Exclusive Interview With Infamous DJ Pozeidon
1. When did you start DJing — and what or who were your early passions and influences?
I Started DJing at 17. My journey as a musician started with hip hop. I was first musically influenced mainly by “Lil Wayne,” I was writing rap music since I could remember being conscious. I thought all EDM sounded the same until I heard Skrillex’s music. That definitely influenced the start of my life as a producer. I began producing Dubstep on Ableton when I Turned 13 years old. I was also really passionate about bodybuilding & working out a lot specially when I was younger. I later got into other artists like Steve Aoki, Borgore, G-Eazy & a few others. Eventually I dropped out of high school and moved from Las Vegas to Tempe Arizona, into my brother’s frat house. That’s where I invested my first thousand dollars to get a DJ setup. I knew I had to perform my electronic music someday, somehow. I started to DJ some ASU frat parties, which was the beginning of my journey as a DJ.
2. What skills do you think DJs need to be successful?
DJ’s need to have a good stage presence. High vibrations are needed for a good show. The crowd’s experience is depending on the DJ. It’s a good idea to express yourself and your vibe fully because that’s what people will relate to. Mixing music honestly is simple although there’s definitely cool tricks and effects to make a show pop harder. Mixing records together to keep a show going is not difficult as long as you learn the gear / software. Learning to let certain elements of one song take over and removing frequencies is like EQing audio live. Understanding that and being able to perform that in front of a crowd is definitely a skill DJs want to have. It’s good to dominate the pressure and just have fun with it and make sure you’re having a good time.
3. How do you stay up to date with the latest music trends?
I honestly don’t. I try to stay to myself more and self-influence now a days. When it comes to other music, I let it find me. If the universe shows me a tune that I connect with I’ll play it or even remix it depending on how much I like it and want to express that vibration. I don’t listen to radio. If I search music, it’s through YouTube or SoundCloud. I am always open to supporting talented musicians no matter where they are in their journey. If I connect with your art, I will do my best to support it.
4. When it comes to music, who are some of your favorite artist to play?
Around 80% of my DJ set is typically my original music or remixes and edits I’ve done. The rest of the set might have Skrillex, Eptic, Borgore, Excision or any of the other bass legends that influenced me early on. I will also play unique songs I run into if I connect with the art, and it’s mixed properly.
5. Being in a new era of DJing what would you consider your style of Djing?
I open portals.
I usually DJ very bass heavy and emotional music. It is a very open format, with anything from dubstep to jersey club, house, trap, psytrance, really any genre. I usually rap or sing on my records (Spanish and English) as well, so that brings very rare sets. I like to give people an experience they won’t forget.
I’m here to influence humanity and make an impact on earth while I’m here. That is really my priority.
6. What makes you decide to play a particular record during one of your sets? Is there a criteria other than pure subjectivity, for selecting what to play at a gig?
Subjectivity is a big deciding factor for sure. If I hear a song I really connect with it usually I know right away if I’ll throw it in my set. Qualities I look out for are uniqueness in sound design and intensity. If a record hits really heavy and shakes the crowd, I’ll enjoy playing that. That comes with experience and patience toward the process. Reading a crowd is important so it’s a balance of self-expression and reading what the crowd knows or wants. Very emotional topics or melodies usually grab my attention. I like to play music even if it’s not popular. I’m actually more drawn to finding songs that get you emotional or excited but aren’t well known. I think it’s special to share those vibes.
7. Can you describe your state of mind during a DJ set? What supports this ideal state of mind and what are distractions? Are there strategies to enter into this state more easily?
My state of mind is very intense energy and highly emotional. Although every show is different, I definitely go on the stage to give the crowd an extreme experience where they get to feel highs and lows. Having good friends & family around me supports my state of mind.
I mentally prepare myself by blocking out any negative thoughts, as those are my biggest distractions, and only letting the positive thoughts come into my mind. That usually looks like countless hours of meditation and working out the day of a show really gets my energy right. I like to be completely fasted for a show. Usually if I’m performing, I haven’t eaten food that day; it keeps my instincts sharp and helps my mind be really focused on manifesting and keeping a high vibration.
8. Where all do you promote your work online?
ANIMA is the whole movement, record label / tribe. You will be seeing more of that. I promote my stuff online through social media (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok & Twitter).
Instagram: @Pozeidon
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/c/PozeidonMusic
Twitter/TikTok/Facebook: @Pozeidonmusic
9. What is the best gear or an upcoming Dj to buy starting off?
First thing you need to get is a laptop to download music, make edits and show prep. Any type of DDJ will get you started. I learned to DJ on Serato, but if you follow my footsteps, you will eventually want to learn the CDJs & get used to rekordbox. My advice is just go straight to learning the CDJs. In my eyes, Pioneer CDJs are standard in the industry. It’s good to be able to just show up to a venue, plug in your USB, and be ready to throw down a set.
10. Any shout outs?
Shout out to God y Arriba La Sierra de Durango.
