June 20, 2012 by: John Howard
Rolling Stone is highlighting the club dance music scene in their Summer Special issue. The name they’ve chosen to front that movement… Deadmau5.
Sporting his signature mouse headgear – this time honoring a cheese theme – deadmau5, aka Joel Zimmerman, fills the cover page of the issue. Along with the spread, the feature story tracks the DJ-producer a recent European excursion.
Now, if you’re familiar with the electronic dance music trendsetter, then you’re probably aware of his opinionated manner. With the deadmau5 sharing his unending frustration, the article is a far cry from a optimistic take on the current state of EDM.
“Everyone’s all up on the EDM bandwagon now because it’s another viable conduit for traditional pop music to ride for a bit,” says deadmau5.
The DJ is quick to criticize pop artists rushing out the now popular “dance hit.” Deadmau5 is not veiled either in who he’s noticed lacking innovation on his side of the fence.
“David Guetta has two iPods and a mixer and he just plays tracks – like, 'Here's one with Akon, check it out!'," he continues.
Deadmau5 even condemns artists like Skrillex, a longtime friend and collaborator. He equates recent work in the genre as button pushing. Though he admits he’s not exactly excluded from this category, he does hope to be pushing more of those buttons.
Even for Rolling Stone to feature EDM as a cover story is surprising for deadmau5. He says, “I didn’t think I’d make the cover of anything.”
When it comes to his recording, Deadmau’s process allows fans to get involved. He streams his recording sessions, allowing listeners to offer feedback. (Though, he rarely takes it.)
It’s this public, track-to-track progression of his material that makes it nearly impossible to keep things under wraps enough to produce a full studio album. For now, we’ll have to follow along with his singles and EPs.
Deadmau5’s Rolling Stone issue arrives on stands Friday, June 22nd.
Sporting his signature mouse headgear – this time honoring a cheese theme – deadmau5, aka Joel Zimmerman, fills the cover page of the issue. Along with the spread, the feature story tracks the DJ-producer a recent European excursion.
Now, if you’re familiar with the electronic dance music trendsetter, then you’re probably aware of his opinionated manner. With the deadmau5 sharing his unending frustration, the article is a far cry from a optimistic take on the current state of EDM.
“Everyone’s all up on the EDM bandwagon now because it’s another viable conduit for traditional pop music to ride for a bit,” says deadmau5.
The DJ is quick to criticize pop artists rushing out the now popular “dance hit.” Deadmau5 is not veiled either in who he’s noticed lacking innovation on his side of the fence.
“David Guetta has two iPods and a mixer and he just plays tracks – like, 'Here's one with Akon, check it out!'," he continues.
Deadmau5 even condemns artists like Skrillex, a longtime friend and collaborator. He equates recent work in the genre as button pushing. Though he admits he’s not exactly excluded from this category, he does hope to be pushing more of those buttons.
Even for Rolling Stone to feature EDM as a cover story is surprising for deadmau5. He says, “I didn’t think I’d make the cover of anything.”
When it comes to his recording, Deadmau’s process allows fans to get involved. He streams his recording sessions, allowing listeners to offer feedback. (Though, he rarely takes it.)
It’s this public, track-to-track progression of his material that makes it nearly impossible to keep things under wraps enough to produce a full studio album. For now, we’ll have to follow along with his singles and EPs.
Deadmau5’s Rolling Stone issue arrives on stands Friday, June 22nd.
