Fista Cuffs

Acclaimed as one of the most dominating names of the underground west coast music scene is Fista Cuffs; an electronic music artist based out of Los Angeles who produces Moombahton, Trap and other Bass-oriented EDM. Fista Cuffs’ funky, energetic bass has been igniting crowds from stages across California, including major music festivals such as Life in Color and Snowglobe. His live sets are loyal to no genre; fearing no BPM, Fista Cuffs unique mixing style is a booming reminder of what an explosive bass set should be.

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Music is in me, it surrounds me. I see music, not only hear it. I spend two thirds of my day making, listening, and discussing music. I find music is always the common subject that a group of complete strangers can unify around come to an agreement on. Music is life.

 

Interview

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Hometown: Sacramento
Currently living: Los Angeles
Origin of Name: Fista Cuffs, just a funny expression I thought was catchy meaning to fight
Weapon of Choice: “OTT”
Source of Power: Love

What advice would you offer someone thinking about entering the Discovery Project?
Don’t worry about the competition, I entered multiple times and never won. I was heart broken after I put hours into promotion, but the time I just uploaded a good mix and my latest original thinking, “Oh well, if I don’t win it’s not the end of the world” — Of course that time I get the call! 

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 realized that a lot of the tunes I was mixing were my own! It was amazing to hear all your songs in your own mix. 

Are there any dots to connect with where/how you grew up to your musical output? From people freestyling on the street corner to a grand piano forced down your throat by your Mom.
I went to Catholic school my whole life so by the time it was time to go to college I really wasn’t ready. I decided to follow my own path and move to the bay area where the hip-hop and “hyphy” vibe of the streets really touched me in a way that influences my music still today!

What do your parents think of what you are doing?
My parents think what I’m doing is great! They believe in me and want me to succeed! 

What’s the strangest part of your job? What makes you shake your head in wonderment about being a DJ and producer?
I look at the top 10 songs on Beatport and being a student at Icon Collective I know what kind of work goes into a track. I hear these million dollar songs, and it makes me sick that these people are touring the world after making an 8-channel track. 

What’s the biggest misconception about being a DJ? Or, what would people be surprised to find out about the profession?
People need to understand, 90% of DJs don’t tour and have a hard time making a living off their music.

How does what you do for a living affect you on a day-to-day basis? How, if at all, does it affect your friends and family?
I love what I do. Music is my life. All I want to do is share my feelings and my visions through my art, my music. 

What is your ultimate career dream? (i.e. get on Oprah)
I would love to be able to support a family and travel and live comfortably someday off my music. I’m not asking for a G6 but a nice life would be nice.

Are you impulsive with your work (in the studio and/or DJing) or do you have a sketch in mind before you start?
I’m very patient. I know what I want and I get it. My goal is clear.

How, if at all, does listening to music figure into your creative process? What’s the last song you heard that made you drop what you were doing and go into the studio?
I reference songs just like every other producer, but I’m not copying by any means. My ideas flow like water.

What’s the most important piece of gear in your studio and why?
The most important piece of gear in my studio is prob my OP-1 Teenage Engineering. Great synthesizer, big sound, and pretty rare.

How important is it for you to experiment and take on the risk of failure?
I love experimenting. A lot of my songs are very experimental. 

Do you have a list of people you’d like to collaborate with (from musicians to designers) in the future? Who are some of the people and why?
ETC!ETC! – I have always looked up to Jose. Great producer with great style. Dillon Francis – asshole wont ever respond to me! I love you Dillon =[ TALK TO ME! Figure – I won his remix contest and he’s always been a good mentor.

If we pressed Shuffle on your iPod while you went to the bathroom, what would you be embarrassed to come back to us listening to?
I got a lot of Rihanna… a lot.

What sound or noise do you love?
I love the classic Moog sound.

What should everyone just shut the fuck up about?
Everybody should “SHUT THE FUCK UP” about genres. If it makes you dance and touches your soul, who gives a FUCK!

What gets you excited when you think about the future of electronic music and club culture?
I think about how EDM is merging with almost every form of entertainment! So excited to see what happens! 

When you look at electronic music and the surrounding culture, what worries you about the future, what do you wish would change or that you could change?
I fear that kids will abuse the fact that EDM shows are pretty crazy, and we all just want everyone to be safe and have fun.

What are your weaknesses?
My weaknesses are getting stuck on one thing like my “kick drum” or maybe I don’t like the ride I used and I’ll search for one for hours!

Do you have a secret passion?
My secret passion is art. I collect many things up to paintings and sculptures etc…

How would you describe your sound to a deaf person?
I would say think Star Wars while sitting on subwoofer.

Is success physical or internal? What does it mean to you?
I feel it’s both. Success can be physical; with success comes the toys but there should always be that internal feeling of self accomplishment from hard work.

What do you remember about your first DJ gig? Details please…
I played with Nadastrom and I remember the club being pissed because everyone left after my set. I guess I “played too good.” 

What’s the hardest professional lesson you’ve learned thus far? How did it make your life easier—or more difficult?
Be patient. Things aren’t handed to you. Work hard and things will always work out.

Tell me about your most memorable night out as an artist or as a fan.
I went to dinner with Figure, Candyland, and Helicopter Showdown and we all got shitfaced on Moonshine before the show. 

Do you have any memorable moments from past EDCs or any other Insomniac party?
I played Beyond Wonderland and being my first real Insomniac event it was definitely very memorable.

Do you have a favorite all-time mixed CD or series?
I love all mixes. Each one is unique.

Have something you’d like to get off your chest that we did ask you about? Go for it, shoot from the hip…
I wish people would give me chance to play. I def leave an impression everywhere I play! THANK YOU guys so much!  

 

Fista Cuffs Discovery Project: Beyond Wonderland Bay Area 2013 by Fista Cuffs on Mixcloud

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