I got a chance to talk to Alex Syse aka Basic Physics, the mashup artist out of Madison, WI. He's a 22-year old mastermind who's been tearing up the blogosphere with consistent releases of tracks that combine the latest music from all genres. Check out what he had to say:
1.When did you begin DJing/producing and what inspired you to do so?
I began producing in the Fall of 2009 and DJing nationally in the Winter of 2010-2011. I have always loved live music. I used to tour with this band Umphrey's Mcgee all over the country in high school and got familiar with the music scene. I was introduced to Girl Talk / Daft Punk / Pretty Lights in early 2008 and that really triggered a switch for me to begin to experiment with music.
2. How did the name “Basic Physics” come about?
My buddy used to run a music blog long ago called Basic Physics. This is where most of the music that influenced me at the time came from so it was only natural to use the name as my stage name. Catchy enough? ha
3. Currently who are your biggest influences? Have your influences changed over time?
Madeon, Porter Robinson, Zedd, Skrillex, Avicii, Above & Beyond, Thomas Gold, Pretty Lights, A-Trak, Xaphoon Jones, R3HAB, and so many more. Over time I have seen my influencers change from