It's the Supersound

There is no question about it, Pierce Fulton has been creating quite the buzz in the Progressive House community lately. Ever since his single, For Me, dropped and was featured on Above & Beyond’s Trance Around The World, Fulton has been unstoppable. I recently caught up with Pierce, and not only was he kind enough to give GDD™ an interview, but he also recorded an EXCLUSIVE mix just for all of our loyal readers.

Read on after the jump for our chat and mix! 

Gotta Dance Dirty™: What’s your usual drink order?

Pierce Fulton: I never really have an order, mostly just wing it and see what happens.

GDD: Who is your biggest influence in the EDM scene right now? Why?

PF: I don’t necessarily use one artist as an influence, although I must say Eric Prydz has inspired me from day one, but moreover a solid production is what inspires me. Something unique or strange that catches my ear definitely does the job. Just in the last few weeks this remix Style of Eye did of Soso‘s “Who’s Gonna Love Me” has been a huge inspiration, such great grooves and it’s got a wicked punch.

GDD: I am generalizing here, but emerging EDM artists normally don’t come out of Vermont, how has living in Vermont influenced you musically?

PF: Well the fact that I have to stay inside all winter helps a bit, but it’s a really nice place to live. Quiet and chilled out, best way to put it is “the place of no distractions”, so I can always get a lot of work done.  It’s also just funny to explain to foreigners that it is, in fact, an American state because they never know where the hell it is.

GDD: You’ve slowly been making the huge transition from underground sensation to EDM household name, what advice do you have for all the up and coming producers?

PF: My best advice is to just be different. I know everyone gets pulled into these certain styles and whatnot (I still do myself because it’s almost impossible not to) but I’ve always tried more than anything to do something new and different with every production I have.  I guess it’s a matter of evolving from what’s already been done, I’m always trying to find the next step, as hard as that is.

GDD: You recently played with Tiesto at XS Nightclub in Las Vegas, how would you describe that experience?

PF: It was killer.  Since I was playing before him, I got to set the mood a bit with my favorite progressive and tech tracks.  The venue was amazing, good crowd, fun times.  I’m excited to go back to Vegas, even though I feel like a kid while I’m there…being 19 has it’s disadvantages.

GDD: You have a new single coming out February 13th, what can you tell us about it?

PF: Well it’s my first release of 2012 and I’m really excited to get it out there.  It’s called “Who Wants Spaghetti?” and it’s got an upbeat electro vibe, kind of a nice follow up to my track “Pardon My French.”  I know I’m gonna get a mixed response from the title and sample in the track, because I’m sure a lot of people will think I have a really stupid sense of humor.  The story is really that my friend and I were just in my dorm room a few months ago and I was working on the track when I got the idea to record a snippet of him to use in the song.  After many random and strange ideas, he just blurted out “Who Wants Spaghetti?” and it just worked.  Nothing to do with the style of the track and it has no particular meaning, just an odd joke.

GDD: You’ve been labeled a musical enthusiast, admiring all types of music from reggae to metal. How did you fall in love with EDM in particular?

PF: I think it was like 2008 or 2009 when I had a friend from Venezuela at my school on an exchange program.  He really introduced me to EDM.  From there I listened more and more and eventually got into producing.  I had been producing hip hop for a few months before I got into EDM, but once I did I never looked back.  I still hold on to my roots though, my parents brought me up with some incredible music so I always find time to fit in some Stones and Zeppelin albums.

GDD: We have seen the accessibility to the means of music creation grow exponentially of the last few years, how do you personally feel this has effected the EDM scene?

PF: I think it goes with anything that blows up out of nowhere, everyone wants a piece of it.

GDD: What DAW are you using?  What synths are you using (soft-synths? hardware?)?  What’s your favorite piece of equipment and why?

PF: I’m just using Logic Pro 9 on my laptop.  I don’t have this big elaborate studio because A) I move around non-stop and B) it’s become more and more unnecessary to have all this fancy gear with technology advancing so fast.  As for soft-synths and stuff, I mainly use Sylenth, some u-he, Massive, TAL plugins, and a bit of Camel Audio’s Alchemy.  I’d say my favorite piece of equipment is my old Fender Strat, doesn’t see much time anymore because it’s what I played when I was in a band stuff but I sneak some riffs into songs every once and a while.

GDD: What’s next for Pierce Fulton and what do you hope to accomplish in 2012?

PF: Well next up is the spring semester for my sophomore year, which at the moment is gonna be impossible to pass because my tour schedule is filling up with new dates every week, but I’m sure I’ll manage.  Also a ton of material is coming, more originals and remixes, and I think it’s gonna be an all around good year.  As for accomplishments, hmmm I definitely want to perfect the “over medium” egg, I always undercook or overcook it.

