I was first introduced to DXXXY at the 2014 BUKU Music + Arts Project in New Orleans a few weeks back. I was really just trying to figure out the layout of the festival and see what the whole thing was about.

I heard some incredibly ratchet set happening and started to pick up the pace. Before I knew it I was snapping pictures and dancing my ass off (or as best as a white guy can) to DXXXY’s set.

Afterwards we got to talking and I soon realized that this kid was going to be one of the next biggest names in electronic music. The passion he had about his music, producing, and even designing his own name and brand were all of interest to me.

I checked out more of his music once I got back from NO and found even more goodies. We were fortunate enough to get him on the site for our newest artist spotlight.

JNTM: How did you start producing? What is your background in music?

DXXXY: I started producing by making chopped-n-screwed remixes of New Orleans rap tunes.
However, I played music from a very young age starting with being classically trained in guitar.
I taught myself bass, drums, and keyboard while playing in various bands in New Orleans up until college.

JNTM: What genre, if any, do you like to produce the most? Trap?

DXXXY: I enjoy Trap and bounce/twerk because of the energy and being raised in New Orleans (because of the Cash Money//No Limit influence).

I like making house too (though they’re unreleased) because of the melodies/harmonies I can explore.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/127738917″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

JNTM: How would you describe your production style?

DXXXY: Heavy…Dark…Melodic

JNTM: Where does the name DXXXY come from?

DXXXY: It stands for “DEITY” with the middle letters X’d out to pay homage to my metalcore/hardcore days/peeps.

People automatically think that I think I am a God by donning that name, but the name isn’t about that at all.

I was really into Greek mythology at one point, and became fascinated with the idea of Aphrodite. Being into fashion, models, and haute couture I liked how that goddess represented female elegance//beauty//sensuality. So, the name DEITY stands for that.

JNTM: Who are your favorite artists right now? EDM or not

DXXXY: DJ Snake, Ben Khan, Tchami, Jack Novak, Junkie Kid, Samo Sound Boy, Blonde, Oliver Heldens

JNTM: For you, what’s the most difficult thing about being an up-and-comer? And with that, what’s the most important part about being an independent artist on the rise? Do you have a mantra for yourself to stay motivated?

DXXXY: Getting your name out and standing out amongst all the other people trying to do the same thing.

I think one of the most important things is setting goals for yourself, staying focused, and accomplishing those set goals.

My mantra is that NO one is going to do your work for you. I can’t be lazy and expect to get anywhere. Also, I’m doing something that I LOVE to do.

JNTM: What is the New Orleans EDM scene like? Is it any more easy or difficult to make a name for yourself out in the Big Easy?

DXXXY: It’s new and growing. It’s easy to get a start here in New Orleans, but the feel of the Big Easy is more traditionally laidback.

One really has to motivate themselves and stay focused to make a name that not only grabs attention here but outside the city.

JNTM: How involved are you in the design aspects of your brand?

DXXXY: Heavily! I make all of the flyers for my monthly dance parties. I make all of my own artwork for mixes//tracks.

I had a specific idea for my brand from the very beginning, and I make sure I stay on top of that.
I sat with a photographer//artist friend of mine to come up with my logo too.

All of my graphic “skills” (I’m not the best…I just know what look I want to accomplish) are self-taught.

JNTM: What hand did you have in the music video for Kate Moss?

DXXXY: I brought all the ideas of my brand and the feel of the track to director Tyler Yee.
It was a collaboration of ideas to bring together the finished product. He found an amazing team of people to bring on board as far as makeup (Jenny Sauceda), shooting, and styling (Christina Flannery) goes to bring ideas to the melting pot as well.

Even my model friends who were a part of it brought ideas to the table that went with our original treatment.

DXXXY – Kate Moss [Music Video]

JNTM: What can we expect in the near future for DXXXY? Tour? EP? New video?

DXXXY: I would love to get a tour going!!! Right now, I’m focusing on getting more of my production out there for 2014.

