Ellis Music Magazine Anniversary Issue #7 by Danielle Ellis

One Year Anniversary!

Owner // Danielle Ellis Editor // Daniel Zewde

Photographer & Reporter // Gibson Dintersmith Photographer // Annmarie Larotonda Photographer // Danielle Ernst

A note from our owner, Danielle Ellis

Writer and Editor // Hunter Lohr Photographer // Chris Maldonado Photographer // Ljeoma Onyekwe Photographer // Kimani Graham EDM Photographer // Alex Austin EDM Contributer // JT Van Winkle Photographer // Paige Sarah Wilson Contributor & Photographer // Rebecca Reece Photographer // Jasio Sanchez Staﬀer & Photographer // Stephen Boyles Staﬀer & Photographer // Luciana Morales Reporter // Kayleigh Wagonon Reporter // Gabriella Jasso Intern // Ashley Applegate Intern // Brandon Cavazos 2 Marketing & Public Relations // Rachel Willis

Thank you so much to everyone who has made my dream possible and to all the amazing artists, readers, PR people and management teams we’ve had the privilege to work with. I couldn’t have done it without the amazing team behind me and countless hours of hard work from everyone that is involved with EMM. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!

H A L S E Y

SHOT BY DANIELLE ERNEST

IMAGINE DRAGONS

SHOT BY DANIELLE ERNEST

SAMMY ADAMS 7

SHOT BY DANIELLE ELLIS

Sammy Adams exploded onto the music scene in 2010 when his debut project, Boston’s Boy topped the iTunes hip-hop charts. Since then, hits like All Night Longer and LA Story (ft. Mike Posner) have proved he still has it, but nobody is ready for his debut album. The title expected? “Cloud 9,” with a release date late this fall, this album is going to change everything. Sammy’s excitement while talking to me about the album was obvious and there is no reason he shouldn’t be. After “Boston’s Boy”, Sammy signed to a major record label and it’s been a while since he has been able to create his music the way he wanted to, but after recently dumping the label, his energy and creative freedom seem to have returned in a major way. After a short DJ set (no openers), Sammy Adams sprints on to the stage seemingly out of nowhere to the sound of “Comin’ Up” and a

roaring crowd, his entrance paralleling his rapid, unanticipated ascent to the top of the music industry several years ago. Stomping his foot on the stage, waving an American flag-tattooed arm in the smoke-filled air, the music takes the back seat to the wild and chaotic scene of the “stage”. After several bangers, Sammy tells the DJ to lay down a beat, and goes in on a crazy off-the-dome freestyle during the Dallas show, something he claimed he hadn’t done in years. The crowd went wild while perhaps not fully understanding the rarity of what they just witnessed. Sammy then changes up the pace to a more relaxed song, titled “Waste”, one he always makes sure to play at shows because of its personal meaning and the lifechanging effect it has had on many of his fans. 8

.After the Dallas show, a war veteran approached Sammy and spoke with him at length about the eﬀect his music had on him while overseas. As the veteran started to leave, not wanting to take up too much of Sammy’s time, Sammy stopped him. “Nah man, you can have as much of my time as you want”. He came along with us after the show and had an unforgettable night, hanging out with his favorite music artist. “I never could have imagined tonight would go like this,” he mentioned to me. Sammy exits the stage after about an hour long set in an atypical anticlimactic fashion. Some of the not-so-diehard fans in the back begin to exit, but anyone who has been to a show before knows how big a mistake they are making. Two of Sammy’s biggest hits, “Driving Me Crazy” and “All Night Longer” still haven’t been played, and none of his real fans are going anywhere until that happens. As he leaves, there are a few awkward seconds of silence before a some fans start to chant, “Sammy, Sammy…”. DJ Dante, followed by Sammy, run back on stage after the chant reaches its climax, and the crowd erupts again. During a pause between the last two songs at the New York show, Sammy is smiling from ear to ear, walks over to me and says,

