Hi, right now I’m listening to DJ Dazed’s DREAMDAZE project and digging the exploratory electronic sounds. He digs deep into a wide range of styles and pulls out dreamlike productions.
I’m into looping myself and so I asked the DJ a few questions because I was curious about his approach to pc-based electronic experimental music creation and how to make a live performance of it.
Artist: DREAMDAZE by DJ Dazed
Website: http://www.dreamdaze.org
Buy CD: The Harvest Of Exact Calculations
What specific software do you use to create your music? What kinds of sources do you use for loops? Do you record any of your own loops?
I use various software packages to create my music: Ableton Live (mainly) but also Sound Forge, Traktor DJ and Acid. For sounds, I usually tweak Sony loops, but I also generate some myself from the VSTs included with Ableton and from scratch using my Novation X Station. All the loops (even the ones I generate myself), I end up cutting up endlessly, running through filters and plug-ins.
Do you ever perform your music live and what challenges have you run into performing electronic music?
Besides the audio component of my show, I focus on a strong visual and performance element as well. It’s kinda boring to watch a guy and his laptop sit around on stage.
On the audio side, depending on the show, I use either Ableton Live or Traktor DJ. With Live, I actually compose live onstage - either new versions of my existing songs or entirely new compositions. I find Ableton Live works really well for my IDM, drum-n-bass and down-tempo sets. When performing live with Traktor, I use the four turntable set-up to blend loops together (not songs); this gives a more ambient and/or ambient-techno feel…kind of like The Orb in style.
On the visual side, I use Arkaos to do live video mixing through a couple of projectors. I tend to use a lot of video clips from stag movies, furries, freaks, cartoons, cult movies, odd geometric animations, German experimental video from the 60s, etc. If you’ve seen any old Dada art video, you’ll get the idea (floating eyes, close-up’s of faces, swirling geometric patterns, people behaving badly in costume).
On the performance side, I incorporate costumes, lighting, lasers, smoke machines, etc. I perform dressed in a white robe in white face paint behind a white monolith - while on stilts. So on stage I’m 8′ tall and the video projects over me.
Basically my challenges performing electronic music live tend to be that I’m too busy (music mixing, video mixing, smoke machine triggering…and try to keep moving and engaging the audience).
How would you recommend a person get started with creating electronic music?
To get started creating electronic music, I suggest downloading the free version of Acid then downloading ALL the sample loops from their web site. Then check back weekly for their free 8-packs. This will keep you busy for a LONG time. I also suggest reading up (online or in books) on song structure. And then just play play play with the software, samples and structures - and have some fun!
What artists have you listened to lately that have given you new ideas you want to try out?
Everytime I listen to Aphex Twin I get a new idea. I don’t remember the song I listened to now, but the next night I cranked out an Aphex-style podcast (180 BPM, cut up drums, noisy pads). It was a lot of fun.
Some ideas I’d like to try out on the performance front would be to incorporate AirFX and a KaosPad (and maybe a theremin) into my show somehow.
How do you go about composing pieces, do you have any basic methods?
My mom was a music teacher until she retired. Even her very simple (early) feedback to me of “do everything in 4s” was helpful. It just makes the song sound “right”. That is unless you’re trying make it sound “not right” or add unexpected results to the song…then, of course, you might substitute some thing on the “3″ or replace the “4″ with an odd sound/loop/effect for a transition, etc - that’s what I love about laptop music…the quick cuts, the unexpected and often amusing surprise samples - I’m a big fan of Wagon Christ/Luke Vibert for this reason.
I also play with Velva (www.velva9000.com) and the music we do there we call “song-based electronica” because we use regular song structures like ABABCABB and all electronic instruments (z-tar, custom made instruments, circuit bent toys, lots of f/x pedals, laptop).
Also, do you have any quotes from the press or buyers about your current cd for sale?
RandomArtist.com said:
“…electronica that continues to surprise and please…”
UnsignedMusicMag.com said:
“DJ Dazed [of DREAMDAZE] served up a great CD with some very expressive tracks.”
Well I learned allot from the DJ and I was particularly interested in live video mixing, now that is cool and something I would like to see. I guess I need to get to some electronic shows.
If your interested in hearing more electronic music I have some on my home page, and you can sign up to get new tracks by email!
Peace,
Dan-O
