“The road leading to success can sometimes be long and arduous. Everything that can go wrong will. All of your primary support systems will fall by the wayside like it was planned sabotage.” – Patrick A. Kelly

First off, who is Patrick Kelly?

I’m an optimist. I’m the guy who isn’t afraid to take risks, win, lose, or draw. I’m that friend to people I know, and I’m an associate to people I come to know, but I’m always smiling, have an encouraging word to say, and want everyone to progress. Despite what some people may think, Patrick Kelly is the guy most people see and say, “He’s charming. He appears to be not too much on his game, so let’s see what I can get from him.” The funny thing is, since I was 12 years old, I realized what my gifts were, and often times I play the not-so-intuned guy just to flush out people’s personalities, motives, and purpose. I see everything. I observe people and notice things they may not know or care to know about themselves. Whether they want to or not, the truth always comes out, and I only rely on body language and my personal interactions with people. That is how I genuinely get to know them. I consider what most people say as 90% fluff (lies, deceit, agenda, camouflage, and game). So, in a nutshell, I am that guy who will help anybody, the guy that will give you 120% because he expects 120% in return – the guy when his name is on the line comes through. Earning your way, hard work, and follow through gets my respect. I do not appreciate or tolerate laziness, people who think they are above the rules, or some sort of entitled maniac. And I have zero tolerance when it comes to violence and disrespect.

So you’ve been getting a lot of flak from people you know about being a hard-ass, especially regarding your passion. What do you say to that?

I can only say that you live, and you learn. Many people want to mold you into something they can manage (control), but I’ve always been strong-headed and confident even when it didn’t appear. I’m sorry that certain people may feel intimidated by me, but that’s life. There are leaders, and then there are followers, and clearly, I’m a leader; I always have been, but I can follow too. Yes, I agree that I can be stubborn sometimes, but I’m also that guy who is man enough to apologize when I’m wrong. You must remember that when you find people who disapprove of you as a personality, you remind them of something they’re hiding from or striving to become.

You’ve been in Atlanta for what, 20+ years now? What are some of your accomplishments in music and entertainment, and who are some of the people you have helped along the way?

Yes, I have been in Atlanta now for 20+ years. I moved to Atlanta after my horrible spring semester at Towson State University in Maryland. I relocated here in the summer of 95, a time I will never forget because it was the first time I felt homeless. It’s not a pretty feeling at all. When I moved to Atlanta, I was supposed to transfer to Clark Atlanta University while working at Stouffer Hotel and live with my aunt and uncle in Decatur, none of which worked out. I didn’t like Clark, and my new job transfer and living situation fell through, so I was left to go on faith. I remember driving by Spring and 14th with tears in my eyes because I knew I wasn’t gonna go back home; I wasn’t gonna just give up after a few setbacks. By the grace of God, there was a guy I met while being in Atlanta for Freak Nik that year named Kevin Bryant, who introduced me to my first roommate, Craig. If you don’t know who Kevin Bryant is, he’s a soul/dance artist here in Atlanta who garnered his first hit dance single by remaking Chaka Khan’s single “Any Love.” As far as my accomplishments, I did a lot of modeling and TV work during my first few years in Atlanta and got a new job through one of Kevin’s friends Eddie Young who happened to be the manager of The Evergreen Conference Center and Resort at the time.

Throughout the years, I formed relationships and co-founded a clothing line called Whatever Wear, which Kevin and Lentheus Chaney were a part of. From there, I and an ex-friend Chuck Dobey founded SEID Entertainment and Production. I also was a part of Beautiful People, Megavibes, and The Urban Spotlight, a local talent show we did with DJ T-Wrex and DJ Tron of Urban Legends DJs, which ran for 13 months at the infamous Shark Bar Restaurant and Lounge. As far as people I’ve helped, I was Kevin Bryant’s graphic artist for over 12 years, which means I was in charge of all his street promotions and designs. We developed artists through SEID Entertainment and Productions and educated many artists on the music business, including signing our first gospel rap group, Reign Down (Carlos Jones and Tony B). Through our clothing line Whatever Wear, we did Morehouse Fashion Shows, The Black Expo, For Sister Only, Tribeca Clothing and Straight From The Apple, and Upscale Magazine, and we also worked with celebrity photographers Shawn Dowdell and Umari. Models who started with us and have made a name for themselves are Teck Holmes (“MTV’s The Real World Hawaii” & “Van Wilder”), Black Men Magazine Cover Model, Sincily, Ryan Neal, and others.

What is your passion for the music/entertainment business, and why start USL Magazine?

