(I was given the incredible honor of speaking to Dede Goldsmith, mother of Shelley Goldsmith, who died of heatstroke in Washington DC at a dance event. Mrs. Goldsmith is leading an army of artists, non-profits, volunteers & activists to Amend The Rave Act. Join ravelrie, NY DanceSafe, Stay Safe Seattle & I as we talk about her work!)
1. Can you tell us a little bit about Shelley & how she inspired you to begin this massively important campaign? Shelley was an amazing young person. She was full of life, ready to tackle the world’s injustices head on. From an early age, she viewed herself as a citizen of the world. Although active politically her whole life, (I worked for our local congressman for 28 years so she had little choice!) the events of 9/11 cemented her role as an activist for international peace through justice. Continue reading
Category Archives: Ten Questions with Terry Gotham
Interviews with the people that make it happen. Musicians, producers, djs, party celebrities, minor deities.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Match McKenzie
(Honored to keep bringing you underground hip hop fire. This time, I spoke to Match McKenzie, one of the lyricists in the trenches hustling every day to get his sound out.)
1. With Iggy & the blingification era Puffy created, has hip hop lost its way? The thing about hip hop is that it all falls within the realm of expression of self and art. I think Iggy has some great songs but they have more of a pop accent to them in terms of appeal. I just wish the industry would’ve given her the respect to be judged in the Pop category for her work, because that too is a category full of award winners and amazing artists that have completed great feats. As for Hip hop, I’d like to think that it’s in great hands. Yeah, there’s a lot of foolishness going on out there, but at the same time there are still legends carrying on the craft, blessing the young and gifted, like myself, with knowledge, and there are some great artists such as J.Cole, Kendrick, Childish Gambino, Logic, Chance Da Rapper who are already established. I can go on for days, but basically the point is the message will find a way…we just have to keep them aware.
2. Who were you on when you were coming up? Anyone who helped your sound become what it is today? I came up off of a different mixture of hip hop, back when music was very different and the riddims were very distinct. Back then, you knew where the sound was coming from. I came up more on Alternative Metal, Ska and Hip Hop… I had so many influences it’s crazy. I had influences like Outkast, The Dungeon Family, The Roots, Kanye West, Depeche Mode, Chevelle, Smashing Pumpkins, I just remember only wanting to fuse a sound to bring something even more amazing to life. So many people have influenced me over the years, Tokyio Shrympz, Scamz and DrumNSkillz my producers; Loaded Lux; Face The Writer; Malayika Lemoine, ESQ; My Breden At The Unpopular; as well as every artist or producer I have ever met has influenced my sound in some sort of way. I feed off of creative energy, so everyone i come in contact with can add to that and influence me in some kind of way.3. What is hip hop like in NYC these days, with the rise of DJs & all of that? This is the Mecca of Hip Hop. It will always be competitive, but with so many Dj’s on the rise I’m sad to see that they don’t make it their job to find new artists and introduce the population to unique artists and their music. The sound of Hip Hop has undergone some big changes, and the DJ’s could really do a whole lot to introduce more people to more than just the same old thing. New York is such a great melting pot of cultured artist that I feel still embody that golden era charisma, with great delivery and substance. Dj’s have to be willing to give us a chance.
4. Forgive my ignorance, is there still a battle scene in the city anywhere? Do freestyle skills still matter in the game these days in NYC? Yeah there is.The Battle Scene is actually gaining even more popularity. I feel it’s necessary for you to know how to freestyle, just to be able to expell your thoughts in a pattern, if your working on your creative process or just to help your delivery, growth, or your mind hold no limitation in the thought process. A legend like Cassidy literally came out of retirement and collected a 100k plus check, freestyling. It can really hold some strong opportunities for ones that are really skilled.
5. Do you feel that hip hop artists have a responsibility to stand with the protesters in Ferguson/around the country, or is that something that you can’t touch at the moment because of the grind? I feel it’s our responsibility to keep our brothers and sisters aware of problems like this in our society, as well as other serious matters that continue to plague our communities. We should all be out there if we can afford to take time out to get a good look at the reality of what’s going on, even just for ourselves, because at the end of the day the goal is knowledge of self.
