Why you moved from a really good party escene like Chicago to a less sized scene like Philadelphia?
Why does any guy do something reckless and stupid without thinking of the consequences??? A girl of course! Hehe… it didn’t work out between us, but I’m here in New York because of it. I’m a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason.”
But you ended in New York, talk with us a little of your beginnings on the chaotic city, how did u introduced yourself to the music and people, and what was the most difficult part with the progression there ?
Well, as mentioned in the previous question, I was living in Philadelphia at the time and I knew no one. I DID however know Dietrich Schoenemann from parties we played together in past. He was living in Brooklyn at the time so I just started going there weekend after weekend. It wasn’t long before I finally decided, “fuck it… I’m moving to New York.” Musically, I was just a DJ at the time, and being a DJ back then at the height of the New York scene was tough. EVERYONE was a DJ so there was a lot of competition. I was a relative unknown so to kind of “make it” I started producing my own music and doing live shows. It was slow at first, but little by little I really started to get my ideas into the music. Dietrich was also running his label HIDDEN AGENDA at the time and it really gave me an outlet to start putting my music out to everyone. I knew I was doing something right when I saw that Sven, Richie, and a lot of other big DJs were playing my music. After that I just stayed true to myself, kept putting music out on bigger and bigger labels and good things kept coming my way.
Some of your friends have moved to Berlin, the techno movement is so strong near that underground epicenter, why you haven’t jumped there, do you want to be a full time American ? want to be near Colombia? ;)
For me, New York is the heart, soul, and the fire that drives me creatively. I love it here. Don’t get me wrong, Europe is amaaazing in so many ways, but I absolutely love it here. In addition, if I moved I’d just be another ‘American-Techno-guy-who-moved-to-Berlin’ and my “exoticness” or whatever you wanna call it goes to zero. I don’t mind the travel and I don’t feel like I missing out on anything by not living there so for me New York is where I’m staying. PLUS, I’m closer to Colombia! ;)
Do you consider a techno or a minimal techno artist? or fuck labels?
I’ve been called Techno, Minimal, Electro, Psy-Trance by so many people. I’m just gonna keep making the music I like to make and people can come up with the categories they want.
A hard one, If Chris, Adam, Richie, Camea or Sven wanted to work with you exclusive what would you do ?!
Decline. I have a hard time doing anything exclusively.
How is your inspirational music creation process, do you have a specific way of work, or it is just in the air?
It really varies from project to project. Sometimes I’ll do everything in the computer with just samples. Other times I’ll use VST synths to make some great sounds, bass lines, hooks. Or I can hook up my gear and sample real synths and drum machines that I’ve been working on. The list goes on and on with how many different processes I go through to make different tracks. I really don’t stick to one way of doing it. Each one of my songs is it’s own special little snowflake. Hahaha!!!
Lets talk about the show, what surprises we will have in Medellin ! did u know that we will have womans free until 1am? :D
Well, if I told you about any upcoming surprises it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it??? =)
Are u mixing Live with Dj set or Live and after Dj set, or Dj set and Live after?
It will be a hybrid set. A little bit of Live, a little bit of DJing, a lot a bit of fun. Hahaha. This way I can go on and on and on…
How many channels do you use into your live?
8 in the computer, 2 from the drum machine outboard to 4 stereo pairs in the mixer.
Top 5 records in your box right now?
Dave Shokh “Aw” DiPolter
Dandi & Ugo “Apple Pie” (unreleased)
Speedy J “Pullover (Alexi Delano & Tony Rohr remix) Plus8
Tim Xavier & Camea “You Control Myself (Take Me There Edit)” Clink
Andreas Henneberg “Earth Goat” Voltage Musique Records
Send a message to new generations!
Never do anything just because everyone else is doing it.
And one to old ones :)
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort-zone once in a while!
