A Few Choice Words…. with Datsik

During the Eugene, OR stop of the Deadmeat Tour, featuring Datsik and co-headliner and Dim Mak head honcho, Steve Aoki, we got a chance to sit down with the British Columbia native himself. Troy Beetles has transformed dubstep throughout his producing career. His explosive, raver panty-dropping tunes have helped build a cult following for all things heavy and dirty. He’s one of the most influential characters in the North American dubstep movement and attending one of the stops of his latest nationwide tour would have proven that fact to just about anyone. We spoke with Troy about everything from the latest tour to the state of dubstep today. Peer into the world and mind of Datisk.
 
So how has the Deadmeat Tour been?

The Deadmeat tour has been fucking bonkers, really crazy at times you know? Its nuts. We have done 46-47 shows, it’s the most condense touring I have ever done. So it has been pretty crazy.

 
What were some of the highlights?

It is hard to pick a couple because every show is different and cool in its own way. So I mean Vancouver last night was crazy because you know Vancouver is my hometown all my friends came to my show, we had like a 50 person guest list. It was just like bananas, we shot the video for “Fully Blown” the track I did with Snak the Ripper. We put a go pro on a Texas mickey like a big bottle of crown. And anyone that was taking a shot the camera was facing them; so last night was a lot of fun.

 
What are your thoughts on the current dubstep game?

Dubstep is bigger than it has ever been before, it’s really crazy. It is crazy how many people listen to it right now. It is going to continue to grow and I think it is also going to continue to change; I think it is the start of something new. It just goes to show you can drop any tempo at halftime. You can even do halftime electro, or the new thing that is popping up is the 110BPM or the moombahtoon stuff, which is probably my favorite stuff right now. As a DJ I am starting to evolve past playing just dubstep. I play everything, I play hip hop, drumstep, electro, 110BP, and obviously dubstep. Makes it a lot more fun for me as a DJ to play everything, not just one thing.

 
What would you say to the “haters” of dubstep?

Why are you focusing on hating something when you can go out and like something? What is the point of wasting your energy on hating on something? Find something you like and fuck off.

 
What new music can we expect from you this year? Any current projects you’re excited about?

I have an album out on Dim Mak. Also I just launched a record label as well called Firepower Records that promotes young artists that are starting to blow up. I will just bring these kids with me on tour and get their name out there. I am really excited about it; I am stoked to have my own imprint on the scnene. Basically the whole idea behind the label is if I play their tracks in my set, I will sign them. That is the rule I have been going by for signing kids.

 
In the midst of a zombie take over what dubstep track would you slay zombies to and what would be your weapon?

I would probably say, something by 16bit and I would take either and ax or a chain saw.

 
How are you a product of your environment?

I grew up listening to hip hop and the more I DJ the more I am going back to my roots. I started playing a lot more hip hop in my sets because that is what I originally fell in love with. It’s cool to mash the two together and play hip hop with an electronic drum on top of it. It will hit hard in the club but I think it still has that old school vibe.

 
What are the essential things to pack in your bag on tour?

Ear plugs, coconut water, obviously all of my gear, Rockstar, water, anything that will keep me going, and vitamins.

 
Who are your biggest influences?

When I was first getting in to this I really liked Bassnectar and then I became good friends with him and it’s crazy to be looking up to someone for so long and then finally being able to hang out with him. Inspiration comes from everywhere so it is really hard for me to pinpoint one spot.

 
You are always wearing new eras, what are your top three favorite new eras?

I just went and bought a bunch of these music note ones. I got one in every color. I like Ephin as well, which is a company out of Vancouver, they make some pretty dope shit … Oh, and Rockstar new eras. [chuckles]

 
What do you have to say to all your fans in Oregon?

I would have to say you guys are fucking amazing! It was such a sick crowd, I didn’t know what to expect, it blew me away. One of the best shows, honestly.

 
Thank you to Troy and his crew for making this possible. Also, great job Oregon for raging it tough for the Deadmeat tour in both Portland and Eugene.
 

Tweet