Get to know electro and progressive house producer Lucky Date… Growing up in San Francisco music was always something that he loved and when he moved to Chicago, he decided to do something with his passion and start creating music. Years later he has a weekly podcast titled “Who’s Lucky Radio,” web tutorials, and is known as an incredibly successful producer with releases on big labels including Revealed Recordings, Armada Trice, Spinnin’ Records and more. Make sure and read the interview below to see what Lucky Date had to say about his upcoming music, producing life, and side projects. Also, if you’re going to TomorrowWorld – make sure to check him out there!
TSS: Since you’re one of our favorite artists to support, we wanted to give you the opportunity to tell the TSS fam more about yourself. So first off, what made you want to begin a career in producing? Who influenced you the most?
LD: When I started producing I knew I loved it and saw it as a geeky hobby I could develop but nothing more than that. It wasn’t until college when I realized nothing made me happier than producing. I decided to give it a go full time. My earliest influence was Benny Benassi and Bodyrox, these artists opened my eyes to the world of electronic music when I was a teenager. Wolfgang Gartner was my biggest influence to my production, I wanted nothing more than to have his brain when I started making dance music.
TSS: At what point did you feel you had “made it” as a producer?
LD: It took me two years to get a song signed by a label and released on Beatport. When my remix of Zedd’s “The Anthem” came out on Big Fish Recordings in 2009 I felt proud for the first time because all I wanted in life at that time was a song on Beatport. It really meant a lot to me back then and is still one of the best feelings I’ve gotten in my career.
TSS: What, do you think, sets you and your music apart from all the other producers out there right now?
LD: Lately I’ve been trying to produce my music completely outside the box. I’m sick of trying to follow rules, which will ‘make your song do better’ commercially. I think my upcoming music will not be loved by everyone, but it feels better to me knowing that it’s coming from my heart, and it will mean a lot more to me when someone does like my songs.
TSS: You have a new track called ‘I Like You’ featuring Sabrina Signs coming out in the U.S soon – when can we expect that to come out?
LD: “July 31st!!!”
TSS: One thing that you’re known for is your ‘Lucky Date Academy’ video tutorials, what made you decide to create those?
LD: Whenever I figure out something new in the studio my first instinct is to share it. Since I use a DAW that not many people use (Reason) I don’t have many producer friends I can share with. YouTube became a community for me where I could share what I was learning with others who use Reason or enjoy my tutorials regardless of the DAW.
TSS: In addition to the video tutorials, you also have a weekly podcast entitled ‘Who’s Lucky Radio’. Which of the two do you enjoy doing more and why? Do you find that both are beneficial to up and coming producers?
LD: I enjoy my radio show a ton. Having a radio show is a great excuse to keep yourself on top of all the new music and also practice different ways of mixing songs. A weekly mixtape is also an awesome platform to test out new genres of music to yours fans and see what does and doesn’t work. It has helped my live shows a ton and has pushed me to become a better DJ.
TSS: You’ve been able to witness the crazy growth of the dance music industry in America since you started making music. How do you think the rise in popularity has affected the artists and the music that they create?
LD: It totally depends on the artist. The growth has affected everybody differently. Many artists have capitalized it and saw business opportunities by making the music more commercial. Others have done the exact opposite and dug deeper to make weirder stuff than before. I think many really cool sounds have formed as a result of the blow up of EDM.
TSS: Could you share one piece of advice you have for aspiring producers?
LD: Stay true to your heart as much as possible. It’s a much more rewarding personal experience to share music you love with your fans.
TSS: It was just announced you’re playing TomorrowWorld this year. Congrats! What else are you working on this summer? Any other big tour dates we can look forward to?
LD: I’ll be going to Asia a ton this summer. I’ve wrapped up a ton of music and it’s all starting to roll out now. Can’t wait for TomorrowWorld!! Been wanting to play this festival since I first heard it was coming to the U.S.
TSS: Do you have any songs in addition to “I Like You” that are coming out soon?
LD: Yes many!! Can’t say names yet but get ready ;)
TSS: Anything you’d like to add?
LD: Love you guys!! Thanks for chatting with me hope to see you all soon :)
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