Email interview ~ DJ HeavyGrinder: May 31, 2009
ACen - Chicago, IL
We attended Anime Central in Chicago, IL, to see the Slants and m.o.v.e in action on stage. They weren't the only talent at ACen this year--as always, ACen had a slew of DJs to spin various events, including their infamous Soap Bubble (ACen's name for their rave) on Saturday night. For such a notorious event, ACen brings in some of the best, both American and Japanese, to take turns spinning the lengthy rave.
We stepped in during DJ HeavyGrinder's turn on stage to have a little fun, and, impressed by her set, we did a little homework on her when we got home. Only 25, this young woman has been all over the world with her DJ skills, and has been playing at a few anime conventions across the country.
So here's something a little different--not quite JRock, but music with ties to Japanese culture. We asked HeavyGrinder to take some time out of her busy schedule to do an email interview, and she obliged.
For our readers who may not be familiar with you, please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
I am a DJ/producer/electronic musician, and I go by the name 'HeavyGrinder.' I've performed around the world for years and share my music on the dance floors. My album, Eternity, was released in 2008. Another album, Living a Dream, was released exclusively in Japan in 2007. Within the last five months I've released four new singles, too! My music is in stores, available for ordering online, and for download.
How would you describe your DJ style, and what would you say is the most unique part of it?
The genres that I play are House, Electro, Indie, and Disco. My goal at each performance is to spread the love through my music and rock the dance floor while interacting with the crowd.
What kind of equipment did you like to use when you first started getting into DJ work?
I loved playing on technic 1200s and a Pioneer mixer. I'm also very comfortable with vinyl, but it's doesn't travel so well.
What kinds of music inspired you to go into this work? What did you listen to growing up?
I grew up listening to everything. I was really into Metal and Rock in my teens. Then I fell in love with dance music when I was in high school. When I first started DJing, I started off playing Hard House and Drum n Bass.
You recently DJed at Anime Central in Chicago. How did that go?
ACen was amazing!‼ It was my second year at the convention! There were 5-6 thousand people there and many of them were dressed in awesome costumes. I was absolutely thrilled to be there. =） I'll be posting photos from the show at www.myspace.com/djheavygrinder.
We also filmed my Live Show--a five camera shoot! This is being combined with interview footage and will be released soon by the Belmont Sessions, a talented production company from Chicago.
There were a lot of other DJs at ACen this year, both Japanese and American. When you go to events like this, do you usually talk to the other DJs to talk about your trade?
It is always fun to meet people in the same field. We talk about new tracks that have been released and music in general. I have made some great friends at some of these shows and am very happy about it!!
Are there any DJs that you would love to share the stage with?
Yes! I would love to share the stage with Inland Knights or Steve Angelo.
What DJs do you look up to?
There are so many to list!! I definitely look up to people like Sander Kleinenberg, Johnny Fiasco, Satoshi Tomiie, etc.
What kind of music do you listen to in your off time?
I listen to everything and anything as long as I like it!! It can vary from Metal to Pavarotti.
Is there a band you're currently listening to that you would recommend for our readers?
At this very moment, I am sitting here listening to My Chemical Romance and Nine Inch Nails.
=)
How often do you go to clubs when you aren't working?
Not very often! When I'm not working on the road I focus on my own original music, artwork, and anime.
Have you ever thought of experimenting with other forms of music, or even other types of electronic, like noise or ambient?
I have thought of experimenting with a few others styles of music such as Industrial or Down tempo. It's important to continue to grow as a musician and push yourself.
Continuing that, would you ever think about producing for other musicians?
Producing other artists would be interesting. In Los Angeles I will be hosting an event on a regular basis called FCK Famous Fridays at one of the oldest venues in LA: The Pig & Whistle. Besides doing my own DJ set, I will be having new talent come through on a regular basis. Also, my album ETERNITY is a mix album which features some great up and coming new talent from around the world. Eternity also features my original tracks. It would be great to collaborate with more artists out there!
How do you feel about sharing music through the internet? With components like sampling and remixing popular songs all at a DJ's disposal, where do you feel the modern popular DJ draws the line, especially considering releasing their material?
Free music on blogs is an awesome method for DJs and producers to have your music heard and you can find a lot of great stuff to play. Getting clearance is also always good when sampling. It's important to be respectful of other people's work.
Do you have any bigger plans, any goals you want to achieve before you retire as a DJ?
Among my goals are constant and continuous growth, and to experiment with musical textures and styles. There are vocalists and musicians with whom I'd love to collaborate. Film soundtracks would also be very interesting avenue.
ACen isn't the only convention where you've been a guest DJ. How did you get involved with DJing at anime conventions?
I received an offer to play at a convention one day and one show led to another. It has been such a great experience because I love anime and cosplaying very much.
How does your normal club scene compare to the convention scene?
They have their differences and I love them both!! The anime conventions are events that focus on many different art forms and they all come together for the weekend: music, costumes, animation, film, voice overs. It's theater. The traditional clubs are centered primarily around the music.
Your work has taken you around the world. What is your favorite part about traveling to different places?
I love seeing new cultures, meeting new people and seeing life in different places. It's amazing how music seems to lift any boundaries and any differences between cultures. Belief systems just melt away when the music is good. Music can be a unifying force. We don't think about our differences when we're dancing. I will always find that to be amazing and positive.
What is your favorite thing to eat while you're away from home?
I really enjoy trying new unique cuisines wherever I go. I always experiment with the local favorites, whether it's in Southeast Asia, China, Mexico, or here in the regional sections of North America.
On the subject of travel, with the recent swine flu concerns, have you had any events cancelled? Have you worried about getting infected in your travels?
During a recent trip to Japan I turned on the news after arriving at the hotel. Apparently on the very same flight on which I arrived, there was a scare. This turned out to be a false alarm...luckily there were no swine flu cases involved.
interview by Joey and Melony; photos copyright HeavyGrinder
Thank you to HeavyGrinder for taking the time to answer our questions, and thank you to ACen for hosting her.
DJ HeavyGrinder's album, Eternity, is available for download on iTunes.
links
HeavyGrinder Official Website
HeavyGrinder Official MySpace
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