6. Do you feel MCs have a place in the EDM explosion we’re currently seeing? Or is it all about back to basics hip hop? Of course there is. We all have a place in music. Music isn’t as categorized as we make it, it deserves to get a chance to be innovated. There are so many things that can arise from that initial fusion. Hip hop itself has been evolving there have been so many sounds used and it can change in a matter of seconds. Each new fusion, each time someone tries something new and pushes those boundaries, it’s a great creative moment, and goes to what’s at the heart of music.
7. Any tips for up & comers or hustlers on the grind like yourself? Any studios or people in the biz help you out that you want to shout out? Believe In The Blessings You Have Been Bestowed, and “Nobody Cares, Work Harder” (that quote has kept me going everyday). This is the age where you can defy the label gate keepers, if your following is strong enough, they will be on your heels every step. Just keep building your foundation. There is a means of overcoming the machine, if you believe in your ability to keep the masses aware. With all the social media outlets it can happen. There will be days where doubt will try to creep up on you but if you can pull together a team the possibilities are endless. Keep networking. It’s the means of strengthening your rapport and even may open you to other ventures that fall under the umbrella of what you’re doing. I would like to thank BlackHart, The Unpopular, 173ENT, Tokyio Shrympz, LTI, City Official, Scamz OndaBeat, DrumNSkillz, Xyayx Studios, these people are all responsible for bettering me in some way as an artist , performer, and entertainer. They believed in my message. 8. How did you connect with Tokyio Shrympz for your new releases? Are you doing just one EP or are there going to be more? I actually have had a great rapport with Tokyio Shrympz for some time now, we have been working on a few projects for the past 3 years but I have known them for almost 9 or 10 years now. Miyagi Sport aka Mr.Calligraphy, Savage Hype, and Miami V.I.P crafted the production. This will be our first EP together entitled The Unpopular: The DRACONIS IGNIS COMPLEX. There will be many more projects to come. We’ve recorded quite a bit of material by now, so we have some songs to choose from. But first we’re going to make sure the masses are aware before we just jump into the next album. I really believe we made something that deserves to be heard, that holds great substance, so I’m looking to keep promoting once the EP finally drops.
9. Is there anyone in the game right now that is doing stuff that blows you away? Someone in your crew or across the country? There are tons of amazing artists that are doing great music that aren’t necessarily on the radar yet. There is a young lady by the name of Versailles The Great, She is something special to look out for. She is more in the Florida area. Personally, I like to hear music from all regions. There are great artists everywhere such as Face The Writer, who also is one of the writers at Circle House. He has crafted tons of hits for some of your favorite artist favorite artists. Also there’s my bredren dem, ESFX, who is a great artist and writer as well, who is actually working with B. Howard (son of Mickey Howard) on his debut EP. ESFX likes to take on the Hip Hop/Rock Live Band Fusion which is super dope and creative. And I can’t forget my LTI Large Tunez International label mates. They’re a vastly composed unit of artist that take on different genres of music as well. Really, there’s a lot of talent for the most part in New York coming out of the Bronx, but the Bronx doesn’t get much love due to so many of the industry types that feel that Harlem or Brooklyn may hold a deeper talent pool than the other boroughs. And then of course there’s the regulars that keep it consistent, such as the J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Big Sean and even the new breed like Childish Gambino, Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, Vic Mensa, Casey Veggies, I can keep going forever…
10. What is on your calendar for 2015 after the dope battle you rocked last winter? This year it’s all about bigger and better. On top of releasing my EP, I’m looking to do as many shows as possible to keep hustling and getting the word out that I’m here and I’m bringing a sound that people really need to hear. I’m trying to get around to CA, GA, and TX. I just got back from FL earlier this month. And of course I’ll keep performing around the Tri-State area. Plus, my team and I are in the process of putting together a set of college shows. I’ve also got my eyes set on some of the big festivals like SXSW, A3C, Indie Spring Jam, 5050 Music and Arts Festival and a few more industry mixers and showcases. Basically, I will keep going until the world is fully aware of my presence. Thank You for taking time out to press play and thank you to all my fans that keep me on repeat everyday. I love you all so much It will take hard work but the world will know soon.
Get at him on Soundcloud, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Alex Funk
(Super honored to bring you this chat I had with rising star DJ Alex Funk. If you were at Bonnaroo last year, you know what I mean.)
