04.05
DJ DLG destroyed the FUSE
dance floor this past Friday, and after his set, he took a few minutes
to answer a few questions for The Get Downnn. Check out
what DJ DLG had to say, below
This is your second time at FUSE right?
DLG: Yeah, this is the second time I’ve played for
Sol Martinez and the gang and it was a really great time. Fuse is
bringing some amazing underground talent, and it’s a great vibe up here
on the rooftop. Everybody just gets down and does their own thing and
the vibe builds as the night goes on. Plus it is outside under the stars
with the fresh air. I really have a great time every time that I play
here.
You’re based out of Arizona now right?
DLG: Yeah, I’ve been living in Phoenix for quite a
few years now and it’s great. The weather’s amazing – sunshine basically
every day! Can’t go wrong with that…
You’ve really made a name for yourself and you’ve worked with
the likes of Erick Morillo, Laidback Luke, and other big names. What’s
it like to be in your position?
DLG: It’s fantastic. I mean Erick and Luke are both
extremely talented and it was really inspirational to be able to get
together with them in the studio and work together and bounce ideas and
everything. Creativity really takes a life of its own when you get
together with somebody like that. Luke’s doing fantastic right now, and
blowing up all over the world touring all over the place and of course
Erick is an established legend in house music. So I’m really honored to
have worked with them.
When I met Laidback Luke in 2005 along with the Swedish House Mafia,
right away I knew they were ready to bloom and take over, and they’ve
certainly done that. We are starting up are new label right now, Lazor
Music, so that’s going to be a great opportunity to not only release my
own original tracks but also bring on new re-mixers. I’m looking forward
to pushing that this year.
That actually ties into my next question, what do you want to
see happen in 2010?
DLG: You know, it’s kind of funny because I’ve
reached a few of the goals I had set for myself like having an Essential
Tune on Pete Tong’s show and releasing records. I’d really like to
continue producing quality music. One thing I would like to accomplish
would be to make a song that people would remember and stand the test of
time. I find that in certain areas of electronic music, some people
think it all sounds the same. I’d be grateful to write something that
stands up and is a memorable thing for their lifetime, or could change
their life in some way for the better!
When you get into the studio, how do you go about producing a
track?
DLG: It’s interesting, because I find that when I go
play gigs I get really inspired and it gives me a sense of what works
best with the crowds. I like to come back to the studio and try some
new ideas. In addition, I find everyday life is a HUGE inspiration
depending where I am in the world and what’s going on in life. I like
to try and translate those experiences, moods, and emotions into my
tracks. When I start a track, if I don’t like it I’m not going to
continue to pursue it. I have tracks that are just starts, but they
never really caught me to the point where I wanted to finish them. Most
producers have that—hundreds of starter tracks. Sometimes it’s good to
just do a basic layout with them and see how it works on the dance
floor.
As far as my production process goes – it varies. Sometimes I’ll
start with a chord progression and then work in the bass line out of
that. Or I’ll just start with drums and percussion and make something a
bit more techy. Then there are bootlegs like disco house where I break
rules and sample, and don’t really care what comes of it.
There are certain times where I’ll sit down and start working on a
track and its like, “let’s see how broken I can make this”. Producing
music is an amazing process, because over time the track takes a life of
its own. When those things come together and parts sync – whether they
are meant or not meant to be – that’s where I get that rush. When
writing a track and things begin to sound good together I get a rush.
For example – when I write a bass line and it’s in key, or when the
groove hits— you know it. I want to get up and dance and that’s my
addiction (laughs).
What are you listening to on your iPod right now?
DLG: John Hopkins is a really amazing producer; all
of his work is really inspirational. I listen to everything, 60’s, 70’s,
80’s pop music, Disco, Funk, Italo disco, Bob Marley, and Giorgio
Moroder. Also, believe it or not, I’m a big fan of the Grateful Dead.
I’m all over the place (laughs).
As for new bands, I think Miike Snow is really great they have a nice
blend of electronic and live song writing that’s unique, and I love it.
In addition, Kinch is a really talented local band here in Phoenix. We
will be working on some projects together, and I’m really looking
forward to that.
You probably get asked this all the time, but DLG, where does
it come from?
DLG: It’s my initials.
Any advice that you can give to up-and-coming DJs/producers,
or even just people supporting the scene?
DLG: You know it’s funny because I still look at
myself as an up-and-comer the idea of “success” hasn’t really caught on
in my head just yet. For up-and-comers it’s really just finding your
niche that inspires you. It’s about finding that music that you really
love the most, and then seeking out a touring DJ or an established label
that fits that style, and then just keep sending them your tracks. If
they don’t pick it up or get back, don’t be discouraged because it’s a
learning process. One thing I’ve learned over the years is the music
industry is slow and patience is key.
Another thing to try is make a mashup of one of your favorite artists
tracks with an acappella or another tune and send it to them. Sometimes
touring DJs don’t have time to do these edits and they appreciate a new
artist bringing new life to an older song. Well, perhaps not all
producers would like this but I would love to hear some edits &
remixes of my tunes. The most important part of doing something like
that is to make sure it sounds good and is in key. Don’t just slap on an
acapella that’s off key and off time and send it out. Make sure it
works and sounds good otherwise it makes you look bad.
In addition, it’s important to learn how to mix & master, and to
really fine tune your tracks and not rush things. There are so many
producers & DJs nowadays that quality and originality really stand
out. It’s taken me almost 12 years to accomplish what I have so far and
I’m still learning new things in the studio and in life every day.
Just remember that when things go wrong or not how you want it, it’s a
learning experience! Only through the experiences do we gain knowledge
and eventually wisdom.
Anything you’d like to add?
DLG: I’d like to say thank you to my Family, Friends
& Fans for their support! Without them I would not be able to do
what I do. Also thank you Chad @ The Get Downnn for
taking the time to do this interview – it’s been fun!
And there you have it! Now, take the time to swing by some of DJ
DLG’s websites, and see what all he has to offer. Then, show
him some love for that killer set he dropped Friday!
Links:
WEB:
Download
DLG’s music @ BeatPort
DLG’s LABEL: LAZOR MUSIC
Submit demos & bootlegs to Lazor music soundcloud
Lazor Music
SoundCloud - drop box.
