From his home in LA to the global scene, Dillon Francis is a DJ and human being who is always in demand around the globe yet never loses his infectious groove and electronic soul. On the brink of releasing freshly mixed grooves and already making big waves with a steady stream of high quality tunes, Dillon is steadily radiating good vibes and raising the bar while searching for versatile pearls to rock listeners world. I caught up with Dillon to chat about his journey as a musician, his outlandish new music video and more.
You ran wild with your imagination in your music video for “Go Off”. What lead you to bringing this concept to life?
I was just working with the director “Brother Willis” and I really really liked his treatment idea! It reminded me of a plot line like the old music videos I used to love watching on MTV, so we ran with it!
Tell us all about your experience of joining forces with Flosstradamus.
Floss and I have been touring together for ages and we finally made a song together after knowing each other for almost 9 or 10 years, so it just felt right to throw this party together.
Explain how you were first introduced to Electronic music. Musically speaking, who has had the greatest influence on your musical soundscapes?
I first heard it from my good friend Eamon, and he played me Bloody Beetroots’ remix to “Seek and Destroy” by Metallica. They called their remix “Ill to Destroy”…It blew my mind and it set off there, and then the person whose soundscape made me want to start making music was Rusko.
If you could sit under the table and listen to two human beings have a conversation to draw inspiration, who would you choose and why?
Hmmmmm. I’d kinda want to be in the conversation with whoever the two people were, but I also can’t think of two people right now.
What have been the most important evolutions in your own music making over the years? Have there been specific ideas or techniques which opened up new creative possibilities for you?
It’s just always trying to do something that isn’t already being done and trying to push boundaries to inspire other people
Rumor has it that you are making new music at the moment. Give us the scoop.
Working on a new LP right now! That’s all I can say. I’m working my ass off though trying to get it done ASAP.
Have you been to or played at Berghain? If so, what was your experience like?
I’ve been to the Berghain 1 time! It was awesome. They were playing amazing techno music and they kept opening the blackout shades to hype up the crowd. It was definitely a sight to see.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
UK Electronic Producer, Tisoki, is currently in the midst of making waves on tours in the states as his prominence in the Electronic world continues to garner attention and respect worldwide. In celebration of the recent release of “See You Again”, I caught up with Tisoki for a chat about working with David Kuncio, utilizing moments of doubt as means of inspiration, his perception of social media and more.
Congrats on the recent release of your new single, “See You Again”. Tell us about your experience working with David Kuncio on the track.
Thank you! Working with David was a bit out of the ordinary to be honest. A vocal Producer/Writer that I work with pretty often, Sam Hanson, sent me this super rough demo from David and I knew I could make something dope with it. I finished up the instrumental with MineSweepa and the rest is history!
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I constantly feel like I’m honestly not good enough, and not because I want attention or I want empathy from others, it’s more so the fact that I always see space for improvement in pretty much anything I do. Sometimes it gets me really down and I kinda spiral but then on the flip side, there’s times where I let it inspire me and it makes me strive to be a better person.
What is your perception of the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
It’s so messed up, it boggles my mind how we all just zone out and stare at essentially a piece of glass connected to some invisible network.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I like to think I’m pretty good at figuring people out, I can normally tell if someone is putting on a front or not.
If you could trade existences with your favorite cartoon character growing up, who would you choose and why?
Probably Timmy Turner from Fairly Oddparents, that kid was crazy!
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Thank you guys for the constant support and I got tons more new music coming soon!
Chicago Electronic Musician, Acidic Base, is back with another round of musical gold with the release of a batch of new singles behind the project, “Tachyon”. At the ripe age of 13-years-old, Acidic Base has put forth consistent effort toward expanding his skillset through maximizing his ability to soar through the social sphere to get his heartfelt musical delivery further out into the world. Here’s our track-by-track review of ‘Tachyon’.