Well, my passion for life is to help people. I realized that during one of our Urban Spotlight shows, DJ Cowboy and E.T. (The Dirty Boyz and 107.9) attended. An artist approached me while standing at the soundboard and said, “Mr. Kelly, we really appreciate what you all are doing for us indie artists.” It wasn’t until then that I really realized my calling in music. Since I was a youngster, I’ve always been inspired by music, TV, and the movie industry. However, starting USL Magazine was brought up by Darryl, a colleague who happened to be working with us while we were taping the Ultimate Spotlight CMV TV Show. The TV show spawned USL, which I took from the show’s name. Starting USL Magazine was the next reasonable step with everything I had created before now.

What are you hoping to accomplish with the magazine, and who is your target audience?

The magazine speaks for itself. It’s a diversity of music and musical artists in conjunction with entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, and some satire. USL Magazine is primarily an online magazine, with print-on-demand quarterly. Regarding the demographic we’re trying to reach, they were obtained during our male model casting for the first issue. And we’re talking about young men and women of many races and cultures between the ages of 17 and 25 who are diverse, fashionable, and open-minded. We are also beginning to see a trend, especially with the hip-hop and dance community. In a nutshell, USL Magazine gives you a real-life attitude fused with music and entertainment with fashionable attire for the young and viable.

You’re doing sex stories and a past issue concerning 3-way relationships. Why did you choose to do a story on 3-way connections?

The whole idea for this piece was because I have either had scenarios of the sort presented to me or have heard of them, so I wanted to not only say my part on the subject but also find couples who have experienced it. It’s none of my business what people do in the privacy of their own homes. Their privacy is exactly what it means; their own privacy. But if you’re in a relationship, is it fair to say you love someone and you’ve given them your heart, yet you don’t really know them? This piece aims to help couples and people thinking about going into relationships to really think about who they are and what they want from it. We all know everybody lies, and you should usually worry about the ones protesting the most and the loudest.

So what was it like interviewing Day 26, and why did you choose them to be a part of the magazine?

We were actually solicited by Day 26’s publicist to get them in the magazine. With all the traffic on Facebook alone, they had gotten wind of the magazine and wanted to be a part of it. While interviewing the men of Day 26, I realized they were still real people, and their fame and prosperity had not changed them. Mike, in particular, was a bit standoffish at first, but he later warmed up to me. I gathered from the interview that these young men are trying to find their place in the business while still trying to make good music for their fans.

Tell us a little about the photo shoot you all did at The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). How was it all arranged?

Going to ADAC was a fluke because we were initially looking to do the shoot at The Aurum Lounge. After playing phone tag a few times with the owner, I called ADAC and spoke to Katherine about the magazine and what we wanted to do for a shoot there. Two days later, Anna Hajiyev (Art Director of USL Magazine) and I went for a tour, and we were introduced to the showroom owners who became a part of the shoot. Everyone at ADAC was very inviting except for one showroom, which will remain nameless in my book. Overall the shoot lasted for 8 hours. Anna shot 7 girls (Kotera, Kenya, Deanna, Tiana, Brynne, Kierra & Elena) and 2 dogs (Gracie & Coda) in 5 showrooms (J Nelson, August Avery, Moattar, Innovations USA & Smith Grubbs Associate) with 2 make-up artists (Patrice Story & Letitia), 2 hairstylists (Tamiko Burk & CJ), 2 wardrobe stylist (Nera B & Tomiko Couture), a clothing designer (Crystal of Nya Nya Couture) and 3 assistants (Papa, Manny & Ashley Dniece).

From what I’ve read, the magazine initially had a release date of Sept 2011. What changed the release date to some three months later?

 Believe it or not, we had been working so hard to have a release for September, but as you know, sometimes your plan doesn’t co-align with God’s plan. It’s hellish writing a magazine, especially when you want it to be perfect. Everyone contributing has to follow the plan and timetable set to accomplish everything if you hope to launch on time. We had three main problems which sidelined the launch of the magazine. One was getting the writers and transcriptionists to finish up with the interviews and editing, and then we had a late shoot because I wanted to include a local boutique in the premiere issue. Finally, the mother of all mothers happened; I began losing sight. I had been having problems focusing my eyes a month earlier, but I thought it was because I wasn’t getting enough sleep in school full-time and working on two magazines simultaneously. Then one morning, I woke up and saw doubles, and my eyes were going in and out of focus. You are talking about a scary situation. This went on for over 6 weeks, even after seeing the optometrist, who said I had a lot of CVS (computer vision syndrome) from being on the computer. Everything suffered from that point because I needed my eyes for everything I had to do. I got a 3.0 last semester because I could not spend hours on the computer. Now over two months later, I still have eye problems occasionally, but it’s not as severe as initially.

So you’re finally launching USL Magazine, a January/February issue; what do you all have planned for the spring and summer issues?