An EP is in the works, but can’t reveal much more about that right now. A new video will definitely be in the works from the great Tyler Yee. Also, some new material from my production duo Ritual as well as other collaborative projects!

JNTM: A question we always like to ask: if you could have any job in the world besides DJing/Producing, what would it be and why?

DXXXY: Hmm that’s tough because music is my life, but probably something in the fashion industry. Styling…modeling…helping to design something.

Stay tuned later this week for an exclusive mix from DXXXY, only on JNTM! 

DXXXY

Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud

The post Artist Spotlight: DXXXY appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

We noticed something very special immediately upon entering BUKU 2014… It might have been because we were totally out of our element in the deep south, or maybe it was being so close to the Mississippi river. Maybe it was the perfect weather or maybe it was the beautiful people… No matter what it was, we knew we were going to have an incredible time at BUKU right from the get-go.

The festival was set up exactly like a shotgun home in New Orleans: the stages were all in line with each other, allowing attendees to go from the main stage all the way to the back alley without having to walk around aimlessly or use a confusing map. Everything was straight forward and easily navigated. You could literally walk in a straight line next to the river and hit ever stage. It was incredibly easy and convenient.

Along the way from one stage to another, concert-goers could stop by an assortment of INCREDIBLE vendors including food, merchandise, and more. New Orleans is home to some of the best cooking in the entire world, so taking a break for food was something to look forward to. From brats to pizza and even some vegetarian options, BUKU had the food game locked down.

BUKU 2014 Day 1 Recap:

If you weren’t able to make it to the first day of BUKU as soon as the gates open, you missed out on some serious up-and-comers. Treasure Fingers was a blast in the Ballroom, and NO native DXXXY tore it up in the back alley (check out DXXXY’s full set from BUKU right here) before Jesse Slayter completely blew it up. Kid Kamillion was after Slayter making the Back Alley the place to be for some of the best underrated acts at the festival.

Meanwhile at the Power Plant main stage, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were bringing everyone back to the 90’s with all of their hits. Seeing them followed by NAS was one of the coolest and most nostalgic festival experiences ever.

The Ballroom definitely had its own vibes throughout the entire afternoon with Classixx and Miami Horror playing some incredible live sets that were each funkier than the next.

We were also able to hop on board the S.S. Blu-Ku to catch Big Freedia’s Twerk Lesson which had to have been one of the most unique experiences of any festival we have ever been to. Watching a swarm of people twerk as hard as they could while Big Freedia slapped their asses was hilariously educational.

If you were looking for a place to really get down, the Float Den was where it was at. Good lord was that place sweaty. Watching Paper Diamond we thought there was no possible way that stage could get any more rowdy, until Carnage came on and completely ruined every one in attendance.

Once the sun went down was when things really got goin’ at BUKU. After rocking out to Sleigh Bells (who were extremely impressive and above our expectations) we were relaxing with a few beers during Dusky‘s deep set in the Back Alley before catching the last bit of Ellie Goulding at the main stage.

One of the biggest (and best) surprises of the entire festival was getting to catch The Gaslamp Killer‘s set in the ballroom between Pusha T and Chance The Rapper. GLK’s set was full of awesome new music from Hudson Mowhake and live scratching that showed the audience what an actual DJ does…

The best set of the night (and possibly the entire weekend) was without a doubt Chance The Rapper. Saying his stage presence is “high energy” does not do the man justice. An hour was not nearly enough time to soak in the magic that was Chance. His band was tight, on point, and perfectly coupled his quick flow.

BUKU 2014 Music + Arts Festival Photos

More photos and a recap video on the way! Stay tuned!

BUKU 2014 Day 2 Recap:

Day 2 of BUKU 2014 started off harder than expected with DJ Snake in the Float Den. It was our first time seeing Snake perform live and it was not a let down whatsoever. Focusing more on his  festival set than what he showcased in his two-hour essential mix, DJ Snake definitely blew us away. But nothing could prepare us for what was to come.