• Pierce Fulton – Pierce Fulton’s GDD Mix

Tracklisting:

Much Love,
TRE

Alex Feder used to play in Brooklyn’s the XYZ Affair before he moved to LA in 2010 to start a solo project and decided to reinvent himself as an R&B star. Now he’s crafting sensual pop ballads in the vein of Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke under his nom de pop, Leonard Friend. His first EP, brilliantly titled Lynyrd Frynd, drops January 31; in the meantime we’re psyched to premier “Everything for the Sake of Everything.”

Continue reading: MP3 Premiere: Leonard Friend – “Everything For The Sake of Everything”

Read more articles like "MP3 Premiere: Leonard Friend – “Everything For The Sake of Everything”" on PMA | Pretty Much Amazing.

Here we are with Viceroy AKA Austen Afridi AKA sun-kissed magician and panty soaker extraordinaire. He took some time to sit down with us and discuss the creative process behind “Viceroy” and give away his smashing new EP “Sunburn” for free. Needless to say, it’s incredible, sure to teleport you to your own island paradise. Drink it in, and clean out those ears, because we’re about to fill you up!

READ THE INTERVIEW + DOWNLOAD THE FULL EP AFTER THE JUMP!

GDD: In popular and in GDD tradition, what do you drink?
VR: When a bar has the materials, I love to order a Dark ‘N’ Stormy. There’s nothing like a refreshing summer drink.

GDD: That doesn’t sound refreshing no summery; more like a new flavor of Mountain Dew. Anyway, ever since “Sunny Daze” we’ve been left itching for more. What do you feel like this song did for you as an artist? Was it your “breakout?”
VR: I’d say it was definitely a breakthrough song for me. It wasn’t my most popular release to date, but it defines Viceroy you know? It’s a feel good summer jam.

GDD: Where do you live and how does that influence your productions / style? Does this change as you travel through different venues? How do your sets vary over tour?
VR: I live in San Francisco, although I’d love to live in LA at some point. I think the relaxed culture of San Fran influences my production for sure. The people are super friendly and chill here. The nice thing about playing in other cities for me is promoters know what to expect, so I play to a pretty similar crowd everywhere. You always have to read the crowd though. If they seem a little ravey then throw something a bit heavier in your set, but keep the same theme going.

GDD: What are your favorite cities you’ve played so far? ‘Mind describing a rather awesome experience?
VR: There is no question that playing in LA is sweet. NYC is also a really energetic crowd, but LA caters to my style so much more. I’d have to say No Shirt/ No Shoes was a rather awesome experience. It was my first show as Viceroy and there couldn’t have been a better setting/ crowd to play for. It was packed! Can’t beat a rooftop pool. Besides the actual event, I met some awesome people like the GDD crew, Dub Frequency crew, Ampal Creative, the whole No Shirt/ No Shoes crew. They have probably been my biggest supports so far.

GDD: What studio and production equipment do you use when your spin/produce?
VR: I just got back from a great studio in Boston called the Bridge Studio. I finished my Sunburn Ep there. At home I have a pretty basic set up: a few midi controllers/keyboards, some audio interfaces, big ass monitors and my beloved Ableton live. I have been using Komplete 8 recently as my main vst. It’s my favorite VST I’ve ever owned. It has so many incredible instruments.

GDD: Speaking of your EP, It’s out today! Tell us a little about it. It’s very different than your past work.
VR: Yeah, I kind of grew tired of just doing filter house. I know my fans love my music for that reason, but it gets old and it limits you as an artist. I really like the concept of complextro except it’s a bit hard for my production style. Why not funk it out? Funkplextro eh? I’m known for saying fuck genres, which is true. I’d rather set a mood than be labeled as a genre. That’s why I call my music “Summer music”. It allows me to explore all kinds of “genres”, but keep true to my motto “Summertime, all the time”. That way I can keep up expectations, but remix Wiz Khalifa or explore funkplextro at the same time.

GDD: *spawn the birth of summertime-funkplextro* Where does your name come from?
VR: To be honest, I have no idea. People ask if it’s from Star Wars and I know it’s not from that. I must have heard it in a history class and thought it was a dope word. Not really too much to it, but I really like the name and I’m glad I picked it.

GDD: How do you go about finding new music? Who are some of the artists we should definitely keep an eye/ear out for?
VR: I get so much promo music it’s retarded. I try to weed through that, but Hypem is great. Obviously the guys at GDD and some other blogs I follow. Keep an eye out for my boy Lenno, obviously Madeon is killing it and Eumig and Chinon.