1. Headed back to Bonnaroo this year? What’s on tap for 2015? I have no idea, but if they want me, I’ll be there with bells on! At Bonnaroo 2014 – as an unlisted act – I built a crowd of 200-300 people into a crowd of 5000 two nights in a row during the my set on Friday night and my set on Saturday night on the Kalliope Stage (both recordings on my SoundCloud). Skrillex showed up on Saturday after his SuperJam, liked the party and asked if he could jump on. I was drenched in sweat and dead after two insane hours, so Skrillex and Mija (OWSLA) took over and it was the surprise – now infamous – Secret Skrillex Morning Party. (Check a clip from his stupid good Bonnaroo set below)
This winter I’m really focused on the NYC after-hours scene and production, production, production – there’s no real DJ career without original music. Definitely Burning Man 2015, where I’ll have a curatorial role besides DJing at several camps.
2. Now that you’ve performed in a number of different cities in the USA, do you have preferences? Do you think one city “gets it right?” Phoenix, AZ (period). They are totally open-minded to new sounds while giving tons of respect to the history of dance music. You can hear talented local DJs like Sean Watson, DJ Ascension, Steve Hill, etc and big touring acts like Diplo, Dillon Francis, Zedd, etc…All the pieces are there.
Most local party scenes are big on “personalities”…this is nothing worse for the music. Inevitably,when the popular kids are in the DJ booth and it just becomes selfie sticks and bad bootlegs. If you want great music, ask the music nerd, not the popular kid. Phoenix respects and elevates artistic talent over personality appeal. That’s what makes it a great scene.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Swolf
1. What is the hip hop scene in VA like? Is it blinged out like some of the bigger regions, or is there a more singular vibe at parties & battles in VA you can’t get anywhere else? To be honest I’m not sure what to think of the hip hop scene here, being from the Northern side I am technically looked at as a “DMV” artist. There’s nothing flashy about it just a lot of talented artist trying to find their identity and I feel as a VA artist we are overlooked in some ways.
2. How did you connect with St. James The Pro to get such top-notch production on the EP? We actually met at a Beat Battle. He was one of the 1st contestants and the 1st beat he played just really caught my attention. I introduced myself after his set and he told me he’s going to New York and that he’ll be back. I thought he was giving me the run-around but about 2 weeks later he hit me up like he said he would, told me he had checked out some of my previous work and was impressed. The rest was history really.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Flexstyle
(So happy to be posting this! Flexstyle has been one of my favorite artists innovating in the dance music space for years now, and I’m honored he agreed to talk about his work & ridiculous new album, which I’ll be yammering about shortly.)
1. Tell us about your new album Perfect Getaway! What can your fans expect from the 15 track extravaganza? More than just 15 tracks, actually! There are 15 tracks officially on the digital album, but there are also a couple of bonus tracks included as well with some Oasis remix contest runners-up. Aside from that, this may be the most eclectic album I’ve ever released—certainly stays true to my name and mission of being flexible in the styles that I create! This album contains both original and remix work that I’ve completed over the last few years. It contains appearances by video game remix superstar and entertainer extraordinaire Ben Briggs, versatile EDM and VGM cohort Jamison Randall, my good friends Airdrift and dmGuillotine, and many more. In short, expect more of the same, but different! DnB, downtempo, trance, vocal synthpop, electro, progressive house, dubstep, trap, and breakbeats all make an appearance.
2. How did you join OCRemix and start doing VGM remixes? OverClocked ReMix is probably the main “home” I have as a musician, and I started participating over there in…I want to say about 2008? I got my first posted mix on the site in early 2010, I believe, after a couple of rejected mixes and a lot of participating in various competitions and events. That’s pretty much the best way to get posted over there, by the way, is to keep trying and keep participating in the community. I’ve always loved video game music, so it was only natural that I found the site and started participating. I think it was after seeing a writeup in a magazine that I actually first heard about it—might have been Computer Music or something like that. So, to properly answer your question, I don’t really remember exactly how it was I joined up, but it was definitely meant to be!
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Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Soohan
(I was delighted to be connected to one of the freshest sounds coming out of the Mid-Atlantic. Soohan’s new album is wonderful, and liberally embedded into this post. Enjoy it, and when he spins in NYC, you’ll know. Trust.)
