Tag: Interview

San Diego trap producer XAVAGE recently released several tracks on Boombox Cartel’s MONTA Records, but he’s been in the game since 2015. We had the chance to catch up with him and learn more about his journey from competitive hip-hop dancer to graduate of ICON Collective.

In 2011, XAVAGE attended his first electronic music festival, Beyond Wonderland. It was such a significant experience for him that he still has the schedule pamphlet sitting in his studio. Shortly after, he heard Flosstradamus’ classic remix of Major Lazer’s “Original Don” which quickly sent him down the trap path. “Once I heard that song it was game over, I was absolutely hooked!”

When asked what inspired him to get into producing music, XAVAGE said, “My background in hip-hop dance is ultimately what got me into music and I have been working on the craft for eight years now.” He decided on the name XAVAGE because “It is a play on the word savage, where the X is a symbol of cross characteristics between timeless class and unapologetic edginess. I stand for music that puts dance back into EDM.”

XAVAGE was originally learning to produce music on his own before he was accepted into the prominent Icon Collective music production program, for which he expresses immense gratitude. Now, he has “a dedicated studio with your normal setup of monitors, keyboard, Ableton Push, as well as CDJ’s. I do not play any instruments but am very well versed in music theory and scales.” When asked about developing his sound and goals for his projects, he said “The goal of my music is to get people dancing. I hope my music influences listeners to appreciate trap music that isn’t focused on an “open up the pit” style of music. My music is evolving by creating trap music that is focused on bounce and groove and isn’t concerned about your typical “EDM format” song.”

In 2019, he self-released his first single “I’m a XAVAGE.” If you haven’t had a chance to listen to any of XAVAGE’s tracks yet, he recommends that you check out “Make It Clap” and “If You Need Me, Don’t.” His most recent release was a two-track EP Get Up/Succession on MONTA Records in September. Prior to this, he released music on renowned bass label Circus Records and Trap OG UZ’s label Quality Good Records. XAVAGE expressed, “I appreciate the opportunity to continue releasing on these labels as well as other labels putting out quality trap music.”

Aside from performances, he says that his most memorable moments “have come behind the scenes when I’ve collaborated with other artists.” In his discography, you will find he has projects with many artists such as DARKMARK, Ryan Browne, Jon Casey, The Oshi, NXSTY, and Dabow. If he could collaborate with any artist in the future, his top three are rapper/singer Amine, Tyler The Creator, and the legendary producer Timbaland. If he could perform at any festival, it would be the Olympics of bass music, Lost Lands. The artist he looks up to the most is “Troyboi because of his minimalist approach that perfectly blends hip-hop, pop, and electronic music.”

When he isn’t in the studio creating trap bangers, you can find XAVAGE playing volleyball, hitting the golf course, or working on programming. When asked if there is anything else he would like to share, he wanted to remind everyone to “Stay XAVAGE.” We’re looking forward to more releases and shows from XAVAGE in the near future. Be the first to know XAVAGE news by following him using the links below.

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Spotify
• Soundcloud

Fresh off his set at Nocturnal Wonderland 2023, I had the privilege of speaking with Ravell. He gave us insight into who he is, where he came from, and what we can expect. Check out the interview below, and be sure to catch him in action at the next show or festival you attend! 

Chris: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today! Super excited to sit down with you and learn more about who Ravell is. Let’s start with some basics: where are you from? 

Ravell: I live in Santa Monica currently. But this is really exciting for me because this is actually my hometown. I grew up in Fontana, so this is home to me. 

C: That is awesome! So this is your first homecoming – how was it? 

R: It was amazing. It was special. I brought out my whole family. It was a whole vibe. 

C: That is so cool! Who from the family did you bring out?

R: I brought out my dad, brothers, my whole family home. It was really great.

C: Incredible! Dad, come here real quick. How did he do on his homecoming set? 

Dad: Great! He was awesome! He is doing amazing things. 

C: How was the energy?