“This show is FUCKING CRAZY right?” That just about summed it up. However, the night is far from over once everyone has left the venue. In Dallas, we all packed in an Uber, fending oﬀ some extra die-hard fans that followed him from the artist exit, and headed oﬀ to a local nightclub. As we walked in the club, ironically Sammy Adams’ song, “Blow Up” was playing. Given Sammy’s entertaining personality, there was never a dull moment. The after show happenings almost matched the entertainment of the smokeshooting guns and “Fuck Roger Goodell” chants that broke out at the New York and Portland, Maine shows, respectively. The stories from just the four nights I shot are crazy, from both during and after the shows. If you ever get a chance to go to a Sammy Adams show or hang out with him after one, don’t think twice because you never know what will happen. It became very clear to me how a matured and reenergized record label-free Sammy Adams could really blow up with his album this fall. He could still be a dark horse, but appears to be the only one ready to take his career to… Cloud 9. I’m just sayin’ Sammy might fly jets over Boston with the whole world watchin’ in 2016. 9

SHOT BY GIBSON DINTERSMITH

YELAWOLF SLUMERICAN YOU

Yelawolf first came on to the scene with his single ‘Pop The Trunk’ from his ‘Trunk Muzik’ LP on Ghet-O-Vision Records. Since that time, Yelawolf was picked up by Eminem’s Shady Records imprint and has even graced the cover of XXL with the Rap God himself. After his Shady Records debut ‘Radioactive’ was met with lukewarm reviews, it’s clear that Yelawolf has found his signature sound by staying true to his Alabama roots on this new record. ‘Love Story’ is Yelawolf’s third major album, and his second release on Shady Records. Yelawolf set out on the ‘Love Story Tour’ in support of the record of the same name and made a stop at Alamo City Music hall in San Antonio, TX. On the night of the show, Yela entered the stage in a blue denim jacket and shiny black boots - fitting for the Alabama-raised rap star. Gone are the baggy jeans and wife beaters from the Trunk Muzik days. The crowd is as versatile as the artist’s own music ranging from teens in baggy skinny jeans to older folks wearing camo shirts and trucker hats. “I’m not out of place, I’m from outer

space,” Yela raps as he steps out to the fast-paced intro track from ‘Love Story’. Yela plays older crowd-favorites like “Daddy’s Lambo” and the Kid Rockassisted “Let’s Roll” but the majority of the set centers around the guitar-laced tracks from “Love Story”. The setlist seems well-thought out and manages to excite and calm the crowd at just the right times. Aside from heavy interaction with his band, Yela performs solo throughout most of the night but towards the end of the set he brings out one very special guest - fellow pop star and fiancé Fefe Dobson to perform ‘Devil In My Veins’ - a slow, melancholic track about addiction. “Down on my knees, can you hear me when I pray? Or am I a little too late?”, Fefe and Yela sing. The mood quickly changes - with beer cans high up in the air, the Slumerican crowd goes crazy when Yela returns for his encore performance of “American You” - his biggest hit to date and an ode to every young, typical, blue collar southerner. “If it’s you that I’m speaking to, you must be my extension, I take my drink up and sip it, take my hat oﬀ and tip it - Slumerican”.

PHOTO & WRITING BY CHRIS MALDONADO

WARPED TOUR SAN DIEGO If you didn’t know it already Vans Warped Tour has been the most well known alternative music festival since 1996. It was produced by Kevin L.The warped tour is the largest traveling music festival in the United States . The tour is held in venues such as parking lots or fields upon which the stages and other structures are constructed for the duration of the event.

Bebe Rexha set was insane! When you first get into the crowd their was so much energy from the fans that Bebe actually staged dived. Bebe’s set was so much fun that myself and others were dancing and singing along. Next I saw Born Cages , not many people were there in the beginning but there set blew peoples minds that by the end their was so many people dancing along. This band sure knows how to win people over.

When I attended Vans Warped tour it was full of music loving people. The energy of the fans and bands was out of control, but I guess that’s what makes it unique. From when you first walk in you see stages, bands tents, food trucks, and people trying to sit in the shade.

Last but not least, Never Shout Never. I had actually never heard of this band but the crowd sure did love them especially in the heat. Their set was very unique from others, they were playing the tambourine, a ukulele , and their was even some parts where the band members took oﬀ their shirts. I guess once you hear that you fan girl over them.

When I first purchased a schedule I immediately circled the bands i was planning to see and photograph ; Bebe Rexha , Born Cages, & Never shout never. But most importantly I was able to see other bands and become a new fan of theirs.

