Why Hate Comments Means Your DJ Content is Working with Tres Mortimer | EF EP 150

0:00 There was just a point where I kind of had to switch my brain to be like, OK, like the amount of time you're spending in Ableton, you should get one of those camera stands with the light on it and invest the same, you know, And that's literally what I did. Like, I would just go and make videos every day and it would take just as much time as the music did. But like, and and you make 100 of them, 200 of them, and they all suck. But then when it clicks, it's amazing. You're like, Oh my God, see. And then it started reaching people. Ever wonder how top DJs actually built their careers? I had to do 15 years of hard work to. Get any of the recognition that I wanted. Where I saw a turning point in my career is when I came true to myself. From marketing and mindset to networking and negotiation, I'm giving you the tools you need to build a lasting career in dance music. Give them bits of you and your everyday life. You have to change the way you view the word no. Like me, I'm encouraged by it.

0:49 Join me, Olivia Mancuso and industry leaders as we reveal what it really takes to turn your passion into profit. This is elevated frequencies. This is the dream, right? Like Rossi has this like, he's got this kid probably. Like he may be 21. He might be, you know, who's like a film school kid who just like, loves DJs. And then it's like, but you bring him on the team and then you have to like, but you have to make enough money to be able to bring him everywhere. But the point is that like, that's the only way you're going to get the content you really want because they're OK, like. You also have to train them to know your style and what you. Like the style, they're going to know your music, they're going to know your music, they're going to know the music you're working on, they're going to know when you play it, they're going to get the right moment.

1:39 And eventually they're going to figure out what it is that you want versus, you know, most DJs are in the bucket of like, like it just say you get out of the local bucket and then you go into the touring bucket. OK, now yes, you're touring, but then you go, if you can't afford to bring someone with you, then now you just have a person who like, it's like he might be amazing, but it's very rare that they give you exactly like what you actually went out for. Like you'll get a folder of 20 clips, right. But like you were really just looking for like there's usually only like one thing that we're trying to. Promote. Yeah, like a moment. Yeah, no, I know. And then you have like the Charlotte Dewitz who roll up with like 15 people at all, like at any given time. And it's like her social media manager, videographer, photographer, manager and like. And I've literally seen her at ARC, like she brought like all those people and there's all these different. And that's like next level that's like that. Yeah, I mean, you know, then we get the stylist, we get the blunt roller.

2:34 Yeah, good job. That's the dream, yes. I'm quite good at rolling joints myself. Yeah, you can do. Why pay someone when you can do that yourself? Yeah, do it yourself is the way to go. OK. Should we start like for? No, no, yeah, I think. Yeah, we already started. Yeah, we did. We already did start. Yeah. I worked for you. It's really rare that I get to interview someone on this show who I feel who's from Chicago area and I feel like has had a similar upbringing to me. So start here. Where? What neighborhood did you grow up in? Me, I grew up in the suburbs. Which one? Wooddale. Wooddale, OK, Yeah, so. I and then I went to Elk Grove High School. Elk Grove High School. And then I went to DePaul, so I've been like. You're like Chicago through and through Chicago land. But I've lived in Logan since 2012. I knew that, yeah.

3:21 Yeah, You told me that. So we, we you and I have kind of talked about. So I don't know if I ever told you. I had a really good friend and high school was Polish and she went to Polish school and that was like the first time I learned that Polish school was a thing. It exists. My mom made me go all the way till I was like 20 something like she like every. Saturday. Yeah, I have. I have everything. I have the like the Polish school graduation certificate, like the like college level. And that's something you had to do after, like your regular school, right? On Saturdays, yeah, and I hated it, but then, but I like now, I'm happy I did it 'cause I'm. First of all, Poland is in the top 20 economies of the world now. Like they've like they've if you go there, it's beautiful.

4:05 It's awesome. Like it's like they have crazy tech industry like for like the people are cool. It's like a it's like a slightly housey or Berlin like. But, but anyway, like growing up, I would always go there and I would, I'd stay with my family, like they live near Warsaw and like, I would see like this really cool side of Poland. Like we're like where we live, it's like maybe like a 20 minute Uber to like go downtown, you know, And then like, I was like the youngest in the family. I would always be like going to parties and shit. Everyone else has kids and stuff. And, and like, I don't know, like I'm, I'm very proud of that heritage. I think it's really cool. Whereas there, there are millions of Polish people here. But like, the case for most of them is like they did the Polish school up until like, you know, I don't know, communion or whatever. Right.

4:49 Yeah. And I make it like they visited the country once. They went to their grandma's house. They were like, oh, yeah, whatever. I'm from Poland, Right. Like it doesn't get the sexy score of like Spain or Italy or England or anything like that. But it, but it is that it just got mostly destroyed in like wars and stuff. But I just think it's an awesome nation to be from. Yeah. Like I'm happy I went to the the Polish. School, yeah. I mean, no, I, I think it's an amazing thing that like it, you keep the culture like, because being Italian, like we've lost a lot of that, like a lot of the togetherness that I think Italians used to have when they first immigrated to this country. So my friend, shout out Jennifer Patochek, that was her name. She she taught me all about Polish school and she was the first person I ever went to zero gravity with. Ohh see I never got to go.

5:36 There never that was like, I like Polish, like I. Saw it on Myspace. Yeah, I saw it. Ohh I listened to the mixes. Ohh man 'cause I was a big fan. DJ Marksky. Marksky And there was Polish. There was one. There was one named Magics. OK, I don't know how to like. And I and I took his haircut like where like you had like the spiky and then you had like the bangs right here. You should have seen me. It was terrible, but it was, it was so funny like, but no, that was like a whole you. Never got to go. I never got to go. I was very it's. Ashamed. Sheltered. Well, so was I, but but Jennifer Patochek's mom drove us and stayed in the parking lot the whole time. Yeah, I got grounded when my parents found out I was going. Yeah. The one thing I did get to do is when we had EDC in like 2000 and like 11 or something, I remember I went to EDC. That was at Soldier Field, Oh.

