Exclusive Interview: Dee Mash

This week we have Chicago artist, Dee Mash in the Spotlight. Dee Mash released his first single at only fifteen years old, he’s no stranger to the studio. Recently, he released his XVI Ep and it’s been getting some serious heat. We did a little interview with Dee, give it a read and be sure to check out his tracks below.

How did you first begin DJing/Producing?
I began spinning/producing at 8 years old; I still remember my first account of spinning; two boom boxes next to one another, I would load up my favorite CD’s and fade songs in and out, cutting them in at different parts. I was hooked, ultimately I began producing with FL – Studios; there I started out playing around with old school hip-hop beats and eventually, after years of hard work and dedication I sprung into my own sound.
Who is your biggest influence?
One of my biggest influences is Steve Angello. I’ve spent a lot of my time following his career from his beginning days up to the confinement of his label ‘Size Records’.  Along with his new album ‘Wild Youth’ I’ve learned countless things from him, everything from branding to staying true to your self, which is helpful in such a competitive scene.
What’s your favorite record of all time?
Toughest question, but one of my all time favorites would have to be ‘Axwell – MixMag Terrace.’
What was your favorite party of all time that you have played?
I played my favorite party of all time was – unofficially – last year. I dropped by a house party after an event, I plugged in everyone kicked it all night, it was storming out, just straight chilling, dancing, and listening to good music.
Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?
In the future, I’d like to collaborate with Kaskade.  The way he is able to direct emotion through music is astounding. I obtain a similar EP of my own creation that resembles his recent work sitting in my drive itching to be released.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you at a show?
I was closing out a B2B set with a close friend when I jumped on deck I mistakenly started matching up through the live track slipping the track a little to much.. Saved it with a backspin, dropped another track.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on music/DJing?
Hibernate.

What is your opinion on the current EDM scene?
This has so many views but no short answers. EDM Has influenced other genres in ways that show a colorful creativity in its own sense but of course there is a lot of negativity towards specific artist /genres, and if on is favored more than another. Anything that overpopulates with duplicates will take the tag of ‘ mainstream’ at the end of the day most fans only care about what moves them but not enough to make a difference. The ones who do care enough are already doing their part by support their underground artist. With all that said, I think it takes the existence of ugly to know the pretty, so focus on the beautiful pats of the scene, stay positive, and carry on. There is still a lot of exquisiteness in the industry.
What do you think will be the next big thing in EDM?
Hard to say with so many new things going on, but I can see Pop music taking a big part in the future.
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 can be easy to catch although a lot get away with it some decide to take it to the next level; for example, I’ll see producers through up tracks and have 5k plays although they wont have one comment…its not helping anyone if anything its just hurting the industry. As for ghost producing/purchasing your own tracks to chart, it’s a joke to say the least. Now there are very real ways to market yourself and obtain audiences organically, its all about having that true 1,000 its where it all begins take that and you can accomplish a lot with true dedication and passion.
Is there any upcoming releases/shows we should keep an eye out for?
There’s a lot in store for 2016, currently I’m working on a full-length album, which will explore another dimension of my composition abilities, aside from my recent EP XIV. I’ll be spending sometime down in Orlando early 2016, hitting the west coast after that, be sure to follow my media outlets for updates.

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/177968673″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]