A few weeks ago, we went to see Victor Dinaire at the Monarch Theatre in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. I wasn’t familiar with his work, but Sheryl grabbed the tickets and we headed downtown. We got there really early, and the guy that opened for him was already spinning when we walked in. We sat there and watched his entire set. He started off somewhat chill, and then progressed into a danceable house. I was so impressed, I found out who he was and introduced myself on Facebook. He is actually from the Valley, and we scheduled a time to sit and chat about that show, his work, and more. Victor was good, but this guy is what I remember from that night. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Josh Evans.
I saw you open for Victor Dinaire at the Monarch Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. That room is incredible. Was that your first gig there?
That was my second time playing at the Monarch Theatre.
How did you get picked to open for Victor?
Victor was actually the first headliner I ever directly opened for. We met up again recently when he was in town and kept in touch. He had me do a remix for his Undercurrent single released on Christopher Lawrence’s Pharmacy Music imprint. The night at Monarch was celebrating that release, so he requested to have me open for him.
We got there really early, and saw your entire set. I was very impressed. There weren’t a lot of people there at first. How do you stay motivated to put on such a great set?
Thank you! Opening rooms is a lot of fun for me. I love trying to read the small groups of people that trickle in early on in the night, and try to build an atmosphere that is inviting.
You played for three hours that night. How long do you usually spin?
Generally I play for an hour. Having the opportunity to play that long was great!
Is it Josh Evans or DJ Josh Evans?
It is just Josh Evans.
Tell me a little bit more about EDC Las Vegas.
The Electric Daisy Carnival is the largest electronic dance music festival in the United States, and certainly one of the biggest in the world. It is quite the experience, to anyone who hasn’t gone – I highly recommend it.
I love your logo. My buddy Josh Corken has a similar logo. Who designed your logo?
Thank you! Yes, I can see the similarities. My logo was designed by Ryan Auhl.
You have a remix of Somebody That I Used To Know. When you do a remix like that, do you need to get permission from the original artist?
For Somebody That I Used To Know, I happened to find the acapella online and just ended up building my own music around it. It could be considered a “bootleg” though, as I didn’t ask for permission. Just something to play in my sets.
You are all over Facebook and Twitter. How important is social media to your success as a DJ?
Social media is a very integral part in what I do. It’s very important to keep in contact with my current and potential fans. With Facebook, Twitter, etc., I can share news, free downloads, event dates and more so quickly and efficiently. Today, artists can reach a much larger audience through the various social media tools. It’s awesome.
What is the Discovery Project?
The Discovery Project was a very exciting contest that Insomniac, EDMBiz and MixCloud put together. It allowed aspiring artists to submit thirty minute DJ mixes, which had to include at least two original productions, and gave them the chance to play EDC Las Vegas if chosen by the judges. I was honored to be chosen as one of the Discovery Project winners!
You have shared the stage with some pretty big names including Above & Beyond, Dash Berlin, and Paul van Dyk. Do you ever get nervous opening up for such big acts?
Yes, definitely. A bit of being nervous, and being excited. I feel very honored when given the opportunity.
According to DJ Mag, David Guetta is the best DJ in the world. In your opinion, who is the best DJ out there?
Above & Beyond are pretty amazing. I love the theatrics of their show, they try to create an overall experience rich with emotion and meaning. Feels a bit more like a concert than a DJ set. As for DJ sets, Markus Schulz in my opinion is top notch. His mixing and programming are always flawless.
I am new to the Valley. Besides Monarch, what are some good places to see electronic dance music?
At the moment, Wild Knight and Axis Radius have the biggest dance music nights in the Valley.
When you are not working on your own stuff, what are you listening to?
All kinds of stuff; I am a huge fan of all types of music.
Tell me about your relationship with RMS Records.
RMS Records released my first EP, “Flight”, on their label. Afterward, they contacted me while putting together their yearly compilation, “Destination Arena”, whereas I sent them my song Nautilus and they included it on the 2011 release.
Speaking of Somebody That I Used To Know, have you seen the official music video?
I have! Very well done, and the song itself is excellent as well.
Dubstep seems to be pretty popular right now. Is there any chance of you working that into your set in the near future?
I have worked a few snippets into my sets previously. It can be fun to sneak in for small portions to mix things up a bit. Especially anything by Seven Lions. I am a huge fan.
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
Outside of EDM, I’ve recently been to an Of Monsters and Men show. That was very cool, seeing like nine people on stage all rocking out to unique and different instruments. Quite the atmosphere they created. For EDM, the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas this year was beyond anything I’ve ever been to, although I’m not sure if it’d be counted as a concert per se.
I am not a DJ, but I love my Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones. What headphones do you use?
I use the Sennheiser HD 25-1 II’s. Love ’em! I’ll need to check out the Bose headphones.
When you sit down to produce a new track, where do you find inspiration for the beat?
I find inspiration in variety. I listen to all types of EDM, and a lot of other genres as well. It’s refreshing stepping out of the box and exploring the uniqueness of other soundscapes, and then translating and molding them into your own style.
Have you ever made a mistake on stage?
I wish I could say I haven’t, but I’ve certainly made some mistakes when performing. (Laughs.) It happens with everyone at one point, just shrug it off, learn from it and keep going.
Tell me about your relationship with Relentless Beats.
Relentless Beats is a fantastic company that’s been helping to build the EDM scene in Arizona for awhile now. Always top talent and great production.
Do you have a job outside of music?
By day, I am an Internet customer care representative for a large domain and hosting company. By night, I’m locked in the studio working on new music.
It gets hot out here in the desert. What do you do to stay cool in the hot summer months?
I love to swim, so if I’m outside I’ll probably be at the pool. Otherwise I’m locked up inside with the AC cranked.
What is your favorite club in the Valley?
I’d have to say Axis Radius.
What does the rest of the year look like for you? Do you have any big festivals plans for this summer or this fall?
Besides attending the local events here in Arizona, nothing too big planned as of yet. This summer I’m focusing very heavily on the studio. I have a lot of new unreleased stuff that I can’t wait to share with everyone.
Thank you so much for doing this. I know you are a busy guy. In all of the interviews I have done, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you again for the opportunity! It was a pleasure meeting you!