6:24 No, it was like it was in Joliet at this. Point I. Remember I went to EDCI thought it was I got to see Avicii and then I and then like I got home and then I had like the rave flu for like a week. Yeah, well, welcome to the scene. Yeah. Yeah. God, it was such a different. And for people listening who don't know zero gravity was like that teen club, they're all named that like 0 gravity. Like, Oh yeah, you, you know, Club 0, whatever magic it was, it was a really sketchy place. Like, I'm not gonna lie, Like I definitely didn't. Was it big? It was pretty big. I didn't feel like, like I remember feeling like something's a little off here. Like why 16 year olds and 19? Year olds, Yeah, it was a 16 and up.

7:04 Right. It was like under 21, so like. That was the club. 16 to 20, yeah. It's like, I don't know about that, you know? It's gone now. It's been gone, I think since 2016, but it was an institution of, you know, infamously from Chicago suburbs. But like I I very much remember like Polish and like just Slavic like influence on dance music growing up. I mean, that's what started for me like my like the so you know how in, in in the States, there's like country music and it's very popular. But if you go to like a big city, people will say, like, what kind of music do you like? I like everything but country.

7:47 Right. It's the same thing in in Poland. It's like if you go to Warsaw, like all the like educated types are like, oh, like, you know, and like everything's cool except disco polo. Disco polo is like our country music. It's literally like, you know the song Cascada Every time we touch yes, it's like that. That's called disco polo. Yeah, but it's in Polish and all the songs are about a girl, you know, and, and there's and there's 10s of thousands of them. And it's, I mean, I think it's fun. Like, and I kind of like grew up on it. Like my like my parents would show it to me and I thought it was awesome and really kind of inspired me to even make music. But anyway, you're right though, like the like I remember that it was, it was much bigger. Like I remember going to like, like the Polish school thing. Like it was like at first there were like 30 kids in the class, then eventually 15 and then 10 and then five and then three.

8:32 Like it just kept getting smaller and smaller. Like people kind of like cared less and less. Like I remember going to like the parade, like on May 3rd there's a parade and like I think it's in Ferris Bueller or, or that might be the things, but I think it's that parade. I'm pretty sure we have to double that. Might have to factor. For like, it's a Polish heritage thing. Yeah, it's the it's the Polish Constitution Day. Oh, OK. And then it's Lava cost Society, which is going to be my new. That's on May 3rd, right? That's. Your well May 2nd because it's a Saturday. Got it. Which which my mom told me is actually Polish Flag Day. Oh, that's great. Well, let's let's talk about that. I mean, I want to like get back to like your roots and the like how you started in this industry. But we're here. So talk to me about Slavic house society. What is?

9:15 That yeah, it's, it's a new party brand. It's, it's, you know, it's really meant to celebrate like Slavic roots, like not just Polish, but there's, I mean, there's this is the second biggest population of Polish people outside of the motherland, if you want to call it that. Chicago is. Chicago is yeah. So like there's, there's millions of them here and yeah, I just wanted to well, really. So so I I I became friends with the Red Line people and. That's a underground group here in Chicago. That sells thousands of tickets and they have crazy parties and it's awesome. And and Nick was telling me he's like, you know, I'd love to help you do something and I wanted to do optics records, which is like my label, which is, you know, there's a lot of label parties and that's, you know, awesome.

9:58 But he was like, if you really want it to pop off, like the biggest red line events are the ones where it's like there's a theme. So like Bloodrave is like the Halloween thing, right. So it's like there's a how like every weekend we have, you know, world renowned DJ playing at name the venue, right? But it's like if when people have something else that ties them to the party, I think it's more exciting. Oh, I agree. I I talk about that on this show all the time that like a theme or just elements that like get people engaged just like something you can dress up as or something interactive or like what it could be simple. I think that that makes 100%.

10:42 Because it's cool. It gives you something to look forward to. It's like, and, and, and also like it. And like, so I posted the first party, which I mean, there's a lot on this. Like, you see, the logo is a bear. Yeah. The bear is actually, his name is Voytek. And he's like, this is one of the coolest parts of history that they actually didn't teach me in the school, which I'm surprised. But like there was a bear that the Polish army picked up during World War 2, like from Iran actually. But like, it was like a bear cub and you could watch this like, it's, there's like movies on him. And like, he just joined the army. They like, he became like a friend and then they like, kind of trained him and they had to, like, enlist him as a soldier in order to feed him. And he literally, like, carried ammunition in battle. He was one of the boys. He would, like, smoke cigarettes and drink beer and like, and then after the war, he like, they, they like, like, there's like a battle that he was super helpful and he like, carried ammunition and stuff. And they, yeah.

11:31 Like, they built statues of him all over Europe. And then he retired in the Edinburgh Zoo. Wow. Yeah, so anyway, he's he's our, he's our mascot. That's your mascot. OK Wow. So you have played plenty of shows in in Chicago and beyond. I mean, you're you're a touring artist. What made you decide that beyond a label, doing like a party and putting like a brand around this was the natural next step for you? Well, like, I mean, a I'm proud of MyHeritage, but then I'm it's like, like I would like to unite these people. Like when I posted it, like if you saw the comments, it's it's a crazy. Like people love it. You know, it's like there has like there hasn't been like, yes, there are like Polish events, but they're like, they're usually like somewhere in the suburbs and they like, you know, fly in like some like headliner that does like, I don't know, disco polo or like like pop music or something.

12:23 But there's no like dance music focused thing. Like this is like pretty new, I think. Yeah. For like people in RA's group to like go and like, I don't know, hang out and, and just have a good time. Like, I don't know, it's it, it feels like, it feels like the right time to do it. And if anyone's going to do it, it's me. Like there's a lot of Polish DJs you might not know. Disco lines is Polish. Get out. Brunello is Polish. Get out. Mortimer is Polish. I knew that. Wow, OK, I didn't know that. Yeah, well. We'll we'll get them someday, yeah. I mean, see, like, see, that's a great. I feel like a lot of artists are afraid to like just people. Creatives are afraid to limit themselves to one thing, 'cause like, oh, this pigeon holes me. But no, it like it.

13:05 What you're doing is creating a community around a shared value, or in this case, an ethnicity. The, I think the community is so important, you know, like, like, if you like just putting, like there's so much music now. Like there's literally so much music. There's so many artists. There's so, there's so many subgenres that get reinvented every week. And it's like, like, if you look at like the, the, like the top songs, right? It's like, it's, it's like, like if you wanna, if you wanna hit, right, it's like, OK. Then for a while it was minimal deep tech. Now, now they're listing it as house music again, 'cause like that one got less saturated, right, 'cause they were, everyone was doing this and now they're over here, right? But that's not enough of like a thing to differentiate yourself. I feel like just like making one style. And I've also never wanted to really be limited to 1 style, you know?

