Emerge
In just a few short years, 26-year-old California-based trance producer Emerge has gained recognition of A-List DJs such as Rank-1, W&W, Dash Berlin, Daniel Kandi, Max Graham, and many more. His diverse and cutting-edge style of aggressive yet melodic progressive trance pushes genre boundaries. Emerge infuses high-energy, techy grit with dreamy and lush melodies, creating a detailed journey as the focus of each production and DJ set. With his weekly radio show “Emerge Life Radio,” there is always something refreshing to be told. Expect a solid flow of releases coming from Emerge in the next few years.
//
At the age of six, I knew music would be everything to me. I would sit in front of the television and watch Pink Floyd play Dark Side Of The Moon live. I would get chills down my spine and my heart would race. I could remember sneaking a Sony Walkman to school in second grade and listening to that album over and over. I could see tunnels of vibrating colors and complex designs swirling about when I would close my eyes. As a child I had no concept of fame or fortune, I just wanted to create music and art. This still remains my core value today. In my junior high slash high school years I was completely absorbed in music and I had a crystalized vision of what I wanted to do. I took part in so many types of music, from punk and metal, to experimental IDM and ambient. It was around the age of 20 that I had solidified in my mind that all existence was music. Scientifically we can break down reality to subatomic particles that create vibrations. Vibrations create frequencies, and frequencies create tones. When tones are place in the right order you have chords and melody. When this is done just right, you create music that provokes something that cannot be put into words. The way I see it, music is creating us before we create it.
Interview
Home Town: Santa Maria, CA
Currently Living: Visalia, CA
Origin of Name: The name artist name “Emerge” came to me during a very testing time in my life. It was inspired through deep reflection and meditation that I could “Emerge” from darkness and fear. Emerge is not only my artist name, but a mantra as well. The name was chosen to inspire others to do the same.
Weapon of choice: Good music and a positive state of mind. I truly believe when the mind is focused, and positive, you can read a crowd and take them on the journey they wont forget.
Source of Power: Living in the moment. To be fully present in each action I make. I truly believe a focused mind can accomplish beautiful things. It is usually when I achieve this state of mind that I feel most inspired, I feel as if I am more of a conduit in which the universe expresses itself through me.
Was there one particular moment in the recording or mixing process for your Discovery Project entry that made you feel like you were creating something pretty damn special?
When I was mixing I had no clue the Discovery Project would select it. I was just having fun—I knew in my heart that was all that mattered.
Are there any dots to connect with where/how you grew up to your musical output?
I would have to say, my early exposure to psychedelic rock. It is what sent me on a journey to discovery what I liked musically and how I would think musically. I could remember my parents listing to everything from Michael Jackson to Led Zeppelin. Getting my first guitar at the age of 12 was also pretty big for me. I would spend hours making noise. Then discovered around the age of 18 that I could make music on a computer. This concept changed it all. I’ve been doing it ever since.
What do your parents think of what you are doing?
My parents are extremely supportive of what I am doing, I’ve made them trance heads these past few years. They are big Armin and Markus fans.
What makes you shake your head in wonderment about being a DJ and producer?
Knowing that one or two guys in a small room usually produce a track. Countless hours poured into these productions. Then these tracks are played in front of massive crowds creating an almost religious/euphoric experience.
What’s the biggest misconception about being a DJ?
That anyone can become one, but hey whatever throws your hair back.
What is your ultimate career dream?
Performing at an A State Of Trance event. For any trance producer I think that would be amazing. That or the EDC Vegas mainstage.
What advice would you offer someone thinking about entering the Discovery Project competition?
Be true to yourself. Really understand what you love and why you love it. I think it’s from that point that you will find a creative and unique voice that people want to hear, and it is what Insomniac is trying to discover. Don’t focus on making the next Beatport hit or becoming a “superstar,” focus on truly making art. That is the essence of what makes our scene so beautiful and diverse.
Winning Track:
Winning Mix:
Share
You might also like
