Exclusive Interview with DJ BL3ND
Only one DJ in the world can claim to have a global following of millions, while never having left the United States. The story of DJ BL3ND is like none other. It began with his humble upbringing in Los Angeles, California and continues to this day, with over 250 million views on YouTube on his signature high-energy live mixes. Driven by his passion to spin the music he loved for a larger audience, BL3ND began handing out mix-tapes to local clubs and promoters in 2009. However, he had a difficult time grabbing anyone’s attention. Seeking another means of sharing his passion with the world, BL3ND began creating live videos of himself dancing and spinning energy filled, hard hitting beats in his now signature mask. Posting on YouTube, BL3ND’s videos quickly went viral. In less than three short years, BL3ND has become an unprecedented story of do-it-yourself success.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Bl3nd, shortly before his performance at Together Festival at BITEC on 31st May.
You conquered the dance music scene all by yourself, with your signature high-energy live mixes you released on YouTube - by today your videos count over 250 million views and you are ranked on #91 of DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs. Did you ever expect that your do-it-yourself approach could lead to such incredible success?
I did not expect anything when I started. I just kept and continue doing what I love to do, and that is make cool mixes, produce crazy music, and perform crazy shows for my fans :) I go by the motto of Work Hard Play Hard!
You are wearing a mask at all times and your real name, age and origin have never been revealed. What can you tell us about yourself? How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and what is your reason to prefer staying anonymous?
What I can tell you about myself is that I love to have a Good Time in anything that I do. That’s the reason why I love to play and produce Electronic music, because I have such a great time and get full of energy with this type of music. I’m not anonymous at all, this is really my face!! Every time I like to get a different hair style that is all :p haha
Your music is a bass-heavy mix of Electro, Dubstep and Electro House. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
I describe my music and mixes to be Wild, Insane, Crazy, Fun. That’s why all my mixes are always named this way haha. I put name to my mixes to describe the music and video together :)
What tracks or live mixes would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
My Latest Track “Going Down” is a great track for one to get to know the style of music I produce. Also, my FreakShow mixes show more of the stuff I play live at my shows.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
The best gigs are really all my shows. I get to always rage with my fans in different places around the world, so for me that is really awesome!! Every night i make it the best night possible for my fans who are there. The worst gig would be only when the sound system is not good in the venue. That doesn’t usually happen though, because I make sure to play a venue that my fans will like. The funniest thing that occurred to me was when my fans were getting me naked when I crowed surf at one of my shows haha.
With 4 Million followers on Facebook and close to 1 Million subscribers on YouTube, it’s hard to believe, but 2014 is the first year ever for you to tour outside the USA. On 31st May you will finally make your long-awaited Bangkok Debut - at the Together Festival 2014, alongside Afrojack and MAKJ. What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance? Is there any message we can deliver to your fans in Bangkok?
What Bangkok can expect from my performance is A lot of Fun Energy!! It’s awesome to play alongside with Afrojack and Makj because they also deliver Great Energy :) Bangkok I love you, and I can’t wait to finally party with you!! YEAHHH x_O