13:55 And another thing that I want to do with this party that I think is unique, I feel like when you go out, it's like you have the option to go to the house party or the techno party, right? It's like they're kind of like separate universes. I want to do something where you start off with like the minimal stuff you get into like the tech year stuff and then by the end we're going fast, you know, like it's like 120 BPM, 1:30 and then by the end it's like 14150. Like, you know, the idea being like, it actually tells a story and like goes up. So you feel like you can easier achieve that with your party versus you like touring somewhere else as. Well, like here, here's the best place to do it, right?

14:37 Like, I mean, again, because there's a lot of my people here, but then it's like, I mean, it's yeah, like we talked about this a little bit before that the interview, right? It's like in your home market, right? It's like kind of it's a little bit more challenging to navigate. You know, it's like if you obviously don't want to be stuck as like the local person, that's just like only taking the local. Like I tell I have so many talented DJ friends where they just like, and I started this way too, right? Like there's nothing wrong with it. I think you need to go and play the like local residency, right? Like that's going to teach you so much, right? But it's like, and like they think like, Oh yeah, well, I'm, I'm, I'm playing this set and it's, it's like, you know, it's a huge show, like whether it's Prism or radius or whatever, right?

15:20 It's like, it's, it's amazing, right? But it's like at the end of the day, you're opening for someone else. It's someone else has sold those tickets. You're just there, right? And it might feel like, Oh my God, I'm doing the damn thing. But like, at the end of the day, it's like, you know what I'm saying, Like. No, I do no. The the jump from local to touring is probably the biggest question my audience has is how do I, how do I get to that next level? So you. I think it's music. I think, I mean, I could tell you the whole story like it's. How did you do it? I'd like for me it was content, you know, I but like the thing about content is it changes, right? So it's like you can give these sort of and you do an amazing job of this. By the way, I love your videos.

16:03 You have to make music, first of all. Like I think that's something that's like bar none, very important. You know, there are there are people who had my friend recently said he was like, yeah, like there's so much music. Soon there won't be. Music is just going to be DJs and selectors. It's like, I don't think that's true, but it's like because there's so much of it, it's like important to spend a lot of time just like learning the basics, right? So like you become become a better producer, make things that actually sound original to like no, don't downloading templates, don't like Oh my God, here's the snooch on Summit song. It sounds like this. If I make one like this, then I'm gonna it's like, no dude, that's not how it works. Yeah, right. Like you have to make your own thing. But once you have your own thing, then like for me it was content. Like, I mean, I'm you saw like I had like that five song series or whatever like that, like that was huge. But I also, it was also timing, right? It was like I hit reels like when it first came out. So I was like, like I was getting away with murder. I was like filming a video in the studio for like 2 minutes, you know, and it would get 1,000,000 views and it was just like a mix of songs.

17:02 But The thing is, it would reach a lot of people. And that's the, that's the cool thing about content is like people are like, oh, I, I don't want to do this. Like it's so not, it's so like not what I like set out to do as a musician or an artist or what I had in mind, right? Like making the videos, which like of course, yes, like filming yourself, it's cringe, it's annoying, whatever. But it's a freeway to reach millions of people. If you hit it the right way, you know, and it's awesome. So. So content is what? What got more eyeballs on you? Yeah, well, it's, it's, I'll tell you a funny story actually. Like I, I had like AI had a song on Matt Decent in like 2019, like a long time ago where like we just we got Diplo's e-mail. We sent him a song and he signed it and it got a million streams like pretty fast.

17:43 And we just thought we were geniuses. And then I remember going to the office and then being like make some Tik Toks and I was like, what's that? And then never logged into it. And then like 2, like when I actually, because what happened was I was playing, I don't know, maybe like heat wave festival or something. And I had like the noon set time and, and I remember I asked my friend who like put it on. I was like, what, you know, what gives, man? Like I have like, 'cause I like, I, you know, I had very solid monthly listeners or whatever, but I was like, why am I? He's like, well, the girl after you has this money, followers, the guy after her has this money and you got to work on your thing, but. That's like hearing that is like every artist's worst nightmare, by the way, that. Like the? Follower count matters more than the streams.

18:25 Yeah, well, I, well, that's, I'll get it. I think there's an evolution at that time. It did like this thing changes every like, yeah, this is not like, like you give this advice, someone finds this video next year it might, it may no longer apply, right 'cause that's what, that's what's happening now. So, but I'll, so I'll get back to the story though. So then there was a point like around then where I was like, OK, so like I, I've, I've made the music like I like where this is going. And at that point I think I had gotten on some kind of like Steve Aoki tour, you know, like, which was a great time. Steve is a fun guy. There was just a point where I kind of had to switch my brain to be like, OK, like the amount of time we're spending in Ableton, you should get one of those camera stands with the light on it and invest the same, you know, and that's literally what I did.

19:09 Like I would just go and make videos every day and it would take just as much time as the music did, but like and and you make 100 of them, 200 of them and they all suck. But it's like then when but then when it clicks, it's amazing. You're like, Oh my God, see, And then it started reaching people and it started reaching people that I never even you talk about this too, right? Like the first time you get like the 1,000,000, right? It's like they're like, it's like, it's part of part of it is because it's good, but the other part of it is because people hate it, Right? So then that's. Yeah, that's going to be your first hurdle because you're going to be like, someone's going to be like, like, I remember the first day it happened. It was like, like, I like the music. Like, you're ugly. You can't dance. Like, you're like, this is so terrible. I can't believe the state of the music industry. I can't believe the.

19:50 The. The comment has 900 likes. Yeah. I know that's the worst part. It's not just the comment itself, it's when everyone starts liking it. It's like. Yeah, you're like, Oh yeah, exactly. But then but then I sent that to the the the marketing manager girl, you know, and she's like, she's like, yes, keep going, make another one. This is good. I was like, what do you mean? This is like, haters are great. This is amazing. Keep keep doing it. And and then but at the same time, like, so it's reaching all these people, but then it reaches Seth Roxler. You know who I was like, wow, this guy's like a this is like, he's like the coolest guy there is like in this whole thing like this is crazy. And then and then yeah, so then what that. And that was that. And I had to think of you the remix or whatever, but it was like that. But then he gave it to kind of music, right? Which like that was crazy.