For the Spring issue, which will come out sometime between March and April, Celebrity DJ/Model Sky Nellor will be on the cover. We want feature interviews from Anthony Q (formerly of Day 26), Frank Ski, Miss Sophia, Diana Degarmo, prominent DJs in LA, some TV stars, and many others. A well-known rapper will be on the cover for the summer issue, plus we will be heading to Miami soon, where we will be shooting models for our summer swimsuit fashion spread. That’s all I’m going to say for now.

I hear you have a few online contests you’re about to launch. Can you give us some insight into the Fashion Sense Contest and what that entails?

The Fashion Sense Contest is definitely a signature brand of USL Magazine. I initially created it so that the readers could participate and be a part of the magazine, whether they were actual models or not. The Fashion Sense Contest is a process where we look for people for their everyday fashion inspiration. So, you can look for many different Fashion Sense Contests to come in which we will be giving away more electronics and teaming up with clothing designers, boutiques, and online retailers for co-branding purposes. USL Magazine has also teamed up with Anna Hajiyev Photography for a monthly “One Look Make Over Contest,” and it’s exactly as it says.

As a magazine editor, you basically control every aspect of the publication. When you are choosing models, what do you look for?

 Since I’ve been in the fashion scene for years, beginning my modeling career at 17, I’m more interested in a model’s personality than how shapely or cut their bodies are. Yes, I want a good-looking model that can sell a product, but if they are unique or possess a great vibe, they will draw me to them quicker.

Let’s talk about your cover model for the premiere issue. Kotera? Why her? What did you see in her to say; she’s the one for my magazine?

Believe it or not, when I saw Kotera from the photos during the model contest on Facebook, I wasn’t impressed at first. It was only when I invited her and the other female models to our first fashion shoot at ADAC that I realized the talents she possessed. Kotera is a natural. During the shoot, she required the most minor direction; her poses were on-point as if she could communicate to the camera telepathically. Anna only shot her once because she had to leave early for school, but that shot in the chair spoke volumes. If Kotera stays focused, keeps her business intact, and stays hungry, she will go far in the modeling world.

There are many magazines out there. Why start a magazine now, and what does USL Magazine possess that will make it stand out from the rest?

USL Magazine isn’t about recreating the wheel. However, it is about offering exciting and compelling stories, features, and hot topics people only think about and dare not say. The Atlanta market needs a magazine for an industry showing rapid growth. The music/entertainment industry here in Atlanta is buzzing because of the new tax breaks offered to new businesses. Being a magazine for artists and entertainers on the cusp of their careers is definitely needed, so that’s why USL Magazine is formatted the way it is. Plus, the magazine has favored. And when you have favor from God, that is all you need. I am genuinely humbled by the talent God has blessed me to work with thus far, and this is not even the tip of the iceberg. Refreshingly free-spirited is a moniker I want people to remember about the magazine and that we will always be honest about our business and continue to give people opportunities as long as I, my affiliates, and USL Magazine are appreciated.

Introduction Article By Patrick A. Kelly
Interview By Percy Howard

Hardwell made a career DJing to massive crowds of club-goers and festival attendees throughout the world. He is one of the highest-paid DJ’s worldwide, according to Forbes.com, and has had several hit singles and remixes; working with A-list DJs and artists including his idol, Tiësto, Jason Derulo, W&W, Jolin Cai, Austin Mahone, KSHMR and many others. His debut album, “United We Are,” released in 2015, hit the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Album Chart and No. 2 on the iTunes Worldwide Album Chart.

His style of djing is all his own, and fans want nothing less than their very personal “Hardwell Experience.” When asked what he would do if he could no longer DJ, the humble, yet poignant Dutch DJ said he would probably go back to his first love of graphic design. This sentiment is the reason why people and fans alike gravitate to him and his realness.

Now 29, Hardwell has accomplished so much, in such a short time. In 2013 and 2014, he received the top award for the Number One DJ in the World. The following year, he clinched the Best International and Electro/Progressive House DJ awards, Best Global DJ, and five other honors in 2016. In 2017, Hardwell finished off the year with a successful Biggest Guestlist Festival in India, where he raised money to send 100,00 kids to school and won Best International and Big Room House awards. With all he has accomplished, fame did not make Hardwell big-headed or egotistical, in my opinion. Instead, he remained true to himself, his family, friends, and his adored fans. There is a sense of coolness about him that most people in his position have long since lost. Not Hardwell.

