DJ Moses makes his mark on the alt-music scene – Key West Florida Weekly

Moshe David, better known as DJ Moses, is the Israeli islander behind such ventures as Electroniconch. He is certain that Key West is in the right space and moment to create a bigger alternative music scene. After breaking through to the local bar and nightclub circuit, Moshe has built up the following and acclaim to experiment with events that can better bridge the Miami-Key West flow of party goers and importantly, electronic music lovers. In this interview, we talk about infusing Israeli heritage, gaining access to venues in the early days, and the evolution of the young DJ Moses.

Where did the stage name Moses come from? And are you pleased its

since stuck?

Moses: As you know, Im from Israel and my Hebrew name is Moshe, which can be translated to Moses. Its a biblical name, Moshe was the most important prophet in Judaism. It was much easier for people to pronounce and its basically the same name so I dont mind it becoming my stage name.

Which genres of music were you most exposed to in Israel?

Moses: Ever since I was a young boy, I was listening to electronic music. I grew up in the 90s and in Israel. That was the time when the trance music scene was really big in Israel. In time, I started to have my own musical taste that was mostly inspired by it. Besides that, my family roots are from the Middle East Iraq and Morocco. That impacts my music as well.

What was the first electronic mix or techno song that really got stuck in your head?

Moses: DJ Tisto Adagio for Strings.

What about that song did it for you?

Moses: Its something hard to explain in words. Its more of a feeling.

What was the first big professional break you got in Israel?

Moses: At 21 years old, my friend from the army organized an outdoor party and asked me to come play for his crowd like 200 people. This is one of the most powerful moments I had when I saw all the people dancing to my music.

Did that alter your professional goals or were you already dead set on becoming involved with music?

Moses: I always knew I wanted to do music. This experience just pushed me more and made it clearer that this is what I want and need to do.

You mentioned your grandmothers relationship previously. Did she impart any advice on your pursuit of music?

Moses: She always told me to do what I love and she always told me to make people happy. And I do that through my music because what makes people happier then music and dancing?

How did you make your way to Key West?

Moses: I was traveling the world and got to Key West because a family member visited this place. And from the first moment here like everyone else, I loved the atmosphere of the island and the community. So, I was sure with myself to produce some music here.

How did you start to ease into the local music scene?

Moses: OK, this is a good question. In my first year in Key West I always looked for electronic music parties or some action with electronic music. I found out in Key West this scene was not so popular. So, I started to create some underground electronic parties in different places like the Hookah Lounge, the balcony of Teasers, Tiki House, Green Room, Oriole, The Saint Hotel. And in the end before COVID-19, my dream came true and I started to play at Sidebar. This was the first nightclub gig in Key West for me.

What was Teasers like since that adult club has been through a few iterations?

Moses: I dont really know because we used to play outside on the balcony so we didnt have too much interaction with the inside. What was your favorite spot from those early days? I recall seeing you more at the Hookah Lounge.

Moses: I am thinking it was the Hookah Lounge. I have really great memories from my gigs over there. Also, Sidebar was an amazing place to play.

What was so special about the Hookah Lounge?

Moses: The vibe under the sky of the outdoor party. And also, my music was so natural to that location. My crowd always flew with me.

Was the local music scene enthusiastic about or welcoming of electronic-styled genres when you started? Was there resistance?

Moses: In the beginning, it was a little bit different for the people here, but slowly, slowly, we got the support of most of our crowd today and people loved to dance. We just brought something different and fresh to town and people love it. Im also sure most of the people coming from big cities really missed the underground electronic music.

Is there an actual underground scene here in the sense that it is not mainstream? The island is small and largely tourism driven. Is there sufficient interest from venues for alternative music?

Moses: Most of our parties are a little bit different than the parties on the street. So, we try always to play the most unique music and different vibe, dancing in our parties. We just bring the city vibe to the island of Key West.

You have shifted focus toward performing more at private events as opposed to clubs. Why? Is it financial?

Moses: Not really, there are only two night clubs in Key West that have electronic music parties. We use to make parties every week and now we try to do things a little different. We still make parties at the clubs just not as often. Do you miss it?

Moses: Of course, the energy of the club is something special. I love doing both, again, as long as it makes people happy and dance. I dont mind if its 20 people a party or hundreds.

Tell me about your latest venture Electroniconch.

Moses: Our latest venture of Electroniconch was March 17. We celebrated our Purim party Jewish Halloween. It was a custom party and this is the fourth annual party we did here in Key West. We made it in Sidebar.

What is Jewish Halloween?

Moses: It is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman as recounted in the Book of Esther. And the tradition of this holiday is to have a custom, drink and give. This is why we donated all of the money from the party for the soldiers in Ukraine. This is the little solidarity of our group of Electroniconch production.

Our first goal was to bring the electronic music scene to Key West. With time the Electroniconch project become a community of DJs around the wordIsrael, Colombia, Venezuela, Macedonia, Georgia, Argentina, The United Kingdom, Canada in Key West that shares ideas and knowledge and enriches one another. We love giving opportunity and stages to DJs. Something we didnt have when we came to Key West. And of course, everyone is welcome to join our family.

You hosted a DJ and dance night at The Hookah Lounge in recognition of your years of island electronic music production. Everyone was dancing. You had crowds. How did you feel?

Moses: It was a great night. I feel so good after all the hard work of all the last three years. To see the love and the support of our crowds, it was best moment of my career as a DJ and in the party industry. And everyone came for one big reason: the music and to dance all night.

Looking beyond music, do you find the island easy to navigate as a 30-something-year-old?

Moses: I always believe in the island as a good place to navigate and to find myself with the music. Also, at my age its not so difficult and in Key West in general age is not the issue. I believe always without the music the life was a mistake. And I am sure my music connected me with all kinds of crowds. I will play to them.

Are there specific spots or activities you frequent here to seek creative stimulation?

Moses: I love running outside. Something about running and listening to music cleans my mind and helps me focus and inspires me.

What running routes do you prefer here? Do you worry about the heat?

Moses: I prefer to run around the island. But sometimes I also run around downtown. I love to run. This is my best meditation with my soul and my body. And about the heat, I get used to it. Its harder but more fun.

Is influencing the music of more popular local festivals such as Fantasy Fest something you would like to do?

Moses: Of course, the goal is to touch as many people and bigger crowds and expose them to our music and vibes. It might be a little difficult because older generations sometimes dont like electronic music.

How do you get that generation and similar groups on board in Key West?

Moses: I think we have a good group of that generation here in Key West. But Im pretty sure if more people from Miami knew we had a nice scene of electronic music parties here, it could really help. What I am hearing from every person from Miami is that they dont know Key West is a place for good electronic music.

What do you think about the slogan that pops up from time to time: Dont Miami My Key West?

Moses: Its really funny. I think every place has its magic and Miami forever was the place for good parties and great night life. Key West is the best place for chilling and relaxing. Im sure one day in Key West maybe it can change. And the electronic partys community can grow and succeed.

Interview has been edited for clarity

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DJ Moses makes his mark on the alt-music scene - Key West Florida Weekly