Justin Water's Interview
I had the chance to interview Justin Waters this past week about his career, his future and his biggest inspirations. Check out the interview below as well as Justin's Soundcloud and Facebook for more music in the future.
Soundcloud: justin-waters
When did you first begin to like electronic dance music and what about it made it something you enjoyed so much?
A friend of mine that I went to high school and worked with was really into electronic music and got me into it. I started going to raves and really liked the scene. Everybody was chill and there were hardly any fights like you might see at a club that plays hip hop. You can just go, dance and have a good time, carefree.
Is there a certain DJ that inspires you to make the music you make?
Avicii is definitely one of my biggest inspirations of the moment! His style is melodic and timeless. It doesn't rely on dirty drops or particular sounds. You could listen to it in 20 yrs and still like it. That's def the direction I want to go, but I have my own melodic style, which I would say is a lot darker than his!
You seem to have a much different style than many DJs out there today, where most of your tracks all sound very different from one another. Can you talk about your style of producing and deejaying?
I'll talk more about my producing, because I started off as more of a producer than a dj. I try to do something different with every track, whether it be with the arrangement or the melodies and chords. I'll usually start off with something that inspires me, like some chords and a vocal or a melody and a vocal or just a melody or chord progression. It's not always the same thing and that's prob why a lot of my tracks sound very different!
What is your favorite track that you have made so far in your career and why?
The Rihanna remix I did about a year ago! http://bit.ly/ZOaKCC It's a very unique track in so many ways. It gave me goosebumps when I was making it! The chords and the melody, it's in 6/8 which you never hear in modern dance music. It has an augmented chord in it; you'd never hear that in a typical pop/Rihanna track. The lead I made myself and I think is very unique!
What do you do when you aren't producing and Deejaying?
When I have free time, which is not very often, I like to watch movies, go to the beach, talk with family on the phone and hang out with friends.
What do you hope to accomplish in your career as a producer/DJ?
Sky is the limit. For right now, I don't have a particular goal in mind, except to become a globally recognized traveling dj and producer.
What is your dream gig?
TomorrowWorld is the festival of the moment! Sky is the limit, I guess!!
Can you tell us what you're working on right now and what you have planned in the upcoming months?
I've got about 5 unreleased tracks that I need to release and I'm always working on new material. Just to keep a steady flow of quality releases coming out, which is easier said than done! Play a few gigs and try to get more in the process.
What advice would you give to young kids and teens that aspire to be a producer or DJ?
Stereoshock Interview
I had the chance to interview the up and coming DJ Stereoshock this past week. We talked about his start as a DJ, goals he has for himself and some info on what we can expect from him in the future. He just dropped a new edit today to Passion Pit's "Run Boy Run Away". Check out the interview below and listen to his new edit that is a free download as well.
How did you get started as a DJ and at what age?
As of this month, it actually marks my 5th year of DJing and producing. I began back in the fall of my sophomore year of high school (2008), and it’s pretty crazy how fast the time has gone. I always had a passion for music having played numerous instruments, but nothing ever kept my interest for a sustained period of time. It’s a funny story because I first discovered my passion for djing through DJ Hero. I played with the game for about a month, and figured that regular djing/producing would be just as easy (it wasn’t haha). Soon after, I sold DJ Hero, picked up a Numark Mixtrack controller, and downloaded Logic Pro. I began spending full days working on music, and haven’t stopped since.
Who is your inspiration in the electronic dance music world?
When I was younger, I was inspired by a great deal of producers. I would listen to everything from progressive house, to trance, and even Hardstyle. Artists such as Kaskade, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, Dirty South, Benny Benassi, Sander Van Doorn and many others, had a significant impact on the music I produce today. However, these days I find my inspiration often stems from music external to Electronic Dance Music. My greatest inspiration comes from Soundtrack work such as Hans Zimmer, and indie/alternative music, such as Woodkid, Lana Del Rey, Florench Welch, and Coldplay. The producers and songwriters of the indie/alternative genre have been creating incredible music in 2013.
How did you get the name Stereoshock?
The name Stereoshock came about in the fall of my junior year of high school. I had been having fun with the equipment for around a year, so I figured, it was time to get “serious”. My friend German and I thought that doing parties would be fun, so we started brainstorming some names. Stereoshock was one of the names among the list, and we decided to go with it seeing as it flowed nicely. Many people think Stereoshock is in reference to a stereo system, but it’s really a reference to the “Stereo perspective” in my music. In a way, it describes the layering, and detail that I put into my music, and my pursuit to always “shock” my listeners with the imagery in my work.
