Interview: Stretch Armstrong
Adrian “Stretch Armstrong” Bartos is a world-renowned DJ and producer. He grew up in New York City, and starting at the age of 18 he developed his passion for music and DJing by frequenting various nightclubs. Stretch eventually met his friend and long-time collaborator Robert “Bobbito” Garcia in the late 1980s, and from 1990-1998 they co-hosted the now legendary “Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show” on WKCR. Airing from 1 a.m. – 5 a.m. on Thursday night/Friday morning, the show featured demo tapes and in-studio freestyle performances from then un-signed acts such as Nas, Big Punisher, the Wu-Tang Clan, the Notorious B.I.G., Big L, Talib Kweli, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, and the Roots. Needless to say, the “Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show” became a fixture of the hip-hop community in New York City.
Earlier this month I got to talk with Stretch on the phone. It was awesome. He is a totally nice dude, and he knows a lot about music. Take a listen to the interview segments below!
In segment one, hear Stretch talk about a few of his first memorable experiences with music and the formative early years he spent on the New York club scene.
In segment two, Stretch discusses the origins of the “Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show,” including he how met his friend and long-time collaborator, Robert “Bobbito” Garcia. The two are currently working on a documentary film about their radio show and its cultural and social impact. The film is set to be released in 2015, and more information can be found at: stretchandbobbito.com.
In segment three, Stretch talks about how technological changes have impacted his work as a DJ and how he took on the persona of “Stretch Armstrong.”
Browse the archives of the “Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show” here: http://stretchandbobbito.blogspot.com
Check out Stretch’s latest project at: www.stretchandbobbito.com
Interview and blog post by Marcy.