What is thee Hardwell Experience? Well, I can tell you that I experienced Hardwell for the first time in Atlanta, GA, at the Goldroom, in late October of 2017, and I was impressed. Yes, he played great music, and yes he can certainly entertain a crowd quite well. However, the experience that impressed me the most was how thoroughly he enjoys what he does. As I watched Hardwell on the 1’s and 2’s that night, this feeling of no care in the world seems to overtake him, and that revealed his love and passion for what he does. The atmosphere was so moving that I too felt it. His skills are something short of “perfect,” and one can admire people who love what they do so much that they inspire the same in others.

Hardwell and I had a conversation that night, literally behind the club. It was a bit awkward at times – not our conversation though. See, there was an opening DJ, and the music was deafening. So, we had to do the interview outside, behind the club. At the time, I was like, “what the hell, let’s do it.” However, as the interview when on, workers kept walking between us as we spoke, which became a bit uneasy, and out of my comfort zone. However, not Hardwell. He rolled with whatever it was that was happening at the time. Here is an edited transcript of our conversation.

Article and Interview By Patrick A Kelly

Q&A

Of all the interviews you have done, I cannot recall anyone asking you what you like to do for fun… What gets you in that silly mode, where you just want to goof-off?

That’s definitely when I have a night off with my friends. Now I know this may really sound regular, for everybody that’s reading this, but I’m always traveling, and I really do miss my family and friends. So, when I have some time off, I go out with my friends. I live in a really small place inside of Holland, and we just go to local bars and have a lot of fun there. That’s definitely when you catch me on my silly side.

Describe to me a day in the life of Roberrt and Hardwell – from waking up to going to bed? Are Roberrt and the Hardwell persona one within the same or are there distinct differences?

My lives are completely different. When you say Hardwell, I will say that I’m constantly on the road. I wake up, have a quick breakfast, go to the airport, fly out to the next destination, have a quick nap, prepare my music, do my emails, and then I go to the show. I do the same thing over and over again. For Roberrt, I wake up, and I’m in the studio and doing my radio show. People always think when I’m not playing shows; I’m not working, but I’m like running my own record company, doing radio, and a little gaming. I’m a big Nintendo fan. So yeah, that’s how I spend my time.

Music has been your inspiration since you were a boy. Did you ever want to do anything else? Be anyone else? I mean, God forbid you could no longer create music, what would be your fall-back plan?

Well, I could never, ever imagine a life without music. So that is a really hard question. Basically, music is my oxygen; it’s how I live. I always love to stay on the creative side, and I use to be a graphic designer. So, I probably would fall-back to that.

So what is Hardwell’s creative process, you know, when you want to create a new track? Describe it to me from start to finish?

I always start on the piano, writing melodies and chords until I’m 100% satisfied. I seek out that certain emotion – that melody that’s stuck in my head. I never actually start with electronic sounds. I always start writing regular songs, and from that point, I just record them in the direction that I’m gonna go; may it be a really heavy, hard, festival-type track, or more emotional, progressive house with vocals. That is how I actually start working and sound designing my sounds for the tracks. But, I always start on the piano, and I always look out for that certain emotion. I truly believe you’ll never create that emotion if you start using certain trends and EDM sounds in the very beginning. I think piano – organic instruments will always create that certain emotion that you cannot create with electronic sounds.

Was it the success of your single “Play It Around” or “Never Knew Love” that made you realize you were on your way to stardom? How did your life change? Explain to me what that feeling?

“Never Knew Love” was my first top 40 hit in Holland in 2006. For me, that was my first commercial success I ever had.

What was that feeling like though, when you finally realized you were heading towards stardom?

It was really weird! “Never Knew Love” was like the first song of myself that I heard on the radio, and it was one of the best feelings in the world. I was finally getting support by a bigger audition that you ever could imagine. So yeah, that’s always like a special feeling.

In an interview, you said Michael Jackson was one of your musical inspirations. Which Michael Jackson songs would you love to remix or mash-up?

That’s a really hard one, but I would try my very best to recreate something with “Smooth Criminal” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.”

Why do you choose though songs?

“Smooth Criminal” is definitely one of my all-time favorite records…

Hip-hop was your beginning, and then you transitioned to a more commercial appeal. If you could work with say two current U.S. hip-hop artists today, aside from the collaboration with Fatman Scoop, who would they be and why?

Yeah, there’s definitely some famous rappers I’m working with; doing some crossover hip-hop stuff.

Which two new hip-hop artists are your favorites right now?

If I can consider Drake as a new artist; I would choose Drake. Right now, I would also choose The Weeknd, even though he’s not hip-hop-hip-hop. Those two artists are definitely my favorite artists. If I look at my Spotify playlist, and the albums I play a lot, I would definitely say The Weeknd and Drake.

So what new Music or collaboration do you have on the horizon?

