Today we’d like to introduce you to Neil White
Neil, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
One day it all started when I heard my first House record and I knew this was something I wanted to be apart of. At first, I didn’t have the perception of what I wanted to do in the EDM world. But then as I started to learn how to DJ, I found use in skills I developed throughout my years in musical arts that then helped me a lot to learn how to play and produce electronic music. I would say that took place around late 2022, when I really started to take learning how to DJ and produce electronic music seriously. Since then I haven’t looked back, and as of the end of 2023 I launched my DJ and production career.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The smoothest part about this road is when I’m in my home studio producing music and just drenching myself in the work of making art. Other then that, it is a very hard road to try and become a DJ and producer. You consistently have to network, create new art, come up with new ideas of how you can get noticed while still staying true to the art of making music and sharing it with the world. All of us as humans live in a atmosphere that is filled with instant gratification, so adapting to that notion of life is a struggle for any artist looking to put something out there for the world to judge. I try to understand that the life of an artist is a forever thing, so you can’t expect to see success overnight, it takes time to develop and create that shell where you feel comfortable with yourself enough to share your passion. Also, it does not help when you live in a city that isn’t the most receptive to the type of art you produce. I love Cleveland, Ohio, it is my forever city and that is why I never left and why I am trying to build the Dance music scene here, However, I feel that Cleveland is taking it’s time to accept the real fabrics of what House & Dance music is and how it means to them. I’m glad that I can hopefully be a bridge to help the population of Cleveland learn about Dance music.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a DJ and producer based out of Cleveland, Ohio. I produce primarily electronic music with genres such as techno, hard groove, UK garage and house. I’ve started to create events were people in the community can come to and feel safe to share there love of dance music and learn more about this culture that is still fairly new to Cleveland. One of those events is in partnership with Svbcvltvre.cle called “Surround”.
I am known for my happy and fun style of DJing with a groovy tone that will make audience members leave feeling like they want more. I would say what set’s me apart from other DJs and producers is my style of music that I blend to create the most holistic set that express who I am as a person. I also feel that my roots of learning from seasoned DJs such as Pete Tong, Adam Beyer, Jamie Jones and half.hour have allowed me to blend styles of music differently then most DJs today.
I am most proud of the fact I was able to get the ball rolling on this passion. You really have to take a leap of faith and trust in yourself that everything will come out great on the other end so long as you keep pushing through the struggles that will happen along this journey.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the music industry is in a very peculiar place, especially the dance music community. Anyone and everyone can learn how to DJ or make music, so the amount of individuals you have to compete with is going to continue to grow. With social media, that is also changing the landscape of how artists share there craft. So the evolution of social media and the ability for these companies to create products that for anyone, at any level, can learn how to produce and DJ music, is awesome.
The flip side, is that not only do you have more competition now, but you have people who join the community for the wrong reasons. Maybe it’s to become famous, or get rich, or feel like you mean something to people. Regardless, individuals will come into this world and not understand the rich history of what it means to share the love and passion of Dance music.
With all that being said, were do I see the Dance music industry going in 5-10 years, I see it growing, I see it becoming a more focal role in the way people listen to music. I think more and more electronic dance music producers will start to get recognition for the songs they have helps other high profile artists create. I also think every city in the world will have some type of electronic dance music night, if they don’t already.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbasik/
Image Credits
Behind Scenes Photography
