Interview with DJ Bahler
So who is DJ Bahler? Where does the alias come from? Who are you?
Well I’m just another dorm masher. I go to UCSD and hang out with a bunch of guys who love to hear what I dish out. My last name is Bahl so Bahler just seemed like something I couldn’t waste. As for the DJ part…I actually don’t know much about DJ-ing…but instead of changing my name which seems like too much of a hassle I think this year ill learn how to scratch and whatnot.
How did you initially get into mashups?
I was bored one day looking for some music to download. I was browsing for some Beastie Boys and I came across something called “The Beastles.” I just thought some stupid person didn’t know how to spell the Beatles then I clicked for more info and found out what on earth a mashup was. I looked all over the internet and found out about groups like the Legion of Doom and Loo and Placido then got freakin obsessed. I wish WTM was around then because it would of made life much easier. There was a lot of garbage on YouTube I had to sift through, haha.
So after you started listening to them, how and when did you start making them? How do you learn?
Well after I kept waiting for my favorite artists to release some new stuff I got fed up and decided why not try it out myself? I felt like it was the only cure. I mean I caught a mashup disease I’m sure other mashers know about. You start hearing songs thinking they’re empty and could use a drum beat from this other song or whatnot. I knew I had it bad one day when I started singing the lyrics to Ice Ice Baby over every other song that came on the radio. Mashing for myself was the only solution. I went online and googled “free remix software for windows” because I’m a cheapskate and found trakax and started experimenting with it myself. And that is how it all began. I’ve actually made 4 different Ice Ice Baby mashups…one of my friends hates me for this.
As of now how long have you been mashing?
Well I’ve been mashing for about two years now. I remember I distributed a few of my first tracks in my senior year of high school, most of which I regret releasing now.
What software/hardware do you use?
Well as I said earlier I started on trakax because it was free and that’s how I roll. But then using just a track cutter wasn’t cutting it for me so I saved up and got Virtual DJ. I use both of those programs together now to make my mashups. I’ve noticed a lot of the top notch mashers use Ableton so I thought id succumb to the peer pressure and try to be one of the cool guys but as of now Ableton confuses me like crazy…I think my next album will be made on it though
So what is your process of mashing, from choosing songs to actually mixing?
I’ve filled up my iPod and I really don’t think I have the time to listen to everything on there in this lifetime so I just toss bits and pieces of the music I have with some rap and pop then badda-bing-badda-boom I’ve got me a mashup. It’s the only solution for me to listen to all of my music. I also have some fans that have endless requests that I love to take on.
So other than mashups, what kind of music are you listening to?
I love alternative rock, electro rock, and indie. Most people can probably see that when I sample from some of my favorite bands like Passion Pit, Yeasayer, Does it Offend it You Yeah, MGMT, and Taking Back Sunday. Those are my favorite bands at this minute.
Are there any artists you won’t mash?
It’s funny you ask that because I actually make it a goal for myself to mash the artists I don’t exactly like…*ahem* Akon *ahem* Hannah Montana *ahem* Britney Spears with something I like just because I like to see if I’ll like them better that way. It’s kind of a challenge with me. My next targets are the Jonas brothers. Watch out 12 year old girls all over the world.
What are some of the favorite songs you’ve made so far?
Hmmm I actually really like how kids on the ice came out. It starts out with some MIA and Shout Out Louds then of course MGMT’s Kids come on with Tootsie Roll. I’ve heard almost every great mashup artist tackle MGMT’s Kids (and I mean EVERY) so I was worried that people would try and compare mine to theirs, but I think unlike some of my other mashes, that pairing could hold up. Plus I took the title is from that episode of rugrats where they watch Reptar on ice. Classic.
Do you play live at all yet?
The closest thing to live I’ve done yet is playing for a bunch of my friends in my dorm room as we flash the lights making it a wild strobe party. I would do this often until the guy in the building across us threatened to beat us up. I guess not everyone likes 3 AM strobe light parties as much as I do. Or maybe he just had epilepsy. I plan on it soon though. 5 and a Dime and I have been doing some talks. So yeah I’m gonna learn some more DJ techniques then hopefully by the end of next year I’ll be booking.
So how long does an average mashup take you to make?
Some days are awesome and some days just suck. Sometimes I can shove Ice Ice Baby on something in a minute and then other times I have to sit and think about it. I prefer the former. I usually think of them during lectures when I’m bored and write them in my notes.
Do you have any tips for aspiring mashup artists?
The main thing I learned is to not force a mashup. A lot of my earlier stuff is like taking Rosie O’Donnell to the gym. It’s just a mess when you can’t realize some things can’t happen.
So when can we expect the next album? What are your general plans for the future?
Well after I made High Bias I told myself “Mr. Bahler you’ve got all the mash ideas out of your system now you can go study and pursue your college education with full attention.” Then a day later I made 2 new mashups. I think the new album will be out next year.
So mashups aside, what are you doing in your free time? Hobbies? Jobs?
Well when I’m not acting like the Super Mash Bros. I’m usually playing Super Smash Bros with some friends at school where I’m trying to became a doctor. I like going to concerts, meeting new people, and long walks on the beach. That’s my life.
And favorite pizza topping, candy, and color?
Bacon bits, bacon, and uhhh does bacon qualify as a color? If not, then black.
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