Conversations with Tony El

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony El.

Hi Tony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am Tony, owner of Stric-9 Productions based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. We specialize in djing, throwing bangin’ ass Techno events, and currently working on our own music. I got into this by partying in the mid 90’s in the Colorado Springs, Denver, and Boulder area going to various underground parties. That turned into me searching for vinyl I used to hear at parties and eventually buying my first tune.

After that, it was turntables and the rest is history. After moving to San Diego, I got my first actual paid gig and spent many weekends up and down the coast djing. From there, I made my first trip to Los Angeles for a party and ended up meeting a DJ who gave me a mixtape to listen to on the drive back.

That mixtape was what introduced me to Acid Techno, I booked that DJ for the first event I ever threw and that is how it all came to be. Lots of great memories in between, but now the focus is shifting to just getting my office space up and running, and will be conducting business out of there. Lots more info coming on that soon.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been pretty smooth, more frustrating than anything. Smooth because I do all of this as a hobby, kind of like my getaway. I don’t try to be some big-time DJ or have any motives other than to give everyone a platform to represent their style and creativity. I stick to doing it the way I know how and would never compromise. I trust my instincts so that’s why I’ve been around this long. I’m all about quality over quantity.

The only struggle is really finding enough like-minded people to work with to make our scene bigger than it should be. I see a lot of online support but rarely see that support actually being shown at the events. Crazy to me how nowadays, even the DJs don’t show up for their own sets….lol.

Otherwise, as I said, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to DJ. Hard Techno, Acid Techno. Big vinyl collection. I go by DJ Decepticon.

Recently got into purchasing drum machines, keyboards, synths, etc. That way we can actually play live and cook up banging beats right there in front of the crowd. For that endeavor, we go by NOFILTER.

Most recently, I just opened my new office space for Stric-9 Productions, where I’ll be having a grand opening soon and also will be conducting DJ interviews and doing my day-to-day functions.

Also in the process of getting the website and music pages up for social media. Be on the lookout, lots of things in store, and hope to be in full swing by Spring 2023.

The main thing that sets me apart is our music… We do it our way and that will never change.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am on Facebook more than anything else, just because…lol. I still like to attend events and hand out business cards, and flyers and meet new people. I am starting my own podcast soon, so that will all be changing, Have to learn new things and get more into social media.

Just repping my brand is my life motivation as far as the music-related side of things. Lots of things in the vault just waiting to be released and links updated soon… Check us out!!

Contact Info:

• Facebook: facebook.com/stricnineprods.acidtechno
• Youtube: youtube.com/@decepticon303

Image Credits
DJ Decepticon-Stric9 Productions