Alden Music – Behind The Decks – Interview
Right this moment we have now the pleasure of catching up with Alden Music, a rising star within the Digital music scene. With a decade of expertise behind the decks, Alden’s journey into music started at a younger age, deeply rooted within the vibrant tradition of the NYC Home music scene.
Drawing inspiration from his upbringing immersed in Dance music and the mentorship of his DJ father, Alden has crafted a dynamic model that seamlessly blends genres and captivates audiences; on this interview, Alden shares insights into his musical inspirations, his meticulous method to crafting DJ units, and the technical facets of his craft. From memorable moments behind the decks to overcoming challenges and evolving his sound, Alden gives invaluable recommendation for aspiring DJs and provides us a glimpse into his thrilling upcoming initiatives and performances. So, let’s dive into the world of Alden Music and uncover the fervour and creativity driving his DJ profession.
Hello, Alden! How’s it going?
Hello guys, thanks for having me! Completely satisfied to be right here.
Alden, may you share who or what first impressed you to pursue DJing, and the way do these inspirations replicate in your DJ units?
My complete life, my dad and mom and their buddies had been at all times within the NYC Home music scene, so once I was younger, I used to be at all times round DJs, document executives, nightclub promoters, managers, and individuals who liked the music. I grew up with Dance music, listening to all of the tales, and was capable of watch individuals DJ and have entry to the tradition. I’m very lucky to have realized lots of the historical past of Dance music and nightclubs, who the artists had been, and the way it connects to right now’s music. Now, I can draw upon completely different types and genres of music once I DJ. My dad is a DJ and impressed me to DJ myself. My greatest inspiration once I was youthful was Martin Garrix, and I had modeled my profession equally to his.
While you’re placing collectively a brand new DJ combine, what’s your course of like? How do you resolve which tracks make the reduce and in what order they need to be performed?
I am at all times trying to find new music, and once I obtain a bunch of stuff, I prefer to kind every little thing into completely different folders for ease of entry. I normally price every music with Rekordbox’s Starring system, 1 star being okay and 5 stars being wonderful. From there, I normally have a folder of music I actually need to play and a folder of music that I need to try to experiment with. I’ve a DJ sales space in my home in addition to enormous audio system, and I play on a regular basis. It’s essential to take heed to music and spend time mixing and experimenting. I document these units and pay attention again once I’m on the fitness center or within the automobile.
Are you able to discuss us by means of a number of the technical facets of your DJing? For instance, what tools do you like to make use of, and why?
After I began, I realized the fundamentals on turntables. Beat matching along with your palms and ears is such a helpful talent. Later, I used to be utilizing Traktor with a Pioneer mixer and my laptop computer. I actually loved utilizing that software program and used it for a few years. Nevertheless, now I’ve switched to Pioneer CDJ 3000s and a Pioneer A9 mixer as a result of CDJs are the business customary. I like utilizing this gear as a result of it permits me to freely combine and experiment how I would like. However to be trustworthy, studying the gear is simply a part of the craft. Studying learn how to combine, figuring out the construction of songs, and understanding the move and power of a dancefloor are required technical facets as properly.
One of many key abilities for any DJ is with the ability to learn the room and adapt accordingly, are you able to share an expertise the place you needed to change your set on the fly to raised go well with the gang’s power?
I do that on a regular basis! I create a primary define of what I would like, however extra occasions than not, I modify issues round dwell. Whereas acting at my celebration in February, I made a decision to play lots of tracks earlier in my set reasonably than later, as a result of the power they offer suited the scenario higher. I feed off the gang’s response and I play them the tracks that really feel proper within the second.
All through your DJ profession, what has been considered one of your most memorable moments behind the decks and why?
