Podcast Summary
From high school parties to successful DJ careers: Passion for music and bringing people together led Alex and Casey, aka Twin Sick, from amateur DJs to successful professionals, despite starting in a less prominent music scene and facing initial challenges.
Alex and Casey, also known as Twin Sick, became DJs through their love of music and bringing people together, starting from high school parties and early experimentation with edits and mashups on SoundCloud. They've built a successful career in the unconventional world of DJing, despite starting out as an unrealistic dream for many. Their music scene in Minneapolis may not be as prominent as other cities, but they've made it work as a home base, traveling frequently to perform on the East and West Coasts. They're currently on a road trip to Winnipeg and have a busy spring break schedule ahead. Their story is a testament to following your passion and making the most of your unique talents.
Band's first headline tour took them around the world: Despite exhaustion, band found joy in experiences and acknowledged importance of balancing work and play during first headline tour
The band's first headline tour took them to various places including Boston, Penn State, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, New York, and their hometown for local shows. They experienced jet lag and adjusting to time differences, but saw it as a privilege to travel and perform around the world. Despite the exhaustion, they kept going and found joy in their experiences. They acknowledged the importance of balancing work and play, and while they enjoyed partying, they didn't want to let their performances suffer. They also shared stories of past experiences where they pushed their limits, like drinking tequila before shows. Overall, their love for music and travel kept them going despite the challenges.
Balancing performing and partying as a DJ: To succeed as a DJ, find balance, learn from industry trends, stay true to your music, and adapt to diverse crowds and genres.
Becoming a successful DJ involves finding the right balance between performing and partying, and figuring out the industry's trends while staying true to your music. The speaker shares his experience of learning to manage his alcohol intake while DJing and how he and his partner started their career by focusing on their original music and building a fan base. They began with remixes on SoundCloud, then shifted their focus to creating singles and mashups that appeal to a wide audience. Comparisons to other successful acts, like The Chainsmokers, are seen as a compliment. The duo's ability to adapt to various crowds and genres has contributed to their recent success.
Music on the lake: Old vs New: Music preferences vary, with older generations preferring quiet lake life and classical tunes, while younger generations embrace loud EDM and social connections.
Music preferences and experiences can vary greatly depending on the environment and the people involved. The discussion revolves around the contrast between older generations' lake life and the newer, more energetic approach of younger generations, particularly in their music choices. The term "wiggle dick in music" refers to the modern EDM twist on classic songs that can bring people together in unexpected ways, even in seemingly unlikely settings like a boat on a lake. The older generation may find it hard to understand or appreciate the loud music and large crowds, while the younger generation sees it as a way to connect and have fun. The changing music scene on the lake is a reflection of the evolving times and the diverse experiences of different age groups. It's a reminder that music has the power to bring people together, regardless of their age or background.
Home projects: Leave it to the pros: Hire local pros through Angie's List for home repairs and simplify the process. Consider getting a pet as a low-maintenance alternative to roommates.
When it comes to home projects, no matter the size or complexity, it's often best to leave the work to the professionals. The speaker shares personal experiences of home repairs gone wrong and the challenges of knowing where to start on DIY projects. Angie's List offers a solution with their platform that connects homeowners with skilled local pros, simplifying the process from start to finish. Additionally, when it comes to roommates, the speaker suggests that having a pet can be a great alternative, as they are low-maintenance and won't forget essential tasks. Lastly, the speaker discusses the evolution of house music and the changing tastes of audiences, highlighting the unique connection between artists and their fans when performing live.
Enhancing Live Music with Lighting and Visual Effects: Live music performances are elevated with lighting and visual effects, creating an immersive atmosphere for audiences. Technicians synchronize their effects with the music, often using lasers and CO2 for added impact. Artists rely on these environments and crowds for income.