GDD: What are your first memories of music from childhood? How do these influences affect your post, past and current music?
VR: I remember when I was 7 my babysitter snuck me a copy of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”. My cousin did the same with “Dookie”. I guess you could say I’ve been ahead of the curve on upcoming music since a young age (laughs). Dookie specifically has always stuck with me. My influences now range from A Tribe Called Quest to the Jazz trio, The Bad Plus. As far as electronic music, I really look up to Treasure Fingers, Kill the Noise, and SebastiAn. They were some of the first electronic artists that I listened to. I did manage to get my hands on Prodigy’s “Fat of the Land” CD when I was pretty young.

GDD: Whats your perfect/fantasy show? Intimate setting or large stage?
VR: I am playing a festival in December and I’m really looking forward to that. I do enjoy a crowd of 600 really pumped up people, but there is nothing like a crowd of thousands. I am hoping to headline some major pool parties during WMC week in Miami.

GDD: How do you pick songs that you want to remix? How do you go about picking your samples?
VR: A lot of producers want to remix a top 10 billboard song before anyone else so they have the first playable remix. This generally correlates into a lot of plays, downloads, and press for your remix despite how good it actually is. I don’t think this is a terrible route, but I look for a popular track, new or old and try to put a new spin on it like my Katy Perry remix or my Wiz Khalifa remix. As far as samples, I don’t have specific method. I usually just come upon something and it clicks with me. It’s a very organic process and I don’t try to force it.

GDD: If you had to wear a permanent life jacket or permanent helmet for the rest of your life, which would it be?
VR: Definitely a permanent life jacket. Going full retard by wearing a helmet is inexcusable. I can get away with wearing a permanent life jacket by telling girls I own a massive yacht.

GDD: What are your favorite 5 songs to play at this moment?
VR: This isn’t in any order:
1) Kaskade & Skrillex – Lick it
2) Viceroy – Sunburn
3) Bingo Players – Cry Just a Little
4) Yelle- Que Veux Tu (Madeon Remix)
5) Quakers vs. Mormons – New York Town (Lenno Remix)

GDD: What does the future hold for Viceroy?
VR: Expanding my brand. You know why guys like Atrak, Deadmau5, and Diplo are so popular and successful? Besides being great producers they have branded themselves so well. Record labels, clothing, public image, etc. are all apart of that. I’m young in the game (been around since February 2011), but I think I’ve so far done a great job branding myself with the summer theme. My manager Justin who runs Vitalic Noise understands the importance of this.

GDD: Thanks Austin, you’ve got a bright future bud. We love you!
VR: Love you more than a fat kid loves cake!

The Sunburn EP:
Viceroy – Sunburn (Original Mix) by VICEROY
Viceroy – Paradise (Original Mix) by VICEROY
Viceroy – Mirage (Original Mix) by VICEROY
Viceroy – Beach Bum (Original Mix) by VICEROY
^our personal favorite^

Bonus Remix:
Rihanna – We Found Love (Viceroy Remix) by VICEROY

Follow Viceroy on Twitter
Follow Viceroy on Facebook

LA – Don’t forget to catch Viceroy next Friday, Nov 18th @ CONTROL in the Honey Lounge!

Photo Credit: That Kid Alex

Ladies and gentlemen, my pal Tre and I are very pleased to bring you the 51st edition of The Dirt this week. Lots of good stuff in here as always, so scroll on down and check out our favorites this week. Remember to support these artists and buy the full EPs and high quality tracks on Beatport!

Jonah’s Zip

FEEL GOOD HOUSE
• Noob – Spell (Original Mix) √+ [Beatport] *192 Kbps
This is an uplifting little number from the producer from Bordeaux known as Noob. Released in early October on the Sound Pellegrino label, the Spell EP has already gained some big time attention, including a spot on Digitalism’s I Love Techno Chart on Beatport.

JAARTRONICA
• Nicolas Jaar – Don’t Break My Love (Original Mix) √+
Just released this week on his own Clown & Sunset label, Nicolas Jaar‘s Don’t Break My Love EP is a pure auditory delight. Always unique sound from the 21 year old phenom.

CREEPY TECHNO
• Torb – Rubidrama (Original Mix) √+ [Beatport] *192 Kbps
French producer, Torb, put out Mars Premier as the latest release on Cassius Records, and all 3 tracks on the EP are fuego. Supported by Boys Noize, supported by GDD™.

PARTY IN THE MOONLIGHT HOUSE
• Fonzerelli – Moonlight Party (Tom Glass Remix) √+
I love this song. Brings back memories from a long time ago when we used to blast the original of this song in the dorms (FT) at UCSB. Great new take on it here from Tom Glass.

