As of March 2011, I can officially say I’ve been to more than a few dozen EDM shows and I have to admit, no one quite throws it down like The Glitch Mob. Their Sunday evening set at Ultra Music Festival was quite possibly the best show I’ve seen in a while.
Even though it was the last few hours of three days of EDM, I don’t care who you are, if you were there, you were dancing. With their trippy visualizations, and their great stage performance, The Glitch Mob was without doubt my favorite set of the weekend, and being a music enthusiast, that truly says a lot. Some mistakenly missed them by venturing off to other stages but if you were at Ultra for the music, rather than simply for the thrill, you were boogying with The Glitch Mob.
You see, being a good producer is only half the fun for genuine DJ/producer fans. The energy these kids embody on stage is like none other and they truly appear to be synergized as they break it down and spin their dirty tunes. The trio goes against the norm by playing hip hop, drums and base, and house, while incorporating laptops and instruments into their lives sets. They’re not like any trio you’ve ever seen. It could be because they spent 2010 performing with the popular likes of Jay-Z, Chromeo, A-Trak, Snoop Dog, DJ Shadow, Missy Elliot and LCD System, or because they’re just that good, but after chit-chatting with Josh Mayer, better known to the music world as Ooah of The Glitch Mob, it’s obvious their energy stems from holding individuality keen to both who they are and their live performances.
And to get a real ‘glitch’ of Ooah’s personality check the conversation below:
SH: After following you guys for several years now, it’s nice to finally talk with you! Can you share a little about your history for those unfamiliar with The Glitch Mob?
Ooah: So we started off as three individual DJ/producers where we pursued the whole making music at home and doing random gigs ordeal. Eventually, that led to tag team duets and then evolved into writing and making music together.
SH: And now here you are today, as an awesome avant-garde band.
Ooah: Exactly, after so much evolution, we now write and perform everything together and are constantly changing the music up for our fans.
SH: It’s obvious evolution and heavy changes are a huge part of TGM performances…
Ooah: Yeah, you know, it’s amazing. We’ve never been the type of group to stick to one thing, or one style. We’ve always just been trying something news and it usually works out
SH: Well I think that’s why you guys attract such a large fan base
Ooah: Well that’s what we’re all about. We did a tour once with both base and electric guitars and then another tour with key boards and notes; for us it’s just whatever works.
SH: Your individuality is even shown in your nicknames. Where’d they all derive from?
Ooah: They came from when we first started DJing individually.
Well, mine, “Oooah” is pretty organic and it kind of just happened, while Justin Boretta’s is his last name and Ed, “edIT” comes from being the master mind at editing.
SH: So have you always being into doing the ‘different’ thing, or is that something that came along with performing?
Ooah: We’re all traveling a lot for our music and I think that’s where a lot of our inspiration comes from. Being aware and living causes non-stop inspiration so I’m constantly trying to experience more and that’s what helps with the music making.
SH: Speaking of being aware and out there in the world, tell me a little bit about your latest album, Drink the Sea. I hear you guys donated much of your proceeds from that album to Hati.
Ooah: Yeah, we worked with DownloadtoDonate.org and all the proceeds from our remixes of Vol.1 and Vol.2 went toward Hati. I just try to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world and try to spread my love and good intentions toward it, such as what’s going on in Libya right now.
SH: That’s awesome, being famous you have the power to influence so many for the good.
SH: Like you said, the more you live, the more inspiration you get. As a musician, what music is currently inspiring you?
Ooah: Right now I have to say Cloud Kicker. It’s like really fast, heavy, progressive punk-rock music. He’s this one guy who does and writes everything himself but sounds like a full on live band.
SH: Is that what kind of music you’ve always been into?
Ooah: Pretty much. I like all kinds of music but I’ve always been a huge fan of metal and punk-rock. I grew up in New Orleans where music is huge, so it has always played a big role in my life.
SH: It must be cool to play at festivals because of all the different performances. Who are you planning on seeing this weekend?
Ooah: To be honest, I haven’t even looked at the line-up yet cause I’ve been so busy with work but I hear Skrillex is playing and I’m excited to see him.
SH: Skrillex is apparently the man of the year. Every artist I’ve talked to can’t wait to see him live.
Ooah: Yeah he’s great.
SH: So as far as music goes for The Glitch Mob, what does the future hold for you guys?
Ooah: We’re starting to work on a new record, live show and a single EP. Hopefully the album will be out by the end of the year.
SH: And until then, what advise can you give to the Knight News’ readers?
Ooah: SAY NO TO SLAVERY, live, be unique, spread love. Don’t do the common thing. I’m a HUGE believer in pure individualism, just be yourself, try something new. There’s a million people in line doing the same thing and unfortunately, there’s not a lot of uniqueness in what they’re doing.
Well, thank you for your time and we’ll see you on stage Sunday!
If you missed their set at UMF, or if this is your first introduction to The Glitch Mob, don’t fret, their website has your back. Check it out for free downloads and an in-depth analysis of who they are and their future tours. You’ll be enlightened with the ear candy they provide.
