Huge new Reefa track exploding, Ibiza comp out…2014 looks to be the year of the Star
Interview : Dan Prince
Nick, welcome to DMCWORLD, where in the world are you today?
“I’m at home in L.A, just got back from a gig in San Francisco.”
Well you have done it again, you have the Buzz Chart office jumping around like lunatics thanks to your music, this time around it’s the brand new ‘Reefa’ track. Talk us through the history and sound of the tune…
“I really just wanted to make some thing that was more musical then just a crappy EDM drop…it drops but it’s fun and melodic.”
Also out at the moment is your Big & Dirty Ibiza 2014 album, 20 tracks sure to set the white isle on fire this summer. What are some of the tracks you JUST HAD TO HAVE on the comp and why…?
“I wanted to use artists that were fairly unknown to show that there are artists that are just as good as your typical EDM one’s. The scene doesn’t revolve around one or two labels it revolves around good music and I think people sometimes forget that. It wasn’t that I had to have their track it was more about the artist if that makes since.”
What do you love about Ibiza?
“Love it’s chilled vibes and the laidback attitude to music, you get to play the music you love, and there’s something musically on the island for everyone.”
You are back in Las Vegas on June 13th, playing at Drai’s Beach Club, the latest edition to sin city’s incredible nightlife. Tell us about the venue…
“I actually know nothing about it Dan! But I can tell you I was the first resident when Drai’s started back in 2000, so it will be good to go home.”
You were one of the first ever resident DJs in Las Vegas when it started to appreciate dance music. What are your thoughts on Vegas in 2014 where DJs are earning $10 million for residencies and the city is being touted as bigger than Ibiza?
“I think its great!!! But festival DJs and DJs who can play in the club are two different things. It will be fun to see who can hold on when the drop stops LOL.”
You said in an interview back that in December that “the US scene has to be careful not to get too greedy or it will implode on itself”. Man, we are talking America here! This country doesn’t do half measures, so how are you going to keep things sensible?
“I’ll hold true to what I said, America is a great place but the way the content is being delivered wont last – you can’t control it, which a lot of people are trying to do. People figure out what’s real and whats’ not and when they do the hype ends and it goes back to the real artists.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning…
Starkillers – Reefa
Jochen Miller, Dmitry KO – We Back
Armin Van Buuren – Ping Pong (Kryder and Tom Staar Remix)
Dmitri Vangelis & Wyman X Steve Angello – Payback
Third Party – Everyday Of My Life
CID and Mednas – ILL Behaviour
Marco V – Back In The Jungle
Bass Kleph – Disco Sucks
Hard Rock Sofa, Skidka – Arms Around Me
Galantis – You (Still Young Remix)
“For me personally, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else other being in the music industry.” If you did have to choose a different career, what would you do?
“I would be in Film – it’s a hobby of mine.”
Where have some of the stand out gigs been for you recently?
“India, New York, Miami and San Fran.”
What is the record that…
…always reminds you of your childhood?
“Ray Lynch ‘Deep Breakfast’.”
…reminds you of having your heart broken?
“Never had this happen.”
…will ALWAYS gets you dancing?
“The theme to Dirty Dancing.”
…you wish you had made yourself?
“The Funk Phenomena.”
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?
“I use Ableton…I learned on vinyl and then went to CD. With Ableton I can control more of what I want to do but I actually can keep a room longer then an hour and a half that comes from experience, I don’t need the sync button I just need my mind and the music.”
You had us all excited this week on your Facebook site announcing a brand new project for Starkillers. So…?
“Ha, you have to wait and see…”
Another interesting post you placed on your site was the question whether you should compete in the DJMag Top 100 poll. Most of your fans won’t realize how much promotion a DJ has to do to get the votes in for themselves…most of the industry know it’s kinda fixed anyway but is important nonetheless for an artist. What is your take on it?
“I don’t feel a contest defines me, I may or may not do it – I want to be known for my music not some contest that’s completely bullshit anyways…”
The Beatport announcement last week, very big brotheresque but about time they said something as it has been a sham for quite a while. People won’t stop trying to bend the rules though huh?
“People used to go buy their records from records shops on the day of release back when online digital stores were non existence, this is no different to then, it was bound to happen at some point.”
Who are some of the promoters you are giving high fives to at the moment?
“The guys at Ruby Skye last weekend in San Fran were amazing and the guys in Texas. I had an amazing experience in India, I can’t wait to go back in August.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“Starkillers ft Alicia Madison – ‘Silence’. Release date is the 30th June.”
For more information on Starkillers…
http://www.starkillersmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/starkillersmusic
https://soundcloud.com/starkillers