospel singers too cause I
really love the soul in their voice. So I'm excited
to get that, you know, local Miami artists and um
musicians
put this project together and just release it because what,
what good is it serving me being in my, in
my laptop. You know, I, I'd rather share it with
(26:48):
the
world.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
I count, count me in as one of the first
I'll be downloading and purchasing. Um I'm not gonna keep
you much longer. You've been incredibly gracious DJ Cardi. I,
I will ask you, uh you mentioned this before, you know,
the cooking show and I saw you with some world
renowned chefs on your pages, your, your uh social media pages.
But
other than cooking and, and enjoying good food, you're a
Miami guy. You love the heat. Um You know, what
(27:11):
do you do when you're, I mean, you're, you're everywhere
and you're in demand. I know you've gotta learn. Probably
your process is learning to say no, you're such in
high demand. But I don't know when you say no
because I see you everywhere. But what do you do with,
with your spare time? What, what do you enjoy doing?
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Yeah. So I said cooking and I really love the movie.
So every week I try to, I try to visit
the movies every Tuesday and I go to these advanced
screenings and it's really cool. You get to see these
movies before they come out and that's why I'm such
a fan of film festival. Um I, I love to
see what people are doing. I love meeting the directors, the,
(27:51):
the filmmakers. It's very exciting to see how they come
up with this and put it together.
So, movies like music, they're storytelling. So that's something I
could connect with. I don't do movies but it's something
I love and I appreciate.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Have
Speaker 2 (28:08):
you,
Speaker 1 (28:08):
have
you not been in a movie?
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Yeah.
No, man,
Speaker 1 (28:13):
I
thought one of these guys would slide you in. Come on. Now,
anyone this may or may not. I mean, we have
some listeners and we've, we've got some that have gone out.
You need to be in a movie. That's crazy. You're
always around these guys. I need, I need to see
some IM DB uh credits here. So II I really
was assuming you had been, I find that hard to
believe they have it squeezed you in. So, uh next
(28:33):
time we talk, I need some, I need some movie,
some movie credits from you. Um
Speaker 2 (28:36):
Good
idea. Good idea.
Speaker 1 (28:40):
Uh I've had a lot of fun talking to you.
I wanna mention this because uh before we go, you
are coming down and like I said, you always come
down with your heart. I mean, it's leading you here
to the Keys. Um I'm sure you have, you have
some fun Florida Keys stories being a Miami guy. But
the times I've seen you, you've come down to support
some calls as this most recent one you're gonna be
doing is October 12th. I'm saying it because as we
(29:02):
speak and as this, this podcast comes out, uh
and, and even in print as this comes out, there's
still some tickets left for this event and it's for
a great cause. But I will tell you the cause
is great. The ticket is worth it just because of
you and no one wants to miss this. It's October 12th.
It's benefiting United United way of caller and the Keys.
(29:24):
And Andy Griffiths, a retiring school board member for almost
30 years plus
is retiring and he wanted to have a retirement party,
but not all about Andy, he's doing it. Obviously, you're
coming to support in every, proceed, everything that goes into,
it supports, um, you know, the early learning coalition is
matching every dollar and it supports those Children um, toward
(29:47):
the success by six program. And that allows people to
have scholarships for a full year of quality preschool and
that's for local Children here in the Keys and beyond.
And you're coming down to support that
and I just wanna encourage people that you can still
grab a ticket. As I'm saying this, I don't know
if it's sold out yet because it is limited. You
can still see it here in the Florida in Key West.
The show's gonna be October 12th and you can get
(30:08):
those tickets at United Way, call your Keys coll I, er,
United Way, call your keys.org and you can grab tickets there,
um, as they remain. And so, um, I really appreciate
you doing that. It says a lot about who you
are when I see you come down here for things
like that in Wesley House. Um, and I just, I'll
just ask you as we wrap this up. Is that,
is that something you do on the regular? I mean,
(30:29):
I know people ask you to do all kinds of
things and I mentioned before, it's probably hard for you
to say no. But are you, is this is, you know,
why is that kind of stuff important to you? And,
and how often are you doing those types of things?
Speaker 2 (30:41):
Yes, definitely anything with kids education and well being, uh
especially in the family um atmosphere. I, I really love
doing these things. I really connect with it. I've been, uh,
you know, one of the things I got started out,
I've been diabetic my whole life since a kid. So
one of the causes I love working with is juvenile diabetes,
(31:02):
you know, their foundation. And from then I, I just
started doing these type of things. It's just an extra,
you know, an extra, like,
great thing you could contribute to, you know, bring your energy,
bring that smile and people will feel good about showing
up and contributing as well, you know.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
Well, just promise me you're gonna make this is, this
is gonna benefit, you know, obviously United Way. But it,
it's in, it's on behalf of Andy who was, who, who's,
who's retiring. Uh, are you going to, we have to
make sure promise me Andy's gonna be front and center.