You have a bunch of great remixes out there. What do you look for in a song and makes you think you can create a good remix from it?
Thanks, I appreciate it! When looking for a track to remix, I am particularly picky as of late. First off, it has to be something that hasn’t been over-remixed and something that can compliment my specifically tailored sound (Cinematic Style; Big Room Sound). When I listen to the record, I have to be able to close my eyes, and envision what the record will sound like. Everything I produce, has to tell a story, and connect with the listener in some form. In addition, emotion and contrast are two of the most important aspects of my productions. If I decide to remix a piece of music, I’ll usually have the imagery in my head instantly.
What is your favorite track you have produced or remix you have done and why?
As a producer, it’s very hard to have a favorite. Everything I touch, I put my absolute heart into. Each one of my works holds a special place for me, because they’re each a representative of who I am as an artist. The emotion and the imagery that I produce, gives listeners a chance to hear how I visualize music. In saying that, it’s hard for me to pick one, and I’m proud of everything that I have produced as of recent.
What do you do when you're not producing or making remixes?
When I’m not working on music related stuff, I like to chill with my friends, and family. I’m heavily into action sports, so I skateboard, snowboard, and skimboard through out the year. I would say that other than making music, action sports are my next favorite thing to do. In addition, I casually enjoy videogames, and amusment parks (water parks included)! If it’s around the fall I LOVE going to Haunted Houses and attractions. I make it a priority to get to some each year haha.
What is your ultimate goal as a DJ?
As a producer, I have quite a few short-term and long-term goals. In the near future, I would love to be a full touring artist, and to begin the festival circuit. In addition, I would love to be situated with a label that I can call “home” to as an artist. My long-term goals are much greater, but one that I am specifically passionate about, is charity work in America. I have plans to begin a great charity organization called EDM Cares: Make A Difference Through Music, in which could revolutionize charity in the United States. The organization will make the general public want to become involved, rather than, feeling like it’s their obligation. In addition, I would love to have extensive collaborations with specific indie artists and songwriters that I admire, as well as, work on movie sound tracking (which I feel could be extremely exciting with my music style). I’m very much looking forward to the future possibilities with my music, and it is becoming more exciting by the day. The only thing that matters to me in the present and in the future, is that I put my heart into everything I do.
What can we expect from you as far as music goes in the coming months?
In the upcoming months, there will be new music, and hopefully, exciting announcements to be made. All of the support recently has been truly a blessing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s love! You can all stay updated on my social networks for new music, shows, and announcements!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stereoshockofficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/stereoshock
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/djstereoshock
Website: www.djstereoshock.com
Electric Nightlife (iTunes): www.tinyurl.com/electricnightlife
Terzetto Interview
A couple weeks ago we posted this new trio of producers after they submitted one of their tracks to the site. Like I said in a past post many songs that are submitted to EDMbeatsUSA aren't great but I give each and every song a very intent listen to make sure I don't pass up on that one great track. I got that when Vinny, one of the members of Terzetto, sent me their remix to the song "Cups". Immediately I went straight to their Soundcloud and to no surprise I found another banging remix, this time to "Pompei". Terzetto has huge potential to go big time in EDM and that's why I needed to interview them and get an inside look on how they met, how all three work together as one and what they have in store for the future. So enjoy the dialouge below an if you haven't already download their remixes HERE!
How did you all meet and what made you come together and form Terzetto?
Gary and I actually were child hood friends who went our separate ways after middle school. Kristin and I were working on music together when I reached out to Gary seeing that he was working on music too. We jumped in the studio for the first time and we just clicked. Gary and I formed a duo and Kristin was a solo act. We actually didn't officially become a trio until 6 months into working together.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Deadmau5, Wolfgang Gartner, Porter Robinson, Armin van Buuren.
Do you all have the same taste in dance music?
Its funny, everybody always asks us this and we always look at each other and laugh. We actually have very different taste in music but we combine all of our taste and form it into the style that you hear today. We sometimes butt heads but its all good we love each other!
How do you go about producing a song if you all have a slightly different taste in EDM and what you want in each song?
We've been producing with each other for over a year now so we've gotten used to working together in the studio. We never actually come into the studio with a mindset of what kind of track we want to produce. We know what our style is and try and keep it natural and leave it up to us to be fully creative. It actually really benefits us because we all have different perspectives when we come in to produce. When it comes together and we're all on the same page it really is special.
This question is for all of you, if you could go to just one show the rest of your life what DJ would you choose to see?