Kicking off with the first and title track, “Tachyon”, Acidic Base creates an atmospheric landscape of heavy bass beats that dip and dive to incorporate a wide-range of genres in the Electronic world including Chillscape, Ambient and Downtempo which showcases his ripening ability to reach audiences around the globe. “Dawn” is a track that begins by tying in a cultural twist that leads into a Deep House explosion that instantly mimics the likes of Tiesto as Acidic Base caters to the masses with his eclectic delivery. Ending with a dose of heat, “Spectrum” drive listeners home with a bold blast that gives off the impression of a veteran curating the piece as the piano fluidly is laced in to deliver a serene landscape of House and Electronic that appeases to crowds both young and wizened.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Adventure Club, Suicide Sheep Remixes on YouTube and Tiesto, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Acidic Base on SoundCloud.
Toulouse Electronic Musician, CloZee, has surrendered to her inner calling through continuously revealing layers of her kaleidoscopic musical vision through albums that move you such as her latest, ‘Evasion’. I caught up with Chloe to discuss her emotional sensitivity laced within her artistry, the importance of being honest and generous, intimate recording processes, upcoming Spring 2019 tour and more.
Congrats on the success of ‘Evasion’. I perceive that your music and delivery is just as much of an inner journey as it is outer. Tell us about what you learned about yourself throughout the creative and recording process.
Thank you! I particularly learnt that I feel better about my music and in my life in general when I follow my current mood and feelings when a compose a song. I can’t force myself to try to create bangers when I’m feeling emotionally sensitive. This is probably my most emotive and intimate work so far because of that.
What is the most bizarre everyday object that you have used as an instrument throughout your time as a musician?
My set of keys. Love to add those « clings » sounds to the beat.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I think just confidence, in general. Still working on it though. It’s not totally there, but that’s what makes me work harder everyday so I don’t know if I want to totally overcome that feeling.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the digital world and the social medias. I hate a lot of things about it, but I currently can’t live without if I want to spread my music and do what I love. I also met awesome people thanks to that. I’m all about it when it’s used in a smart way.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
Being honest and generous.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Good sleep (whenever it’s possible), good food, a good team of people and friends, and awesome fans are the key to stay excited and healthy on tour. 🙂
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us your perception of the difference between crowds in the states vs. crowds overseas?
Every crowd is different depending on the countries and type of events. I’ve experienced awesome crowds everywhere, and I had bad experiences too haha. I guess the only thing is that outside of America or Australia, my type of music isn’t very popular or known, so I never know how it will accepted and appreciated, because the scenes are very different. But this is also what makes my life exciting.
Los Angeles Musician, Grabbitz, has built a strong fan-base through tuning into his heart and playing music that creates feelings that expand beyond the typical. I caught up with Grabbitz to discuss dreams of playing Coachella, making beats at the age of 13-years-old, meditation and more.
First and foremost, introduce yourself to our readers. Where are you originally from and who is Grabbitz?
I’m a recording artist living in LA. It’s hard to explain the kind of music I make, because it’s not one thing exactly; you’ll have to listen for yourself. Think of me like the frontman of my own band.
Congrats on the release of ‘Things Change’. Tell us about the concept behind this album and what life experiences led you toward bringing this album to life.
Many thanks. Essentially, it was a tipping point in my life where everything changed. I was feeling confined in the music I was putting out, and simultaneously lost one of the most important people in my life. I ended up putting this album together, and it’s beginning to sound like the real me. I’ve been making music and compiling songbooks and albums since I was around 9, so I’ve always expressed myself through performance, then audio, and now full studio recordings.
If you could slide your way onto any summer festival roster that you aren’t already playing at, which festival would you choose and why?
I don’t know if it sounds cliche or not, but Coachella. I keep my head in my work most of the time so I don’t really know a wide range of festivals off the top of my head… I’ll play for any festival that will have me. But if I had to pick one, it would be Coachella, because it’s huge and seems like it’s goers are open to hearing new artists.
You are a one man show behind the scenes with creating your music. Tell us about how you have gained all of the skills to write, produce and record all of your own music.
Well, I’ve been creating music for as long as I can remember with guitar and my voice. Any keyboard or device I could get my hands on. At 13-years-old, I started making beats and singing/rapping on a computer, and have been ever since, they are just full blown songs now.
What is the greatest piece of wisdom that you have received over your years of being a musician?
