Retail DJ

EZRAKH

Despite his ever-evolving and multi-layered musical tastes and talents, at the end of the day, EZRAKH likes to define himself as “simple” and “classic” when it comes to style. A big fan of Uniqlo, EZRAKH’s main concerns are comfort and fit. Yet within this aesthetic, style is not lost. With touches of color, hints of texture, and the inclusion of accessories chock full of sentimental value and backstories, you could say that EZRAKH’s style can get as deep as his music does. With that said, come with us for a moment as we Get Ready With EZRAKH:

BEFORE

Retail DJ: What makes your “comfy jeans” so comfy? Are they worn in or were they like that already?

EZRAKH: They are worn in but comfortable when I bought them. They are selvedge, from Uniqlo. Uniqlo is like my favorite brand as of now. I like more fitted clothing. These definitely fit me pretty well. They’re worn in, as you can see. I had to patch the whole underside of them. I guess also because the denim is a little more worn, it makes them feel less stiff.

EZRAKH showing us the underside of the shirt

Retail DJ: Where is your shirt from?
EZRAKH: This is actually an old Abercrombie & Fitch shirt. That’s where I worked when I worked in retail. But it fits so well, but I don’t like that print on it.

Retail DJ: Oh so that’s why you wear it on the wrong side?
EZRAKH: Yeah, the other side says “Baghdad Ass Up”

Retail DJ: Ah no wonder you wear it in reverse! I was wondering about that. Can you show us the print?
[demonstrates]
Why would they ever make a shirt like that!??! Were you there during the Asian shirts controversy?
EZRAKH: I was there toward the end of it. I was in high school. That was like my first real job. And I remember being like, “Whoa, Abercrombie!” That was the cool thing then. They always used to give us free clothes. But yeah, even this shirt is pretty offensive. It was right around the time of the war—right after shock and awe in Iraq. And then they put this shirt out. It’s like ok, it sounds like “back dat ass up,” but using Baghdad, especially at this time—it was pretty offensive.

Retail DJ: Your pants are form Uniqlo. Your belt is from. . . ? do you remember?
EZRAKH: No, some random store.

Retail DJ: Where is your jacket from?
EZRAKH: This one I found at Urban Outfitters a couple years ago.
Retail DJ: I like the yellow lining. It’s a nice touch.
EZRAKH: Yeah, it’s a good accent on it right?
Retail DJ: And your scarf is from?
EZRAKH: Uniqlo. I love Uniqlo. It’s a really good store. I wasn’t messing around!

 Retail DJ: Buttons!
EZRAKH: Yeah, my students like it too. I actually got it from one of my students, come to think about it.
Retail DJ: That’s awesome

Retail DJ: Is there anything you have to have on accessory-wise? For example, do you always wear this watch?
EZRAKH: Yeah, I got it this summer. I was like, “I want to start getting serious about things.” I mean, yeah, obviously I was doing music before then and other jobs and whatever, but I never really had a watch—with the exception of when I was a kid. But back then, you know, watches—you’d lose them, break them, whatever. But I realized, “Ok, I need to get a serious watch, and keep the exact time on it.” I wanted to be more prudent when it came to getting to places I needed to be, especially given the fact that I am DJing and I have to travel to different places to DJ, etc. People are paying me, and if I want to get paid again or paid the full amount, or just, in general, to provide a good service, the least I can do is get there on time.

I find myself looking at it a lot for no reason. For example, someone might ask, “What’s the date?” and I end up looking at my watch to answer, even though that’s not on there. [laughs] Even when asked about dates of future events etc, I’ll look at it. For some reason, I guess I just associate time (in general) with my watch now. That’s a good thing. It makes me feel mature, and it’s a good accessory to have.

Retail DJ: The shoes?
EZRAKH: They are Clarks. I have flat feet unfortunately, it sucks. But these are comfortable, and I put these Dr. Scholl’s insoles in to make them even more so.
Retail DJ: When you’re performing, do you wear those shoes as well, or do you wear something different considering you know you will be on your feet for long periods of time?
EZRAKH: These are probably the most comfortable to wear when I’m DJing. I like Vans a lot too. It’s like, my favorite shoe. I like Vans and Clarks for their simplicity. But I am generally a pretty simple dude when it comes to physical stuff.

outfit 1

Retail DJ: Is that a word you would use to describe your style in general: Simple?
EZRAKH: I guess “Classic’ would be the best word. I mean you have these trends that come through, like Hammer pants and now there’s a big streetwear revival. I feel like jeans and a t-shirt or jeans and an Oxford [shirt] if it’s an occasion.. . or even chinos, khaki pants.
Retail DJ: They never go out of style.

EZRAKH: Yeah, exactly. Those are classic pieces. You can find people, at least in western countries, all around the world, wearing those styles. It’s just the most comfortable. You don’t have to worry about wasting your money. Sometimes, it’s cool to be trendy. Take my glasses for example. At the time I bought them, I honestly needed glasses. Call them a trend if you will, but I think they fit my face, I know I didn’t want wire frames. I wanted something strong and durable. I bought them for next to nothing at the optometrist. Given the fact that they’re not necessarily the “in style” glasses for everyone, they were cheap, so I tried them on. I tried on several types, not just the wayfarer styles, but I wanted something that felt like it had some weight durability wise. I didn’t want something that would break easily. You obviously see people out there—no offense to people with small heads—with smaller facial structures wearing these big wide glasses that don’t fit too well (and you can even get variations on that style that fit their faces better).

