Al Borde got to talk to one of EDM’s most powerhouse labels’ master minds this week. We are talking about producer/DJ Datsik, also known as Troy Beetles, where he talked to us about his label, his producing ways, how he got into EDM, and his future collaborations.
Q: How is it working with your own Fire Power Record label?
A: It’s really cool being able to release my own music as well as music by others. It’s nice to have full freedom to release whatever I like. It’s something that I have wanted to start for a very long time and it’s really cool to finally be in a position to be able to do that.
Q: Tell me about the process of producing tracks while keeping them your own style.
A: Basically when I start new tracks I try to lay out something new. A lot of people start with instruments like playing piano, I approach things a lot differently – I’ll start with a really good sample. I tend to approach it with more of a producer angle and be mindful of producing something new in every track. Moving forward, I always try to improve my sound and try to keep everyone stoked. It’s nice to have people respond to my music and cool to be able to have an impact on people.
Q: How does it feel to see the crowd’s reaction during your sets?
A: That’s what makes it all worth it. That’s what it’s all about. It never really was about that when I first started because I was basically sitting in my bedroom at my mom’s place just working on music. I had no intention or thought of going out and DJ-ing or playing a lot of shows. It was the last thing on my mind, and it kind of just came to me… I’m really happy it did. It opened up a whole new world of exciting new things and possibilities. It allows me to travel around the world.
Q: How did you get into EDM?
A: I kind of stumbled on it. I never intended on getting into EDM. I listened to hip-hop and then I listened to dubstep. Dupstep was kind of that cross-over genre for me. People that listen to metal tend listen to that heavier side of dubstep, and for them that’s what coverts them. For me it ended up being hip-hop and that whole angle. At first I was all dubstep, then came drum and bass followed by the drum-step hip-hop stuff. Now it’s the electro— I just think the whole thing is awesome. It’s important to keep an open pallet.
Q: What are you favorite songs to drop during a live set?
A: I really like playing hip-hop tracks through my set— they’re kind of a nice touch. It changes it up quite dramatically because it’s such a different feel from the rest of the stuff I’m playing. Not too many people are doing the cross-over between hip-hop and dubstep, aside from a few people, so I really like approaching it from that angle. Those are my favorite types of tracks; it’s really like a throwback. It’s cool because I get to play some of the music that got me into hip-hop to begin with. It’s like a tribute and it’s really nice to mix that in with EDM and have it work well with me.
Q: What do you look for in Fire Power talent?
A: Well first of all, I don’t really sign anything that I’m not playing or I wouldn’t play in my sets. Following that formula it works pretty well. We have a pretty strict quality control with the label. Everyone that submits demos are mindful of this and in doing that, we maintain a good reputation which allows us to do tours across the country. The biggest thing with all the artists I sign on my label is that we become instant family. Also, the energy is always so vibrant on the road. It’s a good mixture of talent, having fun and getting work done. We’re all family.
Q: Are you working on any collaborations right now?
A: Yeah! We got a bunch of collabs started. I did two with Antiserum, I started two more with Funtcase, and another two with Protohype. I’ve just been on the grind, trying to get as much work done on the road with these artists as possible. I’m thinking that at the end we can come out with “The Most Wanted EP” or something like that. It’s crazy to see all these different artists collaborating with each other: everyone’s sound and feel kind of mash up into one. It’s very interesting.
Drum and bass pioneer Datsik has been performing the “Firepower Most Wanted” Tour almost every day for two months already. He has been sharing his first leg of the tour with friends FuntCase, Antiserum X Mayhem and Protohype, among other acts that will be supporting on selected dates. He will be continuing his travels with Flux Pavilion starting this week.
Last week Datsik closed his tour in Santa Ana, where the line up talent surprised their fans with special back to back set with FuntCase, and Datsik became the local bartender for the night. He poured a wine bottle of Coldcock whiskey to the hardcore fans that were waiting for a glimpse of him. Needless to say he got the fans pumped up right before his set!
The OC raged to sets by Rise At Night, Protohype, Getter and the special back to back by FuntCase right before Datsik. This tour included real-time 3D-mapping technology to provide incredible visuals inside Datsik’s vortex and sound that matched the crowd’s enthusiasm. Big ups to Solid Soul Art for the epic visuals! Check out a loud video from this night here.
Photos and video courtesy of Jeanette Hernandez
