Posts

DJ Minx interviewJonathan McDonald

A New Legend: DJ Minx on Finally Hitting Her Stride

/in /by

Detroit 1989… the forefathers of the now-classic techno sound were regularly spinning in clubs around the city. As the likes of Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson were spinning in legendary clubs such as The Music Institute, techno and house were poised for a foremother as well. Enter Jennifer Witcher aka DJ Minx. She certainly has. On the heels of an EP featuring an all original track “Up All Night” with a slamming remix from Honey Dijon, 6AM caught up with DJ Minx to discuss her storied career, being an under-appreciated pioneer in the dance music scene, and why she’s finally ready for the world’s stage.

Read more

techno Paula Temple Village Underground

Who Says Techno Has to Be Serious? Not Paula Temple

/in /by

“I was quite nervous being back on the road because it was 18 months since the whole shut down,” admitted highly respected techno artist Paula Temple as she sat in her trailer ahead of her CRSSD 2021 set. “I’ve just done a few gigs in Europe. Some pretty big ones and I feel ready again.” Wearing a simple yet bold red dress and comfy black sneakers speaks to Temple’s unassuming presence. However, don’t let her petite stature and soft-spoken voice fool you into thinking this UK-born DJ can’t hold her own behind the decks. Temple delivers hard-pounding industrial techno sets in the most graceful way. She recently wrapped up her six-day U.S. visit since last playing in Los Angeles in February of 2020. Temple shares what life has been like for her since. She also opens up about her career trajectory and why being you is all that matters.

Read more

Sacha Robotti

Rejuvenated, Sacha Robotti Embraces “Chaos Energy” to Push Forward

/in /by

Although the world has been on pause, many people have taken this opportunity to revel in introspection and clarity. It is no doubt that the pandemic has brought chaos to our social and physical environment, but there are those that have turned that chaos into a time of rebuilding. Whether that be rebuilding themselves, taking on other hobbies, finishing hobbies…etcetera.  During this time, Sacha Robotti has taken the chaos in our history and turned it into a world of positive productivity for his music and his label, Slothacid. The German-Italian DJ and producer will be planning to expand his artistry with a twist of his own in the near future, and he is more than excited to share what’s to come. Read more

Marbs Delivers Live Streaming Advice

Live Streaming 101 with Marbs: Learn how to Optimize your Streams, from one of the Dance World’s Biggest Success

/in , , , , /by

Desert Hearts co-founder Marbs delivers key live streaming advice for artists.

Live Streaming—the phenomenon that has officially taken over the dance music world in this new pandemic era, and a topic we’ve covered at length. For touring musicians, live stream performances have become a lifeline, providing supplemental income in lieu of gigs. In return, fans are able to connect with one another and find an outlet to dance and enjoy as close to a live music experience as possible from the comfort of their homes.

Read more

In Interview: “Chef” Carl Cox Cooks Up Industry Wisdom and DJ Advice

/in , , , /by

Even over the phone, Carl Cox‘s smile is contagious and felt. Immediately, he conveys a sense of warmth making anyone feel right at home. Wrapping up the call, Carl Cox cooks up industry wisdom and DJ advice, conveying a sense of warmth making me feel right at home.

Chatting from Melbourne before hitting the road for a month-long tour of North American shows,  the legendary DJ and producer talks everything from having Diddy shake it on the dance floor in Ibiza to how he’s seen the industry change in the last three decades.

His first stop is EDC Mexico. Afterward, he’ll give California some major love in Los Angeles where Kölsch, Nic Fanciulli and JIA will join him on February 29. He’ll also grace the decks at CRSSD Music Festival in San Diego on March 8.

Read more

option4: From Bedroom DJ to the Club

/in /by

Guest post by producer, DJ and party curator option4

Often when people first start thinking about being a professional DJ it’s more of a dream than a reality. But when it actually comes to the crunch, it can be a potentially daunting decision to make the plunge. I think the biggest thing people need to weigh out before they go fully pro and try to pay their bills with this stuff is “CAN they pay their bills with this stuff?”

I’ve seen it happen time and time again where DJs start playing out and making a little bit of money, then think that quitting their job and devoting all of their time to their craft will push them to the next level. Sadly in this day and age that’s extremely rare. The DJ supply vastly outweighs the demand for DJ performances. Identifying whether it’s just a hobby or if it’s something more is a very honest evaluation that should be more encouraged in this culture. Attempting to make a living with this profession can oftentimes be more stressful than anticipated, ultimately killing the passion that started the journey in the first place. Going pro before you have an actual fan base to support it is a very slippery slope.

Of course I would fully endorse you making that leap if you believe in your abilities. So then the first thing to do is avoiding making the same mistakes that most DJs who are starting out make! I mean, I book A LOT of DJs. I always try and inspire new ones and support up-and-comers all of the time. Obviously there’s the playing appropriate music for the party, slot etc. but that’s been beat to death already. Most of the DJs that play for our parties all play great anyhow. One thing that I feel people mess up however is not understanding how important it is to be a PART of the party.

Read more

Finding and Winning Competitions for DJs and Producers

/in /by

Guest post by Eric Louis

Whether you’re an aspiring DJ, producer or both, competitions are a great way to hone your craft and get noticed. The nature of competitions forces you to do two important things: you have a deadline so you have to get your work done in a set time frame, and you have to put something out there for the world to hear.

Winners of these competitions usually get a release on known labels and other prizes like Dj/production related software and hardware, as well as exposure that could translate into new bookings and opportunities.

Read more