So overall, if you are looking for a place to just sing and dance along like you have never done it before, go to Vans Warped tour! 13

PHOTO AND WRITING BY ANNMARIE LAROTONDA

SHOT BY DANIELLE ERNEST

SZA Do you find yourself constantly having to snap back to reality when listening to a SZA track or vocal? I do. Her performance at the South Side Music Hall in Dallas, TX, most definitely held the audience in some sort of ambient dreamland. SZA’s stage presence was so elegant and energetic. For her first time performing in Dallas, she surely didn’t come oﬀ as nervous one bit. You would think that butterflies would be swarming in her stomach.

ing all of her supporters and such. She made it most important to know that selflove is the best love and that anything is possible. The R&B/neo-soul vocalist gave a short synopsis of where she came from and where she was that night, in front of us. There’s no telling where anyone could end through perseverance, consistency, and a dash of faith. After the closing of her show, I followed up with SZA to see how she absorbed the night.

When I heard the intro lyrics to her song “Ice Moon” oﬀ of her 2nd EP entitled “S”, I freaked out. Yeah, total fanboy I know. But can you honestly blame me? I did not catch on at first as I so used to hearing the captivating instrumental along with it. After reciting a couple lines from the track, she went on to perform the entire song. During ‘Ice Moon’ I totally zoned out on her and believed that she was singing to me and only me. A pinch or even a backhand slap to the face couldn’t save me from the trance I was caught in. Surely the crowd was coming back to reality as she gave a closing speech, thank-

SHOT AND WRITTEN BY Kimani Graham

Q: So for your first time in Dallas, What is your experience like so far? A: Well my family lives here, so I love Dallas. My first time playing in Dallas was awesome! Like, I love the south and Texas has the best food. More than anybody I have met so far, so I don’t know it’s awesome. Q: What part of Dallas does your family live in?

A: They live…I don’t know. I wanna say like 10 minutes from here [Southside Music Hall]. They all came. But, my sister is from Arlington.

Q: What was the crowd like tonight? A: Warm. So warm. And so perfect. And so patient. And so positive. And so awesome. It was just so awesome. Q: What do you have planned for the remainder of the Summer? A: So, for the summer I have Lollapalooza and then the rest of the shows, and a project! There’s a lot…A lot happening. We’re finishing up the project, were almost done. Q: Can you talk about any of the features or production you have on the project? A: I can’t, because I want to surprise everyone. But… They are absolutely…A surprise. I will say that. They are overdue. I’m going to put it like that. [Laughs] Overdue. Certain features are overdue. Q: So, this weekend was “SZA’s weekend,” talk about the Texas love you received out here. A: Honestly, there’s nothing like Texas warmth and Texas vibes. I got to hang out with the moms earlier [points to Mom]. Yesterday’s meet & greet was amazing and so chill. It was just awesome. Q: So your music videos are really what capture the audience and fans from what I have seen. One of my personal favorites, which is pretty much the song I listen to everyday, Ice Moon. Talk about the video like what was the creative process behind it? A: Honestly, I wanted to take a moment to appreciate nature in like a cool way. So going into the forest in LA, like up in the mountains is crazy. It was definitely just one of those things I wanted to match the fantasy of the chimes and the feeling of the whole song and the notes. I just wanted to wander, I wanted to be me.

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

SHOT BY DANIELLE ERNEST

Track-Talking with Tesher by Daniel Zewde

So, at the end of August, Magazine owner, Danielle Ellis (@DanielleAEllis) and I (@dzewde) had the opportunity to interview and talk with the currently famous Hitesh aka Tesher (@Tesherrrr) about his life and how his Drake and Florence mash-up got him a little buzz going last week. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t inundate you with the boring Q&A style interview; rather give you some of his more interesting answers. It took us a whole 15 minutes to find his email and get ahold of him for an interview, which he graciously accepted. I hope you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind me bouncing between first, second and third person. 21

