Josh Young and Curt Cameruci, Flosstradamus photo by Clayton Hauck

Flosstradamus [Josh Young] 

DJ duo Flosstradamus, aka Josh Young (aka J2K) and Curt Cameruci (aka Autobot), began playing monthly dance parties in Chicago in 2005. What began as an excuse to play music for their friends, "Get Outta the Hood"--the moniker of their night at the Town Hall Pub--rapidly became the hottest dance party in the city. It was only a matter of time before everyone from MTV executives to Vice Records A&Rs were pushing and shoving to catch a glimpse of the boys on wheels of steel. A few years later--after performing hundreds of shows and appearing on the cover of the March 2007 edition of URB magazine--Flosstradamus, continues to be a Chicago favorite.

I caught up with one half of Flosstradamus, Josh Young (brother of female MC, Kid Sister) for a light-hearted Q&A, and this is what was said:     

StopBeingFamous: Let's have fun. Are you ready? Okay. When did you lose you virginity and what were the circumstances? 

Josh Young: A few days before my 17th birthday, at my parents house, "watching" a VHS copy of Beauty and The Beast.

SBF: When you were a kid, would you say your parents were strict?

JY: Yeah. We got whoopings. My parents were no bullshit, but they knew what they were doing.

SBF: What is your most memorable high school experience.

JY: Hitting two home runs in my first game on varsity. 

SBF:  Growing up, did you ever imagine that you would be in the public eye?

JY: Fuck no. This was all a complete surprise to all of us. Glad we get to experience all of this with our friends, fans and families. I know that sounds stock, but it's true. I couldn't think of better people to be surrounded by at this time. We are very fortunate.

SBF:  I'm sure you haven't always made music for a living.  What was the worst job you ever had?

JY: Telemarketing. I gave phone surveys from 4-10pm after school, five days a week. So depressing.  

SBF: Every city has is own characteristics that make it special--what would you say makes Chicago unlike any other city in the world?

JY: People, food, architecture, the music... THE MUSIC! Weather--there is nothing better than Chicago in summer. The White Sox, okay, the Cubs too. The Bulls, the Bears, the Hawks, Hot Doug's [The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium], Lake Shore Drive...man, if it weren't 4am, I would go on, but trust me, we have toured around the world and if there is anything I've gained from my travels, it is an appreciation for this city!

SBF: As a popular artist, do feel that dating has become more complicated? 

JY: Dating is complicated no matter who you are, or what you do. I will say this though, touring can be taxing on any relationship.

SBF: Considering today's do-it-yourself online music marketing, how important is it for Flosstradamus to handle business firsthand? Do you ever see yourselves on a major record label?

JY: Who knows where we'll wind up? We're not opposed to being on a major, but it's not necessary these days. Majors are snatching up a lot of the independent artists, but they're just desperate for something new and exciting to pull the industry out of the toilet. It's good for us though. I'm all for people getting paper [money] for making their art.

SBF: Most people have preconceived notions of what it's like to be an up-and-coming artist. What are some realities people don't know about or never see?    

JY: Neither of us had really traveled much until we started touring. I think one of the best parts about coming up is getting to see the world and getting to meet all the different people. Ninety-nine percent of the people we've met in our travels have been great.

SBF: For your next show--other than showing up and having fun--what gift would you like from your fans?  Teddy bears? Jolly Ranchers? 

JY: We'll take as many high fives as we can possibly get. We also accept low fives, and fives on the back-hand side. We are grateful. End Interview.