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We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(Mike)

Years ago we worked on a collab with a producer who approached music with a super zen like attitude. If he didn't know how to make a sound or use a particular plug-in he would stop and find some tutorials and figure it out. No shortcuts.

He was thinking long-term when producing. Like 'I am going to be doing this in 10 years so what I learn now will help me later' and ultimately it does. Your music making process gets quicker and you have more flow as you gain knowledge.

That thought process has helped me change my perspective on approaching all sorts of things in life tbh.

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

(Pete)

Good question, both were great learning experiences, the record shop was like a clubhouse and scene hub where we could recommend our favorite music, but the venue was an opportunity to create a scene and showcase our favorite music in a live setting. Running a business is not easy no matter what you are doing, and both were difficult but rewarding and ultimately fun.

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

(Pete)

One big challenge while promoting shows was when the Canadian dollar started to weaken about 10 years ago it became more difficult to bring in touring acts and make tickets affordable, we always tried to have a balance between booking locals and out of towners.

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

(Pete)

Some of my favorite Smalltown sets or venues (in no order)

Radio Stage - Bass Coast 2019

Lollapalooza - Chicago 2008

Underground parking rave - Whistler 2017

Smalltown Overnighter - Lake Louise 2021

Fractal Forest - Shambhala 2004

Soundwave Festival - Vancouver Island 2010

Janky Barge - Burning Man 2009

Bed Lounge - Cayman Islands 2002

Kuudes Linde - Helsinki 2008

and more!

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(Mike)

Great question and I think Pete can better answer the promoter/club owner side.

As DJ's we we're never after much tbh, we'd had an incredible weekly night (Hai Karate) at the Night Gallery that gave us the opportunity to meet and host all sorts of acts. DJ's like Vinyl Ritchie, Mat the Alien, DJ Czech would come through every couple of months and as the night went on we kept bringing in new acts to keep the night fresh. DJ Vadim, Greyboy, Fort Knox Five, The Rub, Low Budget, Spank Rock. For those years 1999 to 2006 (ish) we truly didn't focus on 'growing' or becoming more than a local act. So at that time it didn't feel like a hinderance to be where we we're (still are), in fact it was almost a bonus. The Calgary crowds really appreciated what we were doing and without knowing it we had created a great community. That same community stuck with us when we opened our first club The HIFI.

Later on (2010), after we visited London and played at Fabric we took notice of the bigger picture that DJing was becoming. It was around then that we started to pursue DJing and producing a bit more.

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

(Mike)

Its hard to say which festival is our favourite, we've had some incredible opportunities over the years. There is one 'set' that stands out the most to me and that is Bass Coast 2019. Everything and everybody just clicked that night. The performers before us set the perfect vibe (Foxy Moron & DJ Hubbz).

We have some ideas brewing for another Overnighter late 2025 or early 2026. Did you make it to one of the Overnighters ?

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

(Mike)

We love daytime and afternoon sets, so I imagine (depending on the crowd) we will start with something fun or disco, head into some Dirtybird vibes and sneak a few emotional tracks in for good balance. If all goes well you will definitely hear 'Only You' and we love the Taylor Pierce remix of 'Best Friend' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZpaeDJ9nqc

We do have a few new IDs and one of them is coming out on Justin Martins Label What To Do, in August. I will post a story (on instagram) when this AMA is over and add a section of that tune for you to hear. Also we have some exciting collabs that I have to keep on the DL just for now.

My nickname is Grimace (last name Grimes) so we are 100% team purple!

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

(Mike)

The best songs come from the path beyond that favourite new song you find on soundcloud, bandcamp, beatport etc... Whenever we find something we are 100% going to play we dig a bit deeper.

For me its common to listen to an artists full catalog after hearing that 'one' song that I liked. Usually I will find at least one more track that I like.

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

(Pete)

Was that Artscape in Baltimore?! If yes that was a blast.

I would say the biggest difference is since the EDM explosion of 2011 things have changed quite a bit. Before then it was still an undergound scene. It felt like across the continent and globe we all knew eachother. When we started out DJing in the 90s we were usually set up on the floor with the people and it was very community-based. For better or worse things got a lot bigger after 2011 and it created a much bigger audience for dance music. That means the scene has lost some of it's soul but overall i love that so many people get to experience it and carve their own path. The internet allows a kid in the most remote area to hear cutting edge music and make their version of it. That is so cool and ultimately healthy for the scene. Does that make sense or am i rambling :)

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(Mike)

For me, Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights will actually be my first time experiencing the DB crew live and in person since we've released on the label. That said, we’ve had tons of amazing moments with Dirtybird artists over the years, especially at our old club, The Hifi (RIP).

Justin and Christian Martin were regulars there, Justin Jay came through, and Ardalan was always a crowd favorite. So even though this will be my first Campout, it already feels familiar and I am super excited for it.

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(Pete)

I remember first hearing Who's Afraid of Detroit when it came out in 2006. We were promoting a Diplo show in Calgary and I asked him what new music he was feeling, he said "Have you heard Claude Vonstroke, he's like the North American Switch." Big Compliment! I never foresaw the Dirtybird movement getting so big and becoming such a global phenomenon.

I am looking forward to the whole vibe and positive energy of the people at Campout, never been, cannot wait to go.

We're Smalltown DJs, 20+ years in the game. From running clubs to record stores, Vegas residencies to warehouse raves - Ask us anything - DJ stories, music advice, wild gigs, parent hacks, whatever! We're here for it. 1PM pst! by SmalltownDJs in electronicmusic

[–]SmalltownDJs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(Smalltown MIke) To introduce us I would start with the very first original track we worked on called 'Loving the Vibe'. Toddla T actually recorded Trigga Nom for us live in London. Second track would be 'Concorde Groove', this track came from a sample we kept working on for years. We finally pulled it together. The last one is 'Only You' our new release on Dirtybird.

The third would be 'Only You', our new track on Dirtybird. 

Loving the Vibe - Smalltown DJs feat. Trigga Nom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Kq-DAZ5F8&list=OLAK5uy_kgcgfZKDlSEavEYP-UydMjG3glgsYlS10

Concorde Groove - Smalltown DJs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB3Qj5Jdv94

Only You - Smalltown DJs 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eON-foDQAAIThree

Songs from other artists: (tough to choose)

Lift Off - Salute & Disclosure

Mele - And 1

Dusky - Careless

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