Angular Bliss
FOLLOW THE BEATS: BreakBeat Energy’s Monthly EDM Newsletter – February 2010
Korn, Limp Bizkit, Beastie Boys, Fatboy Slim, House music?!?! Right now you’re probably wondering…what does all of this have in common?
BreakBeat Energy: Big thank you Bliss for taking the time to participate in this interview; surely schedules are tight with your coursework at Full Sail University so let’s jump right in here. How did it all begin to take shape for you? Where did it start?
Bliss: It all began in high school for me, I remember at the time I was into the hardcore/punk scene. I would listen to Korn, Limp Bizkit, and other bands at the time…I was also into Beastie Boys. I remember buying a Mix Master Mike cd that was pure turntablism. I also had a close friend that would scratch on turntables, seeing someone able to cut up beats blew my mind. The turntable concept truly sparked my interest and I thought it was really cool to blend sounds from two records through a mixer. I then purchased Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers, and Prodigy albums. Listening to some uber-cool housey/acid sounds really took it to the next level. I went to Woodstock 99 and Saturday night in the airplane hanger changed my life forever. I remember seeing Fatboy Slim, which was my first time seeing a DJ in their element, playing to over 7,000 people. It rewired my whole concept of what the DJ and dance music was all about. From that point on it changed me forever and I decided I wanted to be a DJ.
BreakBeat Energy: How did the name Angular Bliss come about?
Bliss: DJ Angular Bliss… Well, I remember as soon as I got home I wanted to get into the DJ craft. So first and foremost I needed a DJ name. It took me about 2 months to find this name. I did research online to make sure the name was not taken. I remember I sat down with my dad and we came up with the name together. Angular comes from all the cool tripped out sounds we would here in dance music. We would hear lots of different angular intricate dancy melodies Bliss was then added on soon after. Dance music is blissful music. It’s fun and energetic. It moves people.
BreakBeat Energy: Most of us in the industry recall something that motivated us or drove us to take our passion to the next level, what gave Angular Bliss that push, that drive to move forward?
Bliss: I think what gave me the push was wanting to explore and collect dance music. I wanted to learn the techniques to what DJ’ing was all about. I also loved the fact that it was so underground and constantly changing. Growing up in a musical family really allowed me to take what I knew, and apply it to DJ’ing. I also think the push came from witnessing the way dance music can bring people together.
BreakBeat Energy: What was the first event you ever performed at?
Bliss: The first event I played was actually in my barn. My dad, who also loved dance music, had Love Lab come down with their sonically bang on sound system and we threw a party called Trance Dance. At the time I was actually using a Roland MC-303 drum machine and Rebirth by Propellerheads. The party brought out many new people and great friendships exist from that party to this very day.
BreakBeat Energy: While we’re taking a trip down memory lane so to speak, what’s the most memorable event you’ve performed at?
Bliss: Wow, way to many to count. They have all touched me in amazing ways. If I had to pick one, I would say opening up for DJ Irene at Fur night club in the main room. I had the opportunity to play a 3 hour 30 min set but It felt like the set flew by in 5 mins. Having that much time really allowed me to build my set throughout the night. The energy was amazing!
BreakBeat Energy: What was the first record you bought?
Bliss: Hooj Choons – Cafe Delmar – Energy 52. I remember buying this at Modern Music in Baltimore…classic choon.
BreakBeat Energy: Out of all the tunes you have, which one ‘never fails?’
Bliss: I think at the moment Put Ur Hands Up (Original Mix) [feat. Nicco] seems to be the winner.
BreakBeat Energy: What’s your favorite tune of all time?
Bliss: There really is way to many to choose from, I have so many I couldn’t say.
BreakBeat Energy: Where do you see the EDM scene being in five years?
Bliss: I really see the DJ/VJ coming together to give an audio/visual experience, we have already gone digital. I also see alot of DJ gear going touch screen. Also, I think one day we will be mixing in clubs that aren’t just stereo but in 5.1 or 10.2 surround sound. I think this would give the DJ more tecnical ability to really play with how sounds are experienced in a venue. I also see everything becoming wireless one day.
BreakBeat Energy: What advice would you give to up and coming DJs and Producers?
Bliss: Remember that its all about the music and vibe. Do it cause you love it.
BreakBeat Energy: If you had a time machine, what year would you go back to and why?
Bliss: I think I would go back to the 60’s era. A lot of bands were really experimenting with music. They were pushing new boundaries that nobody thought was possible. It would have been really cool to experience the scene and the music of this time period.
BreakBeat Energy: Anything else you would like to say? Any shouts or events you’re performing at in the near future?
Bliss: I’m currently attending school at Full Sail University in Orlando and we have some great gigs lined up down this way that I’m very excited about.
BreakBeat Energy: Please feel free to list any website links, promotional links, myspace links, etc here:
