If you’re a DJ, the last thing you want to see is your entire audience lying flat and silent on the floor in front of you. But it’s a sight that DJ Drez is very used to — and he welcomes it. After years playing clubs, touring the globe and collaborating with superstars like Eminem and the Black Eyed Peas, the multi-talented producer has brought his mixing skills to yoga classes, delivering live mashups that blend everything from John Lennon and the Eagles to contemporary sitar jams and classical Sanskrit melodies. Together with his wife, accomplished singer/songwriter and yoga instructor Marti Nikko, the pair offer a fresh take to an ancient practice.
For their latest venture, the duo have teamed up with Hard Rock Hotels for Rock Om, an innovative in-room yoga program. Three video options are available through the On Demand television channel. Whether you opt for blissed-out meditation, high-energy vinyasa or a more traditional approach, Rock Om is perfect for experienced yogis who want to stay zen on the road — or first-timers who want to experiment with the practice at their own pace in the privacy of their own room. And don’t stress if you forgot your mat: that’s what room service is for.
Drez and Nikko helped launch the program in the fall with a blowout bash at Hard Rock’s new hotel in the ski resort town of Davos, Switzerland, nestled among the truly majestic Alpine peaks. When guests weren’t busy sampling the Rock Spa, (a rejuvenating massage paired with musical pulses pumped from above), marveling at the treasure trove of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, or living out their Sound of Music fantasies in the nearby countryside, they were treated to a live version of Rock Om in a converted chapel that serves as the centerpiece of the hotel.
A short time after the Swiss kickoff, DJ Drez spoke with PEOPLE about his journey from the recording studio to the yoga studio, and all the ways the yoga has enriched their lives and the lives of others.
Most DJs are trying to get people pumped up — you’re taking the opposite approach and mellowing us out! How did you and Marti first decide to mix music with yoga?
In yoga, you can experience being pumped up and mellowed out all in one class. We are trying to make offerings and share a balanced practice that can be both hot, sweaty and focused, as well as mellow, calm and sweet. Marti and I met through music over 20 years ago. When we started practicing yoga I fell deeper in love with classical Indian music and Marti more deeply with mantra. One day it just made sense to combine it all.
What are you looking for exactly when you’re reading the room in a yoga studio?
I’m looking to see how I can meet them all where they are energetically. I watch foreheads, facial expressions and body language. I am also connected to what the teacher is saying and offering. If I notice we need to move that energy a little bit more, I direct it with the music. If we need to slow it down and invite a little more grace, I do that musically to encourage that direction of flow. It is actually something we are all doing together in the yoga room. That is what makes it such a unique journey. Everyone contributes to the experience.
Are there any go-to songs for you that set the right mood 100 percent of the time?
“Light Me Up,” “Nectar Drop” and “Nya I” are a few from my own catalog. “Naked” by Anoushka Shankar, “Memory Gospel” by Moby and “Ridin’ So High” by Good Crush are all tunes that make their way into my sets regularly. Go get them!
As a DJ you have to be pretty mindful and present — getting the vibe of the room and reacting accordingly in that moment. Do you see much overlap between music and yoga/meditation practices? How about yoga and dancing?
The yoga asana practice is a moving meditation that affects the mind, body and soul. Creating and listening to music also affects the mind, body and soul. One can say the same thing for dance as it also affects the mind, body and soul. They absolutely overlap and can integrate together to create practices that move and delight the human experience.
How did you get involved with Hard Rock for the Rock Om program?
I received an email, a phone call and then a request for an in-person meeting. We all shared our creative ideas on wellness and what it means to bring music and yoga to Hard Rock for its guests. Marti and I took those ideas back to the lab to add our own vision and flavor. Boom! Rock Om was born!
Do you have any advice for beginners who are just starting out practicing yoga?
We always recommend starting slow. Every class will not be the same experience. Some will be fantastic and right what you need at that time. Others might feel mediocre and not so great. The idea is to take your time, be curious and explore. You will find the teachers and teachings you need. In fact, if you show up, the teacher will too!
What was your first experience with yoga? I understand Marti helped get you involved…
Yes. I was resistant. She had already been practicing for a while and was really encouraging me to take a class. I had my judgments and assumptions about what was going on in the yoga room. She finally hired a private instructor for me to give it a try one on one. Although I didn’t love that first experience I knew that there was something to it by the end of class. That opened me up to keep giving it a try until I found my first regular teacher.
What does yoga bring to your daily life today?
Yoga is more than just the physical asana practice for us now. It really is our spiritual way of thinking and navigating through this life. You develop a deep awareness and mindfulness that you carry off the mat. It helps to balance your everyday decisions and with that can help restore more peace. As humans we all want to live more peacefully with ease.
You and Marti have traveled the world together teaching yoga at festivals across the globe — any special memories come to mind?
Marti and I really do enjoy working together. Regularly connecting and sharing what we know about these practices and connecting to people in a very real human way, supports our own living and loving. One experience doesn’t really stick out to us. They are all special, valuable and unique. Just got to show up and see for yourself.
You’ve worked with many artists over the years — have you introduced any of them to yoga?
I have indeed. I have been on tour and use my personal practices to balance out the challenges of being on the road. My fellow artists see that and become curious. I am happy to share the teachings and introduce them to what has worked for me. They know something good is happening and they want some good too.
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