Hailing straight out of Canada, where country is currently king (parents from the other side of the world), Tesher has been mixing music for years now. You might think that he has some incredibly deep reasons and dedications from and because of his music, but he really and truly wants to encourage more positive energy in the world through his music. We started by asking a little about him and how he got started in the music, and his answers were not your typical answers. With parents from another side of the world, you can imagine how interesting his household would be on the regular. His family always has Indian music playing at his house (refer to YouTube for examples) and his goal is and always has been to transfer that energy from his culture’s traditional music over to rap [and other] genres of Western music. Of course, we were really excited to ask him about his track that he created using Drake’s ‘Back to Back’ and Florence’s ‘Delilah’. When we asked what made him choose those songs, he said [to himself], “She (Florence) needs rap on this track,” and it was history from there. He uses several different programs to try and manipulate the music so he can draw the different pieces of the different tracks he wants to use, but he’s definitely different than most DJ’s and producers: Tesher prefers PC’s over Apple computers. Grabbing the attention of Complex Magazine, Capital XTRA, Hot New Hip-Hop, MTV and [his personal favorite] WORLDSTAR HIP-HOP, Tesher has made quite the splash in both the music and social media world, which are quickly converging, for him right now. He has an AudioMack, SoundCloud and YouTube account where he posted all of the videos. Across all of the different platforms he guessed 22

that he has nearly 500k views if he added them all up…not bad for a guy who hasn’t even taken any formal music or video editing courses yet. Oh yea, did we mention that he even created a video mash-up? Once we got him started talking about the video (which is what we were really interested in hearing him talk about) we started to ask about him and his lifestyle and those kinds of things. By the time this article is published, he’ll be starting at his new university in London, Ontario [which is commonly confused] and he hopes that he’ll continue on with his music making that he started doing before he went to university. Some of his most recent concerts he’s attended coincidentally include Florence and the Machine and that’s a huge reason [we think] why he found the inspiration to create this mash-up. Some of the musical influences he named were actually pretty surprising: Some of the Indian music from home, Skrillex, Drake and Kanye. He loves the energy and creativity behind his favorite musicians and hopes to potentially collaborate with Kanye in the future…who doesn’t though? Ask Tesher what he’s studying? He’s in the business department, and hopes to make his way into the music world to produce after he graduates, but is also intrigued by the business side of the industry. Have any other specific questions? I followed Tesher [on Twitter] and got a response to every single Tweet I’ve sent him since then. You can find him on Twitter/ Instagram @Tesherrrr, www.facebook.com/tesherftw and www.youtube.com/teshermusic. His Instagram is my personal favorite…this guy is as much a video genius as he is an audio genius and we all look forward to his tracks blessing us in the future.

Not many people can encapsulate the feeling of a season as well as hip-hop artist Shwayze. No matter what time of year it is, listening to a song by the “King Of The Summer” inevitably comes with the sensation of drinking tequila on a sunny Hawaiian beach. As I discovered, by joining Shwayze (and his DJ, Branville) on the “King Of The Summer Tour,” from California to Texas, his live performances just about perfectly capture the summer feeling. As I walked into the green room in Carson, California to meet Shwayze for the first time, he was stretched out on a couch with a bottle of tequila, bobbing his head with the occasional “Oooh,” entranced by G-Eazy’s verse in “Champion”. He was to go on stage in less than a half hour but looked as though he had nothing planned for the rest of the week. Minutes before his set, he made his way towards the stage to catch the last song of the opening act and his band, “Carlton”. However, a Shwayze show wouldn’t be right without a booming introduction from neon green-haired DJ, Branville, whose unyielding yelling and “shredding” force even the most reluctant date to the show to get amped. Once the Shwayze show has begun, there is no telling what will happen—over the six shows I photographed, there were no shortages of bras, drunk girls, awkwardly old guys, and obvious weed and drink that appeared on stage, much to the amuse-

ment of the crowd. With Shwayze’s easygoing personality, song order switches were frequent, sometimes based off of the crowd’s preferences, and fellow artist friends such as Bllaine and Paul Couture often jumped on stage to hype the crowd up or spit a verse, only to vanish as quickly as they appeared. After a fantastic set, featuring old classics like “Buzzin” and “Corona And Lime”, as well as new hits such as “King Of The Summer” and “Tequila”, Shwayze would cap off shows with a trademark jump (shown in photo), somehow managing to get higher than most in attendance already were. The backdrops for the shows ranged from an intimate night club (Carson) to a neat half-outdoor setting (Austin) to a sold out 1500+ capacity venue (Santa Ana), but the energy and vibe that Shwayze brought never waivered, which resulted in exciting and unpredictable shows every night. It was incredible being able to join him on tour and photograph the shows but it was even cooler getting to know Shwayze as a person and become homies with one of my favorite artists— Now I definitely understand why he is titled the “King Of The Summer”.