I can’t say anything, but I’m working on a lot of records with a couple major artists right now. I’m also doing a lot of crossover, pop radio songs. On the over hand, I’m doing the hard-hitting festival stuff too. So, I’m basically doing both sides right now, and trying to find the exact balance between them. I’ve never been so productive, especially on the pop-side. So it’s really fun – the whole process working with singers and songwriters, and the artist working with you. There are a lot of great stuff coming up. Maybe you’re not used to it as a Hardwell fan, but I believe in good music. If it’s a good song, it’s a good song, no matter which genre. And there are a lot of great music laying around that’s gonna be released in 2018.

What is the inspiration behind the Hardwell Eclipse cologne? How did you decide on the fragrance?

When they approached me to do the fragrance, I was really skeptical about it from the beginning. But then they gave me a completely creative outlet – making the fragrance and designing the bottle. I was involved with every single part of the process. So it was a lot of fun doing something you’ve never done before – creating your own fragrance. Yeah, it was really cool to come up with something that you actually really like. So imagine you’re buying a fragrance. You walk into the store and you wanna have that specific fragrance, but you always have to ask the salesperson to help you. Then, all of a sudden, you can create exactly what you like. That was a fun thing to do.

Let’s talk about the World’s Biggest Guestlist Festival, which is a charity event to fund the education of 100, 000 children in India. How did the Biggest Guest-list festival come about?

The first time I did my concert, my “I Am Hardwell” show in India, outside of the venue there were a lot of homeless kids seeking shelter from the rain. That broke my heart. I was there to create, and build a party and I see all these kids outside the venue. So I ask the promoter, “why are all these kids on the street?” He said, “They have no future. We don’t have enough schools, and they will never have the chance to go to school and even have a little education.” So I was like, “the next time I come back to India, I want to give something back to society and those kids.” That is why I started my own foundation, “United We Are,” which is the same title as my album.
I think everybody in life deserves a chance to go to school and make something of their life, instead of growing up on the streets and staying there for the rest of their lives. So we launched The World Biggest Guestlist back in 2015 and now we’re coming back in 2018 with an even bigger party. People can subscribe at my website, and there’s free entrance. We try to attract as many sponsors as we can; to raise enough money to build schools and put those children into school.

So your next World Biggest Guestlist show is coming up on Dec 3? Who are some of the big friends you’re inviting out?

The friends who are actually joining me are W&W and Suyano, one of the upcoming guys on my record label. Also joining me is Kill the Buzz, who has been my opening guy for two years now. We have more people that will be confirmed.

Are there plans for any little Robbert’s soon?

I hope. I wish. I’m still single, so let’s see in the future. I’m a really kids person, so I hope I will be lucky enough to have healthy kids in the future, and become a dad. That is definitely a future goal for me.

So do you think you would be a great dad?

I hope so. I was really raised great by my mom and dad. So, if I can have half of what my mom and dad did raising me; I think I’m gonna be a great dad.

Here’s a question I always love to ask during my interviews… Have you ran into any ex-girlfriends since you became famous, and if so, describe to us the conversation?

Yeah, of course.

So what were your interactions with them?

I always had great relationships, and even when we break up, I always kept in touch with them. It’s weird though, after all those years, especially with my first girlfriends. I’m 29 now, and you start dating like when you’re 17-18. They were always really proud of me. I was 14 when I signed my first record deal. So, everybody knew, even in my high school, that I was going to do something with music. Nobody knew, or ever saw it coming that I would grow up to be one of the biggest DJ’s in the world. Still, I was always into music, and they are really proud of me.

Lets wrap-up this interview with some shout-outs. Do you have anyone in particular?

The only shout-out I would like to give is to my fans, man. I’m still able to travel around the world, selling out venues, provide my music worldwide, and make people happy and dance. So, I feel really blessed and grateful. Thank you to my fans, and keep supporting me no matter what!

Connect with Hardwell:

www.youtube.com/robberthardwell | www.facebook.com/djhardwell
www.twitter.com/hardwell | www.instagram.com/hardwell

Special Thanks to Hardwell, Urban Rebel, and the Roadie. Big-up!

More DJ Features…

What was once dubbed “gay people’s music,” house/dance music is the signature sound for mainstream America as top artists and performers incorporate its high, synth tempos, deep bass, heavy drums, syncopated melodies and funky rhythms into hits that are driving pop-culture. From hip-hop to pop and R&B, dance music is raking in millions for artists and DJ’s. Everybody is getting paid, and the fans are only getting bigger as many are crossing over to experience the hype. No one would know that more than the EC Twins who not only have been credited “for the boom in Electronic Music in the U.S.A.,” but they have had many successes including a remix for super-duo LMFAO (“Champagne Showers”) and the resurgence of 90s Dance star CeCe Peniston, who was at the top of her game with smash hits like “Finally,” “We Got A Love Thang” and Keep On Walkin.”

