My buddy Matt Mauldin aka Wheez-ie is back on DD! For those that don’t know what this man is all about, I asked him for a short description. He said, “It’s like if 90’s rave, Juke, Jungle, Hard House and Pokemon Yellow had a baby..with some Classical and Jazz influences.”

We talk about his latest big project..starting Southern Belle Recordings, his DJ approach for his current tour and other plans for the future. If you’re a NW resident, get yourself to Kremwerk on Sunday 4/20 for his first Seattle set alongside Mascara, Thalo and myself. Presented by Mindfield and Disco Droppings.

#smokeup

DD Whatsup Matt! What are you up to right now?

W Right now I’m finishing up some paperwork for the first release on my label Southern Belle Recordings, putting together tour dates for June/July and dealing with this random cold spell we’re having in Texas.

DD I was HYPED when I heard you were coming to Kremwerk. The positive vibes continued when I was added to the lineup. You’ve been one of my favorite artists connected to Disco Droppings through our interview last year. Your tracks are also a big part of my mixes opening for Bok Bok and Warp Records, so it’s a true pleasure to be playing alongside you. April 20th will be your first time in Seattle. Me and you were talking about what we’re planning to do, and I liked that we both enjoy switching things up. How would you describe your approach for this upcoming set?

W I have a very balanced approach to Dj’ing. There has to be a careful balance between doing what you want and what the crowd needs. A lot of the shows I play have people from all walks of life, and reaching out to the people that aren’t “heads” or “in the scene” is really important to me. “The scene” has a tendency to alienate and exclude a lot of those people, and I want to help change that.

DD Are there any things you’re interested in doing/visiting while in the Northwest?

W I’d really like to see the Seattle Underground. I hear it’s more of a tourist trap thing these days, but my inner 10 year old still wants to see it.

DD You’ve been working hard to get your new label, Southern Belle Recordings up and running. Being someone with a label myself, I know that it is quite the commitment. What drove you in this direction? How has the process been so far, and what kind of vibe are you going for?   

W That’s a complicated question. I started the label because the music that I’ve been writing is getting harder and harder to categorize, and I wasn’t really sure what to do with a lot of it. Around that time I was getting sent a lot of really interesting music that wasn’t going to see the light of day. I felt like it was just the right time to start something. It’s been a really long process. I’ve been doing it all myself, so it has had quite a learning curve, but overall it’s been a really rewarding experience. As far as vibe goes…I’d really like to release anything that I’m into. I enjoy all kinds of music, and I want my label to reflect that.

DD Besides the label work, what’s on your list for the rest of 2014?

W I’ll be touring throughout the summer, and putting out a few EP’s on my own on various labels. I’ve also been working on an album for the past year or so. I have a lot of things really close to being finished, and more options than I have ever had. We’ll see what happens. ;]

Wheez-ie – Twitter Facebook Soundcloud

– Jimi Jaxon