Deadmau5- The show he puts on, the vibe he creates, I don't think many Djs have been able to match the feeling you get when you go to a Deadmau5 show.
Can you tell us the new projects you guys working on at the moment?
We have upwards of 50 projects that are all unfinished. As of late we have a remix ready to release in the next week or two. We're also working on a collaboration with another Philadelphia duo that we're extremely excited about. This winter you should see a couple free releases from us :)
Where can we look for you guys in the upcoming months as far as shows?
We're playing a Bad Kids Clothing fashion party October 12th in New York City at Union Square Ballroom that we're super excited about. If you haven't heard of Bad Kids Clothing definitely check them out! We will be back at our Philly residency Lit Ultrabar October 18th. We also have a lot of shows in the works but nothing we can announce yet. We would love to play in Boston ;)
What do you hope to accomplish together in the future and do you have any goals you have set for yourselves?
I'd really like to see us chart on Beatport in 2014. I think we have some tracks coming out that definitely make this a possibility! We do set goals for ourselves big and small. With SFX going public I believe people are seeing more and more that being a Dj in this growing industry is a business. We treat our career like any other business would setting short term and long term goals.
The Chainsmokers Interview
This week I had the chance to interview The Chainsmokers. We spoke of things from their recent performance at TomorrowWorld to the drug Molly and how their lives have been since going on tour. So check out the interview below as well as one of my favorite remixes by them "Dreaming". Enjoy!
The one boring question that has to be asked for every DJ duo... How did you guys meet and how did you end up doing what you're doing now? Also, how did you decide on the name "The Chainsmokers"?
We met through a mutual friend who knows us both… Drinking ensued, and the rest is history. As for the name, we honestly don’t have an answer for it… We really need to think up a good story for this one, but we have yet to do so….
What was your goal when you two first began and have your goals changed since then, as you have gotten bigger and bigger?
You know its important to always set goals for oneself and we certainly had them but they were vague and ever changing. Ppl always used to ask us what we hoped to achieve 5 years from now and we always thought it to be a really dumb question because that length time is mammoth. We like to set goals 3-6 months at a time and see them achieved and move on. We could of course say we want to be the next big house music producers with our own distinct sound but that’s vague as well.. Our goal was to make as much progress as we could and maintain and build open becoming the artists we want to be, which also changes a lot. So yes the dreams and ambitions have gotten bigger as time has gone on, but ultimately e want what any one wants, influence, recognition, respect, success and happiness..
One thing I have always wondered with duo or trio DJs is how they put on shows together. When you guys are up there on stage how do you go about working the board together and do you ever have any disagreements on what should be played, how something should be mixed, etc.
I think this answer varies a lot depending on the artists, their equipment and so on… We def have a great flow when we perform and of course time to time disagree on things but its never a big issue… sometimes one is right and the other isn’t it’s a learning process and you get over it… Ego is the only thing that keeps so many ppl from succeeding and we make a big effort to not let it get in the way of our plans…
EDM music has really boomed over the last few years and keeps growing at an exponentially fast rate. Why do you think it has grown so much so fast and do you believe the genre will continue to become more popular over the years?
There are probably thousands of reasons for this, but we think a main one is a point Jayz made about it. Dance music while it has been around for a long while, has really become the sound of our generation… and every generation has that sound… So we think in that sense, its become a huge part of culture… Also, technology plays a large role in dance music and the leaps and bounds that have been made from the sounds, shows and production side have opened it up to avenues otherwise never possible…
Some people believe the drug "Molly" is a huge issue at EDM concerts, do you think this will ultimately hurt attendance and affect the popularity of the music if it continues? On top of that, do you believe EDM fans are now being wrongly stereotyped as drug users because of the recent deaths from the drug at concerts and festivals?
Every single type of shows no matter the genre has its stigmas and stereotypes, we aren’t proud of it, but its an inevitable outcome. WDO we think it will hurt attendance, likely, mostly from a permit side, of whether cities and universities want to deal with it. That being said we do think its being blown way out of proportion in many ways, and that’s not to play down the tragic things that have happened but when you look at the size of it all and the number of aweful incidents they are very few…. As for the fans being stereotyped, that’s whatever, You can see PLUR ravers coming in hot looking crazy and we see guys in suits coming to party… Not everyone who goes to a bar is an alcoholic… We think its important to just look past that all… Its to easy to pull out the microscope and over think it all…
You both are currently on your "Fck Tour". Can you tell us a little bit about what it's been like to travel around the country, the best part of touring and what the experience has been like?
