DJ: Damien - In Session #026 Music Genre: Drum and Bass

Interview with DJ: Damien

How long have you been mixing?: I've been mixing for a while but have been serious for about 4 years.

What first got you into music and mixing?: Growing up, I was really into punk, motown, and some oldies. I started going to EDM events around 98, mostly out of curiosity. Found myself wandering alot, but got really into Dust (Chemical) Brothers, Portishead, and Prodigy.

Partying was put on haitus as I went off to school in pursuit of a career in the theater. While away, I learned so much about musical theories, show production, promotion, and even picked up skills as a theatrical sound designer. During the theater process, I gradually lost touch with the underground. Re-listening to out of date mixes and such. A few roommates I have had in my theater years had turntables. I toyed around with them here and there, but never picked up my own till about 3 years ago.

What equipment do you use?: I use 1200's, vinyl, and Serato. Currently, my mixer is a DJM-300, but is due for an upgrade.

What is the significance of your DJ name, How did you get that name?: You can point and laugh, but my name comes from World of Warcraft. My character's name was Damienfuego, and in chat, people refer to me as Damien for short. The name kind of stuck.

Who or what are your influences in music?: I would have to say, my biggest influences in music are Blame, The Upbeats, London Elektricity, Calibre, S.P.Y., Noisia, and State of Mind.

As far as non-dnb, my influences are Chopin, Royal Crown Revue, NoFX, Chet Baker, Andrews Sisters, Bernstein, Schoen and Boubil, and all of Motown.

What do you look for in a beat?: I'm love tribal vibes, funky bass lines, and intricate drum work. This isn't a be all/ end all, however. If I can feel it in my soul, then I'm down.

What was the last vinyl / CD you bought?: I just picked up Break's "Resistance" and that shit is bananas.

What is your favorite vinyl / CD of the month and also of all time?: I'd have to say my favorite release of the month would have to be Blue Motion's "There She Is" on Fokuz. I feel like that just speaks to me at the moment.

But my favorite of all time is Shapeshifter's "Soulstice". From the tracks they do with Ladi6 to their instrumentals are just breath taking.

Do you host any regular events?: I am the Production Manager of Vital Signz. We host a monthly event called Sacred Sounds, which is held at The 2nd Street Jazz in downtown Los Angeles. The night focuses on deep, sexy, liquid vibes with some neuro. Our past headliners have included Atlantic Connection, Jo-S, and Method One. Vital Signz also hosts the drum n bass/dubstep stage for Terry TV, a rave company in Los Angeles.

What other DJ or producer do you rate at the moment if any?: I'm really digging Enei, Nymfo, and most definitely S.P.Y. These guys are definitely tearing it up right now!

What plans do you have in the future for yourself?: In the immediate future, I plan on pushing forward with event promotion and DJ'ing; promoting both new and established producers as well as producing myself.

Anything else you would like to add -: This mix, "Gluttony" is the 3rd installment of The 7 Deadly Sins mix series. Each mix in the series is an aural representation of what I feel to be the essence of that sin, through Drum n Bass and Dubstep. The first two, "Lust" and "Sloth" can be found on my Soundcloud page.

http://Soundcloud.com/damien1138