We are excited to present the fourth installment of A Handsome Mixtape. Each month we’ll showcase an amazing young DJ whose tunes are something special – they’re all ridiculously talented, unbelievably cool and will have you breaking out your best dance moves in an instant. Read on to see Induce’s interview.
We’re loving this mix. What was the inspiration behind it?
Thanks! It’s a classic Summer mix. I feel like so many of my mixes are made with road trips in mind. This mix is like when you first get on the open highway in the early morning and it’s still kinda dark out, and the sun is just creeping in, which is why it starts off a little slower and dreamier. But by time noon comes around, you’re just flying down the road – this is the middle part of the mix, all fun and dancey. Then you get to where you’re going – a friend’s house party or a BBQ or something – and Beyonce comes on and you remember it forever.
When did you first get the music bug?
Ever since I was a little kid. When I was about 5, I would imitate Michael’s moves from “Beat It� – I even had the zipper jacket! There’s also an infamous story of 5 year-old me singing Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing� at the top of my lungs inside Bloomingdale’s, much to my mother’s embarrassment.
What music did your parents play?
My parents were squares. I only ever listened to top 40 radio growing up. I do remember going on road trips with my mom listening to the “Cruisin’ Classics� oldies tapes they used to sell at Shell in the 80’s.
Who would you like to play with in the future?
Even though I’ve already opened up for him once, I’d like to go back to back with James Murphy (DFA, LCD Soundsystem) on an all vinyl, disco 12� set. I think we really share a similar aesthetic and would get along really well.
What are the shortest shorts you’ve ever worn?
Well, I’ve worn some short ones as a kid, like the old OP (Ocean Pacific) corduroy joints, but these days the trend and culture seem so conservative. Actually for that reason, this Summer I’ve had a “Shorts Only Summer� rule, and I’ve been trying to get back to rocking some questionably short shorts. I’ve only broken the rule a handful of times!
What’s the next big thing in music?
Polka-step.
Any cool collaborations coming up?
FOR SURE! I did a song with Gigamesh, (Señior Stereo), called “When You’re Dancingâ€�, which actually, this mix is probably one of the first places to feature it. I love it! I think it’s the closest I’ll ever get to working with Giorgio Moroder, or at least the sound he helped create. Even more exciting, I’m fairly certain this mix is also to first place to feature the remix Gigamesh did for my next single, called “Livin’ In The Futureâ€�. So you guys get the extra special treatment for this mix – 2 exclusives! Finally, hopefully my dream of doing a project with Weird Al will one day happen.
Is fashion important to music and vice versa?
Of course! Fashion has taken SO much inspiration from what musicians do first over the years that the two have become intertwined. Art inspires Art.
Do you prefer your ladies in a bikini or a one-piece?
I love both! One-pieces have a tendency to look more classic and cute, which I love and is really the style that can make you fall in love with someone in an instant. But bikinis will always stimulate the senses. There’s nothing like the pretty surfer girl with sun-bleached hair in a bikini.
What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you at a gig?
I’m sure there have been a few crazy instances, but the first thing that comes to mind is a friend of mine filming a porno right behind me while I was DJing.
What do you think is the one quality that makes a DJ great?
Being able to do everything, and do it well.
How would you describe yourself and your style in three words?
Colors, Fun, & Dreamy.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It wasn’t really advice, but the day I learned the difference between grace and nature, I think it changed my life. Thank you Terrence Malick.
What’s your signature drink?
Miami Vice – virgin, of course.
For more from the super-talented DJ Induce, check out his Website, Twitter, Sound Cloud, Blogspot and Facebook.
Check out Induce’s Tracklist below!
1. Washed Out – Amor Fati
2. M83 – Midnight City
3. Sebastian – Embody
4. Shit Robot – Take Em Up
5. Tullio De Piscopo – Stop Bajon
6. Cee Lo Green – I Want You (Hold On To Love)
7. Gigamesh – When You’re Dancing ft. Induce
8. Holy Ghost! – Wait & See
9. Chaz Jankel – Glad To Know You
10. Midnight Star – Midas Touch
11. Breakbot – Baby I’m Yours ft. Irfane
12. Duck Sauce – Barbra Streisand
13. Uffie – ADD SUV (Armand Van Helden Club Remix)
14. The Wonderful Sound Of Induce! – Livin’ In The Future (Gigamesh Remix)
15. Kelis – Bossy ft. Too Short (Alan Braxe & Fred Falke Remix)
16. Beni – It’s A Bubble (DJ Sneak Remix)
17. Danny Daze – Fall Away From Love
18. The-Dream – Yamaha
19. Beyonce – Schoolin Life