Archives for category: Interviews
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Hoodmode

2012/03/06 //
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You’re about to be swooned..

DD The 5 tracks on your soundcloud are such a tease, I wanna hear more! Do you have any releases planned? 

H In terms of releases I’m putting something together for a new label next month, then perhaps a slightly bigger release later on in the year if I’ve got time. 

DD Your “In The Shower” version is classy. The very subtle touches to the original, like the reverb claps, give it the modern feel. When did you first hear this track?  

H Thanks. I actually only heard the song a few weeks before I did the edit, I stumbled across it whilst on youtube. I loved the vocal so naturally I decided to lay some epic-claps down.  

DD What got you interested in electronic music? Did you immediately want to become a producer? 

H Well my Dad is a producer/sound-engineer so I’ve always been surrounded by obscure electronic sounds. I’ve always had an interest in music but I’ve never seen it as a viable job option.

DD The track “Everything” has fantastic dancefloor energy. Got that Joker growl with a Night Slugs lean. Who are some of your influences, and how do you plan on distinguishing yourself as Hoodmode?  

H Yeah I think that track has quite a Joker-ish sound, It’s not particularly original – I’ve often contemplated deleting it, but it seems to get more attention than most of my other music, ironically. I think tracks like Problem Solver are more representative of my style. I don’t really listen to a lot of Electronic music at the moment, I go through phases though, I think it’s so hard to keep up to date with electronic music. I’m really influenced by producers like Terrace Martin, The Neptunes, Timbaland, 88-keys. I guess my style is informed by electronic artists like Mosca, Canblaster and Egyptrixx to name a few off the top of my head. I love older music too – stuff with wavey Moogs and Juno’s and shit. 

In terms of distinguishing myself I’m not really sure, I’m looking at working with more live percussion at the moment. 

DD Your name was passed along to me by Artek – who has a show with G. Davies on Sub.fm. Have their been other stations/blogs playing your tracks? Im excited to share your sounds here in Seattle.  

H Hang-tight Artek. As far as blogs go, my Dons at BNTL have always shown me love, I’ve had a couple of plays on stations like Rinse.FM as well, but nothing major.

DD Last words? Thanks for stopping Disco Droppings!  

H R&B Over Everything.  

Hoodmode: Soundcloud 

– Jimi Jaxon 

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Categories Interviews

Cavalia – Interview with 2 Traveling Band Members

2012/03/02 //
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Prior to this show, I was not that into horses. They were just, alright. My mind has been changed! 

Cavalia is a traveling production that features a live band, vocalists, dancers, acrobats and dozens of horses. All these elements combine to represent the symbiotic relationship between horse and man. Their last performance in Redmond, Wa will be this Sunday 3/4 – TIX available here 

I had the opportunity to see the show and spend time with two of the band members. Here is my interview with them. Pictures provided by Julia McJunkin. 

DD Hello Jonathan and Phil, happy to have you on Disco Droppings. What is your role in the Cavalia show?

J As the drummer my role is to flawlessly follow the 200 audio/visual music cues. I am constantly watching the show from the booth. Similar to a play, it’s a little different every time.

P As the bass player I pay close attention to drums. Being tight with the drummer creates a a solid foundation for the rest of the band.

DD Where was your first Cavalia show?

J Charlotte, North Carolina. I auditioned in Montreal in May, 2010, so I’ve been with Cavalia for almost 2 years.

P Burbank, California. I’ve been with Cavalia for a year.

DD For people that have seen the show, the band is not always visible, however, you guys are responsible for all the music you hear. Was it difficult at first to play in a sound booth, detached from the audience?

J At first it was difficult. We asked for microphones outside the booth so we could hear the audience, which helped. Sometimes the audience will clap longer or shorter from show to show, so it’s important for us to hear their reactions.

DD How would you describe the music styles heard by the band?

J A mixture of ambient, classical, pop and folk music.

DD Were you guys interested in horses before the show? Have you gained a deeper understanding of these animals through these performances?

J I wasn’t that interested at first. After joining Cavalia, friends would bring me to the stables, which was kind of scary, because they are such powerful animals. I got to know them better and rode a horse for the first time.

P I grew up on a farm with animals. It was an easy transition to work with the horses.

DD How do you hope to build on the experience you’ve gained from this show? What have you learned?

J This opens up a whole world of circus shows to join. The experience also translates to work in studios, tv productions and movies. We are freelance musicians with education in latin, pop, classical etc. This has given me a new level of confidence. You learn how to follow others and be aware of your surroundings, it’s not like being in a typical band. I feel more mature as a musician.

P It is a great way into the touring world. There is a lot to be aware of, and our work is based on following everything that happens onstage.

– Jimi Jaxon

Categories Interviews

Kingdom Interview – Fade To Mind Boss Man

2012/03/02 //
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Kingdom is the shit. My favorite set at Decibel Festival 2011.  He’s playing tonight at Chop Suey – GO

 

 

DD This weekend feels like a Fade To Mind takeover, between your show tonight (Chop Suey), and MikeQ on Saturday (Lo-Fi), very exciting! How would you describe your show tonight, for those who may be unaware? 

K Total Freedom, Massacooramaan, Cedaa and myself will be showing people what Fade to Mind artists always do, playing a lot of custom edits, unreleased tracks, and club music with a wide range of emotion and intensity.

DD You’ve brought Cedaa into the Fade To Mind crew, what an incredible oppurtunity. I’ve seen him perform a few times now and it’s rad to see him alongside such a progressive group of artists. What about Cedaa do you find most inspiring?

K Cedaa’s style is high energy and bubbling but also moody at times. Very clean too, and his DJ sets are impeccable and far reaching.

