RJ Pickens [Interview]

 

Pictured from left to right, Cathy,Izabela, Rj Pickens and Marcin post interview after his Silent Disco set at SAMF14 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Pictured from left to right, Cathy,Izabela, Rj Pickens and Marcin post interview after his Silent Disco set at SAMF14 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

1)    How did you get into the EDM scene and who did you start out listening to?

“Well, I grew up listening to B96 in Chicago, amongst many other kinds of music, but I didn’t make the lifelong connection until I was 18 and I was up late and partying with friends as a freshman in college. An older friend that was a senior when I was a freshman put on a Chemical Brothers CD (“Exit Planet Dust”) and I was like “What is THIS??” I stayed up all night listening to it and then went to the record store and bought it the next day. It was all over after that.”

2)    How long did you perfect your mixing skills before you landed your first gig?

“I started playing when I was 18/19 at house parties. It wasn’t so much about mixing at that point, but rather programming; thinking a track or two ahead, programming your dance floor and keeping the party going. After I had been playing parties for a while to more mainstream type crowds, I learned how to match beats and the technical skillset along that avenue.”

3)    Did you ever experience that “I made it moment”? If so, when did it happen?

“I’m going to answer your question in a round-about way. I feel like a lot of people want to make progress in their craft or dj career or whatever, but I think people look at it the wrong way. Like, ‘I need to do all this stuff and then finally Boom – I’ll get to the end and its an instant reward.’ I don’t think this view is accurate, and I don’t think there’s one gig like “ahh I finally made it!”. I think it’s a string of small victories that you accomplish along the way. Then, after a while, look back and you think “Holy shit, I did all of that!”. That path is forever an ongoing path, you’re always learning and always wanting to improve. The journey is your destination. “

4)    I see you have performed all over Chicago including Primary, Spybar, Soundbar, the Mid, and Castle, but mainly Castle. Would you say that Castle is your favorite place in the city to spin? Or do you even have a favorite club in the city to spin at? If so why?

“Well, I have a lot of history at Castle. That’s not only one of the first clubs I started going to religiously when I was of age (it was called Vision at the time), but it’s been a big part of me, as I’ve put a lot of time and efforts in over there in all my years. I first played there in October of 2005. At the time, Armin (Van Burren) was a favorite artist of mine, and I got to play the early opening set for him. That was my first gig at Vision, and it was a pretty big deal at that! I always wanted to play that room. It was (and still is) Chicago’s big room. Then, in a round-about series of events, I started working there full time, and over the years ended up doing everything there from marketing, promotion, online ticketing, to event flyers and coordinating and managing events. I booked artists, dealt with artist hospitality/logistics and spun there monthly as a resident. I lived, ate, and breathed Vision. That place will always have a special place with me because I put so much blood and sweat into it. I’ve definitely played at many other places along the way as well, and there’s unique features to all of clubs that I play at regularly. I’m fortunate to able to play a variety of venues in this city, and it’s hard to pick a favorite. But hands down, the venue I have the most history with is Castle.”

5)    Besides Chicago, we see you were in Miami for the WMC and travelled around the Midwest. How do you feel the Chicago scene compares to the rest of the US?

“I mean. Im always going to love it here because it’s home, and we’re actually really fortunate to have what we have in Chicago, now more-so than ever. We’ve never had so many options, on any given week/weekend to see so many awesome artists. As a dance music consumer, it’s never been better times than right now. However, to answer your question: Every city is a little bit different, depending of what the city laws are. For example, as opposed to Chicago, Miami or Las Vegas have a 24-hour liquor license, so the parties go all night there because they can. Obviously, there needs to be a market for this music in place in each city in order for these events to succeed, but at this point, electronic music has never been more popular in America than it is now – all across the country.   There are a few major US markets that I feel are a little ahead of the game though, because they’ve simply been doing it for a lot longer than the rest of the country. The cities on that list for me would include: NYC, CHI, LA, SF, MIA, and Seattle.”

6)    You’ve been part of the Chicago scene for 14+ years, what do you think of the scene and how it has changed over the years?

“ Back in the beginning of my time here, there were a lot fewer of us. There were still a good number of us but stuff like Spring Awakening for 3 days, or even a one-day festival like this was unheard of at that time. Club and theater events were much more prominent. There was a large show/festival called PureNation back in 2006. That was a really big deal when that happened. It was a one-day event on Northerly Island for maybe 10,000 people. Everything else in the scene operated the same, but was to scale: fewer events, fewer large venue shows, or whatever but it was always still a great party. It’s nostalgic for looking back and being a part of all of it. I’m a little older now, and as I walk around I just see everyone having the best time of their life. Every one of these kids is counting down the hours to this event – people’s lives revolve around this. I remember being crazy excited about big shows in my younger years. It’s a cool feeling, and I’ll never forget it.”

7)    What is your most memorable DJ experience/gig and why?

“I’m terrible at answering questions such as this one, and it’s because I’m very fortunate to have had so many amazing nights playing in this city (and beyond) with a multitude of top-tier artists. However, I will definitely say that there is no feeling like taking your crowd on a true journey through the course of your set, and having that organic connection with them where it almost feels like you’re playing puppet master, pulling on all the right strings and making the crowd respond in unison. I’ve made many of those types of connections with crowds and dance floors over the years, and it truly never gets old.”

