Zillablog

Have you heard this mix yet?

I wrote about it in Newcity Chicago just in time for Seth Troxler’s debut at Smart Bar. The release, on Ellen Allien’s BPitch Control label, went public in late February, which is why I asked if you’d heard it yet.

Well, I’m about to listen to it again, and there is no time like the present to share with you the Q&A that didn’t make the Newcity article. Enjoy.

Why are your favorite songs in this mix "Time for Us" and "Birds and Souls"?
Have you heard them? SICK!

[Also] because I consider them to be a step in the direction I would love to see dance music move toward in this decade. For me, the next step isn't just beats, it’s the songs. I think that's what people of my generation want to dance to. I think these songs are what will move them to enjoy dance music, and move the rest of the dance music industry into a place where it’s acknowledged as something more than club music. I also think Matthew Dear is doing a great job with this. His new mix of "VCR" by The xx is out of hand.

You were one of the top 10 DJs of 2009 according to Resident Advisor. How much attention do you pay to rankings and media reviews?
It’s been a bit of a joke for my friends more than anything. I really love that the readers at Resident Advisor liked what I did over the past year, but it's something you can let affect you too much. Next year I could not even be in it.

I’m a dude in the end, and success can go to your head. If anything, it’s made promoters around the world who were ‘so-so’ on booking me take a step back and say, "maybe he’s not some hugely known DJ, but it seems he rocks the party, let’s give him a go."

I’ve spent a lot of years working hard and the ranking has kind of given me this professional nod where people take me more seriously now; not just some kid. I like that, but I’m still just some kid in the end. Ironic don't you think?

This is the first time a BPC outsider mixed this compilation for the label, correct? Describe the moment when you were asked to create the mix.
Funny, I was playing at Watergate, the party was going off, and Ellen was around with her friends having a blast. We saw each other out again partying, and she was like "you’re funky fresh and a blast, [do you] want to do this mix for us?"

I’m friends with a few other people from the label, like Sascha Funke and Kiki. I think they all had a talk and felt I could make something fun for them. I’m really happy and honored they thought of me.

You’ve got the microphone in your hands and you are about to drop your first record. What do you say to the crowd?
I would turn on my radio voice, and then maybe come up with something slightly sexual or funny. Off the top of my head:

"Well, hello, listeners out there in love land. I hope you’re ready because I’m going to try to work this party like Sting having tantric sex at Parker Posie’s after a DMT trip. Let’s go, bitches."