He's gotta do some dancing before the night's over. He's
gotta be up there. So, uh and I know you're close,
close with um the Talbot family and Sam still and
(31:44):
Yvette and that wonderful family. I wanna thank them for
connecting me with you and I know you have a
close bond with them, but
um I can tell you on behalf of the Florida
Keys and all the things we try to do to,
to raise awareness and support down here to have someone
like you come down and, and share your time and
your passion and your talents um with us is, is
beyond appreciated. So I wanna say thank you for everyone
for that and we can't wait to see you.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
Oh, no. Thank you guys. And thank Andy and everyone
from the Keys for always bringing me down and telling
me about these great, great events.
Speaker 1 (32:14):
You got it, man. So, uh Florida Keys Weekly podcast,
we have been honored um as you probably know to
have DJ
Cardi on with us today. He said you let me
call you Cardi. Now it's a big moment for me
in my life. I, I didn't get the invite to
the Dicaprio Mel Gibson party on Star Island, but I
get to call you Cardi. So I'm moving up in
the world and
Speaker 2 (32:33):
I've been
Cardi since, since, yeah, since I was a kid,
Speaker 1 (32:38):
I wasn't going to ask you. But you know, when
Cardi B came along, did you call her up and
be like, hey, wait a minute, that's me or?
Speaker 2 (32:43):
Yeah, I was like, oh, it's just one song, one song.
And I was like, oh, I was wrong. I was wrong. I,
I love her though. I love her. But
yeah, there you go.
Speaker 1 (32:55):
Hey DJ. Cardi Cardi much appreciated and I can't wait
to see you and love to have you back on
some time. You're always welcome. Um You know, we're, we're
humbled and honored to have you. So, of course, you're
always welcome. But uh I can't wait to see you.
And thank you again for coming on the Florida Keys
Weekly podcast.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
Thanks for it. Much love.
Welcome everyone. And thank you for joining me, Brett Myers,
your ho your host on the Florida Keys Weekly podcast
here in Key West in our studio.
I always have a great show. You know, we bring
on great celebrities guest. You name it, but this one,
you're going to love it. I promise you. And I'm
gonna get to it before I do. Uh I wanna
thank our friends in radio land at WKW FA M-16
(00:22):
100 FM, 103.3 FM. You radio listeners. Thanks for doing that.
If you're not on radio, you know where to catch
us at Keys, weekly.com, Apple, Spotify,
Amazon. All the cool places you want to get a podcast.
We're there. You can find those under the Florida Keys
Weekly podcast.
And of course, this podcast is brought to you by
overseas media group. That's the local digital company that brings
(00:45):
your website, social media seo all the things you don't
wanna deal with. They do it, they do it with
a world of expertise, but they do it with local
service that's overseas media group.com. You can check them out today.
I wanna thank them for bringing this show to you. Now,
this show, this is what you, this is what you're
here for. Uh today is gonna be a fun day,
especially if you're South Florida. Pretty much international, national, international.
(01:07):
This person is well known,
but if you're a Florida person, particularly South Florida, a
heat fan or just a music fan or a fashion fan,
those things all are kind of synonymous, I guess in
South Florida, this is your icon, this is him. And
so without further ado, I'm gonna introduce uh DJ Cardi
who's from Miami. He's the premier DJ producer known for
(01:27):
his signature sound, combining his love for R and B
and hip hop with,
that's the infectious, feel good, disco house music. Uh His
ability to connect with his audience has propelled him to
the forefront, performing at high profile events. If you know
much about DJ Cardi like Formula One Grand Prix, the
Pegasus World Cup, the Miami Open on and on and on.
He plays for the Miami Heat for seven seasons. Now
(01:48):
he opens up if you go into a heat game,
he's the reason you're getting down. He's the reason you're
having fun.
Um He's also at the uh Kayla Center for seven seasons.
He's held on to res res uh residences. If I
can say that at the World Class resorts like the Cove, Atlantis,
Bahamas and the Fountain Blue Miami Beach, uh extravagant dinner
parties at B can tell you go on, he's done
(02:09):
it he's the go to DJ for VIP clients. If
you go to his Instagram page, it's like something out
of a storybook that we all dream of the people
that this guy hangs with. Um He even does star
studded movie premieres at Sundance Can
uh Toronto International Film Festival every year. It's not like
a one time thing every year. They want him there.