20:34 Then like Rampa reaches out to me one day, ask me for songs. I had a funny idea in the shower today. I have the song that's like, I'm in the club and I feel like Batman, right? What if we remixed it? We made it. I'm in the club and I feel like Rampa. Oh my God, are you going to do it? I think so. Do you just have content ideas going all the Because you put out a lot of content. Oh yeah. And I've told you this before, you're like my favorite dancer and you dance in your content a lot. I do, I do like to do that, which is funny. Like so, but what I would like to say is so, so then, OK, so like that's just what this is like 2324. So then OK, like we're, we're posting these videos, we're getting lots of views, we're reaching lots of people, right?

21:15 And then, but at that time, here's the thing, like Keynote on that song that blew up, right? It's like that was a remix right? Now Fast forward to 2026, I think remixes are out. I think that the American audience is action. This is a beautiful thing is ready for like newer, cooler, experimental stuff like my friend slam. Their sound is very like original and cool and like, I mean, it's, it's kind of reminiscent of like justice, but in like a more intense way. And it's like people are ready for like something new, right? So it's like as you're making this like the, the, the format of the content changes, the the music taste changes, everything changes, right. Whereas I feel like now it's like, yes, I mean, I, I, I don't mind doing a, a, a fun dancing video, but I feel like in, in where I'm trying to go next. It's like, you know, like in, in like the hardcore, like house music, like, you know, sphere, like that content is considered a little bit corny, right?

22:14 It's like, and there and it's like where the streams and at the end of the day, like, so I like, I posted arc the other day and I got all these like big managers call me and, and you know, we're just like talking. And it's like, you know, like, dude, you're in a genre where effectively you can have 30K monthly listeners, but you could be playing 200 shows a year because you're just considered, you're a respected selector, you know, so it's more about who is playing the music, right? Like, and like where you're like, who you're hanging out with. Like it's like there, there's so many elements to this. Like there's like the music, there's like the look, there's the content. And then there's also like the just literally networking and who you know, and like how you can, you know, that's why it's so important to go to Music Week, So important to like go out and talk to people. Like I remember when I first got in with like Troxler, he was like, dude, go out as much as you can, talk to everybody. Yeah, yeah, there's an art to it, I mean, which I talk about on this show a lot.

23:07 The right way and wrong way to approach people and to network. I want to make a quick note about what you said. Your your hypothesis that we're moving more towards original experimental music. I really agree with that. I think there's like, I personally have been fatigued by the amount of remixes and I love remixes. Like, don't get me wrong. What I'm not fatigued by, though, is like, sampling and using samples in a very unique way, almost to where they're like Easter eggs, right? Like someone who even someone like me who's not a producer has not a shred of musical talent, like, can pick something out. I think that's really cool. But yeah, I, you know, when I'm listening to like my, you know, discover weekly or whatever, actually this this morning I was listening and there was a lot of remixes on there. I'm like, how do I get this off?

23:58 Because. It's, it's fatigue. Well, here's the thing, right? I, I think it, it comes down to like that template thing where it's like, you know, you, you find a certain style of content that works. So then you do it a bunch more times. You find a certain style of music that works, so you do it a bunch more times. Yeah, like the the reason why the remix is so it's such like a mainstay is because it's it's familiarity. Yeah, it's safe right in in the world of there being thousands of songs per day, when you give someone a morsel of something that they already know, it automatic that there's like that, like, you know, you, you, you like that you can recognize it.

24:39 It resonates with people right away. Yeah, harder to do that with something original, right? Well, you have the so I think I told you about this before the time of the season. Is that technically a remix? I I. Yeah. Cover. Yeah. I mean, what? I love that track of yours. I love that. I mean, it was from like 2022. Yeah. I still listen. To popped off on TikTok that was see and that's the thing it's like like sometimes the right combination of things is just. Like, it's an old song though, too. And it was like a little bit unexpected, you know, like versus like everyone was doing like 2005. The 2010. R&B, you know. That's like the era of music that will never die. That's stuff. It's yeah.

25:19 Like when I go out with my friends and we're like in a bar somewhere and you start hearing like the T pain, you know what I mean? I'm like, oh, we're in the blender again. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But. That music is not going anywhere. No, it's not right. Yeah, it was like it was. Everyone was doing it, though. Everyone was doing those remixes and you're like, OK, like I, you know how many? How many more? What was the one like Ciara $0.50 like exactly? We know, yeah. We know, but but you covering the zombies was like cool 'cause it's like for the cool people who have, I think now I'm I'm calling myself cool, but like the people who have like very diverse music tastes. Like I still listen to stuff, like I listen to classic rock from the 70s. That's the 60s, my friend's mom's favorite song. Yeah, exactly.

26:06 Exactly how how old are you by the way? I'm 32. OK, so we're close, close to the same age. Because I had wondered when I heard that remix, I was like, how do you? See people think I'm like 25. Yeah, you have a very young, sprightly energy. Yeah, I hope that that's never going away. I like. Yeah, I don't know. I've always been this way like. Yeah, that's How I Met you. I think I met you at a house calls event. I do like to go to those. Yeah, in the crowd dancing. Do you think because I've interviewed lots of Chicago DJs, I mean, you know, legendary dairy DJs like, you know, Terry Hunter, DJ, Lady D And then I also have interviewed, OK Val, who just moved here from Jacksonville, I think somewhere in Florida where she did not like, did not enjoy it there. Do you think that there's any advantages or disadvantages to to being an artist in Chicago?

27:00 Yeah, that's a great question. I mean advantages, I mean, we're OK, like when it comes to like specifically house music, like, I mean, you know, like that original era of stuff, right, like like post, like the the great disco demolition, right, like, like the people from like that OG area, like the, you know, Farley Jack master funk, like that stuff. Like those people are still around, right? Like I've gone, I've gone to their like that. They have this thing in in the summer on the beach, like they all wear white and they like, and they dance and it's amazing. Chosen few picnic. Oh. Yeah, like that thing. It's so cool. Yeah, so much. Fun, there's books on it like it's it's amazing like, you know, like in terms of just like learning the history, which is fascinating and like, you know, like smart bars still around, like, you know, like that's like that's like a literal OG stomping ground of house music.

