December Showcase: Eric Carver

S L O W P L A Y. If there is just one thing that Mr. Eric Carver is known for, it's bumping
[110 bpm] and making you like it. Many DJ's have failed where Eric Carver makes his killing: being able to play such a broad spectrum of music (electronic or not), yet still get mad respect from even the toughest critics. Imagine getting props from Roger Sanchez in the flesh! You wouldn't catch him telling the story though, because he's just not the kind to boast.

Eric's style is the definition of old school: back to basics, fundamentals, no nonsense music. In fact, it wasn't very long ago that he switched from playing vinyl records to cds! With so much watered down new school going around, it's no wonder why his tried and tested talent is one of the most booked and sought after in this city.

: So Mr. Carver, if there is anyone in Vancouver that can be trusted to play genres ranging from old school hip hop to deep house, without cheapening their integrity, it is you. Others try to get more gigs by playing whatever the promoter wants, but then lose a sense of who they really are. What would you say is the trick to being able to play such a broad spectrum of music, while still maintaining respect from the underground house scene?

: You just gotta stay true to the music. Create a sound that will be your brand, what you stand for, what you believe in. If you love what you play, you’ll get into it, you’ll research it. If you’re playing music just to get paid, you just won’t care; that love won’t be there. It’s like cooking: When you make food in the morning before you go to work, you're just cooking to eat. When you’re cooking for someone, for example a girl you're interested in, there’s love in that food, and that person’s going to appreciate that; it’s just like DJ’ing. The crowd will appreciate it when they can see that you love what you’re doing.

: When did you get started and what kind of music did you play? First DJ setup?

: Not many people know that I started out playing progressive house and trance. But the moment I heard “Intro” by Fred Falke and Alan Braxe (funky house), it led me to what I felt was the right direction. As for my first setup, which I still actually own, is two tech 12’s and a Vestax PMC720A mixer, purchased in 2002.

: At which point did you discover your love for house music that you now play?

: That definition has kind of changed for me over time, but when I first saw Lisa Lashes and Anne Savage play at Plaza of Nations back in the day, that for me was when I started getting really into progressive house. As for proper house, it was after I picked up a cd from DJ Hadwin that I really got exposed to the sound.

: Did you have any mentors starting out? Who booked you your first big break?

: The person who gave me key tips and advice regarding beatmatching was Nancy Kid. She taught me straight up pitch control, without touching the record. I owe a lot of my style of mixing to her. As for my first big Vancouver break, Savio from Trust Entertainment booked me to open for Talvin Singh in November ’07. Lefty from Poolwest was also a huge influence on me in terms of how to handle and conduct myself in the industry.

: If you could lend any sort of advice for the aspiring DJ, what would it be?

: Learn the technical stuff before you learn the music; you can’t play hockey unless you know how to skate. Technical as in the non musical aspect of DJ’ing: beatmatching, timing, adjusting your lows/mids/highs, etc. Don’t try to rock crowds if you don’t have these fundamental skills. You can have the best track selection in the world, but if you don't have these basic skills down pat, your mixes will sound like two shoes in a dryer.

At the end of the day, we are doing a job just like anybody else. The only difference is the product we are selling is intangible. So treat it like a "real/normal" day job interview, approach the promoter/venue professionally. Don’t just walk in there like a kid with a CD; say why you think you should work there, then you will have a better chance of getting “hired” or booked.

: You’ve also played in Sri Lanka, can you tell us a bit about your trip?

: Sri Lanka was an exciting experience! They flew me out there, I was able to taste their culture and most especially their food . Hopefully I’ll be playing there again soon because it’s amazing, doing what you love and getting paid for it.

: How do you find balance between music and the rest of your life?

: It’s still just like any other job, whether you’re an accountant or a lawyer. It may not seem like it because it’s an art, a passion, but you have to focus on your work when you’re working. But when it’s your downtime, you turn off your phone and don’t read emails or check FB, especially when you’re with your friends or family. That definitely helps in maintaining balance, work is work and play is play. It’s hard for you to have downtime when you’re always thinking about work.

Thank you Mr. Carver! Now on to the promotional goodies :D

ERIC CARVER Live @ Gorg-O-Mish Afterhours 10.24.10 by Eric Carver

[Want more of his mix sets?]


[Creep his Facebook]

Catch Eric Carver

Wednesdays @ Bayside Lounge w/ PK

Fridays and Saturdays @ the Refinery

and monthly @ Gorg-o-Mish Afterhours