Uh But beyond his music prowess, you know, card, he's
(02:29):
recognized for his impeccable sense of style. He's a Miami
style icon curating the soundscapes for renowned brands like Armani
Dolce Cabana Vogue. He's even held as one of Miami's
style icons. His contributions as a music director extend to
fashion shows, film and live performances, collaborating with his band
and orchestra to infuse live horns, strings,
(02:51):
guitar and percussion. Now you may be saying, OK, he
is a Miami icon. Why is he joining the Key
West or Florida Keys Weekly podcast? Well, he's no stranger
to the keys and one of the reasons and I
just gave a long intro for a reason because to
really and, and that could have gone on and on
to show you the stature um the prestige and how
cool this guy really is. But he comes to the
(03:12):
keys and, and where I've crossed paths with Cardi DJ. Cardi,
he's usually here because his heart leaves him here. He's,
he's usually here for an event to raise money for
a cause or those in need. And he shows up
and it blows you away. You're like, wait, what's this
guy doing here? I'm glad I'm here. It is amazing.
And that's why he comes down and today we're talking
to him about all the things about him and what
he does, but he is coming back again not far
(03:34):
from now, October 12th here in the Florida Keys for
another event that we'll talk about again for our great cause,
but I can do this intro for the entire show,
but I don't wanna do that because why we have
DJ Cardi on the line now joining our podcast and
uh Cardi, first of all, let me just say it
is a pleasure and an honor to have you on
the podcast today on the show today
Speaker 2 (03:55):
for that was quite the intro. Thank you so much.
I am so happy to talk to you today. You know,
I love the Keys. I love seeing you guys such
a great time every time I go over there.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Now, iii I try to do, I guess maybe subtly
or
maybe there's a method to the madness, most of the
celebrities and most of the big, the big names we
have on the show. I feel like have a common theme.
I've been very lucky. I've been very fortunate and maybe
this is the kind of person it takes to come
on with a bozo like me in the first place.
I'm always blown away by the humility the endearing kind
(04:26):
of humility
uh and particularly with someone like you, I mean, no offense.
When I think Miami, I think, I think that's out
of my league. That's, you know, when I look at you,
I look at your Instagram pages and I see you
with stars like Dakota Johnson and Mark Anthony and all
the heat players in all that you do.
And then I talked to you before the show today yesterday.
And you're like, hey Brett, it's cool. I can't wait
(04:47):
to come on there with you. I'm on your time.
Like it doesn't make, it doesn't compute the humility and
the coolness and, but I think that's really what makes you,
you is you're just down to earth uh and you're
really humble. And so I'll ask you that as a
Miami guy, you know, if you're talking to Armani and
Dolce Cabana and I've seen your style and you're out there.
But you know, you're also, you
uh how do you balance that? How are, what's the
(05:08):
background that makes you that way? Cardi and, and how
do you, how do you kinda stay grounded to be
that person that you are?
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Well, but I, I was born and raised in Miami.
So I've been so lucky to grow up with this
culture around me. Um And I've been doing what I
love for the last 27 years, which is d jing
and every day I wake up, I'm so excited for
the next gig. So
it's always a challenge preparing for what you're gonna do.
(05:37):
But that's what keeps my life interesting in it. It's,
you're basically making people's day making people smile, kids, adults,
you know, and the fact I'm able to still do it, I,
I'm just so excited, you know.
Speaker 1 (05:51):
Well, you can tell when you're doing it and not
just do your band, there is an energy and I
know pe people say, yeah.
Um, and, and for those listening, let's be clear, the
DJ world, the music world has evolved where DJ s
are king. I mean, that is, that's where shows take
place and festivals and, and you're one of the big
names in that circuit across, across the globe. And that's
why you show up at these places. But there is a,
(06:13):
there is a connection, there is an energy and it's
not just you and your equipment and your gear and
your turntables, there's, there's more going on, I mean, and
it's also, there's guitar, there's, you know, there's, there's, there's brass,
I've seen
the drummer going. I mean, it's just, it's all working together.
It's not like, you know, there's DJ Snake and Khalid
and these names that you're there or, you know, you're,
(06:34):
you're there. It's, you, but it's, it's brought a little
bit differently. Were you always geared to doing it that way?
Like a show and, and more music coming in and
fusing those instruments or did that evolve? Over time, those
27 years.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
Yeah. Like when I was a child, I always remember
listening to salsa music, you know, with my Cuban Colombian
family and I was always intrigued by the horn and
the drums and the percussion. So I, you know, I
don't know why, but it stuck with me all these years.
I just love that type of rhythm. So I had
to bring it into my set. And once I started
(07:08):
playing with the musician, I'm like, let me add another guy,
let me add another guy and you know, basically channeling
like
the James Brown, you know, days, you know, and making
it bringing it to the forefront in 2024 you know,
just bringing that funk and soul to current music, you know,
(07:30):
we're still taking jazz, you know, and bringing it to
the current and it's so interesting because you could really
grab people and bring them in, you know, with that
type of music.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Well, just my litmus test here in the Florida Keys.