1. Do you consider this album hip hop? Dance Music? What does a live show of this look like?
I would consider it hip-hop, yes. It’s sample-based and rooted in 808 hip-hop beats. At the same time though, I would call it dance music.
2. What kind of influences led you to this kind of amazing, retro-futurist sound?
I have always made sample based music, but as a DJ, have always been drawn to the 808, due to Baltimore Club Music, which is my favorite genre. I wanted to use the 808 in my own style, drawing from indigenous cultures as well from pop music from the past twenty years.
3. What is the party scene in Baltimore like these days? Is this kind of music popular or do they have no idea what they’re in for in 2015?
The party scene in Baltimore is incredibly unique. We have a large, but close-knit music scene here. The rave scene is huge. The jam scene is huge. The DJing scene is big as well. Maybe this is the first time they have heard my own original music. Seems like they are really digging it. So in a sense, yes, they have no idea what they are in for from me in 2015 ;). I am already three songs deep into my next album, which I am expecting to drop before summer. I think a lot of people would tell me “that’s too soon” to come out with another album. But to me, it keeps people interested and on board.
4. Do you find it’s still possible to do good creative work in a city like Baltimore & still keep the lights on? It’s getting to be almost impossible here in NYC.
Yes, it is entirely possible. I am completely surrounded by creatives and artists trying to make ends meet in Baltimore. That doesn’t go without saying, our art isn’t usually our main source of income.
5. Where do you go from here with this album? Live shows lined up? Any plans on performing outside of Baltimore, perhaps another city on the East Coast?
I am headlining a giant rave this weekend, with 1000 eager youngins. I am incredibly excited for that. As I said earlier, I am already working on the next album, which will drop in four months. I am working on a Northeast tour with an old promo buddy for April. Should be Baltimore, Philly, NYC, Providence, Boston, Bangor. Talks about performing in the Midwest. Honestly my main focus right now is to get “Made in Baltimore” into as many people’s ears as possible while simultaneously creating new material. I think I will find my success through my releases, as opposed to playing live shows.
6. Is there anything happening in your scene right now that you really like and would love to see replicated elsewhere in the underground?
Just the sense of family and support for our local musicians and artists. We all motivate each other and have each other’s backs. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have the support of so many people in Baltimore. It really gave me the confidence to pursue putting out a full album like I did.
7. If you’re willing to comment, what does the drug culture in the parties you frequent these days look like? Or, do you find it’s a predominantly alcohol-fueled crowd?
Hahahahahaha! I will not ignore this because the counter culture and electronic music are closely intertwined. Seems like Coke and Molly are people’s go-to at the moment, which is kind of like “meh” to me. I know personally I am over it, don’t really see the good in either of these. But then again, Ill be the first one to order a round of shots. I am a big time supporter of plant-based psychedelic experiences, although they are very infrequent for me. I think people mistake a seratonin molly blast for a psychedelic experience. My advice to them, go on a journey, and leave the powders behind.
8. If you could open for anyone in the business right now, who would it be?
This is an interesting question. DIPLO first and foremost. Don’t care what people say about him. He will always be my number one inspiration when it comes to any of this music stuff. Also probably someone like Shpongle or my old buddy Alvin Risk.
9. Is there an artist (of any genre) that you’re really digging at the moment?
Space Jesus. I am really into what people are calling “Global Bass” or “Tropical Bass”. 808-heavy dancehall/world music stuff. Extremely hard to find though.
10. Besides the free downloads on Soundcloud, is there a place people can pay for the album or otherwise get you cash for this ish?
Yes, on bandcamp. https://soohan.bandcamp.com/
Bonus: Favorite album or mix of 2014?
Nope! Been too busy working on my own album to know what is super hot right now.
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Shogun
(In case you haven’t heard, Shogun’s new album is tremendous & he was able to answer a couple of questions for ElectronicNightLife. Enjoy!)
1. How was 2014 for DJ Shogun? Any cool stories or crazy experiences? It was a busy year for me, mostly finishing the album was my main focus. I bought my lambo, and ate Blowfish for the first time!
2. What made you stop and do a full length album this year? How long has this been in the making? It’s been in the making for four years. After so many singles and remixes, I wanted to put my main focus on making my album as good as possible so it felt right to really give people something special like an album.