 

Kingdom: Facebook Twitter Soundcloud 

– Jimi Jaxon 

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Cedaa Interview *Fade To Mind*

2012/03/01 //
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If you’ve been following the last few posts on Disco Droppings, you’ll notice that there are 2 major shows happening this weekend. Cedaa’s interview is number 4 of a list of performers, playing either at Chop Suey (Friday) or Lo-Fi (Saturday). Cedaa happens to be playing both, and his bumpin XLR8R podcast can be heard here

 

 

DD Hi Cedaa, welcome to Disco Droppings. I’ve done a few features with III Cosby who runs Car Crash Set, excited to collaborate with the label more. 

C Thanks :] Yeah Cosby is great, same goes for the whole CCS camp. I encourage everyone to check out their catalog. Quality and diversity.

DD I think I saw you at the Night Slugs showcase for Decibel Festival..did you enjoy yourself? That was my favorite showcase for sure! Fun group of guys.

C That was my favorite event of the festival as well. Great energy, stellar sets from all involved. The Baltic was buzzing that night. The tag-team was definitely a moment. Really excited to play with Kingdom this Friday at Fade To Mind # 5 Seattle Takeover, along with Massacooraman and Total Freedom, two other Fade To Mind artists. Friday’s show should prove a night to remember as well. Plus MikeQ is in town the following night! Can’t wait.

DD Looking at young producers from NW starting to establish themselves, you’re name stands out for gaining national and international recognition. Artists from Car Crash Set and Dropping Gems are getting strong visibility as well which is rad. Now that you’ve teamed up with Kingdom and Fade To Mind, how has your perspective/vision changed or evolved? How do you hope your upcoming Fade To Mind release will resonate with the music community?

C Artists from CCS and Dropping gems are definitely doing their thing right now. Astronomar has been working hard as well. Warms my heart when I see local artists I appreciate and respect  getting some attention. They deserve it :]

Id like to think my music and tastes are ever-evolving. Joining Fade To Mind has influenced that evolution, but many other things have as well. I am always becoming myself lol. I’m taking more time with my next ep than I have in the past. Bit of a change from the workflow of some of my previous releases. 

I aim to put out a record that is both provocative and fun. Unorthodox club music. 

 

DD Has your studying of Cultural Anthropology influenced your work as Cedaa?

C I suppose it has in a way. I find regional music scenes extremely interesting, specially within America. Juke, Bounce, Jersey Club, the many flavors of hip hop, etc. Internet culture appeals to me in the same way. Anthro theory applies in to many situations not to notice. Many others who do not study anthropology share these same passions tho. 

DD What’s the biggest challenge you face as an artist?

C Getting thru school probably. 

DD A few of your all time favorite songs?

 

Slick Rick ft. Big Boi – Street Talkin’

Andre Nickatina – Balla Race

DJ Rashad – 40cal

DJ Deeon – Ride This MF

Drumline Final Battle Scene***

Cedaa: Facebook Twitter Soundcloud 

– Jimi Jaxon 

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MikeQ Interview (Fade To Mind / Qween Beat)

2012/02/29 //
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For those of you that haven’t heard this nasty track from MikeQ, here’s “Let It All Out” (Purchase on Beatport). This guy is traveling the world, sharing his high energy sounds. These are centered around the ballroom scene, which you can learn more about in this RBMA feature. Catch him at his headlining Seattle show this Saturday at Lo-Fi 

DD It’s a pleasure to talk with you MikeQ, where are you at right now in your travels?

MQ EVERYWHERE! This year alone I’ve been in a pretty good amount of different places throughout the US, UK & EU. Pretty amazing to me. 

 

DD I first heard your name through Fade To Mind with your “Let It All Out” release, that track popped off! More recently, I started reading past interviews with you, listening to your many Soundcloud tracks and watching the film “Paris Is Burning”. Now I am hooked on this ballroom/vogue culture. What about all this connects with you most? 

MQ What initially attracted me to the scene was a combination of the dancing and music that existed at that time (2003), but now it’s just so much more than that, good and bad.

 

DD The newest track to surface on your Soundcloud is a brilliant rework of Madonna’s “Vogue”. I snatched up a free download, very hyped to play this out, sassy. How would you describe Madonna’s role in your scene? What’s your favorite track of hers?

MQ Lol… Madonna’s role In the Ballroom scene from my opinion is basically just someone famous who grasped the culture and helped put it out the the world on a mainstream level, and “Vogue” would be my favorite track of hers with “Holiday” next & then more recently “The Beat Goes On”.  

 

DD I feel that you have a unique mindset with music production. Knowing the ballroom scene, the people that make it up and the dance styles that revolve around it, is essential to your style. You are completely connected with the dancers and nightlife, it fuels your ideas for tracks. Which tracks of yours embody this idea most? Which ones have you seen audiences expecially go off to?

MQ Well your right about that! lol… Lets see.. I would have to say my “Ebony Ha 2009”, “The Master Blaster”, “10’s Across The Board” …They really go off to “Feels Like”, “The Ha Dub ReWerk’d” and an older track of mine which is pretty much unnamed but its a mix of 50 Cent’s “Disco Inferno” but that was back In 2005 and when I played that people came to the booth like WTF!? lol.

 

DD I will definetely be at your show March 3 @ Lo-Fi (Seattle). I’m a big fan of Car Crash Set, and feel that your presence will be refreshing and a total thrill. How would you describe your upcoming set, for those thinking about attending?

MQ My upcoming set… I would have to say is going to most likely be random. But definitely full of energy, lots of Ballroom, House & Jersey Club And just energetic. I’m not one of those gimmicky DJ’s thats jumping up and down as I play, but its all in what you will hear.. I only play music that I myself enjoy so im sure everyone else will as well.

MikeQ – Soundcloud Twitter Facebook

http://fadetomind.net/

– Jimi Jaxon

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