Who/what inspires you musically and why?
My primary inspiration is anger, be it about mp3 trading or the current regime… er, administration. Basically whatever is really pushing my buttons at the time. That, and to make the people dance. That's what it's really all about, right?
Do you listen to any non electronic dance music? If so, what do you listen to?
Of course. I don't think you should stay static in what you listen to. Without outside inspiration, I think the music could become too cookie-cutter. Though I listen to just about everything except for rap and country, I really enjoy a lot of industrial and metal. Bands like Stabbing Westward (The Dreaming), God Lives Underwater (Dave Reilly), Drowning Pool, Superjoint Ritual, Damage Plan, Slayer, Dead Horse, Static X… Stuff like that.
Name your top two tunes.
OK, now that is a hard question. My tops are always changing. I guess two songs within the genre that still keep making appearances in my DJ sets would be: Talamasca vs Skazi - Who Touched My Bass Line? and Damage vs. Skazi - Gumi. Those tunes can absolutely destroy a dance floor!
What is the best thing about djing?
The best thing about djing is the fact that it's so much easier than a Live PA set! I don't use a computer right now, so I have to haul all of my gear with me to a show. On top of that, I have to memorize all the songs because it's all done live. With djing, I just play what moves me, change it up with audience reaction, and mix it as thick as possible. But, I suppose, from a DJ point of view, the best thing is being able to expose people to some new music that they may have never heard before and watch them stomp to it on the dance floor with huge smiles on their faces.
What was your favorite event to play at? And why?
Out of all the places I've played, I really have to say my favorite was at a club night called Anitya put on by Chagmian up in Boston, Massachusetts. Their scene is even smaller than ours, but the vibe was so thick and the people were so friendly. They'd come up to me (without knowing I was playing) and be like, "Hey, I haven't seen you here before. Are you having a good time? You like psy?" It was great! During my set, I looked up and saw Mr. Peculiar (who was in town for a show later that week) jamming out on the dance floor. That definitely put a smile on my face. And the promoters really knew how to take care of an artist. They made me feel like a rock star or something.
Any gigs/residencies coming up you'd like to list?
By the time this is published, I will have just finished up playing with Neuromotor in Austin and again in Boston at Psyforia. I believe I have a show for d.verz in Houston in June. Mistical Productions has two more events coming up at Club One; one in July and one in August. I also have a few other travels coming up, but best to hold my tongue at the moment. All I can say is to take a look at the Mistical Productions site for updates.
What do you think of the current state of the Dallas scene? And what do you think we can do to improve it?
I go back and forth on this issue. At the moment, I'd have to say the mainstream scene is overly spoiled. There are so many events to pick and choose from! And Dallas has so many talented DJs and musicians. Yet, at the same time, I have a hard time being able to go out and hear music that I like to hear! Maybe I'm just a picky old bastard…
What could we do to improve our scene? I think the scene is simply getting older as a whole, and we need to do more to welcome the next generation instead of berating them. The interaction with strangers has gone missing-and the strangers themselves… Costumes, people! Let your freak out!
What do you see that other music artists do that annoys you?
Very little annoys me. I'm a pretty easy-going person. You do your thing, but don't red line the mixer.
Do you want to thank anyone?
I'd love to thank everyone, if I could, or had room to do so. So many people have given us support over the years! A few specific people do deserve a mention: My lovely wife, Melody, for her unflinching support, encouragement, and inspiration over the years. She has done so much for the psy scene in Texas, working behind the scenes, and never gets any recognition for all that she does. Cedric Dassuile, for his guidance, wisdom, and friendship though the years. Of course, all of the rest of the Mistical Productions crew, for all of their help, energy, and drive! All of the crews that have booked me, all of the labels and artists who believe in me enough to send promos, all of my fans around the world for their support and encouragement, and everyone who's ever danced to one of my sets. Thanks eternal!
Do you have anything else to add?
Think for yourself. Question authority. Don't be afraid to try something new.