EZRAKH:But like I said—stick to classic stuff and add things like colors. I like grays a lot. Grays, reds, purple, and once in a while, orange. This winter, I’ve been wearing this orange jacket that I love.
Retail DJ: Is that your favorite color right now?
EZRAKH: Well, it’s my favorite color jacket to wear right now [laughs] It’s reversible too! I bought it from Uniqlo!
Retail DJ: You are going to get a kickback from them for this interview! [laughs]

Retail DJ: So to go back, you mentioned you like purple. When I heard that, I immediately started playing “We All Wanna Be Prince” by Felix da Housecat in my head!

outfit 2

Retail DJ: Are you influenced by any artists style-wise?
EZRAKH: Consciously, I don’t think so. I don’t go so far as to wear Sgt. Pepper outfits and 4-inch heels like Prince. I mean, you see people like Kanye West. He’ll sometimes randomly go on this outlandish kick and put on something that makes you go, “Whoa, that’s wild.” But generally, when he tones it down a little, you could maybe compare it to that. But like I said, I don’t really think so. It’s more about “Can I wear that?” and “Would it look good one me” rather than, “Hey, I wanna get that because it looks so awesome . . . on him.” You know? Retail DJ: [laughs]
Like, “Am I Kanye West?” [laughs]
Retail DJ: Quote of the day! [laughs]

Retail DJ: So back to fashion trends. . . did you fall into any bad ones?
EZRAKH: Abercrombie & Fitch. But it’s because I worked there. I feel like that was a bad fashion trend . . . yeah, that was bad!
Retail DJ: Well was everything you wore from Abercrombie? Is that how bad it was?
EZRAKH: Yeah. I worked there. It was my first job. I’d get 40% off everything. Randomly, they’d give out pairs of jeans, new stuff that was coming out, etc. They’d give it to the workers because they have this idea of brand representation—which a lot of stores too—but theirs is hardline. Even in the 5th avenue store—my girlfriend used to work there—they pick out your outfit there. You’d have to go in 30 minutes before work and they would dress you, which I guess is cool, but like…what? I thought I just wanted to fold clothes and get some money. I didn’t know I was gonna have to do all that and wear a uniform.
Retail DJ: Well even for guys, aren’t they usually shirtless and in a pair of pants? I mean sometimes you walk by, and it’s like, “Where is your shirt? Where are your clothes? Do you sell clothes?” [laughs]
EZRAKH: Yeah, I know, right?! I feel like they sell more of an idea to people, an idea that you can be like the people you see on the advertising. And sure, a lot of companies do that, but they are more hardcore about it. It’s practically porno.

Retail DJ: Well I see you use Scope. Are there certain brand favorites?
EZRAKH: I was raised in a vegan household, eating all natural stuff, no chemicals. The only thing we’d use for mouthwash was this hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. That’s the safest for you apparently because there are tons of other stuff in that. [pointing to the Scope] I actually bought that when I was on my way to Chicago.

Retail DJ: Do you get really hot when you play?
EZRAKH: Yeah, that’s the thing. I wouldn’t wear a button-up in the summer. It would be something light like a t-shirt. Even in the winter, indoor places, unless it’s a special occasion, I don’t really favor dressing up too much. It’s a good look, though, if I am going to a show or out to dinner, but only for special occasions.

Retail DJ: Who taught you how to tie a tie?
EZRAKH: Honestly? I taught myself. I know that sounds sooo bullsh*t. But considering I am in a single-parent home, and my single parent is a mother. . . There were tied ties in a drawer from my brother when he had gone off to school, and I was like, “Whoa, I need to stop with these clip-ons.” I saw the ties and I would take them apart and try to tie them on my own. I finally mastered it. The process was messy. But I remember one weekend, I went to go see my dad, and he cleared it up for me. [laughs]

Retail DJ: What kind of knot do you typically use?
EZRAKH: Windsor not. Half Windsor, depending on the length of the tie (like if it’s a short tie, I’ll use a half-Windsor).

Retail DJ: If we had to stock your green room, what would we put in it?
EZRAKH: Mine would be dark chocolate—68%. I love chocolate, but I really like dark chocolate. It’s amazing. It’s really good and good for you. It has tons of antioxidants, it’s calming, etc. I would also want Guinness . . . and Trader Joe’s kettle corn.

EZRAKH wearing the hat while DJing

Retail DJ: What about music performance essentials for you? Any items you always need, clothing or otherwise?
EZRAKH: I usually wear this gray hat a lot. I wear it everywhere—when I am DJing, when I’m not. It’s more of a winter thing.
Retail DJ: Is it lucky or anything, or just a habit?
EZRAKH: I like the look of it. I feel like when i wear it with the peacoat especially, I feel very official . . . and naval. Like, I’m down at the docks! [laughs] I’m just kidding! I think it fits me. If something works for me, I’m not going to change it.

To see the entire Get Ready With EZRAKH photoshoot, check out the slideshow by clicking HERE

- Retail DJ