Nighty Max is one of those names that it would be all to easy to keep to yourself, and drop his tunes for those club high moments whilst shielding the record labels to protect your "genius"
The truth is, Nighty Max(Joan) is one of the most down to earth, friendliest guys I have met in all my dance music history.
What follow are his answers to BtDJ's trade secret questions, along with one of my favorite tracks of his.
Be sure to follow him on myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/nightymax
Also, make sure you check out his latest tune (Beach Hut) cos it's friggin ACE (that bassline is summer wrapped up right there).
And here are the Trade Secrets:
Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into DJing/Producing and the whole scene etc?
I started out DJing at the age of 14 because I was really into house and electronic music. Then I met a guy that was also a DJ and was starting to produce and that really got me going so I started piano lessons, although I didn't start producing seriously until two years back.
What do you think is more important, raw talent, or 'getting to know' people/making the right contacts?
Unfortunately, nowadays it is essential to get good contacts to be able to get out there, but I think that without talent it can last very long.
So far what are your top achievements as a DJ/Producer?
I am just starting out, but so far I am getting gigs in the national scene, and also I am getting a very good response with my music, specially from the blogosphere.
What for you were the key moments/things that got you from bedroom artist to professional/full timer/where you are now?
Hahahaha! I am still a bedroom artist! But I am on my way and working very hard to move out of my room.
Do you think that it's easier, or harder now to make it as a DJ/Producer/band in this electronic age?
On one hand it is easier because anyone can obtain a home studio and there a many more resources, but on the other hand, this also makes it harder because there is a lot more competition.
Top 5 tips for anyone looking to get in to music?
I was hoping that you would give me some tips! Just kidding!
1. You must know the musical basics, it is easier when you know how to play an instrument.
2. Provide yourself with a home studio.
3. It might sound typical, but have confidence in yourself, and above all enjoy what you are doing.
4. A lot of patience.
5. Have music culture, and not just electronic music, but other styles.
Top 5 things NOT to do?
1. Don't expect things to happen overnight, that only happens to a few lucky ones.
2. Not to copy other artists, try to keep your own personal touch.
3. Don't be over confident.
4. Don't think that a track is finished when it really isn't.
5. Don't do drugs.
Do you think the current scene is sustainable with the number of new artist coming through, competition for gigs, current state of record sales etc?
It is true that there are many new artists and it is hard to get heard, but then everyday there are more labels and clubs that are looking out for new things.
What would you have done differently if you had a second chance?
I would have started with my piano lessons at an earlier age.
When writing new material is there a particular approach you take (melody, then beats etc) do you have ideas in your head, or just what comes out at the time?
Usually I always create a base and work on it, but as it is with music, it is also unpredictable and sometimes an idea just comes up so I try to make it work in my computer.
On a personal note... I love the bass line on your new track "Beach Hut" it's a sound I have wanted to produce for a while, can you quickly let me know how you made it?
It is a plug-in that I use with real bass sounds, and together with EQ and compression I managed to get that sound.
P.S. I also love the bass line!
Any tips for mixing/mastering
As for mixing I do what I can in that bedroom of mine, since I don't own good speakers. And mastering, to tell the truth none of my tracks are mastered, but I'd like to find a place to do it good and cheap, do you happen to know of any?
Plans for the future, upcoming gigs, new projects etc?
Gig wise, a good plan for the future would be getting more and out of Barcelona. As for projects, keep making tracks and put together a couple of EP's.
What is the best thing about being a DJ/Performer?
Seeing how the crowd enjoys your work.
If there was one thing you wish you knew when you started out?
That it was going to be so though to place myself in the scene.
40/365
p&&l
bang!
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Love it! :)
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