WHO Producers, remixers, turntablists and radio hosts: for over 15 years, local DJ duo Circle Research have played all things hip-hop, electro and boogie on six turntables with a diverse lineup of MCs and, of course, their stacks of wax. Nik Timar a.k.a. Nix and Gil Masuda a.k.a. Astro have played alongside local legends and A-list artists including Jurassic 5, Grandmaster Flash, Kenny Dope and ?uestlove. The hip-hop aficionados first got started in the early ‘90s playing basement parties, raves, banquet halls and at places like Under the Bridge and Tunnel. Inspired by everything from classical to Top 40, the duo have released over 20 tracks including remixes of fellow locals like Ivana Santilli and jazz songstress Elizabeth Shepherd.
Well-known for their 10 years on CKLN radio, they’re now broadcasting online with the Circle Research Show podcast. Currently residents at Do Right! Saturdays in the Kensington Market, Circle Research are working on a new electro-soul vibe and promoting their album Who?, which is available digitally from Germany's Melting Pot Music, and coming soon on CD and LP. I spoke with Masuda via email.
WHAT Funk, '80s electro, disco, boogie, classic hip-hop.
IDEAL DJ EXPERIENCE "A packed jam, everybody dancing, good sound system, no fights and no requests!"
WHERE Nov. 14 with The Martinez Brothers at CiRCA in the Ballroom (126 John) and Nov. 15 at Do Right! Saturdays at Supermarket (268 Augusta).
FAVOURITE RECORD OF ALL TIME "That's like asking, 'Who's you favourite child?'"
FAVOURITE RECORD RIGHT NOW Menahan Street Band, Make The Road By Walking.
FAVOURITE WEBSITE RIGHT NOW “http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com — the best; http://torontotextstyles.blogspot.com — dope fashion blog; www.youtube.com — You don't have to look for anything, it just finds you!”
WHAT IS YOUR MOST SURREAL OR WEIRDEST DJING EXPERIENCE? "DJing at Vin Diesel's private loft party — the place was, like, 7,000 square feet!"
DIGITAL OR ANALOG? "Analog for keyboards and drum machines; digital for recording and mixing."
WHAT IS VITAL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? "Coffee, Q-Tips, baby powder."
WHAT GLOBAL ISSUE CONCERNS YOU MOST RIGHT NOW? "UGG boots."
WHAT IS THE LAST GREAT FILM YOU SAW?
Timar: The Kite Runner
Masuda: The Diving Bell and The Butterfly
WHAT ACTOR WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC?
Timar: Johnny Depp
Masuda: John Malkovich
WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? "Owner's manual for the Korg DS-10."