Recently, we crowned Schoolboy as one of the most underrated producers out right now. He has a dedicated fanbase, but for some reason it feels like the overall shine is missing. That's just DAD talking, though; he's making his music (and his moves) regardless of who is (or isn't) talking about him. His 2012 was a huge year, as he'd released remixes on Dim Mak, put out an EP on Rottun, and had a massive single on Dieselboy's SubHuman imprint. 2013 has already been stellar, kicking off with the InfraRed-release Silver Lining, his EP with James Egbert, climbed to the top of the charts, and he was featured on the recently-released Never Say Die, Vol. 2 compilation (check out "Lunch Money"). In our brief chat, he spoke about when he realized his music was getting out there, how he plans on spending his summer, and teases who he has releases dropping with.
In terms of releases, you’re a relative newcomer to the scene, truly emerging in 2012. Talk to us about when you first got into dance music, and what drove you to start producing.
I was introduced to EDM at a young age. My brother and I picked up The Prodigy's Fat of The Land CD at Tower Records...yes, Tower Records... when it came out, so yeah, that was a looooong time ago. It wasn’t until later, during in my late teens, when I realized how much it influenced me. After playing in bands for a few years I decided to give it a shot, and here I am now.
What would you say was your first “a-ha!” moment, or rather the time when someone of importance took relevance of your music and made you think that you could make it?
It wasn’t until I ventured out of the cave; I wasn’t aware how many other DJs played my music until I played a festival with everyone on the line up. I heard multiple Schoolboy tunes played throughout the night, [which] made me feel humble as fuck.
We’ve noted before that your sound is one of many different styles. How would you describe the Schoolboy sound?
Diverse in BPMs, but with the same energy through out.
Your Silver Lining EP with James Egbert got a lot of love earlier this year. Were you expecting it to take off the way it did?
No way! I was surprised by the feedback and all the love.
You’ve already had releases on Dim Mak, Never Say Die, SubHuman, Rottun, and InfraRed. How important is it for you to get that co-sign from established acts and release music on their labels as opposed to starting up your own label and releasing tunes on your own?
It helps a lot because, it’s almost like it's a stamp of approval.
We’re hitting the summer months very soon; what are your plans, both as an artist and DJ, for the second half of 2013?
Festivals! Honestly can’t wait. I have this song coming out with Martin Garrix and Carnage coming out soon, as well as [one with] Borgore coming out this July. Big Summer tune, has that nostalgic feel to it.
What are some of your long-term goals for your career? Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years?
I can’t even think where I will be in the next five minutes, ha. Definitely making music no matter what.
Where can your fans catch you in the near future?
EDC, Paradiso and Moonrise Festivals!
Do androids dance?
Do birds fly?
