[INTERVIEW]: Chit Chat with Eelrack after Mysteryland!

Posted by VMan on June 20, 2016

After a stellar performance at Mysteryland’s renowned Spiegeltent, we opted to speak with knowledgable and talented tech house connoisseur EELRACK and discuss his rise in the scene and upcoming projects.

When did you start making music?

If we’re talking electronic music, it all started one fated afternoon in may 2009. It was just me in my bedroom with a cracked version of Ableton live 7, and it was beautiful.

Who do you draw inspiration from musically?

Originally it was all the dudes who had it goin’ on in the electro and fidget house world in 08-09. About 3-4 years ago that initial obsession fused with the smoother styles of European producers like Jay Lumen, Olivier Giacomotto, Miguel Bastida, Pirupa, Ramon Tapia, Sebastien Leger.

What’s your favorite part about being a musician?

Most of us choose to pursue music because it feels like an undeniable calling. So I guess my favorite part about being a musician is the fact that I’m not denying/abandoning what I feel is my purpose in this life!

How did you make a name for yourself in the New York music scene?

I moved here from LA 2 ¼ years ago and have just taken every opportunity possible to play out, meet people, and show them what I’m about. I also throw parties under my brand Unsourced which has helped me continuously get more and more involved and create alliances within the scene. In recent months my new day job helping with the bookings & booking process for Mysteryland, Electric Zoo, Awakenings, etc. has certainly not hurt my general connectivity, but obviously what’s most important is that it’s always backed up by what I’m actually putting down in the studio and behind the decks.

Out of all the places you’ve performed, which has had the best vibe?

Oh god so many insane experiences I don’t even know where to begin. Off the top of my head some of my favorite promoters/crowds that I’ve played for recently would be MeanRed, NLS, and BangOn! in NYC… Laser Native, Sub Society, and Transmission in San Francisco… RVDIOVCTIVE in Miami… TC Presents/Infrasound in Minneapolis/rural Wisconsin… and Reverse Events in Chicago. Also Mysteryland this year was incredible, and the last time I played Electric Forest was unreal — people were losing their shit and it was only 5pm on first day of the festival.

How do you maintain your musical identity in an industry that is exponentially growing and ever changing?

I mean I just do what I do no matter what…it’s always been about quality four-to-the-floor for me. While the trajectory of the greater scene can sometimes have an influence on me, it has never dictated any of my creative decisions. That’s how any real artist should operate.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Yes. I typically meditate for 5-10 minutes before I leave the house. And I always eat something light and energizing, but like… a lot of it. Fuel for the brain.

If you could collab with any artist, who would it be and why?

Herbie Hancock. That guy was way ahead of his time.

Is there anything excited you have coming up in 2016 that you want to share?

YES. Currently shopping around a new EP that I’m really excited about. And my brand Unsourced is doing a mini tour (co-pro with RVDIOVCTIVE) of Brooklyn, Providence, and Boston with Dirtybird’s Sage Armstrong and Sweat It Out!’s Eyes Everywhere. I’m playing all three events as well so please come out and support! Learn more about the event here!

Aside from that, I’m playing at Camp Bisco on the Good Looks Collective stage and Electric Zoo on the Treehouse stage. Plus it’s looking like I will be playing Output’s main room again in the near future…def looking forward to that.

Keep an eye out for me on the west coast at least a couple more times this year as well!

Aside from making music, what is your favorite thing to do?

I like to cook and I like to just shoot the shit with fun/weird people who will go down the rabbit hole with me conversationally.

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Tags: 2016, eelrack, Interview, Mysteryland, output