R: The energy was wild, as always. Every Insomniac show is special like that. 

C: They are always amazing. Especially at Nocturnal at Glen Helen. How did you like the venue? 

R: The venue is dope. I have never played here before, so this was very special for me, and I am so excited to be here. 

C: Tell me about today. What was your favorite part of your first homecoming set? 

R: My favorite moment so far was the pre-party before the festival. Day 0 was a whole different thing. It was my first time in the campgrounds, and let’s just say it gets wild. 

C: Day 0’s are the craziest. How are you feeling today? 

R: I feel great! I just finished my set, so the adrenaline is starting to wind down a bit. It feels good.

C: Tell us about your set. 

R: The set was nice and sunny. The speakers and sound system were banging. It was just exactly how it needed to be. 

C: That’s so amazing. I love to hear that. Tell us a little about your story. How did you get into music? 

R: I actually started DJing with my dad when I was 12. My mom had a little shop and booked and said, “Hey, you know what, you guys are DJs.” From there, when I turned 15, I started to do all-ages night clubs, which are a thing out here in San Bernardino. A large venue out here had 5,000 people every Friday night. After that, I was like, wow, I am truly passionate about this. I should make this my career, and I went and pursued that. 

C: That is a great story, and I can feel your passion as you talk about it. Where do you draw your inspiration for your music?

R: I draw a lot of it from Latin heritage and the music my mom and dad listened to. The music from those special moments growing up, like quinceaneras and backyard parties. I wanted to revamp that and what I am doing now with electronic music, I just want people to feel good vibes. 

C: That is exactly what you feel when listening to your music. I was driving up here, listening to your music and smiling. 

C: What is your main goal with the Ravell project?

R: I want to take it to places I can’t imagine. I just want to keep building and building. I have the best team and want to continue to create the best experience. 

C: I love that. Tell me about that experience you want to build. 

R: Good energy all around. Everywhere we go, you feel that, and with our fans, which we call the “Ravellions.” We want to make it special for them and keep the vibes growing. 

C: That is awesome, love the name Ravellions. What would you say would be your dream festival to headline? 

R: EDC Las Vegas – that is the big one, right. But every festival is special to me. 

C: Before you were the DJ, did you go to festivals? 

R: Actually, I was always the DJ, starting at 12. Even during high school, I was DJing our rally and was a lunchtime DJ. We had a program where I was playing music and DJing the football games. I have been on that side of the music for as long as I can remember. 

C: That is amazing. Since you’ve always been on that side, what is your favorite festival you’ve DJ’d so far? 

R: EDC Las Vegas a few years back. It was their first time doing the Parliament Art Car, which was incredible. Right when I loaded up my first song and started to play it, all the fireworks went off around me. It was a whole little moment and was super cool. 

C: How did that feel?

R: It was incredible. I still have goosebumps when I talk about it. 

C: What can your fans and Ravellions expect to see coming from you? 

R: We just recently launched a music label called KAZAA. I have a bunch of new music coming out and am signing a couple of new artists to the label. There is a lot to look forward to and be excited about! 

C: Let’s talk about that new music. Can we expect a new album or EP soon?

R: You can expect a new EP that I will drop soon, but not an album. I’m a singles guy. I like to tease them. 

C: That is awesome, I love it. Let’s learn a little about yourself, Richard. What do you like to do outside of music?

R: I am a simple guy. I like to wake up early, which wasn’t always the case. But now, I like to wake up early and get a workout in. Then, grind and crank out music until dinner. And later, I might hit the gym again. The reason I like the gym is because it gives me a space to think about ideas. I listen to demos I’ve made. I review my whole catalog, listen to what I’ve done, get some inspiration, and see what I can do better. Especially in the sauna, I’ve made a mix before called Sauna Sessions. That is where I get the most inspiration. It’s like a secret little spot for me to get some beats going. 

C: That is great. It’s like a little sanctuary for you to create. 

C: Outside of music and the gym, what would you say your favorite hobby is? 

