The world of dance has rewritten that marketing books when it comes to music promotion. With the use of the Internet producers have the opportunity to make it big almost overnight. Imprints run by Dj’s like Diplo’s Mad Decent have topped charts worldwide on a bare bones marketing budget leaving major labels in bewilderment. It’s become a full time job to keep track of the newest movers and shakers in the dance music world but we just talked to one who is really popping off.

In just over a year from his first release Toronto-based producer Damn Kids has made a big mark on the trendy world of bass music. In a genre born around what is hip, it’s no cakewalk to jump on some some of the hottest brands in dance. Turing 21 today actually the budding Dj is just getting his feet wet. His latest track Dorkk hit Beatport earlier this week on Canadian label Provoke. Upcoming this Summer he still has a monster Mark Knight remix as well as Dorkk part 2 up for giveaway.

Check out what genre bridging lad had to say about his tune, the labels he works with, and who else is really doing it in dance right now.

 

It is just over 1 year after your first release and you have done more than many professional Djs in their entire career; are you related to a thoroughbred or just a web wiz?

I think I’ve just approached everything in the right way, and I had a lot of help early on in my career. My music is on the fence of a lot of different sounds and I think that’s helped me get heard by a wide variety of people.

Not gonna get into this trap invasion, but since is just started like last week what were you digging before that?

I’ve always been into hip hop so when trap broke into electronic music it was easy to crossover and do that stuff. I’ve always tried to incorporate a lot of different influences into my own music, ranging from hip hop to house to punk to about anything else.

You have done a couple remixes for the duo Pleasurekraft. They are sort of on the opposite end of the dance spectrum based on your recent productions. How did you get of their radar? 

I met Kaveh in Toronto about a years ago. He was DJing a Provoke event and my manager introduced us and we really got along well. He’s been like a big brother to me ever since, except I only see him about 3 times a year unfortunately!

You also caught the ear of the big Brooklyn Bass Squad. How has it been working with a trendsetting team known for really doing what they want when it comes to their music? 

Getting to work with Trouble & Bass is always awesome. Their releases are always on point and getting to put my music out through them is such a crazy opportunity. I’ve looked up to everyone on their roster since I got into dance music so to be able to do stuff with them is just beyond words.

It’s your 21^st Birthday coming up right? For the lay people who aren’t teen rockstars tearing up the club, what is a superstar Dj going to do to celebrate?

Yeah, I turn 21 this Friday which coincidentally is the same night as SLOWED with my homies Torro Torro and Nadastrom. So if you live in Toronto, you’ll know where I’ll be getting unorganized and losing composure.

That being said what is your rider going to look like going forward?

Everything on Steve Aoki’s rider, tea for my manager and a blimp.

Three anticipated release are in the works. What can you tell us about the 2 part Dorkk as well as your rework for US big man Mark Knight?

Dorkk PT 2 is the more chaotic than PT 1. PT 1 is very cinematic and dark, where Dorkk PT 2 is more of a “in your face” sort of track with a big bpm change up on the second drop. Doing a remix for Mark Knight was so awesome, I really wanted to do something fun and very different from the original and I really like the way it came out.

So your are well on your way to running the trap, what are you going to do to push this genre to the next level, and who in your opinion are the innovators out there?

I’ve kind of receded from full on trap in my more recent productions. I’m not “quitting” trap music, but I just don’t want to limit myself to one sound. There’s still a lot of hip hop influence, but my music is headed in a more four to the floor direction, a lot of house, techno and old DnB influence. As for innovators, people who I’ve been really psyched on this year are French Fries, GTA, Curses!, and my big bro Northend.

 

Keep up with Damn Kids upcoming tracks and make sure to look out for him on the road later this year.