3. Skyfire was such a massive favorite for so many trance fans in 2011/2012. Do you have a favorite memory or performance associated with that song after it became the huge hit that it deserved to be? I did my first sit down in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Skyfire. There was a crowd of 15-20k that all sat down and jumped up during the breakdown of Skyfire. That was an awesome sight to see.
4. Are you ever mistaken as a foreigner even though you’re an American DJ? Have you ever dealt with discrimination on the road or trying to make it? I’m pretty Americanized so I don’t run into discrimination that often. But I’ve had it happen once or twice, because even though I’m an American, I look Asian. It’s not a big deal though and it’s rare, a lot of my fans come to my shows are Asians so it’s all love.
5. You’ve mentioned that one of your influences is The Prodigy in interviews. Have you ever thought about remixing a Prodigy track? They are a big influence, I’d like to do a massive remix for ‘Firestarter’.
6. Do you feel it’s still necessary for producers to have training or experience playing conventional instruments? I think it always helps to get the creative juices flowing, but it’s not necessary. The most important thing is how to translate what you hear in your head to a song.
7. How does it feel to be a Beatport #1 with Dragon ft. Adara? It’s incredible, Dragon is a very personal track to me and the title of my album so seeing it doing so well is an amazing feeling!
8. Do you have a favorite size of party? Some DJs really like small events, while others crave the stadiums.I like both festivals and clubs, they are both special and I like a balance between them. Festivals are amazing to play at but I like the intimate vibe of clubs.
9. If I could wave my hands and pay for a national tour with you as a headliner, who would you have as your opening act(s)? Prodigy!
10. You’ve been in the trance game for a while now, how has it changed in your eyes? Any thoughts on what to expect from Trance in 2015? It’s become a lot more progressive and big roomish. I hear a lot of influence in different genres like electro house, but I think it’s a good thing to have some changes. Trance in 2015 will be big, and always here to stay.
Bonus: Favorite Trance Track or DJ Mix of the year?
Shogun – Laputa!
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Strife II
(I was honored to speak to Strife II, one of my favorite liquid drum & bass producers, over in the UK. Show the guy some love!)
1. What is on tap for Strife II for NYE 2014 & 2015? Any live shows or new releases? I hope that one day there will be some sort of live show, but I don’t know if I will ever DJ. Maybe it would be a film like Hammock and Sigur Ros do, or a live band thing. I think what I write is all about escapism rather than dancing, so who knows.
2. Are you currently a full-time performer/DJ/producer, or do you have a day job? Your music is so incredible this needs to be paying your light bill. I’ve got a really bog standard boring day job with some of the most awesome people I’m ever likely to meet. I don’t hate it because a lot of people there bring a lot of positivity to my life – I get to watch the sun rise every morning and take a few minutes to watch the world wake up
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Menno de Jong
In anticipation of his upcoming massive event Dec. 12th at Slake, Menno de Jong & I had a brief conversation about my favorite topic: TRANCE!)
1. Is Trance back now in 2014? Did it ever leave? No, it never left. People’s idea of what is popular changes with time but Trance has been around for 2 solid decades now. It may fluctuate between 140, tech, uplifting, prog and psy but it’s been one of the more consistent genres if you think about it, largely due to the very loyal fanbase!
2. Do you regret not being a label boss anymore? Intuition had some amazing gems on it. It was a golden era and a pleasure to work with guys like Jonas Steur and Airbase. Although I don’t own a label anymore I’ve been helping Black Hole Recordings out with the A&R for In Trance We Trust, where I’ve recently started to release my own music. All I can say is watch that space, some amazing artists are bringing their music to the label!
Ten Questions With Terry Gotham: Tommie Sunshine
1. How is 2014 ending out for you? Any crazy summer stories or projects started early on that are coming along nicely? I don’t even know where I could possibly begin. There’s so much going on right now, I have so much music about to come out. I have a television show in development with Red Bull, a lot of things.
2. Do you have a favorite sized crowd that you like to play to? Hotel room sized? Ampitheater? Somewhere in between? I mean, to me, it doesn’t matter how big the crowd is. It never has. I’m just as comfortable playing to 10,000 people as I am to 10. The way I see it, if somebody is going to go the distance, of driving from somewhere far away, like proper ravers do. Then, they deserve the complete show. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a club and it’s not particularly packed, or if it’s a particularly crazy night. I think I deliver the same intensity in every situation.
Terry Gotham 