You've come down for Wesley House Family Services who do
a lot for the community beyond Key West all the
way through marathon and Key Largo and up the Keys
and beyond.
Now you're coming down for uh another great cause we'll
talk about. But I've noticed on the dance floor at
these events and, and I know these events you're doing
that I've seen are, are small events for you. I know,
(08:05):
I know your scope in the, in the large places
you play and the audiences. But from a small sample size,
there's a lot of different people at these events. In
the keys. You have older people, younger people,
uh all walks of life and, and, and you don't
really ever see with all due respect to those who
you know, entertain down here. You never really see someone
capture the entire room the way you do everybody. It, it,
(08:26):
it really, it really speaks to everybody. No one's even
those who don't like to dance are out there. They
either love the percussion, they love your beats, they love
the energy. There's a lot going on. Um Tell me
a little bit about your background. You know, you talked
about getting into this
and we have some great DJ S here and, you know,
you know, did you catch a big break early on?
I mean, this is kind of a cliche question but
(08:46):
you know, Dakota Johnson Johnson didn't just wake up and
call you one day you had to build this reputation up,
you had to build, build your career up. Um When
did you start to see like, how did you kind
of start out? Was it just you doing DJ gigs
and then it evolved or did you have, did you
start out early and have an early break early or
under someone? Tell us a little bit about that background?
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Yeah,
I, I think I really came up at the right
age with vinyl in the late nineties.
You know, there was, there wasn't any youtube to teach
you how to DJ. I kinda had to figure it
out on my own. I didn't know any DJ s
so I was the only DJ in my class and
in my school and then by the time I was 15,
I started renting out banquet halls to do these events
(09:24):
and thinking more entrepreneur type, you know, how can I
make the most of it and started promoting and getting
the bigger clubs. And by the time I was 17,
I was DJ the 21 and over clubs that were
well known because my skill set was so advanced from
just f you know, following uh the guys that came
(09:46):
before me, you know, those mentors and
I hit a big break when I got this residency
at the Cove Atlantis in 19 92,009, sorry at the
Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. And there I met so
many people from around the world. You know, I would
fly in every other week to play there at this
(10:07):
um luxurious pool. And these people took me around the world,
these clients, they were like, hey, come to London, come
to Thailand, come all over, you know, and I really
started seeing
uh music from the world. And when you have that
knowledge of music, you're able to kind of um pivot
(10:28):
in a way when, whenever you see something working. All right,
let me see if they're, if I can convince them
to like this, you know, it's like a psychology and,
you know, I've always stuck with that and always been professional,
always loved to dress up
and just being happy. I think being happy is an
infectious thing. Once you see somebody smile, somebody's gonna smile
(10:51):
back at you, you know.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Absolutely. And, and you feel it and again, I'm not,
you know, I'm doing a podcast with you and, and
it's fun to pump you up. You don't need me to, I,
I can't be more honest, you feel it at your shows,
you feel that happiness, you feel the vibe and I
know that's the way you should feel anytime there's a
DJ and there's music and I love DJ s
and I love music and, and so there's a lot
of them that I love, but there's a different caliber
with you. And I know there's been an evolution with
(11:14):
your career. Um You mentioned something and we, you know,
we're talking here with DJ Cary out of Miami on
the Florida Keys Weekly podcast.
You mentioned something when you, you got that gig in
Atlantis and then of course, you're connecting, you know, that's
the great thing about music, particularly from the level you're at,
you start connecting with the world, one connection leads to a,
to another. And, but when you're doing that, were you
(11:37):
already one thing I wanted to ask you, you mentioned
your style and you always like style.
Now, if you go to your Instagram page and we
talk about Dolce Cabana and Armani, you're a good looking guy,
you're stylish. It's pretty cool. It's like the total Miami package.
But was that always you, are you always in the
style or did that kind of come along as you
evolved as a DJ in your career?
Speaker 2 (11:54):
I, I've always been into style, like, uh I've always
kind of been ahead, but the last few years I've
kinda tailored it a little bit more with the suits.
I've been designing my own suits um for these events.
So three months before an event, I'm, I'm designing the
suits and I'm having them tailor made here in uh
in Miami at a few suit shops that I work with.
(12:17):
And that's kind of like that kind of makes me
stand out because I'm not wearing exactly what everybody else
is wearing. And it's also part of the art, you know,
like the music is an art
and also the visual, you know, you have to think
about how you present yourself, you know
Speaker 1 (12:36):
how it does and, and it really encapsulates, you know,
you have a Miami style and there's no, there's, you
can't go wrong with that. And one of the greatest
international cities in the world, one of the most, if
not the stylish Paris Miami, there's others, you've got it
down and, uh, and you wear it well as you know,
um how much has, how much has Miami changed since
you started doing this? And how much have you changed
with Miami? I know you're worldwide, you're seeing a lot
(12:58):
of things and I guess I'm kind of fishing here.
