It seems like teenagers are getting a lot smarter much earlier in life. Take Bryce "Decade" Holt, who's only a mere 17 years old and already is on track to becoming a seasoned DJ/producer. Boot up the dude's Soundcloud page and hear mix after mix of quality work by the teenybopper, who's often found working the mixers at local raves and warehouse dance parties.
We recently spoke with Holt about his very embryonic DJ career, as well as what he thinks about the local rave scene, moombahton, and other topics.
How did you get into the DJ game?
I used to produce a lot of hip-hop tracks. Then, eventually, I started attending EDM events. And I've always been musically influenced, so I saw that everyone's attention was towards that one guy. And I [wanted] to be that guy. I went to an auction and they had a pair of CDJ 1000s for really cheap so I had to buy 'em. And as soon as I did, I was practicing everyday for about a month until I released my first mix.
Preferred genres?
Well coming from the hip-hop background, I love the low-end bass sounds so I began spinning dirty Dutch. Then eventually fell in love with moombahton.
What's the significance of your nickname?
Its a name I received from a group of old friends I used to have. I used to be really influenced by graffiti. So in middle school we were writing on the desks and they said I needed a name so I just started writing several words. An everyone loved the way I wrote "decade" so they gave me that name and now it's stuck around.
How do raves and warehouse dance parties differ from club gigs in your opinion?
The atmosphere, for sure. In a club, most people go to have fun. At a rave, people go to have fun and see you. There's a lot more pressure put on you to perform at a rave instead of putting on a show at a show. And I love the pressure. And usually equipment and sound is much better at a rave.
The four most popular places to throw a rave in the Valley are at either District 8, Stratus, Madison Event Center, or out in the desert. What's your favorite?
They all have their reasons to be my favorite. But probably [the place] where I had my first show and where I went to my first event. It would have to be District 8.
What's your reaction to the recent break-in and cat-skinning incident at District 8?
It's unfortunate [that it happened] at a venue that we all love and need. But, I mean, crazy people always do stuff and it just happened to be there. I know for me, it doesn't really affect anything I do or feel. I still love it there.
Do raves afford you opportunities you couldn't get elsewhere?
No, not at all. When it comes to talent. Theres not much of a restricion on it. I mean i've played at clubs before with no problem
Is being a younger DJ a disadvantage?
Not at all. I've earned the respect I have so I [am perceived] as a very mature individual. I see it as an advantage and an edge I have over other DJs.
What's the wildest rumor you've heard people spread about raves and ravers?
Um, probably [that] raves are where 14-year-olds go to get free drugs, have sex, and to talk to the devil.
Wait, that's not true?
Nope. Not one bit!
Craziest thing you've witnessed at a gig?
Had a girl pointing at me, licking her lips, telling me to come to her. Either that or someone jumping off a speaker and busting their head.
What's your take on PLUR?
PLUR. Um, it was fun while it lasted. It's another one of those phases that you don't want to remember when you get older kind of things.
So you don't embrace it as much anymore?
For me, I always try to embrace peace, love, unity and respect, but I don't "show" the trend anymore. Meaning, I don't wear kandis or make it a point to have to yell it out. That's just the type of character I am.
Has there been an increase in rave attendance since the rise in popularity of electronic dance music?
There [has] been a rise in people interested in the genre and exploring it, but as far as attendance goes. I think that's actually [gone] down.
What's your opinion on the rise in popularity of EDM?
I love it! We're not hipsters anymore. Now me and every other performer in the industry are trying to make a rise in the genre called moombahton
What do you dig about moombahton?
I'm a moombahton producer. But I love how its a mixture of a Latin feed an a Dutch house feel. And how its something you can actually dance too.
How much preparation do you put into your sets?
My sets usually are [started] when I start downloading music, but usually putting it together takes a good week.
Which artists do you prefer to spin?
I like to be very underground an throw a few tracks that have vocals in that everyone knows so I can catch the crowds attention so they can sing along. But most of my tracks are very underground. If I had to pick, lately it's been alot of Munchi, David Heartbreak, Torro Torro and a few other artists.
How much of your mixes is original material versus remixes of other artists?
I've produced two remixes and the rest of my tracks are all originals. [At gigs] I usually play about one of my original tracks. Then the rest are all spontaneous between other peoples remixes and originals.
What are your favorite blogs and sites to find music?
I use Rot10 label a lot. And I search Mad Decent. As far as sites go, I use Moomba+, MoombaBlasta, and Moombahtonmusic along with a couple others.
What's your favorite track of the moment?
Right now, I think it has to remain "Indian Flute" by ETC! ETC!
How do you craft an effective set?
Timing is key for everything. Knowing your bars and studying each and every track I play.
What's you're approach to mixing music?
There's always DecadeStyle to everything i do. I have my own tricks just like every other artist has.
What's "DecadeStyle"?
DecadeStyle is just my own twist on music. I like a lot of reverb. High pitch synths. An low-end bass in funky quick patterns.
Any other flourishes you add to your mixes?
A lot of hype. An I've been adding a lot of details to make it more of a show instead of a performance during my sets. But what exactly those are. You'd have to come out an see for yourself.
Any upcoming gigs you'd like to plug?
I have the Hypnotica Music Festival on April 6, Audio Bend Future Music Tour on May 11, a show in Albuquerque in May (It might get loud), Legoland on July 1, and a few other small local events.