27:48 Like that's really cool. But I would say like as far as like, I mean, from my like, you know, humble touring experience, Miami's where it's at. Like just like that's the, like, it's a combination of there's a lot of wealthy people and there's a lot of Latino people. And like, that's like they like they're down to dance until Tuesday morning and they're also down to spend money until then, you know, which is so like, that's just like the one place where I think, I think you can, you can live here and you know, as long as you kind of get out sometimes and like, see what else is going on, Like go to New York, right? Like also a whole other vibe. Like it's like, I, I don't know, I've toyed with moving many times. You know, I just have a place here and I don't know, I love it.

28:36 But in terms of like, you know, like I can, I can feel like when I go to my like, I was just in Miami, like I signed a song to my like dream label. I like did like, you know, it's like you meet all these people. Like it's very good. Like there's definitely more action in other places. And, and I would say like, even in terms of like dancing, you know, it's like like a great show in Chicago, right? Like it's the best, biggest headline or whatever. It's like, it's the vibe's not going to be what you're going to get in Miami or like Ibiza or something, you know what I mean? It's like like, like if they're playing the hit song, whatever, like the first like 10 rows of people might be dancing, but then like the rest of them are kind of just like standing there with their beer, you know, Like it's, it's definitely not like the best possible, you know thing if you're trying to like really accelerate your career, But I don't think it's a bad place to be at all. Yeah, I think it's, I think people sometimes forget like Chicago's a big city, but we're still the Midwest and I think there's pros and cons to Midwestern lifestyle, you know, just in general, not just as it comes to dance music. But I do think that, I don't know, I, I think that like a lot of people find inspiration and a little bit more ambition by moving out of the environment.

29:47 They're comfortable. And that's not to say you can't build a career. Obviously you've done it. Plenty of people have done it, build a career in their home base, but no, it's it's something I've been thinking about a lot too. Like this podcast, for example. What would change if which I would never move to LA, No shade. I I mean, I like LA, but I would never move to the West Coast. What if my podcast was there? Like who would that change? Access? Like who I have access to, right? You would. Have access to yeah, it's a different set of people. I mean, like, yeah, like the but I will also say like Chicago, like it's like I, I think there there's there's a video going around with like Johnny Blue, a Chicago guy, like where he's talking about like the Chicago scene and like the like how it's kind of like a everyman for himself type thing, you know, like I feel.

30:33 Like that's everywhere. But isn't that everywhere though? Everywhere. Like, that's not, yeah, that's not a, it's like, like generally speaking, it's like, I don't know, like I I've found like, like Seth Roxler actually, he told me he's like, dude, like here's the thing. Like I got very lucky he found me. And then like, you know, I did a whole vinyl for him. Like he, like he even remixed my song. It's great. I love that guy, but he was like, dude, work with your friends. Yeah, literally work with your friends wherever they are. You know, you could work with their friends on the Internet, but the idea is that, like, make stuff with people, you know, people you might do as many sessions as you can. Whereas instead, instead of like sitting around and making a track and being like, OK, yeah, like now I need to get this to Jamie Jones. I must get this to whatever. And it's like, and just sitting on it and hoping for this magical thing to happen where where it's like, dude, like you can make an amazing song with your friend. You guys might might make 10 videos and like, one of them is the one like, you know what I mean? Like it's like just make stuff with your friends. Yeah, I think, I think that's great advice. The, the, the like, it's weird because I mean, I mean, we're just speaking from the perspective of Chicago because we live here.

31:38 But I do think that this is an issue everywhere. It's hard when everyone's kind of vying for the same thing, right? Like there's only, so there's only so many slots, right? It's like, of course, like I would love to be playing Coachella this weekend. Do you know what I mean? Of course, Like who wouldn't you know, But it's. Like you have to be happy for your friends that are. And I am, and I have a bunch of them that are like my friend, my friend Kyle. Oh my God, I love Kyle like I'm. Singing out with Kyle, remember, he's always got the money. We're hanging. Out together, yeah. Yeah, it's cooking. It's great. Like you remember. Yeah, like, and that's what I was saying. It's like it's it's amazing when good things happen for your friends. It's like you should celebrate that it's cool. Like you know, and then. You have to really, but it's sometimes like, I'm not saying you personally, I, I mean, I've experienced this where I'm jealous of people that I'm friends with, but I am able to recognize like them getting an opportunity doesn't take anything away from me. No, it doesn't.

32:33 And that's I think something people need to learn is like, just because someone else got an opportunity does not mean there's less out there for you. No. And everyone's timing is different. That's the other thing, right? It's like, like you may have an opportunity like in, in this specific time period where the things resonate and then like that person was literally just like sitting at home trying to make anything, you know? And then like 6 months later, it's the rolls have flipped and now everyone's into that thing, you know? And then like the pendulum will swing back and then it'll be another just how it is. Like, you know, it's not like that's the thing. It's like, I mean this, this gets into like familiar with like dopamine theory. I think so. The idea of like, you know, if like if you, if you're a, I don't know, a soccer player and you like win the World Cup and then you're like, what the hell do I do next? Right.

33:18 And then they kind of like, they might feel like something like there's very few. It's like the idea of, of knowing that like when you have a win, like there's going to be a period like after there's going to be like a high and there's going to be a low, but at that low, you, you, you have to be like, oh, well, that was nice. I could do it again, you know, like not just like you get to the low and then you're just like stuck in this like room of comparison, right? Like it's like you got to stay out of that, you know? And I think going back to like tying this in with even like the content and the music and all that, right? It's like this, this game takes a lot of wherewithal and a lot of strength to be like, OK, I'm the same person doing the same process. Today I got 1000 views, right? And like, oh, like now it's a week later I got 1,000,000 views, right?