How much have you influenced that part of Miami that's
changed as the Wynwood movement started and a lot of
the obviously EDM and house music comes along and DJ
S come along. There's a lot of, and you have
a lot of different fusions. You're not ne necessarily encapsulated
in that, but, you know, walk me through some of
the changes with you and Miami and, and who's changing? Who?
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Well, you know, I was big in the club scene
in the late uh 2000, early 2010, but things started
changing with the nightlife. It, the clubs started dying down
and smaller um bars and restaurants started kind of becoming
the
place to be, you know, so I love doing these,
(13:41):
these dinner parties at like Bate of Tucan. Currently at
uh Delilah. People like to go for dinner and a
show and an experience and, you know, cell phones also
changed a lot of the things. Now back then people
used to just dance, you know, they used to dance.
Now everyone's on their phone and, you know, they'll record,
(14:03):
they'll record themselves having a little fun, you know,
and then start actually editing the video or the photo
at the, at the party they're at like, cause they
just wanna post and show everybody that they're having a
good time. So, you know, that's something that I don't
like as much. But what I do like is the
(14:23):
incorporated uh uh live music element. You know, I see
so many musicians. Now when I go out, you know,
you'll see a sax player, you'll see a percussionist on
top of the bar,
you know, the live music scene, they're always having a
lot of shows at the Adrian Art Center. So that's
something I really like to do is go out there,
(14:43):
look at the live music and the singers and try
to discover new artists to work with.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
Well, I know you do it for the love of
music and like you said, the smile is infectious and
you can tell you're doing it for that reason. But
as fans, as those who love to watch you and
listen to you, of course, we love the, the celebrity
aspect of it. I know you're probably immune to it.
Um You're part of that people know you. But I
do wanna ask just
(15:11):
those listening. I think it's fun to hear these stories
and I'm not gonna, I'm not gonna pry too much
for you to name drop because you could, we could
probably have about a week long podcast of just, you know,
those you hang out with. But when, when did you know,
like when, when did you have that aha moment? I mean,
now every Miami heat player knows your name. You're part
of that culture, you're part of the Miami culture. Stars
know you Mark Anthony, I mean on and on and on.
(15:31):
But before that, I mean, I know you were in
Miami around a lot of stars and you were in
that scene. But when did you know that? Like, hey,
I'm kind of famous too, like, you know, and I
ask people that sometimes were, were you in an elevator?
And someone said, hey, it's Cardi or, or, or a
billboard popped up like when, when did you know, like I'm,
I'm kind of famous now too.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
No, no, I'm not famous at all. I'm not famous
but the right people know me so that there's a difference. No,
there's a difference when the right people know you. And
that's a really good question and looking back on it
now this goes back to like the two, the two
thousands when I was like doing the night club,
when all the big record labels would come see me
(16:11):
and give me all the, the records and then the
actual rappers would show up to the club to hear
me play their music, you know, like it was, it
was a real, like, all right, this is the guy
in Miami, we gotta go to him, you know, so
I would see all these rappers in the club. Uh
like when Pit Bull was coming up, that was a
great time. You know, people would show up to my
(16:32):
parties and perform for free, for free, just get on
the bar and,
you know, Lil John, we had Ludacris, we had t I,
we had so many rappers at that time. They're still
doing it today, but that's when I knew. All right,
these guys are here. They know I'm doing something right. So,
and they want me to play their music.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
That's awesome. I'm an Atlanta guy. I'm from Atlanta originally.
So you're, you're, you're saying all my guys, I uh
that's incredible. And I think you're being modest. I think
you said something very, you know, pointing at you knowing
the right people. But I,
I know how well known you are now and again,
that's just a tribute to your, your, you know, humility.
But um you talked about the band and as you
came up, um and for those who haven't seen you,
(17:16):
they definitely want to youtube it and just, just see
the funk and just see the, the rhythm and just
see the chemistry because it's not just a DJ, there's
so much chemistry in this band that you're up there
with
and they're playing their heart out with you. How did that,
you know, if you don't, because I, I'm wondering this,
as I'm watching you, I get, and I'm the weirdo
every event you've been to here. I'm the weirdo up front. Just,
(17:36):
just like watching you guys and waiting for security to
be like, you're being a little bit weird. You need
to go dance or move away. But I'm so enthralled
with the band in sync and just so much passion.
How did that come? Like one at a time? Did
you know these guys, did you invite them out for try?
How did that come about,
Speaker 2 (17:51):
man? I'm so lucky. I, I really play with the best,
like the best of the best and these guys have
been doing it probably way longer than I have for sure.
