We have had fun chatting with Arizona based DJ & Producer 1st Elemental about his latest album release ‘Broken Laws’ and more!
1st Elemental is an upcoming High-Energy, Melodic Techno producer based out of Phoenix, AZ. He has been recently signed under Reload Records which is a major techno label owned by none other than the legendary YellowHeads. His most recent exhilarating EP, “Broken Laws”, has recently charted on the Beatport Top 100 Releases at #37 and Beatport Techno Hype Top 100 at #65, in just a few days after release. See what 1st Elemental had to say below and connect on social media platforms for more! Big thanks to our CEO Jacques Julie for conducting this interview!
Hi 1st Elemental! Huge thanks for taking the time to talk with us here at UFO Network. Please give us a brief introduction, tell us a little bit of what you do and how you got started.
“Hi Jacques, it’s nice meeting you and thank you for having me here today. I’m currently working as an Engineer at Intel Corp, but quickly after becoming an Engineer, I realized that this is not what I want for a career. I started making music when I was 15, but due to life circumstances, I stopped producing by the time I was about 20 years old. Fast forward to 2019 to Portland, OR, I met Genix from Anjunabeats at a venue called Whiskey Bar. After hanging out and speaking with him, he motivated me to begin making music, so I began to produce again and have been enjoying it ever since!”
Tell us about your latest release ‘Rebellion’ that dropped recently and what it was like working on this tune? What was your motivation behind this release?
“‘Rebellion’ for me was definitely a tune that resonated with everything that was going on in the world. With national and state lockdowns being mandatory, people being forced do things against their own free will, and implications of the government taking over people’s freedom of choice, making a track that helps me to express a rebellious nature just made sense. I wanted to make a track that helps people embody Rebellion and by using the Anthemic Drop with powerful Synths as the main lead, I feel like it helps to feel a sense of rebellion and possibly even hope.”
Check out the ‘Rebellion’ teaser on YouTube
1st Elemental is an interesting artist alias. How did you come up with the name and what does the name mean for you? Does 1st Elemental have alter ego?
“Great question! I have a vision to take people on a journey when they listen to my music. 1st Elemental comes from the idea of being an “Elemental” (One which controls the elements). That of which are Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. I want to create albums and events which incorporate these elements.
For example, releasing an album which helps reflect Fire through sounds and melodies. The next album could be Air or Water and depict that element within the tracks themselves. Each album or track can then be shown in an array of elements at one of my shows. I enjoy so many different styles of music (which can have so many different elements) and I intend to use a varied approach to making my tunes.”
What would be the ultimate collaboration for you and who would you like to work with if you had the chance?
“Wow! So many artists to choose from, which makes this not an easy question for me to answer, but if I had to choose just one.. It’d be Eric Prydz. His music has always been about the journey and his shows also help defines that so well. I’m amazed by what he does and how he helps to push the industry forward, so working with him would be a serious once in a lifetime opportunity.”
What upcoming projects are in the works? Do you have any other goodies planned for your fans in 2022?
“I have quite a few major announcements coming soon which include collaborations with international producers and another EP Album signed under another major techno label. For 2022, you can expect more surprising new tracks that are certified BANGERS.
I am here to be an innovator in the industry and my intention is to always take you on an epic journey. I’m also working on full music videos for upcoming tracks and collaborations with very talented Shufflers. I am big on creating a community where we can come together to support and empower each other in our ventures. We all have unique talents that deserves to shine.”
Our scouts are always looking for new music that hits home here at UFO Network. Give us some of your best releases to date or which artists would you suggest we check out?
“My latest track “Rebellion” has been going strong on the charts, but I really feel like “Defiance” is one of those more unexpected tunes that can surprise a lot of people. I highly suggest everyone listen to “Defiance” and find out why it can really make you see Techno in a different way.
As far as other artists, I really recommend Rebel Boy and his track “Shades of a Dark Past”. The vocals by Lourdes on that track really brings out the theme and carries through with amazing ambiance. Some of the industry’s best Techno right now!”
What golden oldie or classic, no matter how many times you’ve listened to it, is still a favorite and never gets old for you?
“So, I grew up listening to Trance and was a major fan of artists like Paul van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold, BT, and Tiesto. And they all have amazing music, but that one classic for me is “Godspeed” by BT. The arrangement, the sounds, the vocals, all work so well throughout that tune and has been one of my all-time favorites for years!!”
One thing we love to ask is, name one thing that your fans do not know about you and would not know if it weren’t for this interview specifically?
“I was raised with a big family and was blessed to grow up with an older brother, an older sister, and a younger sister. We fought a lot, but in the end, we always cared for one another hahah. Well, being that I had an older brother who listened to Trance, I naturally got hooked to the genre myself. He ended up buying me my first Numark DJ Set which played only Vinyl.
We spent hours every week at a record store in Orlando, FL listening for the next great Trance artists to add to our collection. And honestly, because of my big brother Gio, I am now pursuing a life in music which I’m most passionate about. Thanks, Gio for always believing in me!”
Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t find out unless asked?
“I really enjoy playing video games, especially RPGs like” Final Fantasy”. Right now, my favorite game is probably one of the greatest games ever made, “Elden Ring”.”
The relationship between a DJ and the audience is crucial, and yet it seems to be a fragile one – how do you see the balance betweengiving the crowd what they want and treating them to something new?
“I feel like it’s important to not lose oneself in constantly giving what the fans want. Making music or performing as a DJ is an art, an expression of oneself which means we can only be ourselves when making or playing that music, if it comes from the heart. The industry is full of great artists and there are standards which help play it safe.
But I honestly believe that taking risks and doing things differently doesn’t have to come at the cost of NOT giving what your fans want. It’s more of giving what the fans may need in that very moment. Change is good but can come with resistance. Something new can be a little too different, but that’s how the industry grows. That’s how the greatest artists are separated from the good ones.”
UFO Network
UFO Network is the go-to global hub for EDM enthusiasts, spanning 125+ countries. It’s the ultimate source for EDM news, reviews, and interviews, catering to DJs, artists, and labels. Additionally, it’s a platform for emerging talent, offering opportunities for DJs and artists to showcase their skills and grow their careers through events and collaborations.
Dedicated to delivering the latest in EDM, from breaking news to fresh beats and exclusive interviews, UFO Network is committed to providing comprehensive insights into the electronic music scene. Founded in Helsingborg, Sweden, on April 19, 2015, by Jacques Maurice Julie and Darren Johnathan Bezuidenhout, it continues to shape the industry from its headquarters in Sweden, pushing boundaries and fostering creativity worldwide.
Listen to 1st Elemental – ‘Rebellion’ on Spotify
Connect with 1st Elemental on Social Media
Download on Beatport: https://www.beatport.com/release/broken-laws/3698857