R: Great question! Well, what do I like? I love to eat! 

C: Great hobby! Another hard question: what is your favorite restaurant? 

R: Sushi is a very big thing and a go-to for me. There is a great sushi place in LA called “Opps! Sushi.” The food is amazing – I highly recommend it, and no, they did not pay me!

C: Sounds amazing. I’ll be sure to check it out and let the people know it’s not sponsored. 

C: Last question for you. What do you want to say to your fans and those who are just finding out about you?

R: I would just like to thank everyone for their support. It’s very comforting to see people find enjoyment in my career and passion, and we will see you at the next one!

North Coast Music Festival 2023 hosted an electrifying performance by several incredible artists, and we had the chance to sit down with ROSSY to hear a little bit of her story. Fresh off her set, Rossy shared her thoughts about her journey, special moments, and the unwavering support of her family and friends.

Hotter Than Hot

With scorching temperatures in the 90s, Rossy performed at the hottest time of the festival. Despite the heat, she still brought plenty of energy, which the whole crowd could feel, including one of my friends who instantly became a Rossy fan.

Grant: Fresh off your set, how are you feeling?

ROSSY: So good! Obviously, it was very hot, but I always appreciate it when people brave the heat with me. And people had so much energy, especially given the time, the heat, and it being the last day of the festival. I really appreciate everyone who came out!

Grant: That’s great! I brought one of my friends who hadn’t heard of you before, and she absolutely loved your set and was feeding off the energy from you and the crowd. She couldn’t stop thanking me for taking her early to see you.

ROSSY: That is what I love to hear! Please give her a big hug for me!

The Headliner Life and Beyond

Grant: You’ve been playing a ton of shows lately and have been the headlining act for several of them. How does it feel to be THE headliner for these shows?

ROSSY: Incredible! It’s a very surreal, very humbling feeling. It’s a cocktail of emotions that you feel doing it. I always feel honored that even one person wants to show up for me.

Grant: What’s the next step for Rossy? Any venue or festival you’re eyeing or hoping to play soon?

ROSSY: I have lots that I want to do. I have phase 2 being announced for my headline tour (see below) next week. But down the road, I want to do all of it: Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lost Lands, Ultra, EDC, you name it — I want to play it.

Red Rocks: An Unforgettable Experience

Rossy recently had the opportunity to perform at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She described the experience as intimidating and beautiful. She even had a particularly touching moment when she surprised her mother on stage by inviting the crowd to sing “Happy Birthday” to her on her actual birthday.

Grant: Speaking of cool venues, you just played Red Rocks this weekend. Tell me about that experience. Have you been to Red Rocks before that?

ROSSY: I had been once before as an attendee, but coming back and playing there was the coolest experience ever. It’s the most beautiful thing. At the end, I cried my eyes out.

Grant: I saw you had another special moment where you brought your mom out there with you and had the crowd sing “Happy Birthday” to her.

Rossy: Yes, that day was her actual birthday. I didn’t tell her I was going to bring her on stage with me, so I totally surprised her.

Grant: Where does that rank in terms of special moments with your mom?

Rossy: Number one. I was telling my mom I don’t know how I’m going to be able to top this. It was beyond special.

IM PLAYING MF RED ROCKS TODAY

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKKKKKK

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

thank you so much @OfficialRezz for having me and letting me be a part of your incredible day – making a big dream of mine come true!!

— ROSSY (@rossykate) September 1, 2023

Support and Gratitude

Grant: What are some things you are thankful for?

Rossy: Everything. I just played Red Rocks. I’m here. I’m healthy. I get to pursue music for a living. I get to do headline shows now. I get to play festivals. I get to travel the world — all of it.

Looking Forward

Grant: What are you looking forward to the most?

Rossy: All of the festivals I’m playing at, phase 2 of my headline tour, and all the music I’m working on. I’m excited for everyone to hear it and for the journey ahead.

Grant: We’re excited for you. Thanks for taking the time with us to sit down and talk with us about everything.

As Rossy continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances, her unwavering appreciation for her fans and her relentless pursuit of her dreams continue to define her career. We look forward to witnessing her continued success through her new music and the second phase of her 2023 tour. To stay updated on Rossy’s remarkable journey, connect with her using any of the links below:

• Link
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Spotify
• Soundcloud

Unless you live under a rock, chances are you’ve heard Ray Volpe‘s infectious track, “Laserbeam,” at least once, and you should know his name is pronounced vol-PEE. His chart-topping hit has graced remixes and countless stages across the globe, channeling the classic banger essence of old dubstep in the most exhilarating way. Ray Volpe’s swift ascent to fame stands as proof of his unquestionable talent and dedication to the craft.

Moon Lvnding recently had the privilege of catching up with Volpe as he gears up for the 2023 fall festival season. For you Arizona locals, he will be hitting the Phoenix Raceway in just a few short weeks on September 3, 2023, for Excision’s Basstrack – so be sure to snag your tickets while you can! During our Q&A session, here’s what Volpe had to say:

MOON LVNDING: Could you tell us the standard stuff — your name, where you’re from, and how you settled on your artist name back in 2012? 

RAY VOLPE: My name is my name! Well, Raymond, technically. I’m originally from Long Island, NY, but I grew up primarily outside Charlotte, North Carolina! I started making music in 2010, and two years in, I decided to go by my real name. I don’t really know why to be honest. It was just a sudden change that felt like the right thing to do. 

MOON LVNDING: EDM names can be funny — sometimes, you can go a while without pronouncing someone’s name or project correctly. There was even chatter about your producer tag, Volpetron, being heard as several different things. What is your favorite instance of someone mispronouncing your name or producer tag?

RAY VOLPE: Oh, definitely “Lucky Charms.” I just don’t understand why it would be that. I get the occasional mix-up with “Volpe track” or something similar, but “Lucky Charms?!” Why?!

MOON LVNDING: You’ve been making music for quite a while, so let’s dig into that: Can you tell us about when you started? Do you play any instruments? What is your hardware/software setup like?

RAY VOLPE: I started in 7th grade! So sometime in late 2010. It was just me and my friend messing around with FL Studio after school. I don’t play any instruments, although when I was younger,  I did play the clarinet briefly during 6th and 7th grade. I don’t recall much from that experience, and I didn’t retain any music theory either! My setup is pretty simple. I work off my MacBook Pro, and when needed, I use KRK Rokit 5 studio monitors. I am a firm believer in not needing anything super crazy to get some good results! As for software, I use Ableton Live and tons of different plugins like Serum, VPS Avenger, and more! 

MOON LVNDING: Who or what initially inspired you to get into making music? What continues to inspire you now?

RAY VOLPE: Skrillex and Big Chocolate were massive inspirations for me in the beginning. I used to listen to the Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites EP on repeat all day alongside Big Chocolate’s 2011 Warped Tour Big Chocolate Sampler. Those were huge for me in the first year or so of my career. I loved that they made more than one genre, whether it was electro-house, dubstep, or drum and bass. Many established artists had their niches, but I always felt like I connected to multiple genres, so seeing them do that really motivated me. To this day, both artists continue to really inspire me. Today, I feel the same way about Space Laces. I also find inspiration from my friends and the underground up-and-comers in the scene. I love seeing what is fresh and figuring out how to incorporate those elements with other trends.

MOON LVNDING: Can you delve into your music influences and background and elaborate on how you developed your sound specifically?

RAY VOLPE: I love returning to my metalcore/pop punk/scene kid roots. I listened to a ton of bands growing up and still do to this day. Their arrangements, melodies, and ideas are always something I look at when working on music. My background is as emo as it gets. From My Chemical Romance to the “Count Your Blessings” era of Bring Me The Horizon. I love it all. As heavy as they get, many bands like that have these underlying tones of deep emotion and powerful melodies that really hit your heart. I want to create that same feeling. I try my best to bring emotional aspects to even my heaviest music unless, of course, the intention is to simply make a banger! I love combining elements from mainstream dance stuff too. I like to consider myself commercial dubstep or commercial bass music. It’s digestible for an outsider who may have never listened to dubstep and is friendly to many different audiences. I love pulling elements from people like Martin Garrix or Illenium and adding my own spin. I’ve always been making all genres, and I’ve been super grateful to have a fanbase that’s open to me being so diverse.

