In this interview, we dive into the story behind the talented Producer and DJ, Meetch; as he sits down to talk about his career so far, we learn about his background, early musical memories, and the influences that continue to inspire his creativity. With a powerful sound and captivating sonic persona that has seen him perform at iconic venues like Pacha and Stage 48 and share the stage with industry heavyweights, including Skrillex, Deorro, and Paper Diamond, Meetch has quickly made a name for himself within Electronic Music, building a momentum that is sure to lead him to new creative milestones as he keeps showcasing his unique and hard-hitting signature sound.
So, keep reading to discover more about this rising star as he shares details about his musical journey so far.
What’s your earliest memory involving music?
When the first Rock Band video game came out long ago, I hopped on the drumset and that’s how I fell in love with the drums. So, I bought a drum set and taught myself. I had guitar lessons before that, but the guitar didn’t really speak to me as much as the drums did.
Can you recall, what was the first album you bought?
Back when CDs were a thing, I remember I’d go to Best Buy to go to the CD area with my mom. I believe my first albums were Getting Away With Murder by Papa Roach and A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out by Panic! At the Disco.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up? How have your inspirations changed as you’ve evolved as an artist?
I don’t know if I ever looked to one specific person or band as a musical influence. I have always loved metal and punk rock, so I still look at that music as being some of my favorite. But the thing is, I can’t really create or produce that type of music. Or maybe I just haven’t given it a shot? I love making Dance music because it’s really fun to make; then being able to play it live and see hundreds of people enjoy it too is the best!
Can you remember what artist or song initially sparked your passion for Electronic Music?
I went to a concert in New York City to see the jam band Lotus in 2011. The opening act was a DJ called NiT GriT and that was the only time I’ve heard or seen this person play. I wasn’t even really into EDM at that point, but it was that moment, during the act before Lotus, that caught my attention and I knew right then and there that I wanted to DJ and make music like that.
When did you first start making music? How did you learn how to produce and DJ?
I started in 2011 not very long after that concert. I taught myself to do basically everything. As I grew larger and started to learn more. I went to the Institute of Audio Research in New York City for audio school and learned more about the music industry aside from just production itself. That school somewhat recently shut down completely so now I have an Audio Engineering certification from a school that no longer exists. Oh well!
What was your first piece of equipment?
My first piece of equipment was this little plastic Numark DJ controller that plugged into the iPad that my mom got me for Christmas that same year in 2011.
What would you say has been your biggest achievement to date?
Oddly enough, my biggest achievement was one of the first shows I ever had. In 2013, I ended up playing Kahbang Music Festival in Bangor, Maine because I got spotted on SoundCloud for a Trap remix I made of a piece from the Madagascar movie. Yes, I know that sounds insane, but I played 3 times in that same festival where there were other headliners such as 12th Planet, Paper Diamond, Break Science and many more. Other big Rap Artists such as Hopsin and Earl Sweatshirt were playing there too. Though the crowd was not as big as the ones I’ve been playing much more recently these past few years, my name was up on the poster along with some huge names: so, the achievement was bigger in some ways.
If you could go back and speak with your younger self, what piece of advice would you like to give him?
I would probably say something like, “It will come in good time” – or something like that. I always heard that overnight success takes 10 years. I’ve been at this for over 12 years now and things really started to pick up these last 2 years so it’s really interesting how everything plays out. I know this upcoming year will be a transformative year. So many surprises and good things are happening behind the scenes that I don’t speak much about. But I know it’s all happening very soon!
If you weren’t producing music, what career do you think you would have pursued?
I would probably be doing something more in business and possibly real estate. I just recently got my license here in California so I’m doing that on the side along with some other business ventures as well. Anyone wanna buy a house here in California? Let me know! (:
What would you say has been the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
There are a lot of challenges in Los Angeles. In a way, it’s just so competitive and the people that “blow up” or get these big opportunities are just influencers or TikTok stars. While some are actually really talented people, others are just popular somewhere else on social media, and it becomes a weird popularity contest. And then when they play live, it’s really not the best set at all. So, I really try to just stay in the shadows and work on the things that are a lot larger than being a local artist in LA. I appreciate every single opportunity I get and the big shows I play here, but I don’t go crazy looking and trying to play every possible little DJ gig here. It usually comes down to just selling a ton of tickets or just who you know. These shows here are fantastic for building my portfolio and allow me to get everything I need for my press kit. But I see a much larger picture in the upcoming future for myself. So, I like to connect with my artist and DJ friends here and just slowly work behind the scenes. There are so many good and talented people here who don’t get the recognition. I see you guys!
As we conclude our conversation with Meetch, it is clear that this is a Producer and DJ with a genuine passion and love for Electronic Music, one that is sure to continue developing and reaching new heights as he keeps impressing fans with his dynamic signature sound. So, be sure to keep watching as the next instalment of Meetch’s exciting musical journey promises to be just as thrilling as the last.
Meetch Online
Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
