It’s nearly impossible to compare working your way to the top as a DJ in Los Angeles to trying to make it big in Portland, but that’s exactly what we discussed with Drexler, a Portland native who has also spent time in LA. Justin Bleich, who goes by Drexler behind the decks, is starting a party he calls Infinite Vision.
[divider]On Begnining [/divider]
While Drexler was in high school, his friend Tyler Tastemaker introduced him to Diplo, and just like that, he was hooked. He started making his own music at about sixteen years old. “I was sampling vinyl and I was really influenced by hip-hop.” From Diplo, his music influences shifted to Justice, then to Big Room style, and eventually to the deep house we heard recently at Bacon Ball. “I guess I’ve ended up back here because I love classic sounds and recontextualizing old sounds into a new space.”
[pullquote]Diplo’s done so well because he can always get the party started. You go to shows and you never have a bad time. So I’m taking that kind of energy.[/pullquote]
As for DJing, that’s something that only recently came about, and he’s been honing his skills for the last year and a half. It takes more than being a good DJ to make it professionally though. In Los Angeles, the music industry is established, so it’s hard to break, but once you do, you’re in. Conversely, in Portland, the electronic dance music scene is still in its infancy. “It’s kind of a side market,” he observes. But no matter the city, it still takes two key components to be a success and Drexler has them both: talent and a clear sense of direction.
[divider]On Talent[/divider]
What started out as a joke when Drexler posted a vocal sample of Pump up the Jam by Technotronix on Facebook, spawned into a catchy garage/jackin’ house remix. He sent his track to a friend in LA who played it at the Coachella silent disco. “It’s been going off!” he says excitedly.
After hearing the track when it was dropped at Bacon Ball, we have to agree and look forward to his additional remixes and new original tunes. Although the full track is yet to be released, we snagged a preview for you to check out!
[divider]On Vision[/divider]
Still new to the scene, we could tell Drexler was a bit nervous throughout the interview. But as soon as we asked him about his vision for the future, all nerves disappeared. With his eyes narrowed and focused, he confidently answered that he wants to tour and do out of state shows. “I’m hoping that I can keep the momentum I have moving into bigger shows and bigger things.”
One of those things is a new party called Infinite Vision, which extends the concept and brand he started while collaborating for No Vacancy. The kickoff is on May 22 at Branx with Justin Jay of the Dirtybird record label. “We’re planning what we feel is a super unique experience.” Taking inspiration from the Do LaB at Coachella, Lights Down Low, and Bacon Ball, Infinite Vision aims to equally be about the music and the atmosphere. “The ultimate goal is to have a combination of amazing artists and that perfect mix of warehouse rave and forward-thinking dance party, all summed up in a thoughtfully curated event.”
Tickets for Infinite Vision are now available online. You can find more information about Drexler including upcoming shows on his Facebook page.
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