34:03 And then it's like, oh, now, now the next three months I'm getting 1000 views every day again. It's like, but that's just what it is like to be able to be like, OK, but I'm going to get that thing soon, don't worry. You know what I mean? Like, but to be able to like process and like to not fall into the depths of despair every time it doesn't work out because you're going to hear no, a lot you're going to hear. You have to just keep putting the reps The more reps you put in, the less you care about the ones that don't pan out. Yeah, 'cause you just keep. Eventually you become, you become desensitized to it. Yeah, at first it's hard, but then eventually you're like, OK, well, like we'll just do this again tomorrow. Like, it wasn't that. I'm still having fun doing this. Yeah, it's the most important part you have to have. You have to enjoy it. I always tell people like make content that naturally integrates into your life.

34:48 And like I've been putting out these carousels of like how to mix your hobbies with your DJ brands, whether that's skateboarding, cooking, fashion, working out, whatever, shooting the content itself. Like if you're doing something like with skateboard culture, right? And you're like, like, these are the tracks I'd make if I you know, if I made the soundtrack for Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2. Making that content might take extra time, but it's one of my favorite soundtracks ever. Or and the and SSX tricky. That's it just as good. That would be such a fun piece of content. And it's going to take more time because you're going to have to find clips from the video game and like whatever, but at least that's like about something that you love. That's.

35:30 Yours. Yeah, Yeah. So like. That's cool, that's a great idea. I'm not sure how I would implement that, but I like that though. Yeah, I think just like the idea that's always a go to idea for people who are into like action sports or cars. I'm like, dude, score some like footage from, you know, don't get in trouble. Obviously using like copyrighted, like there's ways around it. But like say what you would, what tracks you would put in this like fight scene or this would be so and so's walk out song. Like, just like, find a way to make the content naturally integrated into your life, because then you don't have to come up with something completely like. Yeah, it's it. It gets the, the more you go in the direction of like trying to copy something that worked that didn't like it's not necessarily yours. It's like someone else's idea that gets it. It's more and more exhausting the more you go. Down that path like, you know, my, you know, Sherm. Yeah, yeah.

36:22 So he's my business partner for, for our, you know, business conference, Chicago Music Nexus. And he is so good at skits and acting and I am not. And we've had to do like skits, like sort of things to promote Nexus in the past when no one knew who we were. And I hated it. Like, I would show up just like dragging my feet. I'm like, I'm so bad at this. And we did it. And it actually ended up being funnier because I was so bad at it. And it like did well for us. But like, I would never do that for my own personal brand. Like, I would never, like, force myself to do so. Like, it's good to like, do things outside of your comfort zone. But that doesn't come naturally to me, where Sherm is like he's an actor like I.

37:02 Everyone has different. Yeah, like talents on on camp. Like you're dancing. You did? I was gonna ask, do you remember when I told you I said that? You remind me of the meme of a woman eating a salad. Eating girl. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, I don't know. I mean, that's just natural. I just like doing that. And that's the thing too. But it's like it's it's fun. Isn't the best part of content. I mean, tell me if I'm wrong, but it's like you run into like a random person somewhere, like had a show. And then they'll they'll tell you like some video that they really freaking resonated with, you know? And then and then you'll be like, they might have been like, not even a popular one, but they're like, they like love you. Yeah. They don't know you at all, but they feel like it's because you're being yourself. And it's like they're like.

37:46 It's like it's connection that's huge because people see hundreds of pieces of content every day. But if something you made stood out to them, yeah, that's huge. And that's what you should be striving for is that resonance and like being top of mind for people. And, you know, I think it's just because the culture of DJing used to be, we're in a dark corner. Everyone faced their friends. No one used to know us. And now like, there's this like power struggle of like, I don't want to be in the limelight, but like, really like, that's what you have to do to be a successful. Artist now you do, you do and well, it's it's interesting too, because the it's it's funny out like and it's OK. It's like my friends are like, like, there was like this girl. She was like flying in.

38:31 Like, you guys are going to be best friends. She's awesome. Like, yeah, I'm like, OK, cool. Like I meet this girl and then, like, we like, go to a show and she's like, at the show doesn't dance at all, right. Like, just like, just nothing. No motion stands there. And like the next day, her story was like, best night of my life. I'm like, make any sense? I'm very confused by this. And she like will go to the like, loves this music, loves everything about loves the cultures was that Music Week does and but then like doesn't. It's like for me, like I'm a dance like I love. You got to release. Music, Oh my God, I love the, I don't know, it's just part of my thing. But there's like, well, I guess what I'm getting at, it's like now there's literally millions of people who are interested in our culture.

39:18 They're interested in it. And for a variety of reasons, they've been like, you know, it's like like as it gets bigger, like, and as it gets more like professionally filmed and like everything, every single set has multicam, everyone ethic, all the stages have been transformed to have if you, if you go to factory town, it's like DJ backstage 1 backstage 2 backstage 3. Like it's insane now. Like everything is transformed into this thing to get the perfect moments right. And, and it's like, it's good for the DJs on one hand because you're like, there's all these people now, but then it's also like, we're definitely losing touch with what you said as to the dark room and the people facing each other. Like I'm good friends with like Tinzo and JoJo. That's what they're all about.

40:03 Right. Yeah, they're great. They're they're you know, it's like all about the no phone actually be present on the dance floor, right. And they're they're amazing parties if you ever go. So it's yeah, I mean where it's an interesting time. It's like, yes, it's like blowing up, which is great. But then it's like what what I'm what I don't want to happen is I don't want people to lose the access like that. Like the point of, I think of, of house music in, in the initial Phase, I mean, it was this was music made by like marginalized people that like couldn't go to like the popular club and they made their own thing, you know, and it's like we're getting further and further, like you're away from that and closer to this thing where like people are like close. It's like that to get into space is $500 to get into the festivals, $1000 to get into, you know what I'm saying? Like it's like we're like that.

40:50 That's the unfortunate side of it, I think, is that it's, it's becoming, it's, it's like it's supposed to be, let's bring everyone together, right? But as it gets more popular and it just becomes more expensive and actually excludes people, you know? Yes, price is one thing. What you were talking about a second ago about, you know, everything is more professionally filmed now. I do think the onus is on the true fat. Like for me, I'm never going to be embarrassed about dancing on camera. You know, if I look, if I look stupid and I'm in the background of a video, I mean, I'm OK. Like that's, I think we've become so obsessed with just being perceived. And that's why they say like club culture is dying because everyone has their phones out and you know, it's not, it's not about like going to dance and let loose. It's about being seen.

