From Mixtapes to the Formula 1 Podium: Spin Talk With DJ Koolaid
Chris Davis has been immersed in music his whole life, long before anyone called him DJ Koolaid. He spent his youth burning CDs with the latest tracks and blasting them from his car. He studied Funkmaster Flex, DJ Clue, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. He made mixtapes before he ever touched a controller. By the time he played his first real set in 2007, the foundation was already there.
Now based in Qatar, Koolaid navigates yacht parties, Dhow cruises, and club nights, forging his own path in a diverse scene with high expectations. Last year, he stood behind the decks as the Formula 1 podium DJ for the entire weekend. We spoke with him about craft, gear, and what it takes to captivate a crowd of five cultures.
The Come Up
When did you realize DJing had become more than a hobby?
When people started asking me to do events. I had put out some mixtapes and people wanted more. I was getting bookings. I was confident, maybe a little too confident at the time, honestly, but that’s when I knew it was turning into something real.
I want people to know me as a great DJ and a reliable one.
Dj Koolaid
Who were the DJs that shaped you early on?
DJ Clue, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Jazzy Jeff, those are the ones that did it for me. When I was younger, I was always making tapes and CDs with the newest music and playing them in my car. I acted like I had the plug on everything. That instinct was always there. But I didn’t actually step up and do it until 2007, when I played a set through iTunes at a party. That was the start.
Sound, Style, and Reading the Room
How would you describe your sound?
Old School is the foundation, the ’70s through the early 2000s. As an Old School R&B DJ at heart, I pull from R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, and Dancehall, then layer in newer music to keep the energy current. I want to bring that radio DJ energy to every set, someone who connects people through the music, not just plays songs back to back.
What makes you different from other DJs in your market?
I take the audience on a journey. I play for every age group I can see in the room. And here in Qatar, the crowd is genuinely mixed, American, African, British, Arab, Asian. Putting together a multicultural DJ set isn’t optional here; it’s the job. You have to cover multiple genres in a single night just to keep everyone engaged.
Do you plan your sets or go by feel?
Both. I put together a playlist going in, but I usually end up going off it once I’m in the room. The playlist gives me a starting point. After that, I’m reading the crowd and freestyling the set.
What record always moves people for you?
It depends on the night and the room. At a Sip and Soul brunch, ’80s R&B consistently gets people going, throw in some older Trap, and you’ve got the room. On a Hip Hop and R&B club night, deep Trap cuts work, and I’ll layer in Afrobeats and Dancehall. This area is multicultural. You can’t sit under one genre all night and expect to hold the crowd.
Career Highlights
What’s the biggest moment in your career so far?
DJing for Formula 1 in Qatar. I was the Formula 1 podium DJ for the weekend. That’s still the standout for me.
I take the audience on a journey. American, African, British, Arab, Asian. Putting together a multicultural DJ set isn’t optional here
Dj Koolaid
The Setup
Walk us through your gear.
Pioneer DDJ-Rev 7 and a MacBook Pro M1 16-inch. I can DJ on turntables, but I’m not a purist; I’m still learning the craft and always will be. The controller and the laptop are what I need on stage.
Have you ever dealt with a technical failure during a live set?
Yes. My external hard drive stopped working mid-set. The whole system locked up, so I had to reboot my laptop and controller. A friend grabbed the mic and kept the crowd going while I got everything back online. The cause turned out to be the subwoofer sitting right next to the booth; the vibration shook the drive until it crashed.
The Business Side
How do you stay on top of new music?
Satellite radio, other DJs, and word of mouth. People close to me keep me in the loop, too. I stay open to wherever the information comes from.
How much does branding matter in DJ culture right now?
It matters a lot and that’s true for any business. If your image or reputation is off, you’re not getting new clients. Your brand does the advertising for you. When people see your logo, they already know what to expect.
What are your DJ tips for beginners coming up in the industry?
Master the basics before you try to jump into the scene. It makes a real difference later when you’re developing your own style. Get the fundamentals down first.
Life and Events in Qatar
What events do you focus on in Qatar?
Private events mostly, yacht parties, Dhow parties, house parties, and club nights. A Dhow is a traditional boat specific to this region. Those events have a whole different feel.
What legacy are you trying to leave?
I want people to know me as a great DJ and a reliable one. I’m also teaching people here the basics of DJing. Once they get that down, I tell them they have to find their own style and grow from there. That’s the only way to get better.
What’s Next for DJ Koolaid
What should people be watching for from you?
Events were on pause during Ramadan; that’s the reality in an Islamic country. I’ll be back in the clubs after March 20th. I’m also working on building out my brand on TikTok and YouTube, and a website is in the works.
Where can people find you or book you?
Instagram is the main place right now @djkoolaid843.
For bookings, email [email protected] or send a DM on Instagram.
TikTok, YouTube, and the website are all coming.
