DJ Barletta Interview

You guys are in for a treat. Here is my interview with the up and coming electro maverick Dj Barletta. Dj Barletta has been wiping out tunes and remixes by the dozen. He has been gaining great attention from artists such as MSTRKRFT, Crookers, Don Rimini, and many more. He recently partnered up with fellow Toronto native Van Helder for the group Mansion. Mansion has also been blowing up and been gaining notoriety in Toronto and in the blog world. Dj Barletta will be conquering the world of electronic music in due time.

Hey my name is Jake and I just want to thank you for doing this interview with Fancy Sounds, how old were you when you started making music and what was the reason?

I first started making music in middle school. I was in a few rock bands, playing the guitar, drums, stuff like that. As far as electronic music is concerned i started in production about a year and a half ago. The shift from live to digital music was the result of me moving from living with my parents in an open house, to living in a condo, which prevented me from rocking out on the guitar/drums.

How did you come up with the name Dj Barletta?

It was actually a joke at first, taken from my favourite skater in High School "Louie Barletta". The myspace was purely an outlet for terrible mash ups i would do when i first started out, and i guess it just stuck!?

When you make a remix where do you usually start?

I look for a certain sound, hook, or vocal i can exploit or cut up. The song necesarrily doesnt have to be a dancefloor banger to be remixed properly, it just needs to have a catchy element that can be used to create something dope!

What do you use to make your music?

I use ableton live!

From a DJ standpoint do you intuitively know what songs to play to certain crowds based on the first song you play or does it take you time to really know what that crowd wants to hear?

I always try and start my sets off with super high energy songs, and do initially have a set planned out for my timeslot, but ususally after half an hour i abandon it and just play off the crowds reactions. i think thats the best way.

What is the electronic music scene like in Toronto, I know MSTRKRFT is from their, any Toronto based artists to look out for?

Yes! The scene in toronto is thriving with tons of talent. Thunderheist , Auto Erotique (formerly VND/LSM), Syntonics, Sta, Tmdp , Golden Girls, The 84.85 to name a few.

How did your group Mansion with Van Helder come about?

I met Violca at a party in the middle of the summer, and i gave her a demo cd of my remixes. She went on a tour across Canada shortly after and when she came back we made our first track "Stab" together.

Are you going to continue to remix and release singles yourself or are you fully focused on Mansion?

Both. We are always working on Mansion Tracks, and I am going to be releasing an E.P for my new (Barletta) single "Bass Live," which is going to include 6 remixes from all toronto talent.

A lot of people compare you to Crookers, Are they one of your influnces? and who are some of your other influnces?

Definetly. I love a lot of like UK fidget house that has somewhat of UK Garage influence. Guys like Kelevra and Heavyfeet i am super in to.

What are your top five favorite tracks at the moment?

No Order

Rye Rye - Hardcore Girls (Heavyfeet Remix)

Auto Erotique - Gladiator

TMDP - Running

In The Club - Turn U On (Mowgli Remix)

Roland Clark & The Montanas - Music Talking (Fred Falke Rmx)

Are their any tours coming up?

As of right now no, but we are definetly looking to that direction come the new year.

Alright thanks a lot, any last words?

RAVE!

Don Rimini - Rave On (Dj Barletta Edit) (Alt. Link)

Oh Snap! - High Top Fade (DJ Barletta Remix) (Alt. Link)

Beatbouncers - Youth Control (DJ Barletta Remix) (Alt. Link)

Mansion - Stab (Alt. Link)

Mansion - Body (Alt. Link)

MSTRKRFT - Bounce (Mansion Remix) (Alt. Link)