Um They're, they're great. They're all, you know, either been
Grammy dominated or Grammy winners or played with Casey and
the Sunshine Band via Stepan,
(18:12):
you know, the top top people, you know, Earth Wind
and Fire. So I've just been so lucky to meet
them one by one and then I kind of put
them together. I'm like, all right, this guy will vibe
with this guy. And to be honest, we don't even
rehearse anymore. Like we don't even have to rehearse. They,
they just go with, they just go with the flow.
(18:34):
They already, they already know my
style and they play pretty much every night. So they
just adapt to what I'm playing, you know, we have our,
our little cues and I do a lot of high
end events with rock with you. They're an agency out
here in South Florida. So I've been blessed. They, they've
showed me so many great musicians as well, you know,
(18:57):
as far as singers and, you know, all, all types
of musicians. So
it's, it's really something you can't explain. You know, it's
a vibe.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Well, talking to DJ Cardi here on the Florida Keys
Weekly podcast. Uh Cardi, you talk about that with the
band and how it comes together. Um So when you,
for those who don't understand it all, like somebody might say, well,
I understand a guitarist or I, I follow the police
or I follow uh whatever contemporary, more of a, more
of your contemporary,
(19:28):
typical band. But, you know, you're, it's a little bit
different than maybe what some of the older crowds used
to or as seen if they're not from South Florida
or from a place that doesn't really have that have
that movement. Um So, and sometimes I think people think, oh, well,
then you're just a DJ. You, you've got a playlist
and you put it on and it plays. Now there's
a lot going on.
I know this is a tough question to answer in
just a, you know, a few sentences or in the
(19:50):
time that we have, but just to explain it to
maybe those who don't see it all the time. What
goes into you creating the music that you create just
for those who don't necessarily see it all the time.
Speaker 2 (20:01):
Well, that's the fun part of my job. I never
do the same thing twice. Every gig is pretty different.
Every client wants something else and you never wanna stay
doing the same set. So I start prepping around like today,
it's Tuesday. Uh Wednesday, I'm prepping for the weekend already.
You know, I'm putting my players together. They're telling me
(20:23):
the demographic. How many guests, uh do they want me
to blow it out of the water or do they
want me just to,
you know, keep it, keep it chill. You know, there's
always different vibes that they want. So I start prepping, downloading,
organizing my folders in the Serato DJ program that I use.
What's really fun with this program I use while I'm
(20:44):
D jing, I'm able to cut out stems from certain songs.
So if I wanna get rid of the drums,
I could get rid of the drums if I wanna
get rid of the third verse. Vocals, that's what I do.
That way the saxophone could shine on that third verse
and do his own rendition of, you know, the vocal
lines or maybe have a guitarist, you know, uh do
(21:09):
a solo. So I have so much fun with it
and when you're constantly working with music, your brain is
just full of ideas, you know. Oh, this song is
in the same key as this song. This will go
great together. So let me create a quick mash up,
you know, quick little remix.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
How, how many people come to you honestly who kind
of know you or recognize you and give you an idea. Everyone,
everyone's got an idea, right. How often do you, do
you get someone saying, hey, have you thought about this?
And are any, are any of those ideas ever any good?
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Not much pat? But I'm lucky that all my best friends,
they're all DJ S. So we're always sending each other
stuff like, hey, look what I came up with, you know,
I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such creative people
as well, you know,
Speaker 1 (21:56):
and that's really cool. So you'll do now, I know you're,
you're probably a protective as you should be and b you're,
you're humble. So I'm not gonna pry you to name
drop too much, but I know
you'll take gigs with thousands and thousands of people, arenas,
you know, wherever it might be. And I guess you'll
do with celebrities, private parties, those types of things. Um
(22:16):
Can I ask you just for some fun? Like what's,
what's some of the coolest, what big or small in
your memory of, of your career right now? What, what
are some of the coolest, you know, just fun gigs
that you have done that really stick out?
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Oh, man, there, there are so many uh to think of,
there was one that I did in Star Island with
uh Leonardo Dicaprio Mel Gibson.
Um Jonah Hill. This was right after the Wolf of
Wall Street movie, I guess. Rap um, Gerard Butler. There
(22:50):
was so many people I looked up to even little
John was out there and they just wanted hip hop
and I was so surprised, I thought they were gonna
want it to be like stuffy, you know, music or
house music. But they just wanted the down south hip
hop from Atlanta, you know,
and that was so fun because it was so unexpected.
(23:13):
But everyone had a great time there and, and then
this past week I did a party for Dakota Johnson's
movie and she just wanted the most. I, I've never
played this music. But The Strokes, the Cranberries, the Shins.
Yeah. She really was a fan of, of Remy Wolf.
