Rob N

Rob N from a small town of Wichita, Kansas to now residing in Orlando, Florida is trying to finally fulfill his longtime goal to bring soulful music to the masses. He knew he wanted to be a part of electronic music after listening to Kaycee- Escape (Electro Mix) in the late 90s. From then on he fell in love with the breakbeat and trance genres. Rob N is still learning everyday of the ins and outs of sound production and hopes to be as good as his idols. Not wanting to be labeled in a specific genre, Rob N dabbles in breakbeats, trance, progressive, and deep house. Rob N’s influences and favorite artists are Josh Gabriel, Dave Dresden, Gui Boratto, Trentemoller, Way Out West, 16 Bit Lolitas, Matt Darey, Above & Beyond, Stanton Warriors, Dj Icey, and Dj Infiniti.

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I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. I am trying to fulfill my life-long goal to bring soulful music to the masses.

Interview

Home Town: Wichita, KS
Currently Living: Orlando, FL
Origin Of Name: It’s my real name—almost!
Weapon of Choice: Logic Pro, Ableton, Spectrasonics plugins
Source of Power: Josh Gabriel, Dave Dresden, Gui Boratto, Trentemoller, Way Out West, 16 Bit Lolitas, Above & Beyond, Stanton Warriors, DJ Icey, DJ Infiniti.

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?
I entered the competition on a whim. I just finished my first original production, a downtempo/ambient track and knew it will be so different than what others were going to submit.

Are there any dots to connect with where/how you grew up to your musical output?
I grew up listening to the radio all the time and can always connect to a song to how I was feeling at the moment. I was heavily involved in band and choir when I was a kid so music has always been a part of me.

What do your parents think of what you are doing?
Why you no doctor?

What makes you shake your head in wonderment about being a DJ and producer?
DJs and producers who don’t know their equipment and sound threshold…don’t bump red guys.

What would people be surprised to find out about being a DJ?
We hate requests!

Tell me about your most memorable night out.
EDC Orlando and opening up for Tritonal a few months later.

Do you have any memorable moments from past EDC’s or any other Insomniac party?
EDC Dallas was the first big festival I ever attended. It was really overwhelming to see how electronic dance music has blown up in the past few years.

How does what you do for a living affect you on a day-to-day basis?
My “income” job is totally different then music production. I hope that someday I’m able to pay my bills doing what I love.

What is your ultimate career dream?
To be the one playing festivals and not being the spectator.

Are you impulsive with your work or do you have a sketch in mind before you start?
Ideas run through my mind at the most random times.

What’s the most important piece of gear in your studio?
My Mac Pro, can’t make music without it!

How important is it for you to experiment and take on the risk of failure?
You just got to do what you feel is “you” and go with the flow.

Do you have a list of people you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Gabriel & Dresden. They have always been my idols because they break boundaries and try not to be placed in a specific genre.

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?
Lisa Loeb “Stay.”

What sound or noise do you love?
Appregiators. Think Donna Summer “I Feel Love” for example.

What should everyone just shut the fuck up about?
Dubstep and trap.

What gets you excited when you think about the future of electronic music and club culture?
I see the future underground as dark and progressive. I love that…

When you look at electronic music and the surrounding culture, what worries you about the future?
I just hope all EDM listeners will open their minds and be more open to different genres.

What are your weaknesses?
Grey Goose.

Do you have a secret passion?
Not really.

How would you describe your sound to a deaf person?
Have them feel a speaker when playing my music!

What do you remember about your first DJ gig?
Pioneer CDJ700s & DJM800 mixer at a gymnasium playing breakbeats!

What’s the hardest professional lesson you’ve learned thus far?
Sometimes you may just want to be secluded from everyone but making connections with the local scene can open so many doors.

Do you have a favorite all-time mixed CD or series?
DJ Icey’s Essential Mix from 2000. The track by DJ Kaycee “Escape” (Electro mix) made me fall in love with electronic music.

What advice would you offer someone thinking about entering the Discovery Project competition?
Be yourself and try to be unpredictable.

Last words?
Prerecorded sets are lame. End of story.

Winning Track: