Eekkoo first appeared on the scene with none other than deadmau5 singing his praises, no small feat for anyone familiar with Joel’s opinions on dance music today. Since then, the Montreal native has become one of the crown jewels of the mau5trap label. He started from modest enough roots, as a sound engineer and designer, finding fame after becoming the first ever artist the mau5 followed on Soundcloud.
His unique and diverse sound is never one to stay in place for long, making him a true musical chameleon in the best sort of way. With his first ever Seattle appearance set to take place this Saturday (1/24) at Q Nightclub, we sat down with him to get the lowdown on his beginnings, what we can expect, and plenty more. Grab tickets to the show here, listen to his latest mix below to get familiar, and read on to learn more about the mau5trap visionary.
[divider]5 Questions With Eekkoo[/divider]
1. What’s it been like for you coming up as a protege of sorts under deadmau5 wing? Has it helped you get a feel for the industry and what to expect learning from someone so opinionated and experienced?
“It sure gave me a lot of credibility. Some doors were hard to open, but with his team by my side, everything now runs smoothly.”
2. Your first show in Seattle is this weekend; what is it you’re looking forward to playing to a Northwest crowd that tends to keep an open mind? Any surprises in store for Q Nightclub?
“Open minded people? That’s the only thing I’m looking for! Plus, of course, some loud and good sounding p.a. systems. And I know you guys have that covered in Seattle. I’ve got a lot of new music to play and new tracks now ready for the ultimate experience: a real time crowd reaction.”
3. Do you think it’s important that the dance music scene as a whole keeps an open mind to new and interesting kinds of music, especially with the boom of the more mainstream aspects of “EDM” surfacing here in the U.S.?
“Absolutely, one can’t be drinking Coca-Cola all his life. It sure tastes good. But there’s a lot to try on the menu.”
4. Much of your music diverts away from the typical offerings of more popular dance music. Do you find this keeps you interested and engaged with dance music, where many other artists are feeling burnt out by the “sameness” of Beatport Top 100-type offerings?
“I simply feel like doing what I like and what sounds cool and relevant whatever the genre. If it’s electro, fine. Techno. EDM? Also. Let’s not be judgmental. Whatever sounds great and are driving you, as an artist, to keep on going.”
5. What are your plans for 2015? Any big releases in store on mau5trap?
“More shows, more collaborations, more remixes. And yes, lots of new music about to hit the stores via mau5trap. Watch out for this next one: ‘4th Bell'”
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