The Kentucky kid pulling out all the stops
Interview by Dan Prince
Caleb welcome back to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you today?
Hey Dan, I’m in a coffee shop in Louisville, KY.
Cool! The first piece of music you heard this morning after rolling out of bed…?
Gonjasufi – Duet
A huge week for the dance music world is upon us with the release of Toolroom Live 03 – a stupendous edition of the iconic label’s artist based ‘Live’ series which features Mendo, Filterheadz and your goodself. When were you first approached about the project?
I was asked if I wanted to do a Live mix about 3 months ago. “Hold On” has been doing quite well on the radio and charts. Toolroom has been very supportive about what I’m trying to put out right now, this mix being no exception.
Has Toolroom been an important part of your record box over the years, what are some of the tracks that have stood out for you?
The Toolroom catalog has some really amazing records. Mark & Funkagenda’s “A Man With The Red Face” will always be a go to classic and Federico Scavo’s “I Do” has a gotten a proper rinse over the past few years.
So let’s talk about your mix. It’s fair to say you bring the funky side to the album; some exclusives, a touch of Deep House, some cool rhythms thrown in for good measure! Talk us through your work, how did you set about it and how long did it take?
I went through all my crates of stuff I play out. I was looking for tunes that stood out to me. I try to not define music by genre, I feel like it can limit the production by definition. I’d say it took me about a solid week of trial and error before I was happy with it.
Did you chat with the other producers involved with the release or was it simply a case of head down…and this is what I’m doing?
Head down for this one.
From speaking to producers who have starred in the Toolroom Live series before, they all acknowledge that this is the perfect outlet to showcase their sound. Would you agree?
I think that’s pretty accurate, Toolroom really gave me the green light to make this mix my own, no critiques, no back and forth, no bullshit, just good music. This is the first mix I’ve ever put out that was available to buy, so I really wanted to pull out all the stops.
The world really sat up and took notice of your production in 2014 when you released the incredible ‘Those Days’, a track I believe that you added the drums in at the last moment. How important is feeling the vibe and emotion of your music first when creating a track?
It’s very important to me, especially when thinking about it as a single. You need to put everything into that. I do produce a lot without drums at first, I’m really big on pads and textures and it’s easier for me to concentrate on that without a kick drum smacking my ears. You might find a Stanley Kubrick film on mute in the background of my studio as well.
When we last spoke you were just about to head off on tour with Kygo. I asked you what was the one item you will definitely be taking on tour. You replied a bag full of Advil!!! What is the one thing you will be taking on your Gorgon City tour dates next month?
For this tour I think the one thing I’m going to try to use the most is my camera. This tour’s line up has all the fixings for a good time.
You also mentioned to me that you thought 2015 was the year you were “going to come out of my comfort zone” and start collaborating with other producers as you like your own space in the studio. Mission complete?
I think somewhat…I’ve been working with a lot more vocalists than producers. I really like the excitement of getting an amazing vocal to work on, I can do so much with a good top line. That’s probably why I enjoy remixing so much.
5 big records in your box this weekend…
– Dexter – Junofest (Original Mix)
Dexter really has a great vibe to his productions, this one being no exception.
– NY’s Finest – Do You Feel Me (City Soul Project Club Mix)
Drop this prime time and watch what happens. Such a great piano riff.
– Ejeca – TB5AM (Original Mix)
Huge, dark & grimy. This one can create a big vibe on the floor, it’s a proper roller.
– Dan Beaumont – Spirit Talkin’
Love what he did with the 909 on this record, very hypnotizing vocal as well.
– Kingpin Cartel – Ghetto (Original Mix)
Great funk bassline to keep the kids alive, and I absolutely love that pad in the back.
I know you are quite particular where you play in Miami South Beach, a city that is starting to call you their own! Tell us about this cute little venue that comes complete with a bowling alley and ice skating rink you’ve just played…
That’s one show I’ve played on the beach where the vibe was right, no club owners and promoters requesting stuff or telling you what to play. Thank you, Basement Miami, Kudos.
A recent quote from…“Music’s a disposable thing now and people are so A.D.D. There’s nothing tangible. You can’t hold the music. It’s just a digital click. It’s kind of a disconnect with the music.” How much of this point of view do you think has been influenced by America entering the electronic world of music?
I think that applies to everywhere, not just America. The internet is ruling supreme, with streaming services reaping all the benefits. Our world is a bit different though, I don’t use streaming services and don’t really see myself doing so anytime soon. I need to be able to throw the tracks on a flash drive, I need WAV files sometimes, and when I can find it, I like to buy the record. I don’t need every album ever at my fingertips, it kind of takes the fun out of it. The internet is a great tool nowadays though, for artists to grow and to be able to make a living from anywhere.
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. Your father raised you on classic rock, then you heard The Prodigy’s ‘Fat Of The Land’ and the game changed completely. You locked yourself into your bedroom and immersed yourself into teaching yourself engineering and DAW’s. Your father bless him recognized you had a talent and bought you a pair of CDJs…and the rest is history. A new superstar of dance music was born. What did your old man think of this new music you were making, does he come to your shows and does he ever tell you that he wanted you to be a doctor or something?!?
Haha, definitely not. Both my Mom and Dad have been very supportive of the arts in general. My Mom’s side of the family is really into crafts, ceramics, painting etc. While my dad’s side of the family is interested in music. Those together helped shape me into what I am today.
What has been your anthem of the summer?
Dyone – Only Love Can Set U-Free (Bicep Remix)
And when was the last time you had a really good dance to a DJ?
Last time I remember breaking it down was at Jamie Jone’s set at HARD Fest in LA. Groovy madness.
You seem to be pretty tight with Pete Tong at the moment, a cool mix on his Evolution Radio show, he premieres your new music, you’ve played on one of his All Gone Pete Tong stages at a festival. When did he first appear on your radar – did you always recognize his importance in our world?
I saw the film “It’s All Gone Pete Tong” a long time ago, before I knew who Pete was. I instantly fell in love with that movie because there aren’t many movies about dance music, because of the soundtrack and because Paul Kaye is an amazing actor. It was later I find out who Pete Tong was and why he is so well respected. It’s been amazing having his support, he has a good grasp on what’s coming up. I also enjoy his new tune with John Monkman “Phaenix”.
North America seems to pretty much all ticked off for you now. What about the rest of the world…where’s next to conquer for the kid from Kentucky?
I want to travel everywhere. Europe seems to be the most probable for me right now.
The Toolroom crew are renowned for knowing how to get this party started right. Have you had the pleasure of knocking back a few Jacks with the team…?
Oh yeah, I’ve met quite a few from the camp and its always a good time. Mark, Weiss and myself have had a few long nights.
And finally – 1 tune you just had to have on your Toolroom Live – 03 mix?
Sabb – One Of Us feat. Forrest (Dennis Ferrer Remix). Also, Forrest and I are working on some stuff right now…
http://www.toolroomrecords.com/