 When you experience an EC Twins set, their deejaying skills and selections are rivaled only by their own personas. And to top it off, “you don’t often see doubles in the DJ booth. Not just DJ’s and producers, they are trendsetters with an attitude and style many would interpret as bitchie. But when you get to know them, you would realize that the attitude comes from self-determination and years of struggles. They’ve had to prove themselves over and over again. Life didn’t come easy, they were poor and finally crawled their way to success. So why should anyone else get off lightly?!

 Now that they’ve reached a pinnacle of success, the Twins know that keeping that success takes constant practice, re-inventing themselves and staying way ahead of the “trolls,” as they would put it. So, “I chose to give them a cover feature because they were two good-looking twins who were not only talented, but they know what struggling means and have talent to back-up the B.S. that constantly try to rival true artistry.”

Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say “when I dance, I transcend into my own state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?

Honestly, we’re just relieved that we don’t live in the projects anymore and are finally doing what we love for a living instead of the dead end jobs that have been our only alternative. Our 2 most identifiable emotions are infinite gratitude to the fans for making everything we do possible and fear that we could end up back where we came from.

How would you describe your style of deejaying?

High Energy, Emotional, improvisational and interactive.

So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What peaks your interest?

It’s hard to decipher a real connection from a potential DJ groupie or a gold digger nowadays, so it’s safest to love the music first and the personal stuff is way down on the list of priorities for us. House music is our bitch. We do like exotic brunettes though… Different races are interesting to us!

If you weren’t getting paid to DJ or create music, would you still do it?

Yes of course, we’ve done this our whole lives and only recently made a career out of it. Music has a very cathartic effect on us, it helps to heal old wounds or find reason in them. Everyone loves music, but we love it with a passion that is reserved for only the true obsessives. After Eye Candy (our club night) we had a period of time out of the scene, trying to get legal immigration status in the USA, we lost everything in the process and became homeless. We still managed to produce a track thanks to friends and practiced in one way or another every single day.

We know that sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self… What are the elements that make up who you are and is the persona and you as a person one within the same?

It’s a good question. The truth is The EC Twins and Marc & Allister Blackham are the same people, but in private Marc & Allister are very low key. The EC Twins are like our evil quadruplets, they just come to life the minute the music starts. It’s not a conscious decision, once the beat starts, something inside shifts gear and those two lunatics take over. It’s not a choice; it’s not a created persona. It’s probably a symptom of schizophrenia.

Were there ever a time when you doubted who you are or what you wanted before your current successes?

Everyone doubts themselves; every single person has their own Demons. Because of our personal journey and our humble beginnings, our insecurities are probably exaggerated a million times more than other artists. But that’s why we work so hard and why we connect so personally with our fans and appreciate our careers and what house music has given us. It’s the reason why we approach every performance as if it is our last. Our whole lives we’ve dreamed of being involved in the music industry, we never decided to be DJ’s; that part was organic, but now it’s here and we don’t ever want to do anything else. This is everything to us.

What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?

 For us the memories all began whilst running our first ever club nights Eye Candy in Edinburgh. They shaped our understanding of the entire industry from an artistic perspective and from a business perspective, so they’ll always be cherished. Other than that, the connections with the crowd that can’t be tracked down to one moment or even one night are all fond memories. It’s like a universal connection between us and all these beautiful strangers, some of whom don’t even speak the same language, yet somehow through the music you connect on a deeper level. That’s the memory that we fall asleep to every night, which wakes us up every morning. It’s much more fundamental than one particular superficial moment, it can happen whilst playing to 100 people or 100,000. It’s the same feeling that leads to the same memory; a feeling of unity. We live and die for that sh*t.

Of all the acts you’ve worked with… who can you say was or is the most enlightening as far as artistry is concerned?

It wouldn’t be fair to pick one, because we’re surrounded by so many talented artists right now, with diverse and inspiring personalities. Paul Oakenfold and Dirty Vegas were the first big boys to reach out to us and it’s nice to have friends like Dimitry Vegas and Like Mike too, because we’re in a similar peer group. Other than that, look to the answer to your next question for all the great artists we’re currently collaborating with.

Tell us about your upcoming projects?

Our next release is an EC Twins remix on Ultra Music for Black Boots “Sex Cult” and we’ve been through a huge period of collaborations recently. A few things are coming up with some of our personal favorite, underrated producers that we managed to stalk down to work with us. Projects with Bass Kleph, Dmitry KO, Plastik Funk, Reece Low, Darrigo and so many more are in the works. We’re in the zone right now! It used to take us a month to finish a track, whereas right now we can bang one out every day. We’re really excited for our 2014 releases.
What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next 5 or 10 years?

