My ETM friends and family know me as Ferbidden, the creative writer/journalist. Many of you may not know that I am a part-time mobile DJ in the Houston, Texas metropolitan area. I express myself in a number of different ways and Ferbidden is the name that sums it all up.
My name was created out of necessity; the mother of all things unearthed. My twenty-six letter, tongue-twisting government name clearly is not ideal for an aspiring DJ that would like his name remembered by all who cross his path. So, I had to find something dramatically shorter and symbolic of me and my enigmatic DJing style. I thought on this topic long and hard for a number of weeks, developing horrible names that I would not wish upon anyone. Why is it virtually impossible for one to create one’s own name?
Well, as luck would have it, the name I now hold near and dear to my heart was given to me. After sharing my dilemma with a friend, she thought about it for all of 20 minutes and muttered, “DJ Ferbidden.” Not only was it a play on word, but it fit a couple of other characteristics about me and my music. I thought it was a little cheesy at first, but it quickly grew on me to become the foundation of my primetime alter-ego.
“DJ Ferbidden” … Not only was it a play on word, but it fit a couple of other characteristics about me and my music.
Ferbidden is derived from my father’s last name (Ferebee) and the word “Forbidden”. It was very important to me that my artistic name contain some element of my family roots from Philadelphia. My father was called Ferb by friends and family alike his entire life. During my teenage and college years, many of my friends also called me by the same name.As for forbidden, according to Webster’s Dictionary the word is defined as 1. not permitted or allowed and 2. not conforming to the usual selection principles. The second definition would become the focus of my metamorphosis from Ryan F. Coleman-Ferebee to Ferbidden.
The tagline on my business card states: “Ferbidden Entertainment, NO sound prohibited” and I believe that to be true for two reasons. First, silence is awkward for a DJ and frankly not acceptable on any level. Second, I will play anything for Frank Sinatra to Nine Inch Nails; any song is fare play. When you are a DJ you have to be fearless at times and play lesser known songs and artists. Stepping outside of the box to create a unique blend of melodic tunes should become one’s DJ signature. Your mix should not leave your guests walking off the dance floor either. I’d like to think that I write with the same creativity and edginess that walks that daring, forbidden threshold of being over the top.
Author RC-F, article appeared in 11.2008 issue of www.eXcapethematriX.com, checkout the latest issue Today!