Pierce Fulton Exclusive Mix and Interview

Posted by on November 10, 2011


Pierce Fulton is steadily making a name for himself as he tears to the top with insane remixes, sets, and successful beatport releases. We were fortunate enough to not only snag an exclusive mix, but also a full interview with the young chap. If you’re curious about exactly what it takes to become a well known DJ in this dog eat dog music industry, hit the jump because Pierce Fulton’s story might just include the tid bit of information that you need to jump start your career. Check him out on Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud.

DOWNLOAD: Pierce Fulton – FreshNewTracks Exclusive Mix

— Click MORE to check out the INTERVIEW —

Tracklist:

01. John Mayer – Bigger Than My Body (Michael Brun Bootleg)
02. Labtracks – Robotic Love (Lenno Remix)
03. Pierce Fulton – Pardon My French (Original Mix)
04. PNAU – Solid Ground (Adrian Lux & Blende Remix)
05. Axwell vs Mat Zo – Superman In The Air (Pierce Fulton’s Silly Operation)
06. John Dahlback feat. Erik Hassle – One Last Ride (Tommy Trash Remix)
07. James Blunt – Dangerous (Deniz Koyu & Johan Wedel Remix)
08. Dirty Money – Coming Home (Pierce Fulton Unofficial Remix)
09. Above & Beyond feat. Richard Bedford – Thing Called Love (Mat Zo Remix)
10. Pierce Fulton – Lay Right Here (Original Mix)

When did you get involved with music?
I’ve played music since I was very, very young. Around the age of 4 I had a guitar and I began taking lessons around the same time. Progressed with music and different instruments and by the time I was in high school, became interested in electronic music. It’s been about 2 or 3 years since then and now I’m just doing what I love.

How has your musical training as a kid helped you with DJing and would you recommend it for other DJs?
I actually come from a very competitive and athletic family and I just so happen to be the only one who prefers the more creative side of life. The only other musician in my family was my great grandfather who played in the Paul Whiteman Orchestra and wrote for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Perry Como. My father was the biggest factor in my musical training. Although he has never played an instrument, it was his grandfather who was the musician. My dad really pushed me to the edge my whole life to fill the next spot in the family tree. Knowing what key I’m mixing into is one plus sides of being a musically educated DJ, but the real benefits are in the production. I take pride in having the ability to name notes given a random pitch, even if it’s blown off of a beer bottle at some random party for some stupid bet, but having had musical education throughout my life has really helped me. I don’t just sit down at my desk and bang random black and white keys…I like to start in a certain key and create structured melodies and progressions from there.

Where did you get your inspiration to start DJing?
When I was in high school I had this buddy from Venezuela who would always listen to electronic music. I’d never really heard any before because at the time I was all about Zeppelin, The Doors, and The Stones…It was just such a huge change from what I was used to and I think that’s how I became so interested. I started producing around the summer of 2009; I even did some hip hop before I started producing house music. The DJing followed a few months after. Despite how much I loved all the bands I had ever played in, I think I stuck with DJing because I love having total control over what is being heard. It may be selfish but I was never really one to play on a team, as sad as that may sound.

What was your favorite show this year?
My favorite show, “shows” technically, had to be the week long mini-tour that was The Yacht Week. I stayed on this giant boat on the Mediterranean in Southern Croatia for a week. I played for kids from all over the world who were there just to have an insane time. I played every night of the week, with the exception of one day off, at loads of different venues across Croatia. The Yacht Week, in the simplest way, can be explained like this: A ton of music, even more drinks, and more than a fair share of attractive women. It was something so much better than the typical “fly in, hotel, club, 1-2 hour set, hotel, sleep, fly somewhere else” gig experience.

What is it like working with CR2 and having them as your record label?
It’s really awesome working with Cr2. They’re just the coolest bunch of people I’ve worked with in a very long time. The team is so enthusiastic about everything I do and it’s a great home for my music. It’s also really cool to think about how they got Eric Prydz, Steve Angello, and many other superstars today on their feet a few years back. I have a lot cooking with them, so be ready to hear some killer music coming from the Cr2-Fulton team in the next few months.

