Exclusive Interview: Ben A

We have a special guest from Denver in the Artist Spotlight this week. He has a couple of releases coming out on Factomania as well as Bosh Recordings. He is also currently managing Bad Boy Bill’s Moody Records and doing A&R for Blue Records. We had the pleasure of doing an interview with Ben A. Give it a read and be sure to check out some of his music below.

How did you first begin DJing/Producing?
I started Djing when I was 16 in Denver in a high scale lounge in Cherry Creek at a club called Butterfield 8 , the venue was owned by a club owner who also ran 3 clubs in downtown Denver. Starting out with Records only mixing R&B and Disco with early classics like Lisa Stanfield.

Who is your biggest influence(s)?
Biggest Influences growing up locally where Hipp-e and Halo, Vitamin D, Jonas Tempel ,Sean Biddle, Tabor Chapman, LL Bishop, Pound Boys, Casa Del Soul- because, not only did they DJ- they all had a huge presence in the Denver scene and all produced music and we’re constantly working on new music. Denver has always had a huge pool of talent beyond anyone’s understanding unless you were in it.

What’s your favorite record of all time?
Favorite Record wow what a question…. If I had to pick one, It would be: Hysterix Talk To Me (Sasha’s Remix)

What was your favorite party of all time that you have played?
Favorite Party would have to be Day zero in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico the end of the Mayan calendar : 12-21-2012

How did you get started in the music business?
My first track was released in 2002 with Wyatt Earp on Vibernt Records ran by Bobby Marinis and Dj Onionz in NYC (Thank you Bobby and Onionz)

Where are you currently working?
I am currently managing Moody Recordings under Jonas Temple and Bad Boy Bill. Also doing A&R with Blue Records a tech- house label with Sean Biddle.

What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?
Most embarrassing situation while playing live? I would have say there are always different situations when playing out live with Vinyl but it would have to be all the afterhour parties I played at in Denver. More than once would someone bump into the turntable and the needle would come off the record and you just have to deal with it. My big thing was never to get mad about like most DJ’S, but embrace it since if no one was dancing that would never happen and that usually means you’re doing something right.

What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?
My free time I enjoy riding my road bikes and getting miles in anywhere from 30 -60 miles about 2 times a week when the weather permits. Being able to clear my mind and reset is key to staying creative and staying fresh with my production.

What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?
The EDM scene: I feel that everything is coming around full circle , with out the EDM scene and festivals our music wouldn’t get a chance to reach the curious minds that search for music. We all co-exist and have always -supported different genre’s. Being an artist you have to be open to new music, just because I don’t play that genre doesn’t mean I hate or don’t support it. I feel Tech-House and underground music will never die because people still go to search for it as they should.

What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?
The next big thing in EDM: Good Question, I personally feel artist will resort back to the roots of where they started and re-tap into the music they produced or played before the giant festivals started blowing up. I enjoy nightclubs and after hours parties and feel the underground party scene is bigger than ever. No doubt in my mind that the underground parties is where I always find creative new artist or production.

What do you think about all these “frauds” in the EDM scene using ghost producers, buying likes and purchasing their own tracks on Beatport?
Ghost writers: This can be a touchy subject. I personally have someone else master my tracks and highly suggest the same to other producers, the reasoning is if your mastering your own music you start to question your engineering with it and will never be happy with the final production. When artist have ghost writers – that’s a choice they have made, and I don’t hate on it. You would be shocked on how many artist don’t know how to do a proper mix down in Phrase. Everyone should remain true to who they are, and if that’s how they have gotten by in life so be it.

Buying likes on FB: I feel this is irrelevant to me because at the end of the day sales numbers and charts speak volume. I buy my own tracks on Beatport to have a final presentation for my catalog. I support the Labels that sign me and I like to play my own music in my sets. If you put your passion into something why wouldn’t you buy and celebrate your releases coming out?

Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?
I am excited about a new remix I did with Dj Onionz called” Learn Me” coming out on Factomania a label out of Ibiza with remixes from Wally Lopez. Keep an eye out for an original that I have finished called High Power featuring artist C1. Remix en route as well on Bosh Recordings. I push to have multiple release always coming out and have a new track or remix being worked on weekly.

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