Exclusive Interview: Candyland
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Santa Barbara natives Ethan and Josie, aka Candyland began producing their own original songs back in 2011.
After becoming the first act to win back-to-back Beatport remix contests (Skrillex "Make it Bun Dem" & Bingo Players "Rattle") and racking up over 5 MILLION Soundcloud plays, they released their debut EP "Bring the Rain" and a follow up single "Not Coming Down ft. Zac Waters" on Spinnin' Records.
They have since remixed a number of internationally recognised artists including Cash Cash, Major Lazer, Krewella and Knife Party and have now gained sizeable fan base. With their upcoming NZ show, I had the chance to sit down and talk with Ethan and Josie about their music and career.
You can see Candyland Live at Code in Auckland on August 15th.
EDMNZ : You two are some of the most talented and unique producers out, tell us how everything started for you?
Ethan : Josie Dj'd my 17th birthday and that was her first show. I played drums and she also played music so we really connected after that.
Josie : Thanks! I started DJing back in 2008 after discovering DJ AM and my first gig was Ethan's birthday party. The rest is history haha!
EDMNZ : You have played on at massive festivals like EDC, how does it feel performing on such an international stage, how do you
think the crowd interaction compares to a club like situation?
Josie : It's freakin crazy! Never in a million years thought we'd be able to do something like that. I knew I wanted to do music but it never crossed my mind we'd be doing something of that scale. Playing smaller shows are just as fun to be honest, when your closer to the audience you connect more I think.
EDMNZ : When it comes to production, where do you two draw inspiration from, and what's your process
in the studio?
Ethan : Usually pulling a lot of inspiration from God and family/friends. Just living life. I'll get an idea, write it down, and base a whole song off of that.
EDMNZ : What about your sound do you believe sets you apart from everyone else?
Josie : I think we're not afraid to get weird with it. We're always trying to push our sound and make something unique so hopefully that separates us from everyone else.
Ethan : Diversity. Things are changing even more in months to come and we're definitely going to have more a dialed in sound vs making so many different kinds of songs. Still different genres but you'll be able to tell it's our music.
EDMNZ : Big name artists such as Skrillex, Bingo Players And Cash Cash have supported your music, how do you think this has affected your career path?
Josie - It's been a huge help, and a honor. Skrillex and knife party were some of the reasons why we started making dance music in the first place. So getting their approval is amazing.
Ethan : The main thing is the fact that they have so much influence. When they post something people pay attention. So the massive amount of people being able to hear our music is such a radical blessing.
EDMNZ : EDM has been through a lot of changes, especially in the last few years with the explosion of trap and big room; where do you see music going, what's the next big genre, will there be a new BPM?
Josie : I see more artists making songs and not bangers. People are going to want to connect to the music more than just jump to it.
Ethan : I don't think there will be a next big genre. I think it will be a fusion of so many different things. Hopefully the thing that comes to set us apart in the near future is good song writing. I'm happy with most the production and if the song writing can match up to it, we should have the future of dance music.
EDMNZ : Lastly what are your plans for the rest of 2014, what new music can we expect?
Ethan : A full length album, all original tunes. All music that you can dance to, but certainly not all music to be played in a club.
Josie : Release an album and continue to play shows!