In order to win, you have to risk losing.
Any upcoming plans to boost your creativity that you can fill us in?
I started meditating a week ago, I think I’m going to try it for a while. I think I’m going to get another tattoo soon, a butterfly on my hand.
What is the most personal track for you on ‘Things Change’ and why?
The title track, “Things Change”. It is one of the two songs on the album to the person I lost. It is my way of coping, by coming to the realization that you have to enjoy things while you’re present, because things are always changing until you die.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
If any of my fans are reading this, or if you are considering becoming a new fan, I promise you consistent quality music and performances. Come see my show when I come to a city near you. Thanks for listening.
Tokyo Electronic Musician, Healing Spells, is in the midst of an exciting time as his first full-length release, ‘Vestiges’, is officially out for the world to dive into. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Altitude”, Healing Spells begins with an array of instrumentals that create a peaceful feeling within listeners as light drums add a touch of sensory that is just the right amount. The second track, “Through The City”, emits the perfect amount of oriental culture that speaks of the influence that Healing Spells has derived from living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world; Tokyo. “Diver’s Ascent” is the third track that picks up the pace to mimic the likes of Electronic music today from musicians such as Gramatik as Healing Spells experiments with an array of sounds that mesh together fluidly. The fourth track, “Vestiges”, incorporates the sound of water which subliminally speaks of Healing Spells being in tune with his spiritual nature. “Les Cimes” is the fifth track that ties in a mightier beat while incorporating sounds of nature which mimics the likes of Bjork.
The sixth track, “Early Morning Rituals”, subliminally reminds listeners of the importance of being quiet and still in the morning to clear space within as the frequencies of the track provide moments of peace. “Voices From The Ocean” is the seventh track that is the album highlight which is produced and mastered to perfection as Healing Spells works in spiritual chantings that naturally inflict a touch of clarity within listeners. The eighth track, “Shivani’s Song”, is an ode to a spiritual practice that has created a sense of community and unity within Healing Spells that spills throughout his music. “Red Island” is the ninth track that feels akin to an ode to travel and how important it is to experience alternative cultures and energies to create a more well-rounded human being out of yourself. Closing out with “Sentinel”, Healing Spells closes his mission with the perfect amount of HZ to provide healing.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Bonobo, Gramatik and Thievery Corporation, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Healing Spells on SoundCloud.
Helsinki Electronic Musician, Axel Thesleff, has found pieces of himself through his uncanny creations of music that leave listeners feeling more in tune with themselves after every listen. In celebration of the new release of “Unity”, I caught up with Axel to discuss operating in the music business, remaining present while on the road, overstimulation, music being a communion rather than a competition and more.
Congrats on the release of “Unity”. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new track.
Thank you! The song has a hopeful and empowering melody to it, which I associate with overcoming fear and hate. The track also features a sample of Carnatic singing from South India which has a very peaceful vibe and adds to the theme that way. It’s all very abstract of course but for me the song is about peace, love and unity, and overcoming the obstacles that keep us from achieving them.
Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.
The past few years have been a pretty crazy ride for me and my team and I’ve definitely learned a lot of things. Operating in the music business independently has had a big learning curve, and it has been a great joy to learn from every moment of the journey. The whole industry is in a big structural change due to disruptive technologies and countless start-ups offering services that enables small teams like mine to operate on a global scale, which is amazing. When it comes to the music itself, one big aspect especially of late has been developing and streamlining the live show. In electronic music there are no fixed methods on how to perform a live show and finding the solutions that best suit you is a long process. After touring extensively in the US earlier this year the live show is now more solid than ever. I’ve also come to love the stage and don’t find myself that nervous before the show anymore. One big reason for this is feeling very comfortable with the technology and the way in which I perform.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I would say self doubt and second guessing myself. It’s important to be objective about yourself and your craft, but that also means not being too hard on yourself and fully standing behind what you do. Also, having too many thoughts and mind chatter in general has been something that I’ve been working with by meditating and it’s something that I’ve noticed an improvement in over time. Ultimately it’s about losing the illusion of the self.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
It’s a two sided issue. On one hand they have brought us closer together and democratized music production and music industry in a big way. I can create a track in my home studio by myself, and release it worldwide straight into people’s pockets, it’s really amazing when you think about it. So it’s been a game changer in many ways. At the same time it has created an explosion of information. Everyone is competing for people’s time and attention. Social media can also create negative effects, like making people feel isolated, left out and “less than” if they compare themselves too much with other people’s posts, which at the end of the day are often just a glorified version of what the reality actually is. But I think overall the digital world has had better consequences on people than negative, we just have to learn to navigate the landscape in a more conscious way.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I try to be as present in the moment as I can in everything I do, weather enjoying nature, traveling, spending time with people or doing nothing in particular. I’m trying to appreciate everything that life throws my way and learn from everything as much as possible. I have the mentality of being a lifelong student so to speak and never stop learning about new things.
