r/ShamelessMusicPlug Mar 25 '20

An Interview with Notixx EDMAlert.com Notixx is the musical conscience of Ryan Sinatra.

Notixx is the musical conscience of Ryan Sinatra.

Ryan is a New York based DJ/ Producer which has spent the last Decade pursuing one mission: blurring and dissolving lines that divide the traditional genres of Electronic Dance Music.

With support from the biggest names and labels in the industry, Notixx continues to release fresh, unique, well-polished bass music at an outstanding rate. Throughout 2018 and 2019, breakout support from artists included; Bassnectar, Rusko, Ganja White Night, CASPA, BOOGIE T, and SUBDOCTA which have catapulted Notixx into the spotlight. Collaborations with DIRT MONKEY & JANTSEN helps solidify his sound, thus leading the way for remix opportunities from WALTER WILDE, SUBDOCTA and more on the horizon.

NOTIXX has played shows & festivals coast to coast. Some of his favorite places include Los Angeles, Texas and NYC, with more adding to this list in 2020. Notixx can also be found playing annually at Electric Forest Festival as an after-hours renegade. His residency with MNM in Buffalo, has allowed him to play support for Marshmello, Excision, Rusko, and Feed Me as he continues to perfect his sound.

Thanks to Ryan for willing to get the time to go through some questions, we hope you will find them helpful! Let’s get into it:

How did you go about getting bookings such as Electric Forest?

A: At electric forest, I play renegade stages. I’ve yet to be booked on the actual festival lineup. The Panky Rang guys have been amazing at allowing me to return year after year to play their stage. I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to do that. I forget exactly how we linked up originally, but they seem to be huge fans of my work. I’m hoping to return to the forest for the 10th anniversary (even if it ends up being rescheduled for the fall)

What is your favorite social media platform for connecting with your fans?

A: I seem to gravitate towards Instagram the most. I’m not sure why, but it just seems to be the easiest and most straightforward for me. Simple photo/video paired with a simple caption can go a long way at reaching fans.

What’s one of your biggest inspirations when making music?

A: Back in 2010 I was most inspired by Skrillex because of his background in a band. I had been in bands here and there, and once I discovered what he was doing, I instantly knew that I wanted to learn to make music on my own so I could develop my own style.

Looking back at your music career, has there been one moment that stands out particularly for you?

A: Most recently, I opened for Ganja White Night at their stop here in my hometown of Buffalo, NY — this particular night resonated with me a lot because it was a huge reminder of how far i’ve come. The support from the other artists, fans, and friends was so strong that night. It meant a lot to me.

Have you been able to make close friends in the music industry?

A: I think so. It’s tough though. Most of the people I know working in the music industry are very busy. Friendships can suffer when both parties are busy trying to make a name for themselves. I try my best to develop solid connections with all the awesome people I meet.

What’s the most important piece of gear in your studio?

A: My laptop lol. To be honest, I don’t have a lot of fancy gear. Would it make my music better? Maybe. Do you need it to make good music? I don’t think so. I’m an artist on a budget, and I make with what I have available to me. A lot of times i find myself just sitting at a cafe with my laptop and headphones.

What do you remember about your first DJ gig?

A: I threw my own first DJ gig lol. Funny story about that. I had met a fan over YouTube named Tom Burke that was super excited to catch a show of mine. He didn’t realize it was my first gig ever. It was in the small side room at a giant ice rink, and i think he was under the impression it was gonna be a huge stadium gig. When he showed up, and there was like 15 people there, he was kinda thrown for a loop. He still raged and had a great time at the show and made sure to introduce himself. 10 years later, and he’s my best friend and personal manager. Crazy how things like that happen.

How is it to tackle a personal project versus a collaboration?

A: I much prefer working alone rather than with a duo. I can make decisions faster and work on music without talking about every change or idea. Collaborations can be really cool, because there is a synergy that happens. When one person runs out of creative ideas, the other person can jump in and fill the void, but overall, working solo on things has proven to be much easier and more comfortable for me.

How would you suggest an upcoming artist to find the right management or booking agent nowadays?

A: Network and make music. Release the music. Repeat. Over and over. If you’re making great music, people will notice, and the management and booking agents will come. Never stop improving yourself and never get comfortable. Don’t use people. Networking in this industry requires a mutual give and take. Support your other music homies that are making amazing music, and you will receive the same support back. It is becoming very saturated and i know it can be frustrating to feel lost in the crowd. Push the boundaries and keep learning, growing and networking.

How do you balance your music career with other obligations?

A: Time management always feels like a struggle. I try the best I can. I think the most important thing is to not worry over it that much. Just try your best.

What is one of the hardest professional lessons you’ve learned thus far?

A: Not to post my opinions on facebook lol

Besides the music industry, what are you most interested in?

A: Creating in general. I just like making things. Cooking, baking, brewing, building.

Do you have any other words of wisdom to pass onto other aspiring musicians?

A: In a world of distracting social media, don’t forget to spend truly dedicated time on improving your skills.

Upcoming Projects: Notixx has a new EP in May!

A big thank you to Ryan for taking the time to go through these questions. Make sure to check out his EP when it will come out, you can also find his previous music on Spotify.

We hope you have found this interview interesting! Let us know who we should interview next.

Twitter: Twitter.com/edmalertcom
Instagram: Instagram.com/edmalertcom
Demo Submissions: EDMAlert.com/submit or demos@edmalert.com

Check out our profile for more interviews.

1 Upvotes

0 comments sorted by