It has become the biggest cultural shift in modern times. The current electronic music scene is “Flower Power” for the ‘Millennials’ and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. The kids are all in to it and will carry it in to their adulthood, so it’s a long, fun ride ahead. We’ve been credited with playing a big part in the US growth that has led to the global phenomenon and we intend to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter. In terms of the sound, we see a shift in to real songs right now, but it really won’t matter. Good music is good music and we’ll be at the forefront until our last breath.

Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. And successful remixes help build a DJ’s status, provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?

There are three different projects and three different lessons: One, “Little White Doves” – Dirty Vegas (EC Twins & Remy Le Duc Remix) – The Success: It’s still the cult classic for die hard EC Twins fans. Lesson Learned: A big room progressive track won’t get relevant exposure on a deep house label. Two, “You’ve Never Seen” – EC Twins & CeCe Peniston – The Success: It introduced us to a global audience and garnered respect from Hardwell, Tiesto, Chuckie, Snader Van Doorn and more. Lesson learned: Have a follow up ready to go! And three, “Set The World On Fire” (Groove Cruise Anthem) – EC Twins & Kalendr Feat. Koko Laroo – The Success: This record is still growing and finding an audience and is being added to radio station playlists every day. Lesson learned: It’s great to put stuff out on your own label, but the exposure from a big label is always helpful if you can get a chance.
What are your top 7 party venues and why?

 We like the Marquee in Las Vegas because it started the “Electronic Music Only” policy in Vegas clubs. Create in LA is our current favorite venue in our hometown. Of course Eye Candy in Scotland because it was our baby and saved us from a life spent living in the projects and working in a dead end job. We like Tommorrowland in Belgium because it represented hard in Europe. We like Osheaga Festival in Montreal because of the fact that it’s a fresh indie festival with room for huge growth, Hard Rock in San Diego because we’ve spent so many pivotal dates playing there (including Halloween and New Year Eve) and anywhere we play in the future because we’ve only just begun our journey.

If you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business, what are five things you would tell him/her to look out for?
If we’ve noticed one mistake from a lot of our colleagues whose careers had not lasted as long as ours, it’s trying too hard to please the critics. One minute they’re smashing big rooms with their sounds, the next they’re in a back room playing “Afro Latin Tech” or some sh*t because the trolls got into their heads and turned them into snobs. Not that there’s anything up with “Afro Latin Tech” if it’s in your heart, there’s something up with changing what’s in your heart to please a bunch of tossers. F#ck the critics and f#ck the experts. Go out there, work really hard, don’t feel entitled to anything, be unarguably great at what you do, hold your head high and please yourself. Don’t apologize for doing what you love. The crowd will speak with their attendance and the trolls will hop on board when you’re a big success because they’re f#cking sheep’s beneath it all. Beware the trolls!

Connect with the EC Twins:
Twitter: @ectwins
Factbook: ectwinsmusic
Instagram: @ectwins
Web: www.ectwinsmusic.com
Interview By Patrick Kelly
Twitter: @PrettyboyPK

Everybody in hip-hop knows who Big Tigger is, and if he or she does not know, he or she has been sleeping under a rock for the past 15 years. Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan was the host way back when “Rap City: Tha Basement” brought us the hottest hip-hop artists who were relevant then. Tigger was and is a staple at BET (the only national African American cable network), hosting shows like BET’s number one music show “106 and Park,” “BET Style,” “BET Uncut,” and most recently, the “BET Awards 2012 Post Show.” Tigger has also had a wealth of successes as a host and DJ in radio and syndication. He has deejayed at WPGC (95.5) in Washington, D.C. and 92 Q in Baltimore, Md., as well as Power 105.1 (New York’s Hip-Hop & R&B Station) and now V103, “The People’s Station,” in Atlanta, Ga.

Being from B-More (Baltimore), I remembered how Tigger use to rock at WPGC and 92 Q. Working at two of the top radio stations in the region, man, the brother use to pull out all the stops. I remembered one night I was listening to one of his mixes, and I kid you not. This kat was hitting so hard that I pulled my little blue 1987 Toyota Camry to the side of the road, got out, and started dancing my ass off on the edge of the road. Lol!

I have had an affinity for Big Tigger since then, but the deal was sealed when the crew and I met him during Ne-Yo’s Malibu Red event in the “A” (Atlanta) last summer. You know, sometimes people get a little fake when they are in the spotlight. However, you could tell this brother was genuine. He was not aware of who we were, yet he still gave us the time of day. He was cool, really down-to-earth, and just funny as hell. Moreover, that is why I gave Big Tigger the cover, not because he is Big Tigger (well, a little bit), but because at the end of the day he remains true to who he is, and he is not bad on the eyes. You know I cannot have no “Mitch” on the cover.