WHEN ITS DARK OUT

I'm a producer and photographer from Dallas, Tx. I pretty much go around Dallas on weekend nights and look for the best parties around and shoot them. I used to just go out and drink with some friends, but now I do the same except with my camera in hand. It helps me stay creative at every moment and definitely reminds me not to drink too much! My art usually describes me. I love a good time, people smiling and enjoying life. I try my best to capture real moments instead of posed "say cheese" type shots. Those are so boring to me. 28

What exactly do you do?

I bring a unique experience of music and entertainment both from my personal DJ’ing and from the events that I host. I am looking to return a true love for the music and the artists within the EDM community here in Dallas that has been lacking over the last several years. I want to create a few hours each week where people can come and let their mind and soul free from the everyday BS and dance their pain away. You DJ at playhouse every Thursday. How has playhouse changed in the last year? Playhouse is a every evolving night. We are continuously growing and reaching new people. With both a Hip Hop room and a EDM room we target many diﬀerent communities around the metroplex and staying on top of what is popular for both rooms is a ever evolving challenge. We are built on a high level of respect and have let it be known to our guest that it can be a safe environment for them to come party in as well as not making it the same party week after week by having new and inventive ideas for themes. How long have you been a DJ?

world by Dallas legend Matt Lamb 12 years ago right here in Dallas. What do you do after dark on a normal day? What is a normal day? Lol I haven't had a normal day in forever. Between the random warehouse parties, underground parties, and tons of shows I get invited out to there is never any telling what I will be doing that night. Can you tell us a little about yourself and DJ’ing as DJ toro I have A LOT of energy. I believe DJ’ing is way more than playing some records and mixing them. Your connection with the crowd is everything and can make or break a DJ. Getting on the mic, and being interactive with your crowd is a must. I put on a performance every time i step behind the tables. One that will make my set stand out and be remembered every time. I am very fortunate to have such amazing friends, family, and fans that have supported me thus far. I know that I belong at the top and will stop at NOTHING to get myself there, no matter how many let downs I have had over the years. Most of all, I love music and the unity it brings. I keep my music and my love first and foremost in everything I do.

For a little over 12 years. Most of my time learning to DJ was spent in Colorado under some of the best artist in the country. However I was first introduced to the DJ 29

DJ TORO

SHOT BY DANIELLE ELLIS

Fast Forward Live is a Dallas based music production company that brings music and entertainment on a large and stimulating level. While Fast Forward Live is best known for their electrifying EDM (Electron Dance Music) shows, they plan to focus on demolishing the boundaries between genres in their upcoming events. John Marzuola, the founder of Fast Forward Live built the company with the hopes of being taste makers in the Dallas music scene. In addition to putting on shows, they also manage unbelievable talent. Keep your eyes open for unforgettable experiences brought to you by Fast Forward Live. 32

MAD DECENT BLOCK 33

SHOT BY ALEX AUSTIN WRITTEN BY JT VAN WINKLE

PARTY DALLAS TEXAS 34

PARTY FAVOR AT MAD DECENT BLOCK PARTY DALLAS

What is your name? Party Favor. I understand you are from LA, what part of town? Did u grow up in the West Hollywood electronic scene? The Valley, the part right behind Hollywood kind of right where the entertainment industry is, and the film industry is and a lot of studios. It’s a good area to be in, it’s not ya know right in the heart of the Hollywood area. It’s good for me because I like to be a little bit removed from that. I grew up away from the West Hollywood music scene for sure. I got into electronic music in late high school and mostly college. What made you realize you wanted a career in music? I started when I was going to film school and I wanted to work on scoring some music for my film or even just making some sounds and stuff so I started dabbling and at the same time I was really into electronic music and I was kinda coming around to it in the Mastercraft days and Daft Punk stuff. To me it was kinda like I wanted to try to start making it and it slowly but surely became something I started as a hobby and I realized that maybe I could try and do it and then it became a full fledged passion.