41:36 I think like the onus is on us to just continue to have fun and celebrate, You know, now ticket to price every. That's a whole separate conversation. I agree with you there. And it's, it's very nuanced. But I do think it's our responsibility as like, you know, the the people who make up this scene and are in it for all the right reasons to just protect what what it's about. And it's not that hard. I mean, it's not that hard. Just go out and have fun. Yeah. Go. Out and have fun and and don't worry about about what what you look like on camera. I, I just, I think it comes with age too, because if my young 20s I would have cared, I think. We both make content and we've and we've gotten past the like hater stage where we're like, wow, these people hate me. Oh, no, yeah, wait.

42:19 But Oh yeah. Yeah, right. Like thank. You like right? Exactly. But thank. You. Right. Yeah, but but there are. But that's the thing. It's like, yeah, everyone is. It's not everyone, but a lot of people are very subconscious about what others think of them. Like, that's for sure. Yeah, a major thing which it and that's, you know, if when it comes to filming everybody, right. It's like, I'm sure there are some people who would prefer that it not be that way. Yeah, you know, But then that's the thing. It's like, well, the DJ's filming it because he has to like, otherwise he's not going to get any more shows like. Right. I know you do great multicams too. I mean, you've, you've always got like, you're like the stage, you know, backstage 1-2 like your, your sets are always very lively and people dancing whether you're in. I want to be the guy you come to when you want to dance and just have a good time and let loose.

43:08 It's always been that. Like, it's what I it's. Yeah. And who's this Hans character by the? Way Oh, Hans is my alter ego Hans. I mean, like I would, I would just like have a few drinks and start talking in a German accent and, and it just evolved and like, I don't know, he just kind of comes out to play sometimes. And then eventually, like I was saying that I, I don't really want to be like pigeonholed into a genre. And like I said, it's like sometimes like I'll play the house set from, you know, midnight until like 2 or 3:00 AM, but then it's like The Afters and it's like, maybe I want to play some techno. It's like Hans can do whatever he wants. You know what I mean? It's like I just, I just made this separate thing where like I can like I'm the, I don't know, I post some pretty crazy content on Hans, like.

43:48 Yeah, the one, the one of you at Lost Lands is so funny. Lost Lands. There's also one where I'm reviewing influencer videos. Yeah, OK, So what? Tell me what Hans's hottest take is about the scene right now. But you have to say it in Hans's voice. The other people need to dance more. They are. They are sitting around too much, you know, less drinking, more dancing, less phone, more dancing, less texting. You can check your Ryan matches later. Do German people get mad at you? You know, that's the thing. I'm a bit, I'm bit of it in the middle of a bit of a cultural because I'm Polish. I don't know, but I feel like the Germans fall into like this category where they're like like they're like like I've been to German. It's beautiful like, but it's like they, they know they've up history wise and they like presented in this way where they're like, you know what I mean? I feel like it's OK.

44:35 It's OK to have a little German accent. Yeah, like. And it's all in good fun. It's not gonna be like cultural appropriation. No. Well, yeah, I'm like close enough, you know, and I never meant to upset anyone. Like it's just. No, it's a great. Time, I'm just having a good time and it just I don't know. It came about naturally, but then it was like, I don't know what just kept happening. And then like, I don't know. I remember like I think what hit it for us. I was, I was just like Music Week last year and I was with Lucas from space and I was just talking in the Hans accent. I don't know. And like I was just like, I don't know, this is amazing. I might as well make this into a. It's very convincing. Oh yeah, yeah, it's a very convincing. Answer and it's but that's the thing. But it it allows it's like have an alter ego. Why not you know who told me not to do it? Bondage told me not to do it. But she said like everyone just has an opinion, like, you know, like 1 brand is enough.

45:19 But then I look at like, you know, dude, Troxler has like all these things. He has lost souls of Saturn. He has slacker. Like look at like Diplo has a million of them. He's got major laser. He's doing his country stuff. It's like at the end of the end. And then also I've had managers tell me like, oh, take down your old hip hop music. Like that's confusing for people. I'm like, dude, if you got so deep into my discography that you listen to all the house stuff and you got down into these like old hip hop albums that I produced and like, God bless you and go for like what? Kind of fan you want. Like, that's amazing. Yeah. No one's going to be like, oh, like, I really like time of the season, but oh man, he he put out this piece of crap back then, like.

46:00 No, I think that's, I think that's interesting when I find an artist that like I'm, you know, obsessed with and want to learn everything about them. I am digging deep and stuff that they used to make tells me part of their story. You know, those are like, those are the fans that you want. For me, I mean that was part of my like production journey is I just like at the time it was like after like the the Mad Decent single. Then I like all my friends were rappers and I wanted to and I had always wanted. And so that's the thing. I do have a few songs that would be in like this like hip house category and they're like fan favourites. Like I love those. It's just like it, it was cool because I would go to the studio and I would work with these people and it like really allowed me to like learn production.

46:40 But then at the same time, like, you know, you're working with artists to kind of make a your vision happen, right? And it's like rappers like are a little bit, you know, not the easiest to work with, like a lot of ego. If you think DJ Eco is bad, like you know. Yeah, because being a performer is like innate too. But oh, man, like, I I am so down to make more like, you know, hip hop and like house fusion music. I mean, Murda Beats is doing AI think a prospect collab. Like it's happening. Yeah, finally happening. I've been trying to do this for years. Yeah, like, I think it's awesome, you know, I mean, it goes hand in hand with like the remix. That's like when you hear like AI don't know, like what I've been doing lately is I'll just play like some cool, like, you know, like Brazilian, like tech stuff.

47:25 But then like, I'll like, toss in like a Young Thug a cappella, you know? So that's what I'm talking like, I love stuff like that, you know, not where you're just like taking the song and you're like, OK, you're changing, you know, a couple elements and, and whatever. So what do you have? What do you have coming up this year that you're excited about? Besides ARC of course, 'cause that's you. How many times have you played Arc? Just just the one time in 24, remember we did an interview. Yeah, I don't know where. It went, I don't know where it went either, but I you were. Nervous or? I was, I was read the latter. Yeah, it I I walked in there cooked. But it was wonderful. I'm glad we spoke. Me too. I don't know what happened to it. I asked Alan. You know Alan from ARC? Yeah. We don't need it. Your Polish brother.

