ClockworkDJ

WCPO Lounge Acts

ClockworkDJ, born Garrett Uddin, got his start more than 16 years ago DJing at his high school dances. He moved his way up to playing parties and clubs while attending the University of Cincinnati and eventually landed a world-class gig as rapper Mac Miller's DJ.

He has traveled around the world in the years since, but Uddin is brimming with excitement about showing off a whole new look for his hometown friends and fans.

"I'm really psyched about what I call my 'hybrid' DJ set," said the former Corryville resident, who now calls New York home. "I've been going around the world, practicing in the lead-up to Ubahn, so for me to showcase this in Cincinnati … I'm hella excited. A lot of people haven't seen me rap in Cincinnati."

Clockwork said he came up with this new concept a year ago while on the road and he has been working out the kinks ever since on a set in which he DJs his own performance.

"I DJ, but I'm also blending my own records. And then I run to the front of the stage to perform, and then I go back to DJ," he explained. "It's just me on stage, but the way I figure it out is I have a pretty smooth way of running the show."

Although the School for Creative & Performing Arts alumnus attended Ubahn last year, Clockwork has never performed at the festival. He said he can't wait to show the city his musical growth and possibly debut some tracks from his upcoming full-length independently released debut, due out next month. The album, not yet titled, will, of course, feature his pal Mac Miller, as well as Speed and other hometown friends.

"I take Cincinnati with me wherever I go," he said. "I just got back from China a week ago, I'm going to Australia next month, and everyone that knows me knows I'm Cincinnati. I want them to see that this is someone who came from Cincinnati, and I'm coming full circle to bring it back to you at the main stage at Ubahn Festival!"

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