Dive in and discover more about the talent behind the decks as we present our exclusive interview with the talented Producer and DJ Meetch. As he continues to stand out within Electronic Music, elevating his live performances with the incorporation of a robot helmet into his stage persona, Meetch remains one to keep an eye on within the genre today: consistent in the quality of his creative output, whether commanding the decks on stage, presenting energetic productions, or delivering unique listening experiences with episodes of his radio show ‘Digital Dance Radio’, Meetch is no doubt making a name for himself on the Electronic Music scene.
Hello Meetch! How are you?
Doing awesome, as per usual!
Was there one standout moment when you were young that made you interested in live DJing? What made you pursue DJing as a career?
Well, I have always been a musician, starting out with playing drums. I went to a concert when I was 16 for the jam band Lotus. There was an opener who was a DJ, NittGritt. That was the first moment I saw something like this live and that was the moment I wanted to DJ. That was 2011. Since that moment, I have done everything to make this a reality. I am so close I can truly feel it. So many things have been happening. I am so close.
Can you remember your first live performance? Where was it and how did it go?
Well, the first time I played for a group of people was actually a sweet 16 and that was also in 2011. Not long after the show I went to, I was able to DJ a sweet 16 after putting an ad on Craigslist. I remember during the event, one of the workers there shut down the power for my system by accident. So embarrassing. After the event, the check I was given actually bounced. When I reached out to them, it was fixed, and I was able to cash my first $200 payment from DJing. What a trip!
What was the first piece of gear you incorporated into your live performances and what was the last piece you added?
Oh man, my first one was this cheap tiny Numark DJ controller. I practised and started to get really good at transitioning. The last piece I added was Pioneer CDJ Nexus 2000s and I have been rocking those ever since. I usually play on the 3000s at shows but they are all so similar, so I just have 2000s at home in my studio. Soon I’ll buy the 3000s just so I can have 4 CDJS to play with.
How do you usually get ready for a live show, do you have a specific routine?
I set up a ton of tracks in a folder and categorize them all by key. I have never actually prepared a setlist in my life. If I know that a song has the same melody key, I know it will blend. I also look at the screen of the CDJ and see the graphic of the song and based on that and the length of the song, I know it will fit and how to blend it in. It’s a weird way to DJ, some might say, but I am confident to say my sets are unbelievable every time and I think that sets me apart from the average DJ and performer. The amount of good energy I get from the crowd and even people on stage watching when my sets are done is unbelievable. This is just another reminder that I know things are really about to take off.
How much of your live set feeds off the audience and how much is pre-prepared? What techniques have you developed to be able to read an audience and curate tailored live mixes?
This goes right back to my answer above!
Do you have a favourite memory of performing live, if so, can you tell us about it?
I have so many memories, but the memories that stick out the most are based on the size of the crowd. My number one memory from all my events is when I play a specific song and the crowd erupts in “OHHHHHH”. When a switch-up happens and it blows everyone away at the same time. There is nothing better than that feeling at my shows. And I love that it happens once or twice during all my sets!
If you could pick any venue or event in the world to perform at, what would it be and why?
I think everyone’s dream place to play is at a festival like TomorrowWorld or something like that. I agree that definitely is a goal of mine but, there are some venues I dream of playing at. It’s hard to pick one. But one that comes to my mind first is headlining Webster Hall in New York City. I’ve played in some of the rooms there, but I have never had a headlining slot there. I have been there for shows so many times in my life, so I am just waiting for it to come full circle. Another venue I have the same dream for is Terminal 5 in NYC; this was the venue where I first saw the show that changed my life and made me want to pursue this. So those two are on my list. And multiple around the world!
What is one piece of advice that you wish you had known before you started performing live?
I don’t know of much advice for the performance itself. I have always put on a good show, and I don’t remember anything happening that has ever made one of my performances a “bad show”. I am not saying I’m perfect, but I have developed a style for my shows that is different from everyone else. I just think I need to pay attention to my hands and make sure I don’t accidentally hit the cue button or play/pause the wrong CDJ. So, if there was advice that was to, “pay attention” then I would take it!
Are there any new techniques or pieces of equipment that you would like to experiment with in your future performances?
I definitely want to incorporate more live instruments in my sets as I grow bigger. Drums would be my main thing. It would have to be different than the average drum set though. Not totally sure yet but I will make sure it’s beyond different and unique in its own way.
On a path to continue delivering unforgettable live shows, Meetch is certainly one to keep on your radar. So, as we conclude our interview with him, we thank Meetch for his time and eagerly encourage you to follow him across social media to remain up-to-date with his upcoming performances and releases.
Meetch Online
