In Focus: Aire Atlantica
This week we got a chance to spend some time talking to Aire Atlantica. He currently has a hit collaboration with the group Fight Clvb that has been played all across the world and played by artists such as Afrojack and David Guetta. I've had the pleasure of working with Aire Atlantica a couple times now, check out what he had to say to us below!
Aire Atlantica at Rage or Die in Utica, NY
Where you can find Aire Atlantica:
Facebook
Twitter
Soundcloud
Kodiak Collective ( Management )
First off, I'm sure this is a common question but how did you come up with your name and does it have any meaning?
Honestly its more 'symbolic' and has more internal meaning to me than a literal translation, but the name stems from my grandparents building in Florida called the "Atlantica"- I have a lot of childhood memories there so its always a place that will stick with me. "Aire" just sounds cool so I stuck it on I guess. and the "-e" is silent!!!
What got you started in music?
I've been completely wrapped in music my whole life... my dad taught me how to play drums at age 3. I used to sit on his lap while he played until I got the hang of doing it alone. There's a ton of home videos of me doing that, maybe i'll post some up one day, haha. I played in bands forever and was always a fan of all types of music, from rock/alt and metal to pop, and obviously electronic and dance music.
Who or what influences you?
I've always been the most influenced by real ARTISTS, no matter what style of 'art' it is. I believe a real artist surrounds his world in his craft from all angles- so for me it's making sure my music is more than just "sounds-" I try to involve art, motion art (videos), photography, and more, to engage people from all sides of the spectrum. This kind of thinking stemmed from my love of artists like Kanye West, Diplo, Porter Robinson, and more, who really take their music past just 'music'.
Tell us about your first show, what was it like?
My first big show as Aire Atlantica was actually awesome, I played at a bar/venue for a Christmas themed party in my college town. Tons of people were there and it was the first night people started recognizing what I've been doing. Before that I had a few VERY small gigs to pay some dues, but we all gotta start somewhere right?
Aire Atlantica at Westcott Theatre - Syracuse, NY
What about your most memorable show you've done to date?
This is a tough one, every show I've played I've taken away some sort of memorable experience, but my absolute favorite show had to be Masquerave in Oneonta NY, or Halloween 2012 in Cleveland with ill.Gates. The Cleveland show was in an old Masonic temple, so the vibes were incredible and the crowd was really interactive. Oh also- when I did a back-to-back set with my buddy SAV from Fight Clvb in NYC, that was awesome as well, so big shouts to Stephen on that one.
What would you say your most embarrassing moment on stage would be?
One time there was a show with a visual projection behind me, with a little ledge right before it... so right before a big drop I turned around and ran on the ledge, and ALMOST fell backwards and knocked over the projection screen, that would've been a nightmare haha. Or all other DJs can agree that pressing the CUE button on the deck that's playing, is definitely no fun...
Tell us about the biggest highlight of your career thus far.
Definitely gaining the support of so many great artists with my track "Shout That" (collab with FIGHT CLVB)... Afrojack signed the track after dropping it at Tomorrowland (in front of at least 40,000 people...) to his label WALL Recordings. After it was released it got huge immediate support from artists such as Martin Garrix, R3hab, Clockwork, and much more. So the thought of a record I wrote going from my college apartment, to the biggest festivals in the world, is definitely a great highlight.
What are your future goals and plans for your career?
My immediate future goals for my career are to continue to write music released on great labels, as well as go even bigger for my shows with help from a booking agent. I want to get some shirts and misc. merch out for fans as well. Maybe I'll write an EP, who knows.
If given the chance, who would you love to collaborate with?
I'd love to collab with GTA, Diplo / Major Lazer, Autoerotique, Partysquad, Lorde, a few others of course. Oh and Miley
Tell us what you like to do outside of the music scene.
I love hanging with friends and most importantly, my family, as much as possible. I've been really trying to prevent myself from getting GTA5 for Xbox because its just too much fun and would kill my productivity haha.. I love cars and occasionally jump on a skateboard when I get a chance. Also took a racquetball class in college so I'm pretty confident I can take anyone on.
One last question, do you have any advice for up and coming / beginner djs?
Work hard and focus on your productions and gaining the support of other producers. If you're doing something right, people will notice. Oh and don't be annoying with promo or make BS claims about your accomplishments..it's very easy to see who is "real" and who "isn't".
Now that you got on a more personal level with this great young producer, be sure to check out his work on Soundcloud! Also, follow him on Facebook to stay up to date with his future shows.