Darin Epsilon stops in to answer a few questions about what he’s up to lately, how he got started and what’s in store for his him as a new budding producer:
How did you start DJing?
I’ve always been naturally drawn to music. In my early days, I would be listening to the radio for hours on end. I was usually the one in charge of selecting music for summer camp parties and school dances. Eventually, my ear became drawn to DJs like Paul Oakenfold, Ferry Corsten, and Sasha. By the time I was a junior in high school, I knew that I had to have my own pair of decks.
What equipment do you prefer DJing with?
Like most people, I learned how to DJ using vinyl. I practiced with two Technics SL-1210 turntables and a basic mixer. Once the digital revolution took over, I made the transition from vinyl to CDs. At first it was very difficult for me to stop buying records, but because of the price of vinyl and decreasing availability of music in that format, I knew I had to make the change. I realized that in the end, it’s all about the music. Eventually, I may be moving onto NI Traktor with Ableton Live as a support. Whatever format I wind up using, I always prefer to be moving my hands around and interacting with the audience.
How/why did you make the step from DJing to producing?
It was just sort of a natural progression to take. These days, with so many DJs flooding the market, I feel it is increasingly important to have your own voice. I found the move from DJing to producing to be very helpful in my evolution as a musician. The two activities really go hand in hand together. I’m a much better DJ as a result of working as a producer, and I can be a better producer by knowing how to DJ.
What equipment do you use to produce in terms of hardware and software?
When I first started dabbling in production, I bought a few pieces of hardware, inspired by acts like The Prodigy, Orbital, Underworld, and Daft Punk. However, as time went on, I became more and more drawn towards software because of its ease of use, simplicity, and cost-efficiency. I made my first tracks with Cubase SX, but now I’m producing on Ableton Live with Reason rewired. I just purchased Logic Studio 8 and plan to be using it soon.
Which do you prefer, DJing or being in the studio?
It’s really hard to say. That would be like comparing apples to oranges. In a live setting, you are interacting with the crowd and feeding off their energy. In the studio, you are usually sitting alone or with one other person and coming up with ideas that you think would work well in a club. For me personally, the perfect combination would then be rocking out to your own song in front of a packed audience!
What has been your career highlight so far?
Last September I got to headline a Red Bull sponsored event in Omsk, Russia which drew around 1500 people. The audience was very supportive of Progressive House and their enthusiasm rivals just about anything I’ve seen in the US.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My inner ear and sense of pitch, I’ve spent my entire life developing it.
How would you describe your music in your own words?
The music I like to play and the music I like to make are generally melodic, atmospheric, with lots of layers to keep it interesting. It’s also nice to have a strong kick and bassline to give you that “oomph” feeling, but not always necessary to make a strong composition. I support anything in between the lines of Progressive, Tech-House, Trance, Techno, Tribal, or Breaks.
Where do you find inspiration for your projects?
The inspiration just comes to me doing normal, everyday activities. I used to be bored in class and would sketch out the main ideas of a track, then run home and immediately start working at recreating the sounds I heard in my head.
What would you say has been your biggest challenge?
There was a moment during college when I definitely did not feel like my life was headed in the right direction. Economics and finance classes never really interested me at all. I knew I wanted to gain a formal education in music before I graduated, so I took up piano lessons again after a six year hiatus, and spent the following year practicing and writing music for my audition and admissions portfolio. With enough determination and luck, I was allowed to study basic music theory with some very brilliant teachers.
Two of your latest productions are going be released very soon. Give us some information about them.
I have my track titled ‘Bluephobia’ hitting Beatport and all major digital download shops on November 27, 2007. It will be released on Gravitation Digital and has been getting loads of early support from DJs all over the world. Around the same time, I have the remix of Burufunk ‘Outsider’ that I did with Stuart C coming out on Navigation. You may remember the original mix from the Nick Warren ‘Global Underground: Reykjavik’ a few years back. Stuart and I are both thrilled to work with an established artist like Burufunk.
Given the opportunity, who would you most like to work with?
There are honestly too many talented producers to mention. They all inspire me to keep doing music. If I had to name names though, some of my favorites include 16 Bit Lolitas, Bart Van Wissen, Fine Taste, Luke Chable, Jody Wisternoff, Chris Micali, Rowan & Jaytech, Dousk, DJ Remy, Eelke Kleijn, Perry O’Neil, Madoka, Michael Burns, Shawn Mitiska, and Jim Rivers.
What can we expect from you in the near future?
At the moment, I’m doing remix work for different labels. Just recently, I have had the opportunity to work with legendary producer Noel Sanger and Perfecto star Kenneth Thomas, two artists which I greatly admire. I’m also working on a few originals that continue to expand my sound and musical portfolio. From now until middle of 2008, I should have around 8-10 new projects hitting the stores.
Where can the readers find out more about you?
My website can be found at www.darinepsilon.com, or if you’re a Myspace addict, drop me a line at www.myspace.com/darinepsilon.
Interview by Thomas Summer