What equipment and software do you use?
For producing I do everything on Logic Pro 9. I’ve tried close to everything else and Logic is simply what I am most comfortable using. I have a set of KRK VXT 4 monitors (small enough for a dorm room) and some other stuff that became useless. I’m on all plug-ins at the moment but really keen on getting some old analog gear in the near future. I guess beer money is the priority for now? Haha, nah I just don’t have enough room in my tiny little dorm to keep a ton of stuff. As for DJing, I’m strictly using CDs or USB, on really any model Pioneer DJM and CDJs. I prefer the DJM 800 and CDJ 2000 but really any model gets the job done. I’m not so fond of the computer in the live set…as much as a laptop allows you to expand your sets, I just don’t like having to look at a computer screen all night.

You have been receiving support from the likes of Above and Beyond, Max Vangeli among other huge names in the EDM scene as well as being played on Sirius XM. What is it like knowing your music is being played by the best DJs all around the world?
It’s actually really strange to be honest. I started making music hoping that no one would ever hear it because I thought it was terrible. Now people know my material in an almost religious way and it’s quite insane. I’m really thankful that people take the time to appreciate what I do.

Any advice you have for a young DJ trying to break through and get signed like you just did?
Be different. I always love finding cool little things that not a lot of other people are searching for and I think that’s what helps my music sound a bit different than the majority floating around. Although I really am not even close to finding my “true” sound yet, I do take a lot of pride in exploring new territories and trying to find the next interesting thing to try. And I’ll hate myself for saying this, but take school seriously…it’s all part of the bigger picture.

How do you balance school at UVM and your blossoming DJ career?
I was doing great last year but this year has been terrible so far haha. I have tons of tests all the time, I have to turn down so many gigs because of deadlines, attendance policies, and all the other jazz that goes along with being a student. But, it is nice to still think of myself as a kid, messing around until real life hits me in the face. The only weird part about UVM is that when I came here, I tried to stay under the radar as much as possible. It’s kind of hard now because now people will discover my music and go, “Where the heck were you!?” I wanted to keep my school and music career separate so that they could be two independent things in my life. I’m not really sure how much longer that will last.

Quick questions.
Favorite recent song out right now.
I don’t think it’s out yet but I’m sure you can find some YouTube videos of it: Tommy Trash’s remix of Tiesto’s “Slumber”. It is one of the best tracks I’ve heard in a while. Insanely powerful chords, huge drop, and Tommy’s just been destroying the scene lately.

Another off the radar song you really like or have been featuring in your shows
I just met this Finnish kid, Lenno, in NYC; he’s 16 and one of the most talented kids out there right now. We’re working together a bit on some material but check out his remix of Robotic Love by Labtracks. I’m sure he hates hearing it but he’s just like another Madeon, in a very good way.

Dream Collab
Despite the many amazing house producers…I’ve been crazy about Coldplay’s new album Mylo Xyloto and I know Brian Eno helped produce a large portion of it. He is absolutely insane, such a legend, and I would kill to work with him. But from a house producer’s standpoint? I’d have to say Dada Life just because they’re so damn goofy. Not to mention they can whip up some ridiculous riffs.

Any word on future songs or future shows coming up?
I have been really tinkering with my sound lately; I think you guys can expect a lot of huge records in the near future. Like I said before, this bond with Cr2 is going to bring a lot of fire so it’s just a matter of time. For starters, I’m the first announced official remixer of Chuckie’s single “What Happens In Vegas” and hopefully we will have a preview and more info available soon. As for shows, I’m playing The Yacht Week in the British Virgin Islands for New Year’s and heading to Brazil for a short tour right after. Until then, there will be some other random shows here and there. It’s really all about what my school schedule permits. Anyone can check my Facebook fan page to keep up with tour dates.

What would you say to someone like my dad a jazz musician who says DJs are not musicians?
As many have said before, it really just takes some rhythmic knowledge and a few tricks up the sleeve to be able to DJ, but some could say the same with all music. If you’re really passionate about something, you can learn it without formal training. DJing, jazz, rock and roll, metal, I’ve done it all and so can anyone else if they really want it. Although DJing is a hell of a lot easier than Jazz, at the end of the day it’s simply just a process of learning. Also, to give DJs a bit more credit, people who are producers tend to DJ because they want to promote their music and test their productions. So typically, (but not always I must add…) the most famous DJs are playing as a result of their musical talent.

Do you see the current explosion in popularity of electronic music in the US being just a fad that will die in 5 years or is it something that will become engrained in the American music scene?
It’s funny actually; I think about this all the time. It’s really interesting to predict trends like this but to be honest, I think it’s really just the beginning for America. As a lot of the industry says, the American scene is always 5-10 years behind the rest of the world and electronic music has been around for many years. I think we really just have to sit back and see where it takes us.

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