The use of lighting and visual effects significantly enhances the experience of a live music performance, creating an immersive atmosphere for the audience. Lighting and visual technicians use controllers to synchronize their effects with the music, often guessing the beats or having some prior knowledge. Lasers and CO2 effects are popular additions to shows, though there may be a point of excess. Artists, especially those with residencies in places like Vegas, have come to rely on these consistent environments and crowds for their income and routine.
Documenting Performances is Crucial for DJs: DJs adapt to crowds, save best tracks, document performances, and remain passionate about their craft despite challenges.
Performing at live shows can be unpredictable, and the energy of the crowd plays a significant role in the success of a set. DJs save their best tracks for the end and can gauge the vibe of the crowd early on. They've met many DJs, some of whom have been inspirational, while others have been less approachable. Documenting their performances through various means is essential to them. The longevity and influence of some DJs, like Tiesto and David Guetta, are impressive, and they continue to adapt to changing musical trends. Despite the challenges and demands of their profession, they remain passionate about their craft.
Creating and performing a set as a DJ goes beyond technology: DJing involves extensive preparation, editing, and interaction with fans, making it a unique and rewarding career choice
Being a DJ involves more than just spinning records or pressing buttons. While technology plays a significant role, the process of creating and performing a set requires extensive preparation and editing. The scrutiny and criticism that come with the job can be challenging, but the inspiration and appeal of entertaining crowds make it all worthwhile. Despite the distractions and interruptions during performances, the DJs find joy in the experience and the after-parties. The interaction with fans, whether it's through social media or in person, adds to the excitement and energy of the job. Overall, being a DJ is a unique and rewarding career choice that involves hard work, dedication, and a passion for music and entertainment.
Twins' Unique Connection with Fans and Each Other: The Twins, known for their live shows, share stories of flying experiences, in-flight mishaps, and their close friendships, emphasizing their commitment to entertaining fans.
The duo, Twins, known for their entertaining live shows, have a unique connection with their fans and each other. They shared stories about their experiences, from holding up "Yeah" signs with messed up messages to flying to various shows. They fly mostly with Delta but have been upgraded to first class on United, but dislike the middle seats. They've had their fair share of in-flight mishaps, including flying hungover, but they power through it. They value their close friends and appreciate their support, often inviting them to shows. They also enjoy off-road adventures, like dirt bike riding. Overall, their bond and commitment to entertaining their fans make their experiences memorable.
Passion for racing and music led to career choices: Individuals with diverse backgrounds can find success in both racing and DJing, but must consider branding and original music when choosing between wedding and festival gigs.
Both individuals have diverse backgrounds with a shared passion for racing and music. They grew up racing and met many friends through the experience, but eventually had to make a choice between pursuing racing professionally and following their newfound passion for DJing. They found success in both areas and even managed to blend them together at times. The decision between being a wedding DJ or a festival DJ often comes down to branding and having original music. They expressed their willingness to DJ a wedding, but acknowledged the challenge of turning down requests that aren't worth their time. Despite their busy schedules, they still enjoy watching YouTube for inspiration and entertainment.
Creating Compelling YouTube Content as DJs: Balancing documenting lifestyle, engaging fans, and being comfortable on camera are key to creating compelling YouTube content as DJs. Embrace authenticity in brand deals and consistency in posting.
Creating engaging content for YouTube as DJs requires effort and dedication. The speakers mentioned their struggles with filming and editing their content, especially while traveling. They suggested incorporating segments that highlight the cities and people they encounter to make the content unique. They also emphasized the importance of getting comfortable on camera and embracing one's voice and appearance. The speakers admired Fischer's behind-the-scenes content and encouraged consistency in posting, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. They also discussed their experiences with brand deals and the importance of authenticity in partnerships. Overall, creating compelling YouTube content as DJs involves a balance of documenting the lifestyle, engaging with fans, and being comfortable on camera.
Creating a unique identity through brand name and merchandise: Choosing an easy-to-remember, easy-to-spell, and easy-to-say name for your personal brand can help establish a connection with fans and create a sense of exclusivity. Decisions made during the branding process contribute to the brand's story and identity, even if they lead to debates and disagreements.