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
I’m someone who’s very prone to overstimulation and too much mind chatter. On the road you’re meeting new people everyday, going to places you’ve never been to before and exposing yourself to things you’ve never been exposed to before. Also the rough schedule and sometimes bad diet throws things off balance which exacerbates the imbalance even more. I tend to do a lot of mindfulness meditation when I’m transported to another place and it helps a lot. I try to observe everything that happens in my mind without being carried away by any thought. It grounds the mind and clears it from unnecessary clutter.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
Just be your authentic self and present in the moment, don’t try to pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t look down on anyone and take other people seriously. Don’t obsess about the game, but instead try to be the embodiment of what got you here in the first place which is the shared love we feel towards music. Music is not a competition, it’s a communion.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thank you so much for supporting me and for all the positivity I receive from you every day! It’s amazing to see that what I create matters to people and humbling to know that people can relate to it and find value in it. I will never stop doing what I’m doing and I’ll do my best to be the best version of myself for you.
Psybient DJ/Producer, Bluetech, has an uncanny way of chiming into the unknown to reach into the soul which translates into his otherworldly musical delivery. Ahead of his upcoming show in Detroit at Deluxx Fluxx on Thursday, October 3rd, I caught up with Bluetech to discuss being proactive about anxiety, the upcoming release of ‘Holotrope’, the importance of meditation and more.
Congrats on the upcoming release of ‘Holotrope’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new album.
Thank you! ‘Holotrope’ is a travelogue of sorts, a document of a self moving into more connected states of being, dissolving a bit of the control of the ego consciousness into more expanded awareness. That all sounds a bit obtuse, but there is a definite repeatable series of experiences when you begin to look on the inside for answers, whether that’s through meditation or contemplative practice, or other modalities for exploring the inner nature. Holotrope is a map of that journey.
Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.
I’ve learned how to sleep on planes, no matter what! Sometimes I’m up for the next city on tour after only a few hours at the hotel, so putting myself into nap zone on the plane becomes an essential skill.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I pretty regularly struggle with anxiety, which is one of the reasons I’ve been exploring meditation and quiet time just looking at my own thoughts to see if I can make some peace with all of that. I have lots of challenging thoughts, I think everyone does! The “practice” is learning to not identify with them as definitions of who you are as a person. Im learning to recognize when my anxiety pops up, and treat it like a little gremlin buddy. Like “Hey anxiety, I’ve got some work to do. Heres a lollipop, pull up a chair and color in your book so I can focus ok?” Taking the sting out of it definitely helps, recognizing and honoring that its real, yet not surrendering to self limiting or negating productivity by getting stuck in a loop about it.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I’m not actually a huge fan of social media. Seems to be more and more studies coming out suggesting that social media and obsession with checking smart devices is contributing greatly to a sense of unease and insecurity. Anxiety and depression seem to be the malaise of the modern age, like our inheritance for all the “convenience” of technology. I definitely use it, and am trying to come to a place of peace with social media, and limit my usage. It’s amazing how many less books I read since facebook, instagram, twitter the like take so many cycles of my awake time. I’m learning how to step away and not feel like I’m missing out.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I feel pretty proud of the fact that I’ve discovered an athletic lifestyle later in my life. A few years ago I was looking at my 40th birthday coming and realizing I was very overweight and not really happy. So I’ve gotten into working out and running, which I love. Just finished my 6th half marathon and 3 more planned for 2020. Not only have I trimmed up, but I have so much more energy and life force flowing through me!
