Growing up in Chicago’s electronic music scene, DJ Whoski (aka Steven Tomaszewski) has developed his own flavor of underground house music blending soul, jazz and hip-hop, and brings it to Steamboat at parties, events, bars and more (find him at @whoskiproductions). We caught with him for the skinny on his spins.
Swillin’: When and how did you start DJing?
DJ Whoski: Growing up in Chicago around some of the biggest house music innovators in the world—such as Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Dj Sneak and so many more—house music became my love at a very young age. I’d listen to the 10 o’clock remix on B96 every night, making sure my cassette player was on record. Then I started going to the famous teen club Medusas in seventh grade and fell in love with the scene. I have hip hop, jazz, soul and tons of underground influences in my sets.
Swillin’: When did you move to Steamboat?
DJ Whoski: I’d been traveling from Chicago to Steamboat to help build a friend’s cabin starting in 2002 for almost 10 years. I moved here five years ago now and am super happy to call this town home.
Swillin’: What do you like about it here?
DJ Whoski: I love the endless outdoor activities you can do anytime of the year. I’m also a big snowmobile and motorcycle addict.
Swillin’: How would you define your DJ style and has town been receptive to it?
DJ Whoski: I’ve created a family-like following here as the “House Gangster” of Steamboat. I don’t dislike any music; in fact, I do everything from the Steamboat High School Prom to weddings and birthday parties. With a music scene that is highly dominated by country and bluegrass, I think the DJ scene brings the same if not more of a dedicated following anywhere, anytime.
Swillin’: What are you looking forward to this summer?
DJ Whoski: I can’t wait to see what the future holds with all my new endeavors. I’m involved in a new ultra-lounge in Steamboat called the Fox Bar opening this summer, and I plan to produce my own music and release an album and spread the love of house. Peace, Love, and House Music forever.
Sidebar: EDM Rockin’ the ‘Boat
Things are shifting in Steamboat’s music scene, with EDM playing a big role, thanks to the likes of both DJ Whoski and John Fransella, who’s championing the world of electronic dance music under the stage name TEAK, named after his favorite type of wood. Fransella hopes to grow town’s EDM scene one party at a time. Creatives across the country are hosting small, one-off parties to put their stuff out there, he says, and that’s also occurring here. He’s helping by founding events production company and record label Feels Right, which hosts local events. EDM is different from other genres, he says, because of such production amenities as laser lights and TV screens. But it’s all part of creating an authentic EDM experience. “I want people to come both for the act as well as the event and overall vibe,” he says.
