Born in the States, raised in Germany and known by many as the “ambassador of music”, it is to no wonder that DJ William Reed is being showcased as a tastemaker throughout the industry. From his early musical development immersed inside Frankfurt’s underground music scenes, to his iconic radio shows and award-winning dance parties, LA’s William Reed (aka Pleasure Principle) has been making a name for himself, being labeled “one of the most fashionable men in town” (AZ Republic).
William Reed has previously toured with and performed alongside seminal acts across all genres to include DJ’ing with the legendary members of The Ramones, The Smiths, Sex Pistols as well as Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and Kaskade. William Reed can often be found DJ’ing celebrity, red carpet and industry events around Los Angeles and beyond. Notable gigs to date include playing birthday parties and private events for the likes of Moby, Norah Jones, and Dita Von Teese, as well as opening up for Pet Shop Boys, Aracade Fire, Kings of Leon and many, many more.
William Reed currently maintains DJ residencies at The Standard, Ace Hotel, W Hotel Los Angeles, Skybar at Mondrian Hotel, as well as many prestigious clubs throughout Los Angeles. He also hosts the global online music show Balcony TV, as well as Beat Connection, a radio show on Dash Radio, alongside Snoop Dogg.
Recently voted ‘Best DJ’ by LA Weekly, which now sits at the top of William Reed’s long list of awards; ‘Next 100’ Urb Magazine, ‘Annual Best of Issue’ SPIN Magazine, ‘Best DJ’ New Times, ‘Loudest DJ’ 944 Magazine, ‘Best Dance Night’ Arizona Republic, ‘Best Hipster Dance Night’ New Times, ‘Best Hipster Dance Night’ Get Out Magazine and ‘Best Hipster Dance Night 2009-2012’ Phoenix New Times.
We had an opportunity to chat with William. Check out the interview below!
Hi! Thank you for granting the interview. We’re excited to chat with you about your career! You have DJ’ed alongside several high-profile artists, such as The Ramones, The Smiths, Sex Pistols, and Steve Aoki. Tell us about your latest production.
My pleasure, happy to be here. Right now I’m working on a new deep house project with my mate Justin Cornwall. We’re in the studio now working on our new EP and can’t wait to share it with you. Other than that I’m taking my monthly party Singles Going Steady on the road, maintaining my residencies in LA, hosting for Balcony TV Los Angeles and in discussions to launch my new radio show.
In your early musical development, you were immersed in Frankfurt, Germany’s underground music scene. Have your experiences shaped who you are as a DJ today?
Absolutely! Prior to I grew up on punk, new wave, and alternative. Living in Germany I was exposed to a whole new world of underground electronic music including acid house, techno, ambient, and jungle. Those formative years exploring underground clubs in German nightlife had a monumental impact on my musical development.
You often DJ at celebrity, red carpet, and industry events. What is the catalyst for your success?
I like to have fun, mix it up and not take it too seriously. I also like to see what others are doing and have a different approach.
What’s your next gig? Anything in the works?
I’m working on my annual summer-long pool party series ADLT SWM Which runs between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. I’m also launching an all rock ‘n’ roll pool party this summer.
Aside from that, I’m booked on average about 20+ times per month not including travel dates. Tonight I’m at No Name in Los Angeles which is owned and operated by a bunch of really talented musicians. I have a new weekly called Shangri-La at Boardners in Hollywood every Wednesday.
Once a month I host Singles Going Steady which is LA’s premier rock ‘n’ roll dance party. Other than that I maintain residencies at The Standard rooftop DTLA, Pour Vous in Hollywood, Harvard & Stone and Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs among others.
Is there a particular production you would to DJ?
I’d love to play at Walt Disney Concert Hall—the acoustics are amazing. And of course Berghain in Berlin.
Thus far, what has been the best experience working in the entertainment industry?
There really so many it’s hard to choose. Touring on the road is always such an adventure. Opening up for and performing alongside some of my favorite recording artists has been a dream come true. Working with kids to give them the tools knowledge to become DJs is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I’d say the best experience is bringing joy to others while creating a lifetime of memories.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
I work with Mercy For Animals—an organization that I’m truly passionate about. Each year we have our annual black-tie fundraiser gala. I’m looking forward to returning this year alongside so many other champions of animal rights including Moby, Tony Kanal, Kat Von D, Pamela Anderson, Russel Simmons and Joaquin Phoenix.
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
Save the environment, create my own charitable organization, open a drive-thru healthy fast-food vegan restaurant, a boutique hotel on Venice Beach and an Art Deco jazz club.
Connect with DJ William Reed:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamreed
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pleasurepmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/williamfcukingreed
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