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D.O.D (Mixmash Records) Feature

D.O.D (Mixmash Records) Feature

Mixmash Records will be bringing their legendary label parties to Australia this month with a national tour featuring UK DJ/producer D.O.D and Australia’s own Uberjak’d. Punching well above his years, D.O.D is standing on the edge of becoming an international sensation within club circles. Already finding plaudits among Tiesto, David Guetta, Eddie Halliwell, Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke, Gareth Emery and Hardwell, this fresh faced beats stalwart has also secured himself a spot as a Mixmag resident for their club and Ibiza tours – not bad for a kid who’s barely out of his teens. With a DJ style that can only be deemed as inimitable, in-your-face turntable wizardry, D.O.D has managed to secure a wide cross section of fans with his music – which sets about fusing the lines between everything House, Electro and Techno. We speak to D.O.D in the lead up to the tour.

How did you get your start in the music industry?

I’ve always been into dance music from an early age. I was a commercial DJ in local bars and clubs in my hometown of Manchester since the age of 14. I really learnt the ropes by doing this and it gave me a clear understanding about music as a whole. I went on to study Music Technology for two years at college and three years at university. They don’t teach you how to make a banger though! That comes with solid work sitting in front of your computer making music every day. I still do this now; you really have to put everything into it.

Best part of what you do?

Getting booked to play places I only ever dreamt about!

And the worst part?

Travelling alone! People think it’s all glitz and glam but the travelling really is a nightmare, especially when I’m going to a gig by myself. When you’re travelling all around the world, sometimes it’s nice to have someone to share it with!

Any interesting experiences you can share?

Haha yes I have lots but I’m not sure if they’re completely appropriate. I’ve seen some crazy sights at festivals. I was playing for a festival in Belgium a couple of years back some dude climbed 70ft up onto the frame that was holding the tent up and was hanging off the edge. Policed managed to get him down and it’s safe to say he got a beating!

Favourite album of all time and why?

You probably wouldn’t expect this but “Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue”. My reason why is because it’s not all about the banging stuff. The jazz guys were innovators of music from the early days.

Best live performance that you’ve ever seen?

Major Lazer kill it every time! So much energy. First time I saw them was Ibiza 2010, really blew me away.

Take us through a typical day in the life of D.O.D.

Get up at 7:30am, have breakfast along with a cup of tea (I’m obsessed with drinking tea) then head to the gym. I make music all day from 8:30am through till when I’m satisfied I’ve done enough. Some nights I’ll be at my computer till 11am then I just go straight to bed and do the same the next day. I try and snack on healthy stuff during the day – It’s important to stay fit in this industry because when you’re on the road you tend to eat a lot of crap. I try and keep the same routine when I’m on tour but it’s hard with the jet lag sometimes.

What advice would you give to someone looking at getting involved in the music industry?

Work your ass off because nothing comes easy in this industry unless you have a serious contact who can put you in front of the right people. It’s all about investing as much time as possible into what you’re doing. There’s a lot of talented young kids out there ready to take your place so keep on form at all times. Also never turn your nose up at opportunities from the early stages. Sell tickets for promoters to play for club nights, you’ll gain a lot of experience about how the dance floor works. Maybe even consider playing pop music in bars and clubs like I did for years. It allows you to focus on the production mid-week.

Any news or final comments?

Yes, I’ve just released my brand new collaboration “Flashing Lights” with one of my all time heroes Laidback Luke. It’s out now on Mixmash Records.

© Danny Canak

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