I’ve been performing for over 10 years now and have carried out at many venues and events, however my most up-to-date celebration at a nightclub in New York Metropolis that I DJed at was my greatest present but. I used to be capable of DJ a set that I felt was 100% me and it felt wonderful. My buddies had been there, and I acquired to carry them up on stage and within the sales space with me on the finish. That was a vibe I’ll always remember! I additionally DJ’d for John Lennon’s seventy fifth Birthday Social gathering in Central Park and I acquired to fulfill Yoko Ono.
What are a number of the greatest challenges you have confronted whereas DJing, and the way have you ever overcome them?
I feel as a DJ it is essential to grasp that you’re taking part in for the gang, so typically what you need to play is not precisely what the gang desires. I at all times struggled with taking part in music I did not essentially get pleasure from however acquired insane crowd reactions. I’ve come to resolve this by making my very own edits and placing my very own taste into it! One in every of my first recollections of getting to adapt was once I was 10 and DJing the Diesel Style Present throughout New York Style Week. There was a technical drawback with the mixer and Traktor Software program, and on the final minute I needed to play and blend on my laptop computer. I used to be so nervous, however I pulled it off and no one seen. Issues will occur, so know your gear, keep calm, and maintain taking part in the music.
How has your model and method to DJing advanced over time? Are there any specific genres or developments which have considerably influenced your present sound?
After I began, I liked taking part in Massive Room and Progressive Home tracks as a result of I liked the EDM festivals I noticed on-line. My sound has advanced and altered, and I’ve been taking part in lots of Tech Home and Home. I’ve discovered a love for enjoying extra club-oriented DJ units and I in fact nonetheless love the large pageant DJ units. I used to be fortunate to have unbelievable lecturers and mentors that I acquired to look at as they’re masters of their craft. So, I realized the correct methods early on, after which my very own model developed from that basis.
DJing usually includes lots of collaboration, whether or not it is with different DJs, producers, or vocalists. Are you able to discuss a collaboration that was significantly significant or influential for you?
I meet many up-and-coming artists and musicians within the social media house and I’ve made a ton of remixes for a few of these proficient individuals. I at all times love bringing my membership sound to those songs. I made a remix for my influencer pal Indi Star who’s a tremendous individual and proficient singer. With the ability to make a Dance observe out of her vocals and concepts was such an excellent expertise, hopefully you guys will have the ability to hear it in the future!
What recommendation would you give to aspiring DJs who’re simply beginning out and trying to make their mark?
I might say apply makes good, so ensure you have the fundamentals of DJing down earlier than you exit and play. While you do exit and play, ensure you study from every set. Ask your self questions like: what songs acquired the perfect reactions? What may I’ve carried out higher with my transitions? Did I play this music too early or too late? It is good to research! Plenty of DJs are available in taking part in what they need, however I feel you ought to be taking part in for the gang since you’re there to curate an expertise for them. I imagine you need to play what the gang desires, whereas additionally taking part in tracks you assume they’ll like even when they don’t understand it but.
What’s subsequent for Alden Music? Are there any upcoming initiatives, mixes, or performances that you just’re significantly enthusiastic about?
I’ve a music out referred to as ‘The Feeling’s Proper’, and also you guys ought to undoubtedly go stream it! I’m additionally at the moment engaged on different songs and collaborations, so keep tuned! Proper now, I am going full velocity and dealing on new music, remixes, visitor mixes, and DJing in golf equipment. I’m speaking to labels and hopefully considered one of my singles will likely be launched there!
As we wrap up our interview with Alden Music, we thank him for his time because it’s evident that his dedication to his craft and love for music run deep. From his youth surrounded by the NYC Home music scene to his present standing as a talented DJ and Producer, Alden’s journey displays years of dedication and keenness. By way of considerate insights into his artistic course of, technical method, and memorable experiences on stage, Alden has supplied invaluable views on the world of DJing, and as he continues to navigate the business, collaborate with friends, and hone his sound, Alden Music stands poised for continued progress and affect within the Digital music scene, so you should definitely observe him throughout social media to stay up to date on his releases, dwell reveals and new initiatives.
Alden Music On-line