(23:36):
Uh Billie Eilish, you know, I've, I've never really played
a whole night of just that type of music, but
it was challenging and i, it was a small party
for 30 people but everyone had such a great time
in uh in Toronto for the film festival. And that
was the night that surprised me. Like, wow, I can
do this as well. You know.
You know,
Speaker 1 (23:56):
you don't fit that stuff in your suitcase. Do you,
do you, how do you, how do you get it
all there? That's, I have a crazy question, but you're
making me think about Toronto and you know, you got
your stuff. Is it just, you get the plane and you,
you get it all hauled up there. How that's gotta
be a process.
Speaker 2 (24:10):
No, no. All, all I do is take my book
back with my laptop and everywhere you go they have, uh,
the standard DJ equipment on, on my writer. So, you know,
you just show up, plug in and you're set.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Has there ever been a celeb? And I'll, I'll stop
pestering you with celebrity questions. Like a fan boy here.
But has there ever been one that really surprised you?
It was just so cool. I doubt you get starstruck anymore.
But do you, do you ever get starstruck anymore? And
has anyone ever just surprised you at? Just how really
cool they were? I'm sure they all are. But like
anyone that really jumped out at you.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
Well, it's funny you say that I like um I'm
not really starstruck but I do love food Network stars.
Those are the guys, those are the guys and girls
that I'm like, oh my God, I watch you all
the time when I'm not d jing. I'm watching a
cooking show.
I'm trying to cook every day, trying to do something
creative that takes my mind off music for, for a
(25:04):
little bit, you know, so like Giada was really cool.
Um Sharon Sanchez. Um these are all chefs. Um I,
I just love chefs and food and the culinary world.
So
if I get to do um like food, food network events, cooking,
(25:25):
you know, that's, that's my go to and they're all humble,
you could tell. Yeah.
I gotta,
Speaker 1 (25:32):
I gotta imagine you're eating at the best restaurants in
the world. It's gotta be a fun gig. Um And I've,
I've seen some of those chefs on your IG page.
If no, if you just for anyone who just wants
to see DJ car, he go to his Instagram page
and you can see the fun that you're having. I mean,
I know it's photos but you're having fun doing this.
Um And you talk about these stars and you talk
about other DJ s and your friends are DJ S
(25:52):
and musicians. Um I, I'd like to ask this question
because it's sort of the way of the world now
and I love it. I love collaborations. Are you looking
at any collaborations right now or, or have any collaborations
that you've done or are gonna be doing sometime soon?
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Well, right now I'm working on my own um album.
I started during the 2020 lockdown.
So I'm so excited to put that funk project together
with all my friends. It's all live music, you know,
I programmed everything on my keyboard, but then I have
the live music elements being recorded as we speak. And
so my plan is to mix and master that. I
(26:26):
work with a lot of gospel singers too cause I
really love the soul in their voice. So I'm excited
to get that, you know, local Miami artists and um
musicians
put this project together and just release it because what,
what good is it serving me being in my, in
my laptop. You know, I, I'd rather share it with
(26:48):
the
world.
Speaker 1 (26:49):
I count, count me in as one of the first
I'll be downloading and purchasing. Um I'm not gonna keep
you much longer. You've been incredibly gracious DJ Cardi. I,
I will ask you, uh you mentioned this before, you know,
the cooking show and I saw you with some world
renowned chefs on your pages, your, your uh social media pages.
But
other than cooking and, and enjoying good food, you're a
Miami guy. You love the heat. Um You know, what
(27:11):
do you do when you're, I mean, you're, you're everywhere
and you're in demand. I know you've gotta learn. Probably
your process is learning to say no, you're such in
high demand. But I don't know when you say no
because I see you everywhere. But what do you do with,
with your spare time? What, what do you enjoy doing?
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Yeah. So I said cooking and I really love the movie.
So every week I try to, I try to visit
the movies every Tuesday and I go to these advanced
screenings and it's really cool. You get to see these
movies before they come out and that's why I'm such
a fan of film festival. Um I, I love to
see what people are doing. I love meeting the directors, the,
(27:51):
the filmmakers. It's very exciting to see how they come
up with this and put it together.
So, movies like music, they're storytelling. So that's something I
could connect with. I don't do movies but it's something
I love and I appreciate.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Have
Speaker 2 (28:08):
you,
Speaker 1 (28:08):
have
you not been in a movie?
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Yeah.
No, man,
Speaker 1 (28:13):
I
thought one of these guys would slide you in. Come on. Now,
anyone this may or may not. I mean, we have
some listeners and we've, we've got some that have gone out.
You need to be in a movie. That's crazy. You're
always around these guys. I need, I need to see
some IM DB uh credits here. So II I really
was assuming you had been, I find that hard to
believe they have it squeezed you in. So, uh next
(28:33):
time we talk, I need some, I need some movie,
some movie credits from you. Um
Speaker 2 (28:36):
Good
idea. Good idea.
