As Soca has become more of a global phenomenon it's not just the artists creating the music that have helped impact spreading the culture, the DJ's have become a mainstay circling the globe - mixing music, serving as Soca Ambassadors & masterfully reading the pulse in fetes and elevating vibes. It's time to learn a bit more about these International Renowned DJ's by going behind the turntables.....


DJ Stephen aka Mr. I Am Soca aka Red Dred - official tour DJ for Machel Montano & Lyrikal. Born in Trinidad, now residing in Los Angeles....the few days of the year he's not on the road.  Having won the award for International DJ of the Year multiple times & bringing Soca to the masses literally around the globe year after year, Stephen Phillip is on a mission to help elevate to Soca to the mainstream music platform.

Steven took a little time to share with me a bit more about himself, his vision & what the future has in store for the world of Soca.


At what age & how did you get started as a DJ?

My Dad was an old school DJ back in Trinidad.  So I can say I was born into it. But officially got started at around age 14


How did you become Machel's official tour DJ?

Got a phone call from him one day saying he had a couple shows for me and the rest is history.


What Soca song 1st captured your soul?

Dingolay - Mighty Shadow


How many days are you on the road each year with your schedule?

With my Current schedule I'm on a plane every 3 to 4 days.



What misconception do people have about what it's like to be a DJ that's constantly circling the globe?

Most people think it's all easy and good. Being a globe trotter is very challenging and has a lot of ups and downs.


When you’re not listening to/playing Soca, what do you like to listen to as an outlet right now?

I'm very broad when it comes to music, but i currently listen to a lot of Afro-beats.


If you weren’t a DJ what would you be doing?

I would probably be in the Sales industry.


Besides the Mecca that is Trinidad Carnival – which Carnival(s) do you look forward to & why?

1. Berlin Carnival - because of the Diversity and vibes.
2. Grenada - amazing jouvert
3. Bermuda - High energy Crowds


Where do you see the evolution of Soca going to next?

Soca is already on its way onto all mainstream platforms I think it's only a matter of time before it gets the recognition.


How are you using social media to interact with your fanbase?

My social media is updated daily with my travels and projects.


What’s the craziest thing a fan has done/said to you in a fete or on de road?

Lol, a fan came up to me after a show and said she wants to have a baby by me.


If there was an element of Carnival from your childhood that you could bring back to the forefront now, what would it be?

To me, the elements of carnival that I grew up loving are still very present and mostly enhanced.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

More accomplishments and better developed in the business aspect of the Soca industry.


What would you like people to know that we haven’t asked you yet?

I have been very instrumental in the start, growth and structure of a few carnivals around the world. Co Founder of Hollywood Carnival. partner at CccFestival in South Carolina.



See you in a fete or on de road - Soca to de World.
-Jouvert Mike