What do you think your biggest break in your music career has been; any advice to young aspiring DJs? I don’t there is one particular moment that was the biggest break, but I think it has been a collection of just getting some great shows and a lot of releases supported by some of the biggest names in the business. I think that and having other people play your music is a huge thing because people hear that and they go ‘what is this, what was that?’ ya know ‘I wanna go listen to that, I wanna see that’. I owe a lot of guys for helping me out. My biggest advice to young up and coming guys would be that try to set yourself apart in every way possible. Don’t do the same things. You can be in the same world, same genre, similar umbrella of dance music but try to create sounds or a certain thing that’s you; that nobody else does. If you look at all the biggest guys that are out there, that’s what they all have in common. How would you describe your music for the people that haven't seen or heard you before? I would describe it as hectic; in a good way. Just wild and party music. 37

What artist influenced you the most to make bass music? As cliché as it sounds, I absolutely love Skrillex. For a lot of people he is a taste maker. He’s someone who’s constantly pushing a lot of people are emulating and copying him and what I love about that is his work ethic, how nice of a person he is, and the music that he makes. He’s a great example for all of us. Tell us about some of the must have equipment in your studio? I don’t get too specific, I kinda bounce around. A lot of times I’ll go and finalize my mixes in a professional studio. For me

at home, I’ll stick with the equipment on my computer, different est’s right now I’m in love with this distortion program called ‘Trash’. How long have you been doing shows; tell us about your experience at EDC Las Vegas? A little over two years I’ve been officially on tour as Party Favor, really playing shows that matter not just someone’s basement here and there or whatever else. EDC was absolutely amazing. This was my second year playing.

Do you have a preshow ritual?

some jumping jacks and get ready to go out there.

Not really. I like to get there right before my set because I hate waiting; I’m a very anxious person. I don’t get nervous, I get really anxious; I’ll just down a Red Bull and do

Tell us about touring with Mad Decent; any crazy stories? Probably a lot of stories that wouldn’t be appropriate for the magazine, but yes Mad Decent is amaz-

ing. It’s a label that I’m a part of and they are very family oriented and they support me and I support back. These block parties are not only great shows, but good exposure for me.

What track do you enjoy dropping the most? ‘Bap U’ which is a big track on Mad Decent. It’s gotten to the point where people really recognize the song and me at the same time. If they don’t know any of my other songs, they at least know that one. Every time I play that towards the end of my set, people really go crazy. You have over 85k followers on Soundcloud and tracks with millions of views; how do you feel about that? It’s crazy man. I started this and I never thought that I would make it this far. To see people mouthing the words to my songs and buying my merch and repping me so hard and driving miles to see me is really humbling. I think for me it inspires me to go even harder for them and to make bigger and better music. Looking at the amount of plays on my tracks is like a ‘pinch me’ moment every time. So as Apple is about to take over the online streaming world; where can we find your music online? My music is in just about any retailer right now but I’m definitely going to be working a little bit with apple music. They are definitely pushing forward in the game and I think they are going to do some great things with streaming. I love Spotify as well; they really actually care about the artists. With the recent deaths at Hard Summer and apparent drug culture; what are your thoughts on drug safety?

say that. I’m a person that really gets high off of music. It’s really important that people take care of each other and if you’re going to do drugs make sure that you party safe. A lot of times younger kids from newer generations are a little bit inexperienced when it comes to that stuff so I think it’s hard for them to be able to control themselves. So who are you voting for in this year's DJ Mag top 100? Nobody. I personally don’t think this is a competition. I don’t think that most of the people that are on that list in the last couple years are true real DJ’s. I think it’s cool and if I made the list I would be completely honored but at the same time that’s the least of my worries right now. That’s kind of promoting the wrong side of the DJ culture for sure. Can we expect any new tracks soon? I have an EP I’m working on, a couple big remixes, lots of stuff coming out. It’s all hush hush right now but this fall you will see a lot of stuff. Where will we see party favor in the next 2-3 years? Hopefully playing on the moon *laughs*. The next goal for me is to keep playing in countries I haven’t played in and new festivals. Do you have anything you would like to say to your fans?

I would like to say thank you. You guys are the best in the world. I do everything for you guys, thank you for your support, I’m totally for drug safety. As a person and I’m going to keep bringing it for you! who doesn’t take drugs it’s easy for me to 40

BORGORE AT MAD DECENT BLOCK PARTY

What made you realize you wanted a career in music?

What artist influenced you the most? All of them. Right now I sit with a bunch of producers you’ve never heard of, fucking 20 year olds, more talented than anyone I know. At the same time I’m inspired by Sonny, ya know Skrillex. I’m inspired by Ummet Uzcan. I don’t know, I’m inspired by everyone.

