Best of 2013 Interview: Jeremy Rowlett. Born 1987 in Monticello, Arkansas and raised in Wilmar; a small town of roughly 1000 residents just 8 miles west of Monticello. Growing up in this southern setting was at times depressing. There wasn’t much for children in the community. But through the love and compassion of his christian family his life was always full of joy and life long lessons of hard work and moral standing.
Music was always something Jeremy had been fascinated about but didn’t understand for a couple of years he let go of the desire to know. Then an opportunity was given presented to him as he entered the 5th grade. A chance to be apart of his school’s concert band. Realizing the quality in this opportunity and having always wanted to learn to play music, he presented the offer to his parents and soon joined.
As a child he was exposed to lots of southern sounds such as blues, gospel, hip-hop and R&B, so this influenced his first instrument of choice; the saxophone. From then, started a chain reaction. New doors were opened for him. His knowledge of music and its concepts were reaching horizons he had never dreamed. A total of 7 years was spent learning composition, playing live concerts in school and in various other schools and towns around the state and surrounding states. During this time he decided to expand his knowledge even further than required by getting to know various other instruments as well such as, tenor, soprano and bass saxophones, the piano, trumpet, single snare and drum set. After experimenting and learning these various instruments, something was still missing within himself. Although he grew up with certain southern sounds around him, he explored music further and found a love for more genres such as classical, new age, alternative rock, metal, industrial and many more.
As a child he was exposed to lots of southern sounds such as blues, gospel, hip-hop and R&B, so this influenced his first instrument of choice; the saxophone. From then, started a chain reaction. New doors were opened for him. His knowledge of music and its concepts were reaching horizons he had never dreamed. A total of 7 years was spent learning composition, playing live concerts in school and in various other schools and towns around the state and surrounding states. During this time he decided to expand his knowledge even further than required by getting to know various other instruments as well such as, tenor, soprano and bass saxophones, the piano, trumpet, single snare and drum set. After experimenting and learning these various instruments, something was still missing within himself. Although he grew up with certain southern sounds around him, he explored music further and found a love for more genres such as classical, new age, alternative rock, metal, industrial and many more.
The millennium came and he registered for a technology class called EASTlab (Environmental and Spatial Technology) as an elective. Already owning a computer and having a love for technology and gadgets, this class seemed to be yet again, another door for him. He took this class for 4 consecutive years. He worked on several web design projects and computer maintenance issues. Along the line of software he was introduced to he ran across a sequencer known as Fruity Loops. This was the musical touch he was looking for. He soon acquired the program and began learning its features and understanding the concept of making electronic music. Mimicking hip-hop beats and soon coming up with his own beats.
From 2002 to 2004, he produced beats for local hip-hop groups and was getting very little pay but some well appreciated local exposure and respect. Realizing aside from the money issue, the sound wasn’t what he wanted to be recognized for as a whole and the lyricists soon stopped working with him. Late 2002, He was introduced to electronic music through a long time friend of his in school taking the EASTlab course. He acquired DJ Tiesto’s In Search of Sunrise compilation discs and later compilations from Oakenfold, Nick Warren, Sasha & John Digweed. Aside from these huge influential jocks, some of the producers that stood out for him was Max Graham, Perry O’Neil, James Holden, Timo Mass and many more because of the atmospheres, textures and overall moods they produced. He then started to mimic the beats and sounds he heard until a sound of his own started to evolve.
Having learned to play the drums and having a love for metal music, he made other musician friends and soon joined a band titled INA in 2005 , which had well local support playing live shows around the state and exclusive local sessions. After a few years Jeremy realized that there were artistic boundaries within the band and one person wanted control over that boundary. The band broke up in late 2006. And Jeremy moved on to focus on what he loved most; music production. In early 2005, he started an alias called Solarrain which saw no releases but got radio support from Chris Chambers on his Elevated Progressive show on DI.fm. This break through, made him realize the potential in his work. Even though, trance was the direction he was trying to push for, a more progressive sound seemed to be emerging from his work. Since then, he’s been hard at work, coming up with a more progressive sound but never ruling out the trance like atmospheres.
