Tell us who you are.

My name is BreakNek.  I'm a DJ and producer from New Jersey and that runs an independent record label called Nek BraceRecords. I’m a huge NJ Devils fans and animal lover.

How did you get into what you do?

I've always been involved in music in some form or another. I started out playing bass in rock and reggae bands in high school but didn’t start DJing until college. This was around the same time that I got the chance to intern at Atlantic Records for several semesters. While interning, I had the chance to meet Julie Greenwald who was then the President of Atlantic Records. (She has since moved up to Chairman and COO of the label.) During this meeting, she discussed how simple it was to create your own label and inspired me to finally take a leap into that side of the industry. After my time at Atlantic, I co-founded 44 Caliber Recordings. With a few years of operation under our belts, the label eventually went on hiatus and in 2015 I decided to launchNek Brace Records on my own.

Name your friends call you.

BreakNek or Lamont (my middle name)

If you were an emotion you would be....

Caring

Stick Shift or Automatic?

Neither. I actually don't drive. There's a running bet on the reason why so feel free to send me your guesses!

What is your least favorite movie?

Hostel. I remember leaving the theater pissed at how bad it was. That shit sucked.

What app do you use the most?

Instagram. I run several accounts so I'm on that one a lot. Thank god they finally allowed you to login with multiple accounts. It’s such a timesaver!

If you were a song, what would it be and why?

Give It Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song is very nostalgic for me as it was one of the first songs I learned to play on bass guitar. I also think the lyrics (the few that make sense) kind of reflect who I am as a person. I’m not into greediness and if I have something I share it. 

Who inspires you?

That’s a really tough question. I find inspiration in so many different people. I don’t think I have many friends that I’m connected to that I haven’t met through music or art. All of these creative people have definitely pushed me to be better in every aspect of my life. If I had to name a few though, DJ Redrum took me under his wing as a DJ and taught me what I know. Also my dudes and former band mates, Poet The Drummer and Ray Carega. I’ve been through and learned a lot with those guys.

On the business side I’d have to say Julie Greenwald because she was a big part of me finally moving towards this side of the industry. I also can’t leave out Matt and Aryanna, who were my supervisors during my first semester of interning. I still keep in contact with them to this day for advice.

Favorite curse word?

Fuck and all its variations.

Do you believe in ghosts?

There's definitely some weird stuff we can't explain. On that note, the first Nek Brace Records artist, Andy Rivera is actually a paranormal investigator.

Drink of choice?

If I'm drinking cheap beer I tend to lean towards Narragansett if the place has it. As far as mixed drinks, I've been in a whiskey and ginger kind of mood lately.

What has made you laugh your ass off recently?

This retweet from my buddy @michaeldrew https://twitter.com/michaeldrew/status/701940416158048256

What is your usual bedtime?

It depends on what I'm doing. My DJing career has gotten me accustomed to all kinds of weird hours and I’m rarely in bed before5am on the weekends. On nights that I’m not playing, I do try to get to bed around 11pm to midnight-ish because I really like to start my days early.

What turns you on?

Intellect, Aussie accents…and nice butts.

What turn you off?

Bad grammar and rude people.

What would you like to be if you weren't a DJ/producer and label owner?

I enjoy cooking so I’d probably want to a chef or own a restaurant. When I was younger I dreamt of becoming an archaeologist.

Something people don't know about you. 

If I told you then I’d have to kill you…

How can we find you on the internet?

You can keep up to date with the label at www.nekbracerecords.com and on social media via @nekbracerecs.

You can also connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. @djbreaknek

What do you have coming up that you want us to know about?

I’m really stoked on the first release coming out on Nek Brace Records. It’s a dope house track titled Hold My Drink produced my buddy Andy Rivera. It will be available on all major digital stores March 17th.