Now, I had the opportunity to interview him personally and just to bullet-point without giving up all the details… I asked him to give me five things he would tell an artist to look out for if they are trying to get into the biz, and he said, “Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes is shady!” Now that is all five things right there. Lol! It is that real! My interpretation is that no matter what, at the end of the day, it is about getting and keeping your business tight; nothing else matters. So it is true; some of these dudes and chicks out here are wicked. You gotta “keep ya game up!”

So during the interview, Big Tigger talked about the type of woman he likes; of course, we had to get that in for the ladies and those haters out there. He also talked about his passion and love for his work, his style of deejaying, his most memorable experience as a DJ, his favorite nightclubs, and what he has coming up for 2014.

Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say, “When I dance, I transcend into my state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?

Tigger: There’s no better feeling than when you are in the zone, and whatever you say or play puts other people into their zone! Whether I am Deejaying or hosting, it is incredible to know whatever you do makes an impact in someone’s daily life!

How would you describe your style of deejaying?

Tigger: In a word, flexible! I can spin at clubs, NBA games, bah mitzvahs, on air, or at weddings. I can mix old-school hip-hop and r&b, pop, EDM, and trap music, and nobody will be mad at it. I can turn up in the club or keep it sexy!

So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What piques your interest?

Tigger: Love life is awesome! A woman of class, intelligence, drive, goals, inner and outer beauty, and a humorous/silly side to her are all desired qualities in a woman. I love a flexible woman who can turn up in hood environments and navigate corporate events. Add “lady in the street and a freak in the bed, ” and you have perfection!

Would you still do it if you were not paid to DJ or create music?

Tigger: I would. I have been deejaying since age 15! I do not get paid for my podcasts, but I love doing them. I have done 49 FREE podcasts (available on iTunes) in the last two years and 2.9 million downloads later, and I am still excited every time I drop a new one!

Sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self. What elements make up who you are, and are the persona and you as a person one within the same?

Tigger: I have been blessed to be very successful while being myself. Big Tigger is my more outgoing side, but it is still the real me. I am kind of quiet when not out in public.

Was there ever a time when you doubted who you were or what you wanted before your current successes?

Tigger: I never doubted who I was. I still have doubts about the future from time to time about everything. It is human nature.

What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?

Tigger: I opened for Kid Capri at the NBA Players’ official ball when All-Star was in D.C. with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Dr. J, and others in the building, and I smashed! It was dope to have Magic Johnson come up to me and say, “Boy, you were rocking!” Also, back in the days when No Limit was crazy, I Deejayed a homecoming party in Virginia State, and when I dropped “Make Me Say Uhhhhh” after about three other No Limit joints, the illest fight broke out cuz people got too damn hyped! They almost threw a dude from the 2nd floor!

Of all the acts you have worked with, who is the most enlightening about artistry?

Tigger: I haven’t Deejayed for many artists, but I recorded, shot a video, and performed on tour with R. Kelly! Amazing to watch him work on four songs at once!

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Tigger: I am re-launching my website BigTigger.com and started my new Big Tigger Foundation! The Big Tigger Celebrity Classic began in June 2014, and this time it is in Atlanta for its 10th year! I am the new official DJ of the Atlanta Hawks, and I have some other things in development, but can’t let that out yet!

What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next five or ten years?

Tigger: EDM is HUGE! I am good at it but wish I was exceptional at it… I see DJs spinning in front of 10,000 to 30,000 in stadiums and wish I could get down like that. If I applied myself, I could get to that level, but I am not passionate about it like Hip Hop & R&B! I think it is here to stay but will evolve as it already has with Trap-House, etc.

Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. Also, successful remixes help build a DJ’s status and provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?

Tigger: I would say the five years I spent as DJ for the Washington Wizards! It gave me exposure to different groups of people and corporations! That exposure allowed me to spin for the Redskins, Maryland Terps, Kentucky Wildcats, Macy’s, and others. Corporate checks are awesome!

What are your top-7 party venues?

Tigger: In no specific order: Reign in Atlanta, Bamboo in Miami, Park in DC, Beamers/Prive in Dallas, LIV in Miami, Dream in Miami, and Rehab in Vegas.

What would you tell them if you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business?

Tigger: Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes are shady!

Connect with Big Tigger:
Twitter: @BigTiggerShow Facebook: BigTiggerShow Instagram: @BigTiggerShow Podomatic: BigTiggerShow

Interview By Patrick Kelly | Twitter: @PrettyboyPK
Photo By: Insana Collins