Speaker 1 (28:40):
Uh I've had a lot of fun talking to you.
I wanna mention this because uh before we go, you
are coming down and like I said, you always come
down with your heart. I mean, it's leading you here
to the Keys. Um I'm sure you have, you have
some fun Florida Keys stories being a Miami guy. But
the times I've seen you, you've come down to support
some calls as this most recent one you're gonna be
doing is October 12th. I'm saying it because as we
(29:02):
speak and as this, this podcast comes out, uh
and, and even in print as this comes out, there's
still some tickets left for this event and it's for
a great cause. But I will tell you the cause
is great. The ticket is worth it just because of
you and no one wants to miss this. It's October 12th.
It's benefiting United United way of caller and the Keys.
(29:24):
And Andy Griffiths, a retiring school board member for almost
30 years plus
is retiring and he wanted to have a retirement party,
but not all about Andy, he's doing it. Obviously, you're
coming to support in every, proceed, everything that goes into,
it supports, um, you know, the early learning coalition is
matching every dollar and it supports those Children um, toward
(29:47):
the success by six program. And that allows people to
have scholarships for a full year of quality preschool and
that's for local Children here in the Keys and beyond.
And you're coming down to support that
and I just wanna encourage people that you can still
grab a ticket. As I'm saying this, I don't know
if it's sold out yet because it is limited. You
can still see it here in the Florida in Key West.
The show's gonna be October 12th and you can get
(30:08):
those tickets at United Way, call your Keys coll I, er,
United Way, call your keys.org and you can grab tickets there,
um, as they remain. And so, um, I really appreciate
you doing that. It says a lot about who you
are when I see you come down here for things
like that in Wesley House. Um, and I just, I'll
just ask you as we wrap this up. Is that,
is that something you do on the regular? I mean,
(30:29):
I know people ask you to do all kinds of
things and I mentioned before, it's probably hard for you
to say no. But are you, is this is, you know,
why is that kind of stuff important to you? And,
and how often are you doing those types of things?
Speaker 2 (30:41):
Yes, definitely anything with kids education and well being, uh
especially in the family um atmosphere. I, I really love
doing these things. I really connect with it. I've been, uh,
you know, one of the things I got started out,
I've been diabetic my whole life since a kid. So
one of the causes I love working with is juvenile diabetes,
(31:02):
you know, their foundation. And from then I, I just
started doing these type of things. It's just an extra,
you know, an extra, like,
great thing you could contribute to, you know, bring your energy,
bring that smile and people will feel good about showing
up and contributing as well, you know.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
Well, just promise me you're gonna make this is, this
is gonna benefit, you know, obviously United Way. But it,
it's in, it's on behalf of Andy who was, who, who's,
who's retiring. Uh, are you going to, we have to
make sure promise me Andy's gonna be front and center.
He's gotta do some dancing before the night's over. He's
gotta be up there. So, uh and I know you're close,
close with um the Talbot family and Sam still and
(31:44):
Yvette and that wonderful family. I wanna thank them for
connecting me with you and I know you have a
close bond with them, but
um I can tell you on behalf of the Florida
Keys and all the things we try to do to,
to raise awareness and support down here to have someone
like you come down and, and share your time and
your passion and your talents um with us is, is
beyond appreciated. So I wanna say thank you for everyone
for that and we can't wait to see you.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
Oh, no. Thank you guys. And thank Andy and everyone
from the Keys for always bringing me down and telling
me about these great, great events.
Speaker 1 (32:14):
You got it, man. So, uh Florida Keys Weekly podcast,
we have been honored um as you probably know to
have DJ
Cardi on with us today. He said you let me
call you Cardi. Now it's a big moment for me
in my life. I, I didn't get the invite to
the Dicaprio Mel Gibson party on Star Island, but I
get to call you Cardi. So I'm moving up in
the world and
Speaker 2 (32:33):
I've been
Cardi since, since, yeah, since I was a kid,
Speaker 1 (32:38):
I wasn't going to ask you. But you know, when
Cardi B came along, did you call her up and
be like, hey, wait a minute, that's me or?
Speaker 2 (32:43):
Yeah, I was like, oh, it's just one song, one song.
And I was like, oh, I was wrong. I was wrong. I,
I love her though. I love her. But
yeah, there you go.
Speaker 1 (32:55):
Hey DJ. Cardi Cardi much appreciated and I can't wait
to see you and love to have you back on
some time. You're always welcome. Um You know, we're, we're
humbled and honored to have you. So, of course, you're
always welcome. But uh I can't wait to see you.
And thank you again for coming on the Florida Keys
Weekly podcast.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
Thanks for it. Much love.
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