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10 questions with Victor Calderone
This week's Hotseat incumbant is the legendary Victor Calderone, whose residencies at New York's infamous Limelight, Crobar and Pacha clubs have cemented his status as one of the world's top-ranking DJ/producers. He has remixed the biggest names in the industry - from Beyonce and Goldfrapp to Madonna and Depeche Mode - and his work for labels FFRR, Ministry of Sound and Tommy Boy have led to numerous plaudits, including a Grammy nomination. We spoke to the Brooklyn native about loops, live kit and low-end.
What's your current DJ setup?
I use an Apple laptop with Traktor Pro, three CDJs that I use as controllers, a DX2 and Kontrol X-1. My mixer of choice is the UREI: it has a much thicker, warmer sound than others and the control of gain is super smooth.
What is the key ingredient in a track? Breakdown? Style of production? Bassline?
Each record is different. Some have great hooks, others are more percussive and groove driven, and some have the perfect vocal. One thing to bear in mind on every track, though, is that the relationship between the kick and bassline can make or break a track - especially on the dancefloor.
When building a track how do you normally work? Do you start with the drums and build your way up from that?
It varies. On some days I start with the drums and work on getting a funky groove rolling. On other days the bassline comes first: I'll get a rocking bass and build the groove above that. Occasionally I get inspired outside of the studio and get a vocal or lead idea in my head, then I go into the studio with my original idea as the focal point and start from there.
Do you mainly use analogue or digital soft synth sources? Do you think analogue makes a difference?
I use the two together, but I can hear a difference between analogue and digital. I wouldn't say that one is better than the other, though, they're just different, and each has its purpose along with its individual pros and cons. The key difference I've found is that it takes more processing to get soft synths to sit as well in the mix as it does hardware instruments.
Any advice on monitoring? Quiet? Loud? Do you prefer flat and boring speakers, headphones or big, phat and chunky monitors?
Keep changing it. Listening at different levels and on different systems will expose your mix's problem points. In my studio setup I use two sets of monitors that sound completely different to each other to get a nice balance.
Loops? Or programming your beats from single hits?
Both. Sometimes you need a backing loop in your groove to emphasise the feel you're after. At other times the hits in your groove sit perfectly and you don't need any extra sonic glue. Every beat is different.
When mixing, what do you find the hardest thing sounding right?
The low end.
Any arrangement secrets you wish to share with us?
Think, and write, with the DJ and dancefloor in mind. Try and mix without looking at your computer monitor too much: it's the ears that matter.
What have you got coming up in 2010?
I already have a number of releases scheduled, so I'll be spending a lot of time in the studio. Also, my label WaveForm will be launching this year, which I'm really excited about.
Any advice for aspiring producers out there?
Never stop learning.
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More from Victor Calderone: www.myspace.com/victorcalderone
Victor and Mike Frade's debut sample collection can be found here: www.soundstosample.com/info/Sounds_To_Sample/Essential_Elements_-_Tech_House/492
(c) 2010 Sounds/To/Sample