48:06 Yeah, well, he. Lives in Poland. Oh, really? Oh, I should probably cut that out of the podcast. It's all good. I mean, I don't think anyone's going to track them down, but regardless. Oh, stuff I have. Well, I mean, yeah, we have. I'm, I'm in Vail this weekend. I play Vail every year. I love Vail. It's awesome. No snow. Oh, bummer. Yeah, but like but there, but there's. Like sunny and like a little chilly is. Great. I want to go hiking. Yeah, there there is a there's a Ti��sto concert during the day and then like there's really only one club in the town and like I'm playing that that night so. That's great, I think my brother's playing. That's must be where my brother's playing later this year 'cause if there's only one club, it's an. Amazing. I mean, it's beautiful, expensive, yeah.

48:46 And then like I, I just talked to the agent before I came here. We got some things coming in. But yeah, I have, I have Arc Fest. I have same, same but different fest. And then like, I think I can talk about this. I mean, I just filled out the paperwork for it last week, but it's not like fully finalized. But like, I was working on this track during Music Week and Ben Sterling was at our place and he was like, what's this, bruv? You know, and then Planet X. Yeah, it's looking like it, looking like your boys joining Planet X, which is like my favorite. That's awesome. Yeah. Were you networking when he had his party here the other week? Are we there? Yeah. Well, that's why I'm saying you got to go. Yeah. That's, yeah, the power. I just go to well, and actually this is something that I wanted to say is as you go on your like music content journey and you just start getting out there and it starts to click, right? You're going to begin interacting with these people that you've always looked up to, right? And like, I remember when it first started happening to me, I was like, Oh my God, I met Carlita, I met this brand, I met that we're best friends.

49:45 Now. It's like not quite, you know, like, I think something to keep in mind for like, you know, the, the aspiring DJs watching this, like think about it like any other person you meet or know, it's like, you might meet this like famous DJ, always a good thing. You guys might have an amazing conversation. You guys might be at and after that you might even play AB to B or something, you know? But it's like you're going to have to meet him like 10 more times, go to their show, hang out at this thing and then maybe you guys will be on that level where it's like it's like, hey dude, I sent you like 40 unreleased tracks. Like it's like he hasn't listened to it, you know what I mean? But it's like they will eventually.

50:26 You just you can't give up hope. You have to you have to nurture the relationship though, like. It's all about nurturing relationships, Olivia. That's what it is. It's like, it just takes time. Like you're not going to like think like everyone's so busy. Everyone has so many friends, like, you know what I mean? It's like roster's full man like. Travelling, like people think like that. I'm friends with a lot of artists because of this podcast and like I've done, you know, almost 150 episodes and I've done interviewing with Arc and with Insomniac. I've interviewed hundreds of artists and I think I could say like I'm good friends with maybe like 5 acquaintances with a lot of others. But like, it's like it took time. It's like, oh, we kind of like we vibed. Like we have the same interests outside of music or whatever.

51:09 And and then but like, I think people want to like rush relationships in this scene because they feel like, Oh my God, like I have this opportunity to talk to. This person I have one opportunity to like whatever. No, because if somebody works with you like, they're gonna. Another one like a Gorgon city Kai Kai Kai is I believe he still lives here, but like, you know, like I see him all the time, right? It's like we would have these like random conversations like it's like I met him, I don't know, 10 times. But then there was like, like I got the yeah, at the Planet X show. It's like I saw him like, as I was like, OK, like, like, you know, like, like kind of, I don't see he got dragged there, but I could tell he was kind of just like by himself chilling. I was like, oh, I want to talk to Kai today. Yeah, You know what I mean? Everyone like, it's like his wife's with all of her friends, you know what I mean? Like, I'm like, it's kind of just like, it's like.

51:49 And we had an amazing conversation. Like, that was probably the best one we've ever had. But like, that was like the 10th conversation, you know what I'm saying? No, it's like, it's like it's yeah. And not that we're best friends now or anything now, but you know what I'm saying? It's like, it's like, just be patient and chill. Like you meet a cool DJ sick. Like don't like, don't treat that as like this is your ultimate moment to show off your new song. It's like no dude. Like just like be a normal person and like let things happen. It's hard, 'cause I think some people like, they mean well, they just get excited, you know, 'cause you meet somebody that you look up to or like, you know. The reason you even got into music is this person. Yeah, right. You want to like let it all spill. But yeah, it's just some, it's just something you have to learn or you're. That's called Yerba madre, mate.

52:37 Whoa. But like. I've never they. Changed it to Yerba Madres. When did this happen? I don't know. Wow, I have no idea. I like Peach. Yeah. I enjoy Peach flavor. Travis Baron, you know him? No Chicago photographer. He's a great. He's a nightlife photographer. He drinks like 10 of those a day. I hear it's got bad caffeine. It's mad caffeine. Maybe I'll switch to that. Yeah, or your coffee. Coffee person. Yeah, but like sometimes it doesn't work. Like I had one today and it didn't work. This will get you there. OK, yeah, because when you switch up, it's like trying something new, you know that? I like matcha too sometimes. I can't do matcha. Yeah. I tried once, I don't like it. Too earthy.

53:19 Yeah, which I like, like, like I like gin, which is earthy, you know, But matcha is just not, not for me. Yeah. Well, on that note, this has been a great conversation. Oh, really? Yeah, it. Flew by. I know I'm much better. I can't tell if 5 minutes went by or if two hours. Went by. That's a that's a good thing. That is a good thing. I'm really excited for everything that you have coming up and you know, we'll have to do this again. Oh, I had one more thing. I have another song called Bass Controlla, OK, where I started doing my own vocals. That one's going to be sick. Yeah. No, but thank you for having me. This is wonderful. It's like a conversation between friends, like you said, Like this is nice. We had no interview questions, no. That's how you're supposed to like that I. Feel like when they send you the questions then like now you're in your head about like you're.

54:03 So frozen. Make sure I like. I don't want to leave this out like whereas like it should just be chill. It's got to just flow. And just so you know, like the first time I met you in I think it was 2023 or 2024 at the house calls thing. Like I had my podcast then, but I was like, I'm going to wait this person first before I ask because then it's a better the way to do it. Yes, so. I was working, I was running strategy game on you this whole time. You didn't even know. I didn't even notice. Well. Thank you. Thank you.