MOON LVNDING: When did you pick up DJing? So far, what has been your absolute favorite show to play?

RAY VOLPE: I started DJing in 2016! I got signed to my first agency and started getting booked, so I used my first sample pack earnings to grab a pair of CDJs and went to town practicing. It’s hard to pick a favorite to this day; I think EDC Las Vegas is up there as one of the best, as well as Lollapalooza in Chicago.

MOON LVNDING: What would you say if you could send just one short text to your 16-year-old self when you started? 

RAY VOLPE: I’d probably say something like… Hey. Don’t give up. School isn’t going to work out. You’re going to get hurt, a lot. But music is going to keep you going. That will always be there for you. You will find a family in this. You will do things you’ve never thought were possible. I can’t wait for you to live through it.

MOON LVNDING: Your track, “Laserbeam,” has been out for over a year and catapulted your career to new, well-deserved heights. What is one unexpected thing that has happened to you from creating one of the most-played bangers in bass music?

RAY VOLPE: I’d say it was Chris Lake’s remix of “Laserbeam.” It was crazy to hear from him and his spin on the song. Seeing it branch so far into other genres is mindblowing. 

MOON LVNDING: You recently went to Rampage Open Air in Europe and closed out the Storm stage; how did that entire experience feel for you?

RAY VOLPE: That was absolutely surreal. I actually didn’t know that I was closing for a bit. My team told me, but I had blown it off like it wasn’t real — a classic denial. When the set times dropped, it hit me. I was so shocked at how amazing it turned out. Rampage is a special crowd; it’s really one-of-a-kind. Being able to close that type of event — I can’t express how amazing the energy was. It felt like everyone came together for the same purpose, the love of the music and to rage! 

MOON LVNDING: Since you’ve been to Europe a few times now for shows, do you have a favorite memory from touring there?

RAY VOLPE: I’d actually say the time off I spent in London. I got to see friends I had never met in real life before, which was really special. I had a super productive week working on music too. I hold that week very close to my heart.

MOON LVNDING: Is there anything on your music producer bucket list you are looking forward to conquering?

RAY VOLPE: I have two answers – one related to music and one to touring. Musically, I really want to work with Skrillex. I just want to have that full-circle moment. I hope that one day it can happen. Touring-wise, I really want to play Ultra Music Festival, the Worldwide stage specifically. That’s where I first set foot on a festival ground in the EDM. Getter brought me out on stage to play our collaboration. So, playing there would be a massive full-circle moment. 

MOON LVNDING: Is there a message that you always try to communicate to your fans?

RAY VOLPE: That it’s possible to overcome failure. It’s possible to prove people wrong. It’s possible to come back if you feel like you’ve fallen. I like to push the message that anything is possible and you can do it; you must always push forward. 

MOON LVNDING: At Moon Lvnding, we like to practice gratitude; what is something you are grateful for right now? It can be in your career or personal life, or both!

RAY VOLPE: I am extremely grateful for my team. There are a few of us, including my manager Pat, my girlfriend Jess (who contributes to the project in various capacities, including creativity, marketing, strategy, and more), my agent Peter, my business manager Alex, and my visual designer Andres. These guys are my family; without them, there is no Ray Volpe. They believe in me more than I do.

MOON LVNDING: Is there anything else you want to share before signing off?

RAY VOLPE: I’m extremely excited to continue on this new headline tour, VOLPETRON ASCENDS. It’s based on my new EP of the same name, which comes out on Monstercat at the end of August. It’s going to be so much fun!