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Meditate. Meditate. Meditate. Whether its a formal sit in the hotel room and really getting a proper session in, or just counting my breaths to 10 repeatedly while standing in line for security at the airport. Even 5 minutes is enough to quiet the racing thoughts and let go of _whatever_ is going on for me, and just have a moment of peace and remembering the stillness. I don’t mean to evangelize, but meditation is really the only thing I’ve found in my life that brings some peace and awareness and allows me to deal with the stress of being on the road. And I’m like a baby beginner newbie meditator, and yet still…. It works.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
I won’t claim to have any special mystical knowledge or inherited wisdom, though I have learned that being aware of and open to the unexpected brings a particular opportunity for magic. Sometimes its a conversation with the lady making my coffee, or a fan who reminds me how powerful music can be, or a late night bus ride to the next city with a gorgeous landscape passing away. Another reason to disconnect from the phone, there is such wonder and awe available in every moment if we just slow down and notice.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Seattle Psychedelic Artist, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band, have been tuning into the forces of the universe beyond our linear comprehension as they dive into a pool of astrological thought and wonder throughout their latest EP, ‘Fire Sign’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Dope”, we begin with a unique instrumental release of chimes that swiftly mesh into a world of Electronic bliss that showcases the diversity of talent that has come together to create a musical world of their own. The second track, “Lofi Spliff”, begins with a serene blend of sounds that quickly jumps into a pool of musical magic that sounds akin to Pretty Lights as Jared Sand of The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band brings the forces in his mind together synergistically and creatively.
“Super Automatic” is the third track that shimmers into a state of clarity as the soundscape matches the feeling of being amongst nature on a clear, summer day while listeners are naturally led toward jumping out of their own minds and into real time. Closing out with “Let the Dust Settle”, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band end with a journey to the other side which creates a sonic boom of delight within the minds of conscious listeners that are aware of the healing benefits of sound.
The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band is a project that soars beyond the modern-day and incorporates doses of raw heart into every track. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Boards of Canada, Four Tet and Tycho, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band on Soundcloud.
Bellingham Electronic Musician, Jeads, trail-blazes through a highly industrial musical terrain that he creates through his eccentric brain throughout his latest release, ‘Nocturnal Signal’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Deep In The Night”, haunting instrumentals take listeners instantly into a state of trance with pulsating beats that swiftly float and mesh so serenely that it leads the subconscious mind to into stillness. The second track, “Undone”, laces in Spanish instruments to complement the tone of mystery that is palpable and rich with darkness that compliments the overtone of the album. “Nocturnal Signal” is the third and title track that drives deep into the mind over thumping beats that are accompanied by pauses of silence that mimic the works of Nicholas Jaar. The fourth track, “Ocean Gray”, takes the album for a turn and picks up the pace into a track that sounds akin to Bonobo as Jeads finds himself in a state of reflection that is emitted into the music. “Afterglow” is the fifth track that adds a dose of light into the soundscape Jeads experiments with over genre-bending sounds that trickle into Jazz and Trip-Hop.
The sixth track, “Sun Through The Clouds”, slows it down and takes listeners along a journey of sensory delight that is crafted from the soul. “Lost in the Shoreline” is the seventh track that is abounding with a murky overcast that is swallowed whole by listeners who appreciate the wide range of sounds that Jead’s experiments with. The eighth track, “Chiroptera’s Lament”, is a beautiful piece of musical art that is rich in cultural flavor that expands and leads listeners into a state of rapture. “Grindstone” is the ninth track that ties in pieces of Rock as the moody groove travels into the veins and tames the wandering mind. Closing out with “Late Night Meditation”, Jeads’ love of the outdoors brings a space to explore within the music as light traces of serenity are brought forward from the heart.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Nicholas Jaar, Jon Hopkins and Trentemoller, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Jeads on Soundcloud.
Photo Credit: Thomas Falcone
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