As we made our way into the Ballroom, we noticed something strange happening during Dan Deacon‘s set. He had shifted the entire audience into a giant dance party — and not the kind you would expect. Playing on the floor instead of on stage, Dan Deacon was able to shape the crowd into a huge circle that completely occupied the space of the Ballroom.

People would take turns running into the middle and showing off their moves. Once he felt the crowd had enough, Dan had everyone run to the center and greet each other with high fives. It was yet again one of the most unique things you could ever witness at a festival.

Since the Back Alley was a success for us on the first day of the festival, we made our way back and once again were not dissappointed. We caught another New Orleans native, Shanook, on stage while Boyfriend was getting down with the crowd performing one of her newest tracks. It was just another in-your-face experience from BUKU.

One of the most anticipated acts of BUKU (for the JNTM BUKrew at least) was the Funklords known only as Chromeo. It was awesome getting a chance to see the the guys live, right in midst of their 2014 tour. The guys were on point as always and their set featured some of their new jams like “Jealous” and “Come Alive,” both of which were even better live.

Cashmere Cat was another catch in the Back Alley, playing everything from his own Wedding Bells EP to other FoFoFadi-inspired artists like Drippy Dolphin and Trippy Turtle. Cat went super hard and had the entire back alley packed to the brim with adoring fans.

There was really no other choice other than seeing Baauer b2b RL Grime. Two of trap music biggest stars collaborating with each other behind the decks was by far the most insane experiences of the festival.

After getting completely turnt up at Baauer and RL Grime, we made our way to Soul Clap who was playing two full hours of some of the most soulful, funky house music we had heard all weekend long.

Fortunately the grooves kept on rollin’ with Skream, who as of late has been venturing further away from the disgusting dubstep he made his name with and has moved closer to disco house that had the Back Alley getting down with their funky selves.

After passing through the Float Den to catch a little of Tyler the Creator (who was raunchy and awesome as always), we made our way to the Beats Antique set in the Ballroom. The place was packed and sweatier than ever. The crowd was full of die-hard fans who were dancing and enjoying the last few hours of the festival.

BUKU 2014 Review

The festival was overall a huge success. Everywhere we turned we were met with another great act. The venue could not have been better and the food and beverage vendors were a perfect representation of the host city.

It wasn’t just the entertainment that was impressive, the attendees of BUKU 2014 were also something to write home about. The people in New Orleans are some of the most down to earth and friendly folks. There were multiple times where people would walk up to us and start a conversation like we had all been best friends for years. Now THAT was truly a unique festival experience.

Another important aspect was the art. Now, most festivals say they’re an “music and arts” festival, but not many actually mean it as much as BUKU does. Everything about the festival was in some form or another focused on art. Whether it was the wall of live graffiti or the commissioned piece hanging in the float den, BUKU was actually an art festival.

Overall, the BUKU experience was a refreshing one. The festival is still very young and growing into itself, but that’s what makes it so great. There weren’t a lot of bros or VIP people spending tons of money just to be seen at the show. Everyone in attendance was someone who was there for the music, or at least there to have fun.

That’s the bottom line. The festival was FUN. There was nothing quite like BUKU and I personally cannot wait to return.

The post BUKU 2014 Music + Arts Festival Recap & Photos appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

JNTM and Travel Hymns have joined forces to cover the BUKU Music + Art Project in the heart of New Orleans.

Yesterday was filled with incredible acts, friendly people, and a lot of surprises. From discovering talents like DXXXY to seeing classic artists like NAS and Bone Thugs and Harmony, the first day of BUKU was beyond amazing.

The festival itself is something to admire as well. Everything is laid out in a way where festival attendees can easily get from one stage to another without too much stress. Each stage has its own energy about it. From the sweaty Float Den to the intimate and house-party-esque Back Alley, BUKU had something for everybody.

The first day of BUKU is now officially over and it’s time to get going for Day 2! Be sure to follow our Twitter and Instagram for photos, updates, and more!

The post BUKU Music + Art Project: Day One appeared first on Just Noise To Me.