First Big Break

I can't begin to describe how blessed I feel right now.

Just three short years ago, my career as a professional DJ began. This was the point when I started getting paid for gigs. I had only touched a mixer for the first time, a year before.

After tonight, I've played or headlined at every single club in Vancouver that I enjoyed going to. The Lotus, The Cecil, Fortune Sound Club, and 560 Nightclub.

Tonight will be my debut at Ginger SixtyTwo, and the surprise to me was that I'll be playing the headlining slot at 12:30am-close. Ginger is in the top 3 best clubs of Vancouver IMO, so this is a HUGE honour.

I try my best not to toot my own horn, but it's almost surreal. Knowing my place in this industry but standing up for myself, has gotten me much higher up the ladder, than demanding for it and sabotaging others ever would.

I walk my own path, carving it out of fresh and original terrain. It may seem easy because it's happening so quickly, but this is one of the toughest uphill battles that I choose to continually face. Thank you for reading, for listening and supporting my dream!



For Real,

Trios

Jimmy Bell Exclusive Interview

The first time I met Jimmy Bell was in Cabo, Mexico during a festival in the Spring of 2011. The professionalism he displayed under extreme pressure, made him stand out from most of the other talent and management involved.

I can honestly say that interviewing Jimmy has taught me a lot, and given me an inside look in the mind of one who is on the cusp of breaking through. I hope it does for you too.

Jimmy doesn't say much about himself, because his hard work speaks for itself. I think that after reading this, even someone who is not musically inclined, would be inspired to chase their dreams. Just read on to see what he's already accomplished so far!



: Ok first off, what kind of projects are you working on right now? Ones that you're allowed to talk about at least.

: I am currently working with a few international record labels at the minute, remixing and working on original productions. I recently collaborated with some producers which came out on Hed Kandi, and our last big release was with Warner brothers in February this year which did really well.

I have been in the studio most of the summer preparing for the end of 2012 and 2013. I'm also looking forward to performing again for the Amsterdam Dance Event in Holland during October, a big festival in Mexico, and of course having 3 dates this summer with Frisko and Pukka Up (London) playing at Space in Ibiza.


: When you first decided to be a DJ (how long ago?), did you think you'd be where you are now?


: I first learned about dance music from my brother. I was around 14 or 15, which was 17 - 18 years ago...wow! And I worked for a year to buy my first set of Technics 1210 turntables! They have proven to have been a very good investment for me.

I always knew I had a good talent regarding electronic music, and hoped it would take me around the world, doing something I love.


: What was the biggest challenge you've faced to get where you are now?



: The biggest challenge is believing in yourself and taking risks. Sometimes taking risks to follow your dreams are scary. But I believe if you really want to achieve something, you have to gain experience and work hard.

I actually don’t really like flying that much, so I overcome that by thinking about the bigger picture. Also when travelling to different countries, you have to adapt sometimes musically, which can be challenging. But I have learned from experience and am well prepared for most situations.


: What kind of advice would you give to your younger self?


: I would teach myself to embrace technology. It’s come a long way regarding DJ'ing and producing over the course of my DJ career.


: In a parallel universe, what would you be doing for a living?


: I would actually love to become a Chef. I love cooking for friends, and think im getting pretty good at it. I find I’m most productive when German techno is playing in the background.


: What is your 1 year goal, and 5 year goal?



: My one year goal is to have a few more big releases under my belt and continue making music I love.

I aim to travel and perform in the USA as well as touring Europe, hosting events and performing. I also want to help expand the Frisko Brand; with close friends whom I have met over the years travelling and performing. Together I want to teach children about music in DJ Schools, and giving back something to the community. A DJ school sounds like the next step for me.

Replay Value

Why are we so fascinated, with always having what's new? No wonder why a lot of the old schoolers are bitter. We are being taught to only value what's new, and the words "Oh man, that song is so old" is actually a thing.

All music, if it comes from the heart, is timeless. Music is the sonic expression of human emotions, and we've pretty much felt the same emotions since the dawn of man.

After listening to "today's hits," it's clear that most current music is lacking the content and depth that it used to have. "Let's get drunk and hook up!" is not very inspirational, but it sure markets well to drunk singles at the club (and even not so single).

Before the times of complete corporate sovereignty, all artists had significant control of the music they wrote and released. There was a message, a journey, a story, a connection.

Music pollution does exist, and the garbage accumulates in our minds.



For Real,

Trios

Endangered Originality

I do not strive to be the best at what's already been done, I strive to do what has never been done.

Water Your Lawn

I'd like to tell you a story of how inspired I was from this past weekend.


Hosting a show on your own can be very nerve wracking, tiring and stressful. Most people don't even think about the amount of work that is put into a party, even on a small scale.

Nevermind the promotions, the Facebook blasts, the invites, the booking of talent/staff, and ALL the things that happen before the show.

I arrived well before the show started, and luckily I had my friend Colin Hargreaves (wicked DJ btw!) to help me lug all the gear, consisting of:

2x sub woofer, 2x top speakers, 2x monitor speakers, lights, and an endless amount of cables. This doesn't even count the DJ gear!

Once everything was in place, it all had to be hooked up. I had only experienced setting up two speakers and one sub max, along with my DJ gear for a show, up until now.

Boy does it get way more complicated, if you add even one more piece of sound gear. One seemingly insignificant electrical error could completely sabotage the whole sound. You could get NO sound even, just from plugging one cable to the wrong input/output/left/right/etc etc.

Long story short, it was finally all ready to go. To be completely honest, it wasn't the best night for people to be going out and partying. Why? It was the first sunny weekend of the summer so everyone was at the beach, it was UFC night that night, so many big shows the night before, and the venue isn't quite located centrally downtown.

This is when the worry started to set in. What if I lose money? What if nobody shows up?

By the end of the night, as I was hauling all the gear back into storage (which took over an hour in itself after the party was done) I realized something.

All this hard work, stress, planning and execution....pays off.

I witnessed my real friends and fans gather to an unlikely place, at an unlikely time to support someone that they truly believed in. And they danced their asses off.

These people didn't need to be reminded twice about the show, they paid the cover, decided they were attending a long time ago, and all this without concern of if the party was gonna be "good." In the end, they all had a good time.

I believe that everyone involved, the DJs and the dancers, were there for the right reasons. This was not a glamorous VIP club party, this was quite the opposite. Results will never be the same, and I'm actually quite happy that they're not.

Because I do this for the music, and the people gather for the music. The night proved sustainable and this Unified Underground Movement, keeps on moving.

Thank you everyone for participating in the show, and everyone who is reading this article. Hopefully this gives you a reason to support your artist friends, because they need to eat too!



For Real,

Trios

Artist or Not

Say this with me:

I am good at what I do. I might be better than many, but there are many more who are better than me. This does not change anything about me.

My value is not dependent on others. I do not need to see others fail, in order to think that I'm doing "OK."

I will take the time to understand who I am, and why I am doing what it is I'm good at.

How willing am I to help others, knowing that I will get absolutely nothing out of it?



For Real,

Trios

Not the Same Banana

A Top 40 DJ's job is to play music that you know, so that you will like it.


An electronic DJ's job is to play music that you don't know, but you'll still like it.