I haven’t always been a huge fan of this style… but when I saw that Skrillex was coming to town, and was going to be appearing at Electric Zoo… I took notice. Skrillex actually has a sick remix with Benny Benassi for his new single Cinema. Anyway, 12th Planet will be opening up for him here in the Circle City, and will also be performing at Electric Zoo! What a small world. Anyway, I started listening to 12th Planet and fell in love… I liked his work so much I requested an artist interview with him. I just had to learn more about this obviously energetic individual. Before I knew it, I was knee deep in questions and couldn’t wait to meet this guy. I am stoked to see him perform not only in the Big Apple, but also here in Indianapolis later this year. 12th Planet is not for the faint of heart… don’t say I didn’t warn you. His beats are intoxicating. Hang on tight, because this is guy is dance music to a whole new level. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to 12th Planet.
Where did you come up with the name 12th Planet?
The name 12th Planet comes from the book by Zacharia Sitchin called “The 12th Planet”. You can click here to buy 12th Planet.
Rusko has been a big influence on my personal exposure to dubstep, and I know you have worked with him on a few occasions by remixing some of his tracks. Does the whole dubstep scene produce a lot of competition or are there real friendships that spawn from working collaborations?
I only have the most esteemed respect for my peers. It takes a lot of balls to make music, and to perform in front of people. I wouldn’t say its a competition or a popularity race, but more about inspiration. When I hear an innovative production technique from another artist, it inspires me to keep making music.
You have not been performing for that long… you started back in 2006. What made you want to get into this?
This is not true at all. I have been producing and DJing out under the moniker 12th Planet for about 4 or 5 years, but before that I produced under the name Infiltrata – I have been producing music since 1999, and 12th Planet is my 3rd project in the last 12 years. I got into dubstep while touring through England, and hearing it from my peers. I saw a lot of correlations between dubstep and DNB, and I was hooked the minute I heard it.
You are playing on the Red Bull Riverside stage on Saturday at Electric Zoo. I bet you are getting excited about that show. What can fans expect from your performance?
This is my first time at Electric Zoo, so I’m not sure what to expect. I know it’s on an island, and that’s rad. I love Red Bull, and especially the West Coast staff. So you can only expect 110% out of me during my set!
In 2010 you worked with M.I.A. on a single. When you remix an artist like that, do you actually get to work with the artist directly or are you just handed the vocals for that song?
All remixes are different, sometimes you get to work with an artist, most of the time you don’t. I am a big fan of M.I.A. and was asked to do it by the HARD festival for a competition they were hosting! I was completely honored to be a part of the project, and still maintain relations with the NEET and the HARD crew.
You have played all over the globe. Is it possible, having played so many clubs, to pick a favorite venue? For that matter, a favorite country?
I have played all over the place, but nothing beats playing in my hometown LA!
SXSW – I have always wanted to go to that. What was that experience like? Speaking of SXSW, you play a lot of festivals. Do you prefer to play festivals or do you like playing in the clubs?
SXSW is a music experience I would recommend everyone to be a part of. You get to see the upcoming talent in the early stages of their career, and in some cases you get to see bands and artists right before they explode. It’s a week where drunken friendships are made, and BBQ runs amuck.
Tell me a little bit more about your relationship & your role with SMOG.
SMOG is a record label that I co-founded with Drew Best, but it’s also the first dubstep brand to come out of Los Angeles circa 2006. We would throw parties, and provide DJs for other people who needed dubstep at their parties. Now it has become a dubstep / future bass brand that does events nationally.
Looks like you like to crowd surf. That can’t be safe! Do you work that into your show, or just let it happen when it feels right?
Sometimes you just gotta jump! It’s liberating.
What would you be doing if you were not performing?
I would be in the studio 100%.
You are constantly on the road. Do you ever get home sick?
I feel more at home on the road than at home, I think I’m just on the road so much, that I’ve found solace in it. I look forward to seeing my friends and acquaintances I’ve met through the years when I travel.
I feel like I could ask you questions all day man… thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
THE END IS NEAR!
12th Planet will be in Indianapolis on Thursday, November 10! He is on the road with Skrillex on The Mothership Tour. They will be performing at the Egyptian Room at the Old National Centre right here in the heart of Indianapolis.
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