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Artist Spotlight, Blog
Exclusive Interview: MADLY
15
Dec
Dec
This week in the Artist Spotlight we have Chicago based artist (originally from Detroit), MADLY. He’s got an official remix along with a few originals being released in the upcoming months. He’ll also be playing at The Mid next month for Tropic Like Its Hot. Check out the interview we did with MADLY and be sure to listen to some of his original music below.
How did you first begin DJing/Producing?
I began DJing in 2010, I really liked dubstep at the time and got a little S2. I spent probably 5 hours a day messing with Traktor. I DJed a couple fraternity parties at MSU for my buddy. I had a few people come up to request and it drove me insane. I realized that If i wanted to be taken seriously production was the next step. I took the Dubspot course for Ableton Live in NY that summer in 2011. It was a long learning curve for me but I spent all day everyday learning and trying new techniques. In 3 months there I rarely left my apt. I became addicted to the software and to this day there is nothing I enjoy more in life than producing music. It became just as much a part of me as my arms and legs.
Who is your biggest influence(s)?
That is a tough question…Growing up I was really into hiphop(Talib Kweli, Mos Def, the Roots) as well as electronic sounds like NIN and the Postal Service. These influences are still present in my music. Today some of the artists that I believe are pushing boundaries are Golden Features, Lo 99’, Malaa I like dark driving house music and soulful reverb drenched vocals. Garage music is kind of the foundation for the sounds that influence me.
What’s your favorite record of all time?
Single: Kaskade – Its You Its Me | Album: Tycho – Dive
What was your favorite party of all time that you have played?
The Grand Opening of Tunnel was a blast. I opened for Dr. Fresch along with some of my local DJ friends Zander and Daniel from Good Life. The room was packed and I played the set I wanted to play. What was really cool is Dr. Fresch came up to me a few times after telling me that my set was dope and he really liked it.
Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?
J.Pak is an up and comer that I look forward to working with. The one artist I’d say I want to work with is CYN. She’s a Chicago singer with an amazing voice and a superb talent for writing lyrics.
What’s the most embarrassing thing thats happened to you at a show?
Was 45 mins in and feeling the groove heavy…….. went to play my next track in and hit the cue button on the wrong CDJ. I was appalled and quickly switched into the song I cut out. #neveragain
What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?
I enjoy drinking craft beers with my friends, netflix and making graphic design stuff.
What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?
I don’t believe in “the bubble”. I think there will always be a younger crowd that are just discovering artists like Hardwell so the market will not die out. It is disappointing sometimes when I see amazing artists locally that don’t get opportunities. Seems its all about who you know and how many friends you have than the art. As an artist I was never popular, not a promoter I wish I could just focus on the music but you have to be a jack of all trades these days(music,DJing,marketing/social media,promotion,branding). I’m doing a good job in all these areas but constantly improving where I’m weak.
What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?
I hope garage music and dark bass driven house music picks up more. At least for my sake lol. I do think that we are moving more toward live performance. Artists like Gorgon City, Autograf will continue to pop up. I still enjoy a great DJ set personally.
What do you think about all these “frauds” in the EDM scene using ghost producers, buying likes and purchasing their own tracks on Beatport?
It’s so foreign to me. As someone who looks at his music as a outlet for self-expression I couldn’t imagine giving the creativity to someone else. I like to be involved in all aspects of my art including my logo and graphic design(covers). I do all this myself because i don’t think anyone can capture the intent of my brand better than I can. As far as buying likes and followers I’ve never done it and I feel like its a little cheap and a major cop out from the process of the come-up. Struggle a bit it will make your music more impactful in the long run. I don’t need to point out the frauds……they have to go to sleep at night knowing they are a fraud and thats enough for me.
Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?
Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for? I have a single I’m wrapping up and sending to labels soon called “Live For Me”, a single with a talented producer called Icehunt called “Listen to Me”, a collaboration with J.Pak that we are doing for Mix Feed’s channel. A Dirtybird style track I’m working on with a local producer Mar Mar I hope to finish during break, An official remix for Frenchie (Brick Squad) and Chanel West Coast I’m working on with Hi Five that is supposed to come out sometime in January. I have a lot of new music on the way that I’m excited to finish up over college break.
As far as upcoming shows I am going home to Detroit for the holidays and have a show coming up Jan 15th at the Mid in the Century Room for Tropic Like Its Hot that I look forward to. Always looking for more gigs so I’m sure something will pop up.
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