Mixjunkies Exclusive Interview with SKLA
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In our continuing efforts to bring you unique EDM content not found anywhere else, we here at Mixjunkies bring you an exclusive interview with one of our featured artists, SKLA. We’ve enjoyed bringing you his recent mixes as well as the exclusive gem he produced just for us. Now, we bring you this interview. So why not hear from this charismatic artist a little bit about his past, his present and his future? Enjoy!
Mixjunkies: How did you get into the EDM scene?
SKLA: It started in 1999-2000. I went to a couple of parties and started networking with talented Vancouver House DJ’s. I was a hip hop promoter at that point but felt a strong vibe in Vancouver’s EDM scene. I then got into DJing purely for the love of the music and it’s technical aspect. I didn’t really think I’d take it this far, let alone producing music.
MJ: Who are some of your influences?
SKLA: Basically, emotions influence me. It’s weird because my emotions can really dictate the kind of music I’m making at that moment. In terms of Producers? I don’t know…too many to mention and in different genres.
MJ: What and who are you listening to now?
SKLA: A lot of Deep House and everything under 120 BPM. I’m really enjoying the simpler sounds with the right amount of soul and funk.
MJ: Tell us about 2011; what have you been up to?
SKLA: 2011 was monumental. I received tons of remix work, produced a couple of albums, and launched a record label – ‘hi-life!’ Records. Currently, I’m just trying to push the envelope in regards to my sound and really taking this label to the top.
MJ: You mentioned your new label, ‘hi-life!’ Records; how did that come about? How has it affected your career? What do you find most difficult about running your own label?
SKLA: Well, I actually initiated the conversation and started the label with ImanoS. We figured that with all the networking we had done at the time, why not start a label and utilize these connections? Our Mandate is simply to showcase up-n-coming talent in the deep/tech house scene. We also have the resources like Ruby Sethi to run the marketing and promotions for the label as well as support from the EDM scene in Vancouver, which make the difficult task of running your own label much easier.
MJ: What kind of gear are you using?
SKLA: As complex as a laptop with Serato Scratchlive (for those long 6 hr sets) to something as simple as a USB stick. I can’t play without my V-Moda headphones…these cans are epic.
MJ: You’re a two time winner of Best Vancouver Electronica DJ in 2008 and 2009, which we’re sure is a proud distinction for you. What would you say is your proudest moment in your career?
SKLA: Tough one! I’ve had so many amazing moments. The one that stands out the most is seeing my track charted on traxsource.com #4 techhouse charts. Beatport soon! 
MJ: What artists would you like to see perform live/perform with?
SKLA: Sven Vath, Loco Dice, Joris Voorn, Booka Shade… oh, and those guys – Daft Punk.
MJ: Yea, we may have heard of those guys. What is your favorite track to spin?
SKLA: Booka Shade – in White Rooms. It always get’s me hyped for some reason and it’s definitely a classic!
MJ: Absolutely! What can we expect to see from you in 2012?
SKLA: I hope to bring more quality tracks from my own label and some bigger labels. I want to make more promo mixes for websites such as yours and just get my name out there more. I think 2011 was a bit of an experimental year, so I’d like to refine the sound and kick some ass for 2012.
MJ: We’re looking forward to it! What’s something fans might not know about you?
SKLA: I’m funny as hell and overly sarcastic. People also think I like unicorns.. but I hate those fuckers.
MJ: You’re very vocal on Twitter and have some pretty interesting artist
photos; what gives you all your energy and gets you amped up for the club?
SKLA: The music of course and then the energy just presents itself from crowd response. Oh, let’s not forget the bottles of champagne… lol!
We’d like to thank SKLA for doing this interview with us. You can check out his mixes and exclusive Mixjunkies mix right here!
Tags: 2012, Exclusive, House, Interview, Tech House
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