Syosset DJ: 'I Love the Drewlife, I Love to Boogie'

Meet Syosset's next big hit in music! Admittedly, that's quite a statement, but according to those in the know, including New York radio DJs, clubs and fans, 22-year-old Andrew Weinstein "is a killer DJ, and completely blowing up." For anyone who doesn't understand cool-speak, I'll translate: Andrew Weinstein is rocking the socks off of crowds everywhere he goes, and it's only a matter of time before he is a household name.

So, how did this Syosset High alum get himself center stage at some of the swankiest parties in New York, Los Angeles and even Tel Aviv, Israel? One day he started an online reality vlog, and the next thing he knew he was taking the helm at a DJ booth, has more freebies and women than he knows what to do with, and has some questionable photographs with Tom Greene. 

Q.  In your bio you say when you started DJing, you finally decided to get "back into music." What type of music were you doing before? Why did you stop?

A. When I said "back into music" I meant in general. I started out young—just messing around with CD players and a mixer doing friends' birthday parties when I was 12 or 13. I stopped [music] to play basketball through my teenage years. I went to Briarcliffe College after high school and quickly figured out that college was not for me—so I quit. Eventually I went to school for hairdressing for about two years. At a friend's suggestion I started with music again—I went to WMC and got inspired again. 

Q. What is WMC? What there inspired you?

A: WMC is Winter Music Conference [www.wmcon.com]. It is basically one of the biggest parties, and it goes on for five days straight down in Miami. The best DJs in the world play at various hotels and clubs. And the big thing is the Ultra Festival which showcases all the biggest DJs—they are onstage with tons of people! The point is to set the trend for where music is going for the upcoming year. What inspired me was that these DJs are performers; I mean they are on a stage, they have a ton of fans going crazy, and the atmosphere is just incredible. I guess you gotta be there to really feel it. It's amazing! I recommend going, and hopefully one day you'll see me there soon! 

Q. What does Drewlife mean?

A. Drewlife started with a reality blog. One of my friends told me you're always going out and traveling, and it would be cool if you recorded it and put it on YouTube—but instead of calling it TRUlife like [the reality show] on MTV you should call it DREWLIFE. And the name just stuck.

Q. Let's talk about the blog. It seems to have a life of its own. 

A. My blog [www.drewlifetv.com] is just me. Whatever I'm feeling that day I post. Music, art, fashion, pictures, and of course anything to support my friends and family. Because without them I would be nothing!

Q. When was your first experience with DJing? Was it ever anything you thought you could make a living doing?

A. My first time was at a little dive bar on the Lower East Side. Man, I was nervous—all my friends from high school where there. But it's true you learn from your experiences and each opportunity you get is really a stepping stone. And yes, being a DJ is what I will do for a living!

Q. What does your family think about you being a DJ versus a doctor, lawyer or a more traditional career?

A. I think my parents got the hint when I was 14 and said, "I'm going to the NBA so I don't need to go to school anymore." I think they knew right then that the doctor-lawyer thing was out of the question [laughs]. They are happy for me no matter what I do. After all I'm still their son and if I'm happy I guess they are too. My dad even came to a gig in Tel Aviv—that was the coolest part of that whole show.

Q.  Have you worked with any of your heroes, and who are they?

A. My heroes, as far as DJs go, would be DJ AM and Steve Aoki. They are the ones that I looked up to and said, "Wow!" They bring an energy that is just indescribable. I really also admire Michael Jackson, The Four Tops, Jay-Z and Billy Joel. I haven't had the chance to work with them yet, but it's coming soon enough. 

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to say that I haven't asked you?

A. I'd just like to thank my friends and family for sticking with me in whatever I choose to do. Their help and support have gotten me so far—and I am so grateful, and hope they will continue to push me to the next level.

If you want to see the photos of Drewlife and Tom Greene, you'll have to check out his site and draw your own conclusions. For more information about Drewlife or to find out where his next big gig will be, visit his website at www.drewlifetv.com.

Bookings: Bookings@Drewlifetv.com, Twitter: @Drewlifetv