Exclusive Interview With Rising Star In The Dubstep Music Scene – SMITHWORKS
SMITHWORKS, a rising star in the dubstep music scene, is set to release his latest single titled “Hazy” on July 25th under AFTRLIFE Records. With his unique blend of electrifying beats and bass-heavy drops, SMITHWORKS is quickly gaining a reputation as a talented and innovative producer. His new track “Hazy” promises to be no exception, offering a fresh take on the dubstep genre with its haunting melodies and pulsating rhythms.
“I’m excited to share this new track with my fans, “SMITHWORKS” said. “I’ve put a lot of work into it, and I think it’s going to be one of my best yet. I can’t wait to see how people react to it.”
The release of “Hazy” comes hot on the heels of SMITHWORKS previous release “Goin’ Round”, which was released under the super star, Steve Aoki’s record label “Dim Mak” AFTRLIFE Records is equally thrilled to be releasing SMITHWORKS’ latest single. “As part of the DFW producer challenge we knew there was hidden talent in our metroplex and was blown away by his skillset,” said a spokesperson for the label. “We’re confident that ‘Hazy’ will further cement his growing reputation as one of the most exciting producers in the game right now.” Fans can expect “Hazy” to be available on all major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Beatport, starting July 25th.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
How did you first get into DJing and producing electronic dance music?
I grew up in a household that was full of music. My parents both play instruments and there was always music playing in the house growing up. I started playing the piano when I was pretty young, and started recording simple beats in 2009 when I was 13. Around that same time, I was just discovering dance music and was really inspired by deadmau5 and Swedish House Mafia. Over the next few years, I discovered trap music and got really into Diplo, Brillz, and RL Grime. I think these early inspirations still have an impact on the music I make today. I started DJing when I got to college. I played a lot of fraternity parties, and had a lot of fun playing remixes of popular rap songs and other EDM.
Who are some of your biggest influences in the industry?
I enjoy listening to a really wide range of music. I love the high energy of rock bands like AC/DC, Cage The Elephant and White Reaper, the intricate sound design of electronic artists like Space Laces, LSDREAM, and Eptic, and the flow and swag of rappers such as Kanye West, Amine, and Travis Scott. I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, and try to pull elements from my favorite songs into my music while putting my own personal spin on them.
Can you walk us through your process for creating a new track?
When starting a new song, I usually work out the melody and general framework in my head first before recording anything. I make voice memos and write a bunch of notes down of ideas and themes that I think would fit well together. Once I feel like I’ve got a good enough idea for a whole song, I’ll start laying down drums and synths and searching for good samples. After I’ve got a rough cut put together, I start focusing on sound design and getting everything sounding glued together and unique. I usually can’t get all these steps done in one session, so I try to keep running notes of changes I’d like to make to each song and work on them when I have time.
How do you prepare for a gig? Do you have any pre-performance rituals or routines?
In general, I spend a lot of time searching for new music on Soundcloud and Spotify. When I have a gig coming up, I spend the weeks leading up to it downloading and tagging the favorite tracks I’ve found. I also make a lot of my own mashups and edits, and getting those cleaned up and organized is always a priority before gigs.
What do you enjoy most about performing as a DJ?
I love getting to share my favorite music with others. It is extremely gratifying to see people react positively to tracks that I feel passionate about.
Can you share any memorable experiences or anecdotes from your time as a DJ and producer?
Although I’ve been producing and making mixes under various names for over 10 years, I have just recently started getting recognized within the dance music scene, which is really exciting to me. It has been super cool to see the SMITHWORKS project gain momentum and have my tracks get signed to record labels like Dim Mak, Hybrid Trap and AFTRLIFE Records. I’m super grateful for everyone that listens to my music, and I’m really excited to get more tracks out there!
How do you stay current and find new music to play at your gigs?
I spend a lot of time digging through Spotify playlists and Soundcloud accounts. I love the process of discovering new music and organizing it into playlists or mixes. I think the best way to stay current is to be consistent about listening to new tracks when they drop.
What’s next for you in terms of new projects or goals?
I’ve been spending a lot of time producing recently. I have a handful of tracks that are almost completed, and a few remixes too. By the end of the year, I plan on finalizing 4 or 5 tracks and releasing them!
In your free time, what do you like to do outside of music? Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of the industry?
When not making music, I enjoy playing soccer, golfing, and going to concerts. My wife and I also love to travel, and seem to always be looking forward to our next trip!
How do you adapt your sets to fit the energy and vibe of the crowd at each gig?
It’s really important to read the room and see what songs are working. I try to have tracks from a range of styles so that I can adapt to the energy of the crowd and keep the party going.
How do you think the electronic dance music industry has changed since you first started out?
Since I started paying attention to the world of electronic dance music in 2009, a LOT of things have changed. I think the biggest difference between now and then, is the scene has never been more accessible. I think it’s now easier than ever to learn how to DJ and make electronic music, which has led to a wide variety of really unique sounds and styles. There’s a huge community of producers and DJs that are interested in connecting and growing, which I find very exciting.
What do you hope to achieve with your music in the long-term?
My goal is to have as many people hear my music as possible. I hope to grow a larger audience and keep them engaged and interested in my work!
Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring DJs and producers who are just starting out in the industry?
Try your best to make music that is true to you. While there is value in copying successful artists to learn certain tricks and skills, it is important to focus on creating a sound that is original to you. Try to make music that will stand up against the test of time.
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SMITHWORKS – ‘Hazy’ is out now!
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