DOESN’T GET MUCH GROOVIER THAN THIS HOUSE
• Zombie Disco Squad – Piano Man (Original Mix) √++ [Beatport] *192 Kbps
Out on the Made To Play imprint last week, Zombie Disco Squad‘s ‘Piano Man’ is my new favorite single by the guys. Equipped with 4 different mixes of the original, this release is a must have. Buy the whole thang on Beatport now!

TRE’S PICKS

Tre’s Zip

PSYCHEDELIC IDM

• FuzZ – Deep *320

FuzZ never has produced anything I didn’t love and Deep is no exception. Deep lures you in with a complex and long intro, only to drop you into a mellow, groovy and psychedelic wonderland that is similar to the best Flying Lotus beats. This track is not one to miss folks, click the link and grab the MP3 now!

FEEL GOOD TECH-HOUSE

• YO Bill – Teddy Jammin *320

YO Bill has been kind enough to give away this track exclusively on this weeks dirt! Teddy Jammin is as technical as it is catchy, which can only be a good thing. The track’s groovy vocals have been mixed in with YO Bill’s recognizably intricate percussion to bring you a guaranteed dance floor hit!

JAW DROPPING TECH-HOUSE

• Colour – Frequencies Modulate *320

Many of the die-hard Tech fans have been watching Colour with amazement, it seems the English producer really can do no wrong. Don’t believe me? Grab Frequencies Modulate, take a listen and you can send me your apology later. The track takes you on a dark journey that resonates retro-house chords, complex percussion and intricate synthesis. Seriously, grab this jam!

MELODIC ELECTRO

• THIEVES – Pousser *320

The up and coming Los Angeles natives, THIEVES always impress me and Pousser is no exception. It’s an original groove that speaks to the duo’s rock roots.

LATE NIGHT LATIN GROOVES

• Desantarosa – Cuando La Noche Es Buena *320

Speaking of up and comers, can you believe this kid is only 15!? Keep an eye on Desantarosa, I predict big things!

♥ jonahberry/ TRE

As you know, the new follow-up album “Psychic Welfare” to 2009′s “Endless Bummer” has dropped from one of Wave’s favourite Philadelphia groups, Pink Skull, as covered in a past post.

Julian Grefe (of Pink Skull) has put together a tripped-out, psyched, experimental mix – full of different colours and tones, weirdness and adventure ; totalling 1hr07min14sec in length + in full 320kbps glory. Through the power of the Internet, this mix has received blessings and been passed onto us by RVNG master Matt, allowing us to undertake the tremendous task / duty of holding it exxclusively on the blog.

So sit down, put on your favourite pair of headphones (with amp if you need a better experience) and enjoy the sounds. I particularly enjoy this mix in the car on those journeys returning home in the after-hours where there is just darkness, you and the music, … rolling on the freeway.

Embrace escapism; always reaching higher and higher.

And here are some wise words from the mind of Julian:

If music be the food of love, play on.
soooooo. what entree is the equivalent of this meandering stumble through the Intraverse?
i’m not sure, to be honest. perhaps some sort of ethiopian food in an ice cream cone???

yet, i digress.

My three favorite places to eat in Philadelphia. If you come visit, you should eat at one if not all three of these places.

1. El Jarocho- Best mexican food in Philadelphia. Hands down. Get the Tacos Carnitas. Or if you’re feeling gluttonous try the Supertorta, it’s about 12 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall, and it one piece of everything on the menu. They don’t offer the Supertorta all the time- only on special occasions. Not much on decor but the staff are super nice.

2. Hardena- An amazing restaurant in the converted living room of a semi-dilapidated Point Breeze row home. THE FOOD IS AMAZING.
Indonesian cuisine thats 6 dollars for meal. Many vegan dishes and many not so vegan dishes. Get the collard greens in coconut milk. Totally weird and awesome.

3. Saads Halal- A West Philly staple. Get the Chicken Maroosh. It’s the best. And there’s a no cell phone rule in the restaurant. Wonderful.

now listen to the mix.

—>

MP3: Pink Skull – “Get High, Weirdo” Mix [*EXCLUSIVVE*]

(sorry, no tracklist)

The mysterious Swedish electronic artiste iamamiwhoami has contributed to Moby’s new remix EP for Destroyed third single, “After”. iamamiwhoami’s reimagining maintains the original’s dark, lonely melancholy, but makes things far more interesting with a pulsating, repeating bass line and oscillating synths that twinkle like Christmas lights. Catch the remix below; Moby’s Destroyed is out now.

Continue reading: Premiere: Moby – “After” (iamamiwhoami Remix)

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