Watch out for this guy. He’ll be running things soon!
Obelisk (Original Mix).mp3
Sol Suckaz.mp3
INTERVIEW
1. How long have you been making music as DJ Qazi?
In 2007 I decided on the name DJ Qazi, I guess it comes from the word Quasar (a superviolent galaxy in the deepest of space) Before that I was more into guitar and garageband, I didn’t really call myself anything, I was more into hard trance and Hardstyle.
2. “House on the Rocks” is especially enjoyable. Lately, what have been some of your biggest non-musical influences?
You know the whole change I’ve made since I moved down here to LA, mixed with the amazing teachers I am now having the opportunity to learn from, has really shaped the way I create music these days. I learn new and interesting recording techniques all the time when I’m at class, so when I get home I use the information immediately in my music. It kind of solidifies it in my brain. Good for tests.
3. Your songs are composed of all original material, has getting to this point been a gradual process, or did it pick up very fast?
Come to think of it, back when I started on garageband, I used to experiment a lot with different midi’s I got online, applying various instruments, remixing it. Now I’m not so into remixing, I’ve done it a few times (crazy pipe – DJ Bomba, This time – DJ Shadow, Superstar – Dark Oscillators), but when I’m experimenting on a daily basis I hardly ever see the need to go out and get somebody else’s work to go and build on it. Don’t get me wrong, remixing is awesome, all I’m saying is that I think everyone is born with capacity to create new and original expressions every day. There simply isn’t a long enough lifetime for us to run out of new ideas.
4. What hardware/software do you use for your productions? Live shows?
I’m currently using an Akai MPK25 Keyboard with Ableton Live 8 on my so-so Laptop (will be getting new imac so0on, just wait for the musical explosions:). I use an M-Audio Fasttrack Pro for my ins and outs, which I’m liking a lot. For live mixing I use the Numark Omni Control surface and Traktor 3. As for Traktor, I would only recommend it if you do not have enough money to buy the full Serrato Scratch Pro. I occasionally dabble with Reason 4 and I’ve had a bit of fun with my two guitars. Right now I am undergoing top certification training of Pro Tools HD, so very soon I will bring ableton on my laptop and record my tracks into Pro Tools to use its advanced editing capabilities. Once I finally start to make some real money I have DEFINITE plans to get some streight up vinyl setup & record collection. I’m also currently in the market for a trigger finger and a small mackie board. And a mic. and a preamp. and an analogue compressor. There is actually lots of things I want.
5. What is the electronic scene like in LA? Who are some of your favorite artists?
I like what I have seen of the electronic scene here. Being such a gigantic place, there is raves with 50k person turnout! Rusko recently moved here, and seeing him live in Hollywood was awesome. I was surprised at the turnout for the dubstep, I thought most of its fan base was in the UK. I haven’t had a huge opportunity to go out clubbing on account of my audio engineering classes are at night, but most of my favourite artists seem to have at least one show planed here in a year.
As for my favorite artists, Numba one is Thievery Corporation, for ever. If you haven’t gotten into this band…your missing out. heh then I like DJ Krush, n DJ Shadow. I’m cuckoo for Dubstep these days so I gotta rep on DATSIK, the widdler, L-Wiz, Bar 9, Rusko, and most of all: Hijak (not HiJack)
6. Any big plans for DJ Qazi in 2010?
Dubstep. Much more bass, much crazier. I have recently gained access to 4 stocked out professional studios and I plan to use them to create much more well defined tracks. Every day I learn more about sound design from long time industry pros. I’m currently looking at cartoon network, since its right down the street from where I live. When I complete my training next December, I will be looking to start my career in the recording studios of Hollywood. There’s plans to start doing live shows here in LA once DJ Qazi gets A CAR. (one note about LA: steer clear of this place if you do not have motorized transportation)
7. What would you say to anybody interested in pursuing a career in producing/DJ’ing?
Music can’t be explained using words. When you’re experimenting in the studio, or performing live, its very important to use your human ability to feel the vibe, and keep it going. Be the badass that you are and always be jamming. Think of the most awesome time you had partying or having sex and let that be your inspiration. Stay away from loops. The kick drum doesn’t need to be the loudest thing. And above all- learn the ways of proper EQ and Compression.
Download DJ Qazi’s Electro mixes here!
www.house-mixes.com/dj_qazi
http://www.myspace.com/cravethatbass
Phantom
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