Join the movement!
Briser G is doing everything he can to help keep the underground scene vibrant and thriving, in this commercially dominated music industry. Whether it's throwing afterhours events with the finest local talent, or joining forces with Systemsound to bring the best out of an outer downtown core nightclub, his underG team is always looking for ways to expand and experiment.
I can't even tell you how good of a DJ he is, you gotta see for yourself! But let's carry on with the interview :)
: What first sparked your love for music?
: Well as you know I'm Mexican, and in my country you can listen to music even in the streets. I grew up listening to banda music, norteno, salsa, and cumbias, then when I was a teenager, the underground rap movement hit my town really hard. Everywhere you went, rap was there. It was in that moment when I felt I wanted to help the music movement with my own touch, and I started creating rap lyrics with a couple of friends. We became MC's but we were incomplete because we didn't have beats.
After a while of looking for that missing person we found DJ 100. That was the first time I saw a DJ in action, but it was different because he just mixed rap & hip hop. There was scratching and cutting, which is totally different mixing than what we do, but still really cool. After that I couldn't stop thinking about DJ'ing, and the rest was history.
: Can you describe the different genres of music you listened to before minimal house?
: It was a little bit of rock, but mostly rap and underground hip hop. When I first got into the electronic movement, I just to listened to indie, electro, house, and techno.
: How was it like when you were a DJ starting out in Vancouver?
: The scene was great, a lot of good music and good vibes from people all around. It was rough just like it is now, but then there were more people with the same dream of DOING IT FOR THE MUSIC, and more people who liked to help each other (and way less jealousy and gossip).
: Who helped you along the way?
: There were a lot of people who helped me along the way, but the people who really marked my career were MR NIMA SAEEDI and Marco Tulio - AKA - SICERON. Siceron helped me by teaching me a lot tricks for mixing and gave me the roots for producing. And Nima, well that guy doesn't need an introduction because we all know who he is. He has been a solid support for me, and I have learned a lot from him. Not just musically, but also how to deal with life inside this circle, that as you know, is like a fire. You gotta be really careful, if not you will end up getting burned.
: Fast forward to now, you are the main dude behind underG Entertainment. How did you end up starting this movement?
: Good one! Well, I started underG because I realized that it's important to have your own goals and projects. Have a look at our blog, where we expose and give you a little more info about some great underground talents. And when I say "underground," I'm not talking just about house or deep house, (because there are a lot of people out there that think that way) but about all the good tunes and dudes who can make their own and singular sound.
Don't get me wrong, I love the deep vibes, and house is a root so there's nothing against it. I just think people should open their ears to new things, and that is the future of underG which is bringing the minimal movement.
: With the loss of the Lotus Sound Lounge, where you were a resident on “Hollywood Fridays,” what are you doing to keep the momentum going with underG?
: Well as sad as it was to see the Lotus close since it was my second home, it has given me the opportunity to change my direction and thoughts into what my real goal is.
I realize that I love DJ'ing, but DJ'ing is not going to give me the money to eat everyday unless you are Richie Hawtin or Ricardo Villalobos. I need to do what the Meatrik's track said, "sit back and relax."
Make tunes, which is the only way to get out. Clear example, Lazy Rich. I'm so proud of that guy because he sets a very good example. Because really, in the end I don't want to just be another DJ who throws parties, you know?
I want to finish my career, leaving part of me in the music industry and in people's ears and hearts. underG is my brand and is going to represent me, and of course we are going to keep doing it real, always beside our partners Systemsound.ca, so stay tuned for new updates.
: If a rookie DJ asked you for advice, what would you tell them?
: Make music, and follow your dreams cause we know everything pays off at the end.
Thank you Briser! Now for the promotional goodies. Here you can play his newest mix set "MNML" and also browse the rest of his music!