The all singing all producing superstar from Kentucky takes it to another level
Interview : Dan Prince
Caleb welcome to DMCWORLD, where in the world are you today?
“Thanks Dan, it’s a pleasure. I’m currently on a plane back to Kentucky from LA.”
Sometimes it is especially a joy to come into work, the morning when the Buzz Chart crew had ‘Those Days’ on repeat was one of them! A huge tune, please talk us through the sound and history of the track that has been around a while…
“That record was honestly a very happy accident, my production style is based on a lot of trial and error. Once I got the vocal chop together, I knew I had something. The majority of the track was made without any drums, they got added in the end. It’s easier for me to find the vibe and emotion of a song without the kick smacking my ears the whole time, but when I finally added the drums tone track really came to life.”
When I told Buzz Chart king Guy Garret I was interviewing you today he shouted across the office…“there is so much love for Amtrac right now out there, one of the hottest names in dance music right now!” Thoughts on that little comment?
Thank you guys! That means a lot, I put a bit of myself into everything I do so I really appreciate all the love and support.”
There are not too many producers on the planet that can bring their own vocals into the studio, you sir are blessed. Take us back to the Amtrac childhood and where your musical journey began…
“Well, my dad raised me on classic rock, most notably Pink Floyd. I remember hearing The Prodigy’s “Fat of the Land”, after that I was hooked on everything electronic…was in a few post rock bands back in high school with sounds ranging from Sigur Ros to Mogwai, but I really like to be in control of all aspects of my music, I’m assuming that’s why the band thing fizzled out. Then I pretty much hibernated in my room teaching myself everything I could about engineering and DAW’s.”
At what age did you start to discover electronic music and when did the idea of a career in the industry first pop into your mind?
“I found out about electronic music through MTV around 1996, The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim come to mind. I remember having to buy the “Fat of the Land” cassette twice because I wore the first one out. Actually seeing this as a career came way later for me, most of that having to do with where I lived. It was a very small town in Kentucky where bluegrass music reigned supreme, the sound of electronic music was non existent, and more than likely still is.”
What did your family think of your career choice?
“I’m fortunate that my parents have been so supportive, my dad actually bought me my first pair of CDJs. They saw how much time I was putting into it and knew that’s what I really wanted to be doing.”
Most producers we speak to find it difficult to make music when on tour, you though have no problem whipping out your laptop in an airport and mixing up some sounds?
“That has a lot to do with my production style, I take a very cut/paste/chop approach 80% of the time. So as long as my laptop has a slew of new samples on it (ones I’ve recorded) I’m good to go. Also, I’m usually jacked on coffee when I’m in the airport haha…”
What are the 5 big records in your box this weekend?
Groove Armada – You Got To
Ejeca – Rick Flair
Doorly – Ladies Night
Jimmy Edgar – U Need Love
Dusky – Inta
It’s that time of year again, the annual DJ Top100. I interviewed Arthur Baker this week, he remarked…“there are too many DJs and genres for a realistic competition, it needs to split”. What are your thoughts on that – do you actually give a shit?
“I’m not really sure how I feel about it, but ratings in general aren’t my thing. Everything is numbers these days, how many likes, how many plays, how many followers, which makes sense to feel validated or some shit, but a lot of the time people lose sight of what it’s all about, good music.”
DMC loved your 2011 album Came Along…how do you think your sound has evolved since then?
“Thanks! I’ve been making a lot more club music over the past few years, which is quite a change from the more chilled out vibe of “Came Along”. I think it’s important to constantly be exploring new sounds though, it keeps everything more engaging for me.”
Loads of rumours, you’ve mentioned it loads in interviews…what is the latest with the new album? What can you tell us about direction/collabs/your singing etc.?
“Can’t say anything about the collaborations on the album yet but I’m really happy with it thus far, I have a few original vocals in there but nothing like my first album.”
Emotion is a big part of your music, I read somewhere that music scores are a big influence. Throw some titles at us which have made an impression?
“Eyes Wide Shut, Escape From New York, Hackers, The Thing…”
A recent quote from a certain superstar DJ…“I believe true DJing is actually an art, but it’s a dying art, as everyone is pushing the sync button…it’s a real shame when you see a ‘DJ’ plug his laptop in and call this DJing. Music will always evolve but sometimes not in the best way.” What are your thoughts on that?
“If you aren’t really doing anything expect jumping around yelling at the crowd I guess that’s a problem, but more so with the person playing. Honestly there’s no way I could enjoy what I’m doing if it’s too easy, I like there to be a lot of room for error. Maybe a beat match goes off for a few hits or something, whatever it is it will push you to try harder and perfect your craft, which is art.”
So we head back to yours after the gig, what are some of the tunes you play us in an Amtrac Back To Mine session to chill the vibe…
Todd Terje – Johnny and Mary
Orbital – Halycon
Chromatics – Ceremony (New Order cover)
Royksopp & Robyn – Monument
You are about to join Kygo on some of his North America tour dates that kick off in a few weeks in Nashville. What are the 3 things you never go on tour without – except your music!!
“Laptop, TMA1 Studio headphones and a tin full of Advil.”
The Forbes DJ Rich List for 2014 came out today with the likes of Calvin Harris and David Guetta earning well over $25 million. The chart has received a lot of stick on the socials these last few hours, people are saying it obscene. DMC views it as simply the world’s biggest market (America) finally tapping into the dance scene and blowing things up. What are your views…?
“As long as they’re in it for the right reasons and putting the music before the money that’s fine by me.”
Some of the producers you are giving high fives to at the moment?
“Dusky, Chambray, Doorly, Cristoph, Duke Dumont, Cajmere, Client Liaison, Todd Terje…”
Where have some of the stand out gigs for you this year?
“Opening for Justin Martin at Webster Hall in NYC was a really good one. I got to close out the Skrillex and Friends party at Mansion in Miami for WMC, that was straight bananas and EDC Vegas was pretty insane of the chain as well.”
What is the last great studio toy you bought yourself?
“The most recent piece was actually given to me a while back from a close friend, the Virus TI-Snow. Such an amazing synth.”
What is the record that…
…reminds you of your childhood?
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
…always get you dancing?
Avalanches – Since I Left You
…reminds you of being broken hearted?
Sigur Ros – ( )
…you wish you would have made?
Chromatics – Kill For Love
The last up n’coming DJ/producer you have seen that we should be looking out for…
“Endor has been putting out a steady stream of quality tracks, keep your eyes on em.”
Best gig of 2014?
“It would have to be the Good Times Block Party in Miami during WMC – I went back to back with Jack Beats.”
The last GREAT album you enjoyed?
“Thomas Azier – Hylas.”
2014 has been immense for you. What is the ambition for the next 12 months?
“Wrap up this album by the end of the year and start doing more collaborations, I tend to steer away from being in the studio with other people but now is the time for me to come out of my comfort zone. Also starting to look into a full visual production for live shows, I’m not sure what the tour will be like for the next album, but I have a lot of ideas.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“I have quite a few remixes coming out, but you can stay tuned for more dance floor tunes like “Those Days”, they are coming…”
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