That’s like the one thing that I’m better than other things; it’s like my skill. How was it growing up in Israel? Did your location have an influence on your music choices?

Tell us about some of the must have equipment in your studio?

Israel is very very developed when it comes to music. A lot of the best jazz players in the world come from Israel. So I actually grew up with very very talented musicians. That was a big influence and also The infected Mushroom are like gods in Israel; so I grew up listening to side trance like crazy. Also I was into this underground scene since I was 13; when in fucking texas you guys were listening to country, we already had like fucking minimal techno and tech house and shit like that. When I was 15 I already went to raves in fucking parking lots where the police would shut it down in 3-4 hours; we were crazy.

Laptop and headphones; it’s that simple. How long have you been doing shows? When I was three years old I was playing my first show. I mean I played to my fucking family and a bunch of like other of my friends families. I went to like a piano class and did an end of the year recital for fucking three year olds. The way you were excited then, is the same way you’re excited now. Do you have pre-show ritual? Justin yells at me. *laughs* (manager)

How does it feel to be signed with some of the biggest labels in the business such as Dim Mak, Spinnin', and Sumerian?

Tell us about touring internationally; and do you have any crazy stories to share?

Fuck all of them dude; Buygore is #1 dude. My label is over everything.

I cannot share my crazy stories. I’ve done some really bad things. No one can match me. Like literally bring one person that can match me and I’ll do a debate.

What do you think your biggest break in your music career has been; any advice to young aspiring DJs?

What track do you enjoy dropping the most?

My advice is just to work hard. Perseverance. It’s like Michael Phelps; how did he win all these medals? He just swam all fucking day. How would you describe your music for the people that haven't seen or heard you before? Weird. 43

It depends, what’s the crowd ya know? If the crowd is like a dubstep crowd, there is dubstep tracks I like to drop. If the crowd is fucking Ibiza every Wednesday; when I play fucking David Guetta it’s my favorite track to drop because they fucking love it. It really depends on the crowd.

Tell us about being a part of the Mad Decent. Honestly I love it. Diplo was a huge inspiration for me from day one. He was the first big DJ to ever like kinda support me. He does really good with his brand. This brand is like one of the labels, one of the tours, one of the things in music right now that you want to be aﬃliated with because it’s so cool. You have over 3.7 million followers on Soundcloud and tracks with millions of plays; how do you feel about that fame?

good to be able to help other talented artists come to light through your label? I help them a lot, but at the same time they help me. As I said before; there’s nothing more inspirational than sitting with a 20 year old hungry producer. They do the shit that I do, but from a new perspective. They can make the same bass patch as I do, but they make it diﬀerent. So you sit down and you’re like damn, I didn’t think about it. Every person in the world you can learn from. Being a label owner and seeing all these new kids always keeps me on my toes.

I don’t feel famous. Does your mom know me if she sees me in the street? Ya know like Justin Bieber is famous; I’m a niche. But it doesn’t matter does it? I love doing what I’m doing and I’m making a living out of it.

Can we expect any new tracks soon?

Did your drummer/ deathcore background have a heavy influence on your production style? Otherwise known as "Gorestep".

Where will we see Borgore in the next 2-3 years?

100%. You can actually hear me like in my tracks some like metal drumming; but at the same time I’ve learned jazz and classical music for years and I think that’s a major influence too. How has starting Buygore Records aﬀected your 44 Does it feel music career?

Fourth of September new track with G-Eazy called “Forbes”. 25th of September, my full EP called “Look Sexy and Keep it Weird”.

I don’t know. Much bigger. I’m trying to be happier. Hopefully in three years I’ll be happy. Do you have anything you would like to say to your fans? You rock, I love you.

SHOT BY ALEX AUSTIN

SUMMER FEST

Shot and Written By Kimani Graham

Chief Keef Chief Keef showed up and showed out in Dallas that night. I think there was some worry that he wasn’t going to show up again. Yes, again. Keef previously had shows in Dallas that he didn’t show up for or did show up and only perform a couple of songs and then leave. His latest release ‘Bang 3’ had fans on edge, waiting to hear what he would perform off of it. We’ve all seen the viral vines and parodies of Keef’s famous line “Hey the beat go off?” from his track ‘Earned It’. The crowd went crazy! After expressing his love for the city of Dallas, Keef made it clear that he would definitely be returning. Do I hear a Bang 3 Tour?

