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For nearly two decades, Marc Chin has honed his skills as a disk jockey with Coppershot Sound and building a reputation for his adaptability and crowd-pleasing performances. Growing up in a musical family, his love for the art form seemed almost inevitable.
“Beyond the constant presence of music in my home, my dad produced and coordinated live events and managed artistes back in the day. So, from as early as prep school, I fell in love with the art. I used to make my own ‘mixtapes’ by recording my favourite songs off the radio, compiling them, and calling it Marc’s World,” he told The Gleaner.
As he got older and started witnessing deejays perform live, captivating crowds through seamless transitions and maintaining high energy for hours, the path became clearer, but not necessarily easy.
“I first tried deejaying with a few friends while attending JC, but it didn’t quite work out, though we’re still friends today. Not long after, I met Matthew [Gray] from Coppershot and was taken under their wing. The rest is history. Over the past 20 years, we’ve toured the world, performing at clubs, parties, festivals, and stadiums, flying the Jamaican flag high every step of the way,” the deejay explained.
Following his set at the recent Smirnoff Mello Vibes Dancehall/Soca Jammin Up, we caught up with DJ Marc Chin to talk about his journey, what keeps him motivated, and what’s dominating the party scene this carnival season in this week’s 5 Questions With...
1. You’ve been with Coppershot Sound for nearly 20 years. What has kept you passionate and motivated in the industry for so long?
My greatest motivation in music is bringing joy to audiences, whether locally or internationally. Music is one of the best forms of escapism, and I’m grateful to be a deejay who can contribute to that experience, uplifting people and enhancing their mood through sound.
2. Coppershot Sound remains one of the most sought-after sounds both locally and internationally. How do you and the team keep the energy fresh and evolving?
At Coppershot, we remain true to the principles that established our reputation. We focus on details others might overlook, ensuring consistent quality at every event. Even on a less-than-perfect day, our standards are so high that the audience won’t notice a difference. We stay current with the latest trends to keep our performances fresh and engaging.
3. Having been in the music and entertainment industry and worked with both emerging and established dancehall talents, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve noticed in how people consume and engage with music today?
The digital age has revolutionised how music is consumed. In the past, audiences relied entirely on deejays, whether through radio or at events, to discover and enjoy music. That dynamic began to change with the rise of digital download platforms. Today, streaming has taken over completely, providing audiences with direct access to music, sometimes even before deejays do. In many ways, listeners now shape musical trends, a power that once rested solely with deejays. More recently, artistes have started engaging directly with audiences through TikTok challenges and dance routines, a method of music consumption that cannot be underestimated.
4. You’ve performed at some of the biggest events over the years. Is there a standout performance that you’ll never forget and what made it special?
This is a tough one, but performing at the Rototom Festival in Spain stands out the most. As a renowned reggae festival, Rototom attracts a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures. We delivered a five-hour set to an audience of approximately 15 thousand people, some fluent in English, others not. It’s an experience that words can barely describe. Hearing those 15 thousand voices sing Jamaican music almost word for word was incredible, and the energy from the crowd was unforgettable.
5. What advice would you give to aspiring deejays looking to build a lasting presence in the industry?
Stay true to your core values and respect your craft. While marketing yourself is essential in this industry, substance is just as important. Despite the industry’s informalities, don’t treat it merely as a hustle; maintain professionalism, and longevity will follow.
Brawta:
What’s currently on your soca and dancehall playlist?
For soca it’s Pardy by Machel, Carry It by Bunji, Thousand by Bunji, Greatest Bend Over by Yung Bredda, and Too Own Way by Voice. And for dancehall I’d have to say, God is the Greatest and Amout by Vybz Kartel, Kick It With Myself by Popcaan and Chronic Law; Shake It to the Max by Moliy, Skillibeng and Shenseea, and Lost in Time by J’ Calm. These are just a few of what I’m listening to now.
English (US) ·