Exclusive Interview: LOUDPVCK
LOUDPVCK, a trap duo based out of Los Angeles and New York City, has been making their way up the ladder of the electronic music scene. The trap stars are scheduled to perform on Sunday, September 21st at Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland, alongside a number of other big-names in the industry. The second annual festival is just another leap down the rabbit hole and into fantasyland, sharing a beautiful and enchanted experience of interactive art, pyrotechnics, themed costumer performers, special effects, state-of-the-art design and some of the biggest innovators of electronic dance music. Tickets for the festival are one sale and can be purchased HERE.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Kenny and Ryan of LOUDPVCK - read further and get to know more about how the duo got their start in music, their upcoming fall plans and some funny touring stories before catching them LIVE next weekend at Beyond Wonderland in Bay Area.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: How did you get your start in music?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: My parents both listened to a ton of music with me growing up and I was always super interested in playing something. They got me a guitar at 9 and drums at 11, both of which I played everyday until I started getting really into electronic music as I got older. I took a course about using software to make music in high school, and just became infatuated with being able to do everything myself on a computer. LOUDPVCK RYAN: My dad was a record producer and a songwriter so I grew up around music and in recording studios. He encouraged me to take piano lessons from a very young age which has allowed me to have the musical vocabulary to express myself as a writer and musician. Once I got a copy of Ableton when I was eighteen, I was completely hooked on electronic music production and haven't looked back since.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Who do you consider your musical influences?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: I'm really influenced by a lot of hip hop guys, right now a lot of Travis Scott and 808 mafia stuff. I really love GTA and Mr. Carmack also. LOUDPVCK RYAN: Within EDM I'm continually amazed by the productions of Madeon, Flume, Knife Party, Disclosure, Deadmau5.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: In spare time, who are some bands and artists you listen to?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: Ab-Soul, Disclosure, Erykah Badu. LOUDPVCK RYAN: Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, Bill Evans, Steely Dan.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What has been your most memorable experience while touring?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: This whole year has been pretty non stop so far with Cold Crush tour into the March music conferences into festival season, it seems like every month is a whole new bath of parties and stories. LOUDPVCK RYAN: The entire Cold Crush Tour we went on this past spring with Paper Diamond, Branchez, Gent & Jawns and Manic Focus was so unforgettable. One of the best times of my life for sure.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: Gessafelstein, just because he is so dark and mysterious. LOUDPVCK RYAN: Drake. He's far and away my favorite living rapper and it would be a dream to hear him on one of our records.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: If you could invent anything in the world, what would it be?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: That NZT pill from Limitless with Bradley Cooper. I'd be popping those back like starburst making INSANE EDM and DJing on 10 CDDJs at once. LOUDPVCK RYAN: Teleportation. Or this bullet train thing they're trying to develop, anything that could get us across the country in an hour or two would be a game-changer and something I'd love to invent.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: If you were stranded on an island, what 3 things would you want to have with you?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: iPad, solar charger for the iPad, Tom Hanks. LOUDPVCK RYAN: Macbook pro, nice pair of monitors, MIDI keyboard.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What advice would you give for young people looking to succeed in the industry?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: Talk to everyone you meet like they are the most important person in the room, your network is your net worth! LOUDPVCK RYAN: Be yourself, be genuinely kind to people, remember people's names.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: When you hit a creativity block, what re-inspires you?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: Going to shows gets me really excited to make new music. When I get to watch other DJs and producer getting people excited it makes me hype to get back in the studio and make something huge. LOUDPVCK RYAN: Taking a break from that song and not listening to music for a while often helps. Or on the other hand, sometimes listening to something from an entirely different musical world can help carve out perspective for whatever we're working on at the moment.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What are your upcoming plans in regards to more touring, recording and releases?
LOUDPVCK RYAN: Two-song EP with gLAdiator on Ultra Records coming very soon, three-song LOUDPVCK EP this fall and a LOUDPVCK headlining tour and album in 2015.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Anything else you would like to add?
LOUDPVCK KENNY: Once you go PVCK, you never go back. LOUDPVCK RYAN: Get #HURT!
BEYOND WONDERLAND: Website | Facebook | Twitter LOUDPVCK: Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
AUTHOR CREDIT: AMANDA COWAN