8)    Any advice you can give to young aspiring DJs and producers?

“I can suggest a couple things, for sure. 1. Do it for the reasons you want to do it for, and be happy with it. If you want to just play records cool, if you want to spin at your local bar cool. If you’re aspiring to do the artist thing and land bigger gigs with bigger headlining artists, it will require a lot more work. Whatever your choice, just do it for yourself and what drives you. 2. If you want to take the artist route, it’s never been so important to produce your own music. DJs now need even more material to set themselves apart from the masses of other DJs. Everyone who has a laptop can potentially be a DJ (and we’re at no shortage of people trying). 3) Only play the music that you love. Take the time to listen to the music you love and learn it. Nowdays, you have the ability to play any song in the history of music with the prevalence of the internet, so don’t just go cruise the Beatport top 100 and play the same cheese everyone else does. Dig a little deeper and play songs that truly move you, as that will begin to define your own artistic style of playing.”

9)    What’s next for Rj Pickens? Any big shows coming up, any collaborations albums or remixes we should keep an eye out for?

“This month (June) is a big month for me.  I have a lot of respect for the Pryda labels and collective of artists, and I actually get to play with all 3 of those guys this month. I played with Eric Prydz last night at The Mid, I’m Playing with Jeremy Olander next weekend, and with Fehrplay at the end of the month. I have RiverWest Music Festival coming up in July, a couple of shows in Detroit and Denver, along with a couple big shows here in CHI also. I have some tunes in the pipeline to be released soon as well. I recently did a remix for a buddy and fellow Chicago artist – Russoul (Cajual Records artist – Cajmere/Green Velvet’s label). He sent me a vocal track of his and I really dug it, and was happy to have a chance to give it my own treatment. Then, I’m looking to follow that up with a 2 track release of my own originals. I’ve got a number of other projects on deck too, and I’d love to give some more details on when those are coming, but we’ll just have to cross some of these bridges as they come, because sometimes there’s just not enough hours in a day!

Check out one of RJ Picken’s best sets below, as he opened up for Eric Prydz on June 13 at The Mid for an officially Spring Awakening Music Festival After Party.

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Just Stay Chi! Weekly Clubbing Preview 25 (2014)

Monday 6/23/2014

Bodi Be You Mondays Call 312.440.9680
EvilOlive SRTB Presents: Porn N Chicken Player Haters Ball Banger! RSVP for no cover till 11PM
The MiD Industry Mondays- Paul B’s Bday Bash RSVP Deal: Free Before 11:30pm

Tuesday 6/24/2014

Bodi BPM – Industry Tuesday -Gus Karas and DJ Gordo Contact Brett at 312-709-0949 for table reservations and guest list.
Door#3 The TRAP House Say “HATZ” at the door for FREE entry till 10:30 Pm half off after
Primary Primary $2 Tuesdays Text “VIP” to 41411 for No Cover
Roof on the Wit Roof Live -A Skyline View and Live Acoustic Guitar. $5 Coronas all night. Reservations Call: 312-239-9588

Wednesday 6/25/2014

Roof on the Wit Jake Reno Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Smartbar Change Request Free
Studio Paris Studio Sessions – Topher Jones For Tickets follow the LINK. To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.

Thursday 6/26/2014

Bodi Sounds by DJ PC3 and Sean Mac  Contact 312-709-0949 for table reservations and guest list!
The MiD Paris & Simo Password “WHYSOCHI” LADIES FREE ALL NIGHT, GUYS FREE till 12 Am $10 After. For Tables text 773.504.4348
Primary Them Flavors Thursdays feat. Great Dane $10 All Night
Roof on the Wit PHNM Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Smartbar ADSR: Decay with PAPERWORK / SOLT / HANDSOME TYRANTS FREE
Studio Paris DJ Flipside To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
The Underground Every Damn Wednesday For reservations email Host@TheUndergroundChicago.com

Friday 6/27/2014

Bodi Fantasy Fridays – Dj Kid Clay, Gio Sandz Contact Brett@bodichicago.com for table reservations and guest list!
Castle Fehrplay Follow the LINK for tickets
The MiD Phife Dawg / Rhymefest For tickets follow the LINK. For Tables Text 773.504.4348
Primary Derek Specs’ Birthday & 30 Yr. Anniversary of Chicago Traxmen Follow LINK for Tix
Roof on the Wit Kane Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Smart Bar Oktave welcomes RROSE $13 before midnight $15 after. To purchase tickets follow the LINK. $10 Before midnight with Facebook RSVP or valid student ID
Soundbar Orjan Nilsen $20 General admission. RSVP for free cover before 12 PM $10 after.
Studio Paris Politik To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
The Underground Summer Music Series with DJ Cobra For table reservations, email Host@TheUndergroundChicago.com