On top of learning production, in early 2006 he decided to become more involved in music. Having a fascination with live performing and the music his heart seemed to take to, DJ-ing was something he always wanted to do. He soon bought his first set of digital CDJs and began practicing.
Since then, he’s also been racking in promos and working the decks, doing various guest mixes with some fellow friend DJs locally and across the globe such as Lagrom (Space Garden) from Germany, Faruk Sabanci from Turkey, Elmin Ferati from Switzerland and Daniel Hairston from the U.S. Look out for many more radio appearances to come.
Name: Jeremy Rowlett
Location: Wilmar, Arkansas US
Dimitri: Can you tell us about your achievements in your music career in 2013 as DJ &/or producer?
Jeremy Rowlett: Well, I feel this year has been really successful for me. I've seen some really big support from some of my favorite DJs and producers such as Markus Schulz, Max Graham, John 00 Fleming, Gai Barone, Danilo Ercole, Wellenrausch, Styller, Basil O'Glue, Aaron Camz and more. I think this year my sound is a lot more developed and and grown. I gear my sounds a lot towards progressive but I love using dark melodic deep trance melodies so the remixes I've chosen to do over the course of this year have been geared towards that sound. I love it.
Dimitri: If you look back on 2013, are there any events in your music career that you wished you had done differently in order to get a better outcome?
Jeremy Rowlett: I would probably not have picked up so many other projects for remixing. I'm my worst critic, so my original work is always not as good as I want it to be so I'm always using remix projects as practice. But, I don't regret that decision because that is currently paying off as I've been hard at work in my studio working several tracks for early 2014.
1) Best Track:
Jeremy Rowlett: That's always a tough question, but if I had to pick one from this year it would most definitely have to be Max Graham - The Evil ID. When I first heard that track it was labeled in the tracklist (ID) ironically! I love the chord progression and sheer energy of that track. Such a floor filler!
2) Best Artist (DJ & producer):
Jeremy Rowlett: That would definitely have to be Gai Barone. Such an inspirational and artistic person for me.
3) Best Remix:
Jeremy Rowlett: Danilo Ercole - Player One (Gai Barone Remix)
4) Best Remixer:
Jeremy Rowlett: Gai Barone. It's like he takes tracks and runs them through a special blender! Such a talent.
5) Best New Talent (DJ or producer):
Jeremy Rowlett: My friends Holbrook & SkyKeeper! Those guys are really awesome duo!
6) Best EDM Album:
Jeremy Rowlett: I haven't really listened to many albums this year EDM related, but I would have to say John 00 Fleming's album One Hundred Ten [WKO] would be my pick. I'm not big on psy trance, but I am a fan of cinematics and that album had loads of it.
7) Best EDM Compilation:
Jeremy Rowlett: Markus Schulz's Buenos Aires 13'.
8) Best artwork/cover of an album or compilation:
Jeremy Rowlett: This would have to be Scott Hansen aka ISO50 or better known as Tycho's album Past In Prologue. Such a beautiful piece of art all together. He's by far one of my favorite artists; visually and musically. Check him out!
9) Best lyrics in an EDM track:
Jeremy Rowlett: "Can you keep from a secret? Can you hide from the call? Get your eyes off the wicked. Take a rest from it all". Wellenrausch - F.A.R. So powerful.
10) Best Vocalist/Singer featured on an EDM track:
Jeremy Rowlett: Stine Grove's voice is like silk in my ears. First heard her this year on The Thrillseekers - Everything (Wellenrausch Remix)
11) Best EDM Label:
Jeremy Rowlett: Saturate Audio has to be one of the best and fastest growing labels out there. I love their content.
12) Best Music Video:
Jeremy Rowlett: Any timelapse video
13) Best amusing video from Youtube related to Dance Music:
Jeremy Rowlett: It has to be the video titled "Lie Witness News - Coachella 2013. It was presented on Jimmy Kimmel Live" So funny and sad at the same time.
14) Best Online Social media network:
Jeremy Rowlett: This would probably have to be Twitter for me. I've met some amazing people there over the past couple of years. (You know who you are).
