Canadian producer DATSIK has been gaining fans with his rowdy dubstep since 2009. The artist, born Troy Beetles, has frequented big-name festivals like Coachella, Ultra, and Electric Zoo, and collaborated with artists such as Diplo, KRS-One, and members of Wu-Tang Clan. Now with a style that incorporates hip-hop, DATSIK is set to play the House of Blues in Boston on January 22, the first stop on his Ninja Nation Tour.
Mass Media: How did you begin creating music?
DATSIK: “I was really into hip-hop like Dr. Dre, Biggie [Smalls], and Wu Tang [Clan]. First I screwed around on Fruity Loops [software] trying to replicate that same kind of feel, and then just got really into production.”
MM: There is a lot of hip-hop in your newest release, Down 4 My Ninjas. It seems you’ve gone full circle.
D: “Now that I have connections I can meet with these guys who happen to be really cool; like KRS-One and DJ Paul; super awesome, humble, legends of the scene. We did some crazy crossover stuff and it was a big milestone for me.”
MM: What was working with KRS-One like?
D: “I met KRS-One through a friend and ended up on the phone with him for two or three hours. He’s such an interesting dude. He was like, “Let’s just do a straight-up collab.”
MM: Has anything stayed constant in your sound?
D: “I guess I’ve always kept it a little dark.”
MM: How would you define ‘dirty’, an adjective often used in dubstep circles?
D: “Dirty is a cool word, but it’s almost an indescribable feeling at one of these shows. Dirty is like gnarly, it sounds awesome. It’s crazy loud, and it’s in your face.”
MM: Let’s talk samples and the moods and atmospheres you evoke.
D: “Every song is different; it’s a progression of moods during sets. I travel with this big stage called the Vortex; a tunnel of light. It changes based on feel. Euphoric songs are pink and warm, and the drum n’ bass phase has vibrant colors and flashes.”
MM: I hear a lot of screeching, apocalyptic, and robotic sounds in your music. Do you like SciFi shows or video games?
D: “I grew up watching anime like Dragon Ball Z, and Gundam, and Halo was my favorite video game. I like those dark and mechanical sounds, and I try to make them pleasing by hitting harmonies [with multiple samples]. Like a sample of a robot walking; throw in little zaps of electricity, add a high-pitched “beep” on every step.”
MM: If your albums were video games, what would they be?
D: “Down 4 My Ninjas would probably be Mortal Combat; Vitamin D, MegaMan. Let It Burn would probably be Dante’s Inferno.”
MM: Does your music have cross-appeal with people who listen to other genres?
D: “Yeah, it’s humbling. People into Wu-tang, or Gundam Wing hear my music and say ‘I don’t know how this works, but it does.’ Some people don’t give dubstep a chance and it’s like, ‘Whatever’. But listening to dubstep on a computer is like watching an iTunes visualizer on an 8-bit screen. You won’t see the depth. I’m not talking gnarly noises, I’m talking straight-up bass. [laughs] Like, the PK sound system that I travel with will make your organs explode.”
MM: What’s been your favorite festival to play at out of Coachella, ULTRA, Electric Zoo, or others?
D: “All these festivals are magical and amazing. My personal favorite is Shambhala in Canada. It’s in a forest. Everyone there is chill and such a free spirit. It’s so fun.”
MM: How are Boston audiences?
D: “Kids at Boston shows are always energetic and super excited. I really can’t wait to start [the tour] off with you guys.”
MM: What else is planned for 2015?
D: “We got this thing on Firepower [Records] coming. It’s the label’s hundredth release, called Shellshocked Legends Compilation, and it [features] all the founding members. I’ll also be doing some really big covers with some hip-hop guys [in 2015].”
MM: Has founding Firepower in 2012 brought you any successes, challenges, or growth experiences?
D: “It’s been a positive experience, but time consuming. Helping people make their passion their living is the most rewarding thing ever. There’s going to be a lot of really exciting stuff coming out in 2015.”
MM: Any specific names to look out for?
D: “Yeah, look out for Protohype, Getter, Fox Stevenson, Lazer, and Truth. But I support everyone on my label.”
This interview has been condensed. You can read the full interview online.