Traveling to new cities is amazing… Its so cool to meet different ppl and every place seems to have a different taste for partying and music. Being from the North East it gives a whole new outlook on what ppl are listening to and so on. That being said, we spend most our time in airports, which sucks, so while we do travel, at this point its mostly business so we don’t get to sight see a lot its mostly in and out…. But we absolutely love it, to see ppl in places we have never been but know our stuff, its cool as FCK!
Two weeks ago you played at the inaugural TomorrowWorld! Every EDM fans dream is to go to Tomorrowland/World but many, including me :(, don't have the money to go. What was it like actually being on stage and playing your music for thousands of people?!
Well first of we recommend everyone start saving, it is totally worth it! BUT from an experience stand point not only was the show just a milestone point in our career the whole festival itself taught us a lot. We got to meet artsits we look up to, see shows we hadn’t and play for an international crowd of music lovers. The vibes were perfect everyone was there to just let loose…. And we played 1230AM slot and to have ppl wake up after a crazy night and come see us perform was so special…
What makes a great show? In addition to that what has been you favorite city or show so far? (Besides TomorrowWorld)
A great show is a combination of so many things, from the crowds energy, the sound of in the club, how we are personally feeling, to the pressure of it… Great shows though just sort of happen, obviously you have those shows which you hope go great, but there have been plenty that just turned out to be great. Honestly besides TW, WebsterHall last weekend and that was our first 18+ in our hometown and it was so fun!
What is one thing you think the fans don't know or don't realize about what it is like to be a DJ? And are there any negatives to being a DJ?
That its not just about spinning records, or even producing.. You are creating a brand, which is no different than starting a business… So now your shit…. We learn new things everyday…
After you finish your tour in November, what is the next step for you guys?
To start another one hopefully hahah…
Where do you see yourself in twenty years?
We both agree we will prlly die around our 60’s so hopefully enjoying the last 20 years of our lives…
When it's all said and done, how do you want The Chainsmokers to be remembered?
In Gold!
Paris Blohm Interview
Paris Blohm is one of the biggest up and coming producers in the world. We have posted some of his tracks on the site and every track he puts out is a huge banger. Some of his past greats have been "Miracle" and "Presence" both of which are very popular among the EDM world. I had the chance to ask Paris a few questions including who he would like to collaborate with, his thoughts on the drug scene in EDM and what his dream gig would be! So check it out below as well as his favorite track of his Presence, which is below as well!
1. When did you begin producing and DJing?
When i was 15 years old, back in 2005.
2. What got you into the EDM scene?
I had always been a fan of dance music, listening to Tiesto, Darude, Armin back in 1999/2000.
3. If you could pick one DJ to collaborate with on a track who would it be and why?
Thats a hard question but probably someone like Porter Robinson who is up to pushing the boundaries on dance music. I like to be pushed and learn new things. Collabing with Alesso would also be awesome because his simplicity and catchy melodies are golden.
4. What is your favorite sub-genre of EDM and why?
I love producing progressive house / big room house. But to listen I love Drum n Bass and stuff like that.. I'm all over the place.
5. My personal favorite track of yours, along with many other people out there, is "Presence". Can you give us your favorite track and why it's your favorite?
Presence is still probably one of my favorite tracks I've made, just because of the meaning behind it. Maybe you can just enlighten the readers why I made it instead of having me spill my heart .
6. Im sure you have heard about Kaskade's rant on twitter about UMass-Amhert's decision to ban all EDM events from the school, citing the recent deaths at EZoo and Zedd's concert in Boston. What is your reaction to this?
Drugs are part of the scene, its a fact. I won't keep it a secret, I did my fair share when I was younger and I've been to more raves than I could count. My heart is with the crowd, and I see their perspective... but some people DO overdo it. There's a limit and there's responsibility, and the kids have to take that into consideration. If you want to do drugs, that's your choice, so do them responsibly, and if not then more power to you!
7. What has been the most exciting part of your young career so far?
I played to 10,000 people in San Diego Sports Arena.. I played mainly originals as well. It was amazing.
8. What is your dream gig?
Mainstage EDC.
9. What would be your advice to a young kid or adult who wants to produce and DJ but doesn't know where to start or how to promote themselves?
Start making music, and be okay with sucking for a LONG time. The key is to never give up. I sucked for 6-7 years, sometimes I STILL think I suck. Just keep pushing.
10. Can you tell us about what you are working on now as well as any shows you are playing at in the near future?
Secret Stay tuned on my page!
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