15) Best music composition software:
Jeremy Rowlett: FL Studio of course! I've used it since the beginning. I've tried other DAWs but I always fall right back to it. It just feels too right and the interface is visually pleasing to me.
16) Best Event or Open Air Festival:
Jeremy Rowlett: I don't really frequent these events but over the years I've attended EDC and I have to say its massive.
17) Best personal DJ Gig:
Jeremy Rowlett: I don't really get the opportunity to play live much considering my scene here isn't as fruitful as other places. But, one that does stand out is the Wakarusa DJ competition from 2011. So much energy from that one! Wish all gigs were this way.
18) Best DJ set of the year from another DJ?:
Jeremy Rowlett: Probably would have to be this episode of Cycles Radio with Max Graham I'm listening to now showcasing Part 1 of his recent NYC gig. Wish I had be there for this. I suggest finding it online once its uploaded.
19) Best country in which you have performed:
Jeremy Rowlett: I've never performed in another country yet, but I would love to and for ones in these countries
20) Best Radio show:
Jeremy Rowlett: Cycles Radio with Max Graham
21) Best Radio station:
Jeremy Rowlett: DI.FM
22) Best Online Record shop where you usually purchase your music:
Jeremy Rowlett: Beatport
23) Best Website that you visit regularly:
Jeremy Rowlett: Ebay lol
24) Best smart phone/mobile/App:
Jeremy Rowlett: Soundcloud for sure. Only way to keep up with whats fresh when I'm on the go and a excellent way to connect with your fans musically.
25) Best DJ/Producer product (software or hardware):
Jeremy Rowlett: The Internet
26) Best new sound or sample which has been used in EDM this year, preferably introduced by you?
Jeremy Rowlett: Well, I've been getting into using a lot more LFO based
27) Best Twitter or Facebook message you received from a fan or friend or you have read from someone else:
Jeremy Rowlett: Recently Max Graham supported my Dark Dub Remix of Andromedha's Thoughts Became Things on his Cycles Radio show on DI.FM. He mentioned me on twitter that it was one of his favorite tracks from the episode and that he loved my sound. This was like an early Christmas for me considering Max has been a favorite since the beginning of my discovery of trance and dance music in general.
28) Best piece of News you heard this year related to Electronic Dance Music:
Jeremy Rowlett: I can't think of anything that would involve the entire scene but, when I received the news from my friend Simon Tarr that his collaboration with friend Christopher Vassilakis would be releasing on Coldharbour and featured on Markus Schulz Buenos Aires 13 compilation, I was very excited for them both!
29) Best personal achievement related to Electronic Dance Music:
Jeremy Rowlett: This isn't related to 2013 but getting to the point I'm at now. Also back in December of 2012 I received support from Paul Oakenfold on his Full on Fluro show.
30) Best holiday destination or best hobby or activity that you spent some time in during 2013.
Jeremy Rowlett: Well, I used to think of my music as a hobby but have slowly committed to it as a career but, as far as hobbies, I love skateboarding. I've done it since before I learned how to ride a bike!
31) Best piece of advice you got in relation to your career:
Jeremy Rowlett: Focus on the music and always stay humble.
32) The Best Book this year, preferably related to EDM:
Jeremy Rowlett: I haven't read any books geared towards EDM but I feel like I should now.
33) Best Movie of the year preferably related to EDM or inspired you to compose a track.
Jeremy Rowlett: Prometheus. That movie is so amazing. I'm all about aliens and exploring other worlds. Really inspires me.
34 Best tip that you learnt this year relating to DJ’ing or music composition:
Jeremy Rowlett: Take your time and remember your audience.
Dimitri: 2014 is ahead of us; would you like to tell us your plans for future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations or DJ gigs.
Jeremy Rowlett: Well, I have remixes coming in early 2014 for Suffused, Massive Harmony and OLD SQL Recordings. Also, have an EP coming to In Sessions Recordings and others. Some collaboration are also being formed for next year also with some well known names from this year, but I can't discuss those just yet but I can say they all will be massive for sure! I can't wait for what 2014 has in store! Hope to see you all on the other side!
Dimitri: Thanks very much for taking the time to reply to this interview
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