When did you start DJ'ing and what inspired you to keep at it?
It took me a while to really get a hold on electronic music. The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and Aphex Twin were the only artists I could tolerate for a while. It wasn't until I moved to Berlin, Germany in 2000 that I really started to appreciate electronic music as a whole. I was reluctant at first, but my friends finally convinced me to start going to the clubs with them. We frequented places like the Tresor and Cookies and basically anything that had to do with BPitch Control or the old WMF crew. I fell in love with minimal and the Berlin dance scene. I spent the Loveparade 2003 with some really close friends and had the time of my life. That was the summer I decided to pursue a life truly engrossed in electronic music. A few months later, I began a program in Music Technology at Northeastern. I was eager to throw the Berlin dance culture and its love for techno in everyone's face. I picked up a pair of turntables from my classmate and DJ friend Shane and haven't stopped yet. I've been in Boston ever since.
How was the mix put together?
I've been an avid Native Instruments fan for years, so whenever I can I use Traktor instead of Serato -- which is the case for this mix. Typically, I use tables but have been getting into using Maschine as a compact mode for mixing. For this one, I had Maschine hooked up to a laptop with Traktor.
What are some tracks or albums that you've been really into lately? Any artists or DJs to keep an eye out for (either locally or national/international)?
Well first I have to mention Trouble & Bass and Party Like Us. I always watch B. Rich, AC Slater and Udachi for new tracks, remixes and I'll scan the tracklists of any mix by T&B members for new stuff. Fresh stuff from Southern Fried Records tends to be top quality dance tunes, so keep an eye out for new remixes off that imprint. Blogwise, Palms Out Sounds and Bass Music Blog are tapped into some really great things. I also use a website/program DropBox with some close friends in Germany and other parts of the world for other things I don't have access to, so I get a lot of other stuff from them. Recently, I've discovered Limaçon thru that channel and love listening to his new album "Tarry Not". Bpitch Control, Kompakt, Poker Flat and Get Physical are huge inspirational sources. I'd have to say I've listened to Modeselektor more than anything else (greatest live shows ever), and they have a new album in the works so keep checking a website I help run, DRINKMUSIK, for updates.
Favorite thing about Boston?
The people and their never-ending motivation to keep making great parties for everyone. It's not as much of a status thing here as in other places and I like that.
Least favorite thing about Boston?
Blue laws. The 2AM thing has always been a problem. Boston is never going to get past a certain point until they can keep parties open later...at least legally. Also...winter. I can't stand it. But apparently by 2050 it'll be like Miami up in hurrr so I'm just getting a good spot early :)
Download the mix here:
Tracklist:
1. Nocando - Hurry Up And Wait [Alpha Pup]
2. Vaski - Get Down [Rottun]
3. B. Rich feat. Domonique - It'll Be Alright (Squires of Gothos Remix) [Party Like Us]
4. Hostage - Valhalla [Nightshifters]
5. Green Velvet - Percolator 2000 [F-111]
6. Modeselektor - Em Ocean [BPitch Control]
7. Florence & The Machine - You Got The Love (The XX Remix)
8. Bunny Lake - Into The Future (Zombie Disco Squad Remix) [Klein]
9. Die Antwoord - Wat Pomp
10. Siriusmo - Femuscle [Exploited]
11. Wiley feat. Emeli Sande - Never Be Your Woman (Solo Loves Garage Remix)
12. Touche - Vampires [Southern Fried]
13. Popof - Faces 'Uch [Form]
14. Digital Freq - Disco Falls [BugEyed]
15. Visty & Meyland - Yes Ma'am (All Night Long) (Trentemoller Remix) [Eskimo]
16. Daniel Haaksman feat. MC Miltinho - Kid Conga (Dubbel Dutch Remix)
17. Codec & Flexor - Time Has Changed [Television]
18. Nick Supply - Guava Mouth [Electric Sushi]
19. Lurob - Who Do You Love [Jump]
20. Mr. Oizo - 1$44 [F Communications]
Photo courtesy of Christian Hall
love YES & NO!! favorite DJs in Boston right now.