Saturday 6/28/2014

Bodi Reset Saturdays w/ Timbuck2, Legacy, PC3 and BstEvr Mateo Contact Brett Picarazzi at brett@bodichicago.com for table reservations!!
Castle John O’Callaghan Follow the LINK to buy tickets.
The MiD Control Saturday – Nathan Scott / J Worra / Junar Password: WHYSOCHI Ladies FREE All Night, Guys Free Till 12 Am. For Tables Text 773.504.4348
Primary Derek Specs Birthday Boogie w. Cocodrills NO DRESS CODE, for TIX follow the LINK
Roof on the Wit Impulse Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Smart Bar 5 Magazine Welcomes MIGUEL MIGS $13 Before Midnight, $15 after get tickets by following LINK ($10 before midnight with Facebook RSVP or Valid Student ID)
Sound-bar Deorro $20 general admission. RSVP for free cover before 11:30 PM
Studio Paris Mr. Mauricio To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.

Sunday 6/29/2014

Roof on the Wit SKAM Artist Takeover Reservations Call: 312-239-9588
Primary The Pool House CXII ft. Farley “Jackmaster” Funk $10 Tix available by following LINK
Smart Bar Queen! Gay Pride Parade Afterparty MICHAEL SERAFINI / GARRETT DAVID / special guest JAMIE $7 All Night
Studio Paris Save Your Soul Sunday: Ron Carroll To reserve a table, please call 312.595.0800 or email studioparis@leye.com.
The Underground CIA Sundays w/ DJ Arkitek RSVP to CIA@RockitRanch.com

Tiesto – A Town Called Paradise Review [ 2.5/4]

A-Town-Called-Paradise-Album-Cover

Tiesto released his new album on Monday June 16th, 2014. With all the accolades that follow this person’s name, high expectations were held for new album “A Town Called Paradise”.

Tiesto brought a full lineup of incredible artists which include Icona PopDBXDzeko & TorresKrewella, and many more well-known artists. The guest vocals and productions of the well-know arsenal the dutch trance legend brought unto this album seem almost to be a waste. Tiesto is almost wanting to please the more “mainstream” crowd by playing that hands-in-the-air track on repeat. Most of his songs should be played in the club scene, and the others will hopefully get the remix they deserve. My rating for Tiesto’s “A Town Called Paradise” will be a 2/4.
-Amando

Tiesto’s new album “A Town Called Paradise” is a very heartwarming and fun album. Tiesto chose to go a different route with the tracks in this album by throwing out different types of vibes for each song. While one song can be fun and talks about being wasted (“Wasted”) or traveling/meeting people/making memories (“Footprints”), the next can be more emotional and about a possible significant other (“Echoes”, “Shimmer”). The album also features the internationally known “Red Lights” as well. As Tiesto said during an interview, he chose to show different sides or himself and opened himself up. Even so many years after his initial growth in popularity, Tiesto has shown me that no matter what the genre, he will still blow everyone else out of the water. Listening to this album is a MUST! 4/4 stars
-Iza

Why_So_Chi_neon_review 2

Tiestos new album gave me mixed feelings. It had too much vocals but then again a few of the tracks needed it. Matthew Koma of course made another appearance on another producer’s album; it’s no mystery that this man has become the voice of EDM at the moment. Other than the vocals it’s somewhat well balanced granted most tracks have been heard already and played in many of this summer’s festivals. Nonetheless the album gets 2 out of 4 stars from me. Tiesto needs to go back to his old ways, but he isn’t too bad when he tries the new stuff.
-Mario U

After being the first person from WhySoChi to hear “Wasted” at Ultra Miami 2014, I couldn’t wait to find out what Tiesto had in store for us in the future. A few days ago, the legend released his new album “A Town Called Paradise” which includes collabs with Icona Pop, Hardwell, Krewella, and of course, Matthew Koma. However, the pop industry is changing veteran DJ Tiesto. Most of the tracks on the album are obvious crowd-pleasers and sound the same. Although, Tiesto does admit that his new album is very different from his other ones and he claims that the lyrics are quite personal. I have to admit that Tiesto brings you to a town called paradise when you experience one of his sets but the ride just isn’t that exclusive anymore. Tiesto’s new album in 5 years, “A Town Called Paradise”, deserves 2 out of 4 stars for original tracks like “Can’t Forget” and creative tracks like “Set Yourself Free”.
-Nina

In interviews leading up to the release of this album Tiesto mentioned the album will have a heavy Indy rock influence and it shows as the album is very vocal. It seems that 2014 is the year every heavy hitting DJ tries something new either to expand their horizons or draw in a more mainstream crowd. Where Skrillex and Afrojack failed in my opinion, Tiesto not surprisingly succeeded. Even with a heavy vocal influence the album is solid with the exception of a few tracks. My personal favorites are “Echoes” “Rocky” and “Can’t Forget” all of which have limited lyrics with a great beat. The vocal side of the cd is also solid as Tiesto puts great melodies behind those vocals which gives me hope for some good edits and remixes in the near future. If the album was less vocal I could give this album a perfect score, but unfortunately it is not so Tiesto loses a few points in my book. Don’t worry, whether you listen to EDM stations or not you’ll probably hear many of these tracks on the radio soon.[3/4]
-Marcin

Two_and_a_half_Stars