Robb Bank$ I believe it’s been 3 years since the first announcement of Robb Bank$’ project “Year of The Savage”. Fans have been getting teased for quite some time but I’m confident that 2015 will be the year. Performing songs from earlier projects ‘Calendars’ and ‘Tha City’ the crowd rapped every word the entire night. It was pretty cool to see the fans rap along to Bank$’ songs word for word as his rap style and flow wouldn’t seem the easiest to keep up with. Bank$ released visuals for his longawaited track ‘2phoneshawty’ earlier this year in January. In the video, he displays art for YOTS, which would lead fans to believe that this would finally be the year. With about 4 months left in the year all we can do is just hope. 50

TRAVIS $COTT

Saddle Up! This is going to be one hell of a ride. By ride, I mean the RODEO. Travi$ Scott’s performances are so insane that by the end of his set, you aren’t really sure if you are drenched in sweat from raging or just got splashed with bottles of Fiji Water. At times, I was directly under Scott in the press pit trying to get the best possible shots that I could. I found that maneuvering around the frequent water splashing to be very diﬃcult. I wouldn’t have dared get on the stage. I mean come on, “You know what happened to

the last Cameraman.”[Reference from the movie Friday After Next.] Just check the lyric in ‘Antidote’ where Travi$ says word for word, “Kicking the camera man oﬀ of my stages cuz I don’t like the way he snapping my angles.” I can proudly say my camera and I survived that night. Tracks from Scott’s debut project ‘Owl Pharaoh’ were still getting the crowd turnt; as if it was their first time hearing them. I guess that’s when you can say that you have a ‘Classic’ on your hands. 52 are always Travis' shows

of the best quality. I’ve never ever heard of any type of disappointments or complaints from a fan. If they did complain then they are clearly a non-believer.  Although it did take Travi$ Scott a while to show up, it was definitely worth the wait. The crowd was becoming very impatient, as he didn’t go on until about 2am in the morning. I’m not sure if anyone assumed that he wasn’t going to make it and decided to leave early. But if they did, they made a HUGE mistake!

If you think “Fredo in the cut is a scary sight” try Fredo in the lens is a scary sight! Capturing a set by Fredo was surely was definitely a nightmare come true. It wasn’t a bad nightmare though. Fredo through out plenty of bills into the crowd that night. Later that night, he tweeted out that “he threw about $4,000” and wasn’t encouraging the fans that scored “to go out and by nice things, like drugs [smiling devil emoji].” It was pretty dope seeing Fredo perform ‘Jealous’ live. Seeing Kendrick Lamar accompany him live for that track would have been the cherry on top. Fredo also accompanied the Chief Keef during majority of his set, along with the GBE family. Fredo was surely a staple act in the Summer Fest lineup. 54

OG Chase B Some may recognize DJ OG Chase B from photos with Travi$ Scott but may not know who he is or what he does. Well allow me to get you hip. Chase B is Travi$ Scott’s tour DJ and is also the oﬃcial DJ for music brand/media company Ill Roots. Chase B made his noise around the NYC circuit DJing events such as parties and live performances. He first gained recognition when he was picked up to DJ for Trinidad Jame$ in NY, during the prime days of ‘All Gold Everything’. From that moment on, Chase went on to do gigs at well known functions, Santos Party House and 1Oak Night Club. Most recently, Chase B had his very first sold out show at SOB’s, for the debut of his new monthly series entitled For The City.You can be sure to catch DJ OG Chase B on the run Raging across the country, after the release of Travis$ Scott’s debut album Rodeo.

SUMMER FEST Brought to you by Born Leaders Entertainment, Summer Fest 2015 was an epic night for everyone in attendance. The line up in itself is what captured the attendance. Lines were literally rapped all the way around the venue [Gas Monkey Live!]. After speaking with a couple of the fans in line, they were super amped for

headliners, Travi$ Scott and Chief Keef. They knew that their presence was sure to bring the house down! Other artists on the lineup consisted of G.U.N., Sir Michael Rocks, Robb Bank$, Fredo Santana, and more. From beginning to end, Summer Fest was exactly how candles are on a birthday cake. Lit!