Building a personal brand, whether you're a DJ or a YouTuber, is crucial in today's age. Merchandise, such as hats or shirts, can help establish a connection with fans and create a sense of exclusivity. The name of your brand can also play a significant role in its recognition and memorability. The story behind the name can add an interesting backstory and make it more relatable to your audience. However, it's essential to choose a name that is easy to remember, easy to spell, and easy to say. The process of building a brand involves making decisions, some of which may not be popular with everyone involved, but ultimately, it's about creating a unique identity that resonates with your audience. For instance, the name "twin sick" was born out of a shared experience and a playful nickname, while "c boys" came from a group of friends' shared hometown. The decisions made along the way, such as adding a hyphen to a name without consulting everyone involved, can lead to debates and disagreements, but they ultimately contribute to the brand's story and identity. In the end, the name and merchandise are just tools to help build a brand, but it's the experiences, memories, and connections created around them that truly make a brand memorable and successful.
Embrace Originality: Be unique in your brand name, creative projects, album art, and performances to stand out and connect with your audience.
Originality is key. CJ emphasized the importance of having a unique name and creative identity to your brand, especially in the music industry. He shared his experience of having a similar name to another artist and how it overshadowed him. He encouraged pushing for originality and uniqueness, whether it's a name or a creative project. Additionally, the conversation touched on the importance of having good album art and the evolution of one's creative process. They also discussed the experience of performing in front of a crowd and the difference it makes in terms of visibility and vulnerability. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of being authentic and unique in one's creative pursuits.
Exploring diverse musical experiences: Despite initial struggles, having a diverse background in music education can lead to unique experiences, personal growth, and creative expression.
Having a diverse background in music education, even if one doesn't excel at a particular instrument, can lead to unique musical experiences and eventual self-expression. The speakers in this conversation shared their experiences with piano, drums, and percussion, expressing their struggles with practice and ambition. Despite hating piano after eight years of lessons, they found joy in drumming and even created their own piano music. They emphasized the importance of rhythm and the fun of being in a band, even if one didn't have a significant role. They also shared their fears of one-on-one lessons and being judged, but ultimately found camaraderie in their musical pursuits. In essence, their experiences demonstrate that the journey of music education is not always straightforward, but the skills and experiences gained can lead to personal growth and creative expression.
Persistence and new experiences: Learning new skills takes time and dedication, but the journey is worth it. Explore new places and experiences, whether it's nature or nightlife.
Learning new skills, whether it's computer science or making music, takes time and dedication. The speaker shared his experience of trying to learn computer science but finding more success in making music. He also mentioned that resources like YouTube make learning accessible and convenient. The conversation then shifted to traveling and exploring new places, with Arizona being a recommended destination due to its vibrant bar scene and scenic desert landscapes. Despite their preference for nature over cities, they also expressed interest in experiencing the nightlife of New York. The conversation concluded with a humorous anecdote about being asked to DJ at a sober Mormon party, which they ultimately declined. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of persistence in learning and the joy of discovering new experiences.
Mormons Know How to Party Without Alcohol: Mormons celebrate joyfully through music, dancing, and being with friends at large parties, inspiring awe in those who attend and revealing potential for lucrative events.
Despite certain cultural differences, such as not consuming alcohol, Mormons know how to have a good time and enjoy parties. They find joy in the love of music, dancing, and being with their friends. The speaker admires their ability to throw massive parties without boozing and is intrigued by how they manage to rent such large venues. The speaker also mentions the concept of bar mitzvahs and imagines they could be lucrative events. The conversation also touches upon the differences between parties at various ages and the unique experiences they bring. The speaker reflects on the joy of playing songs that surprise the audience and the importance of owning the music played. Overall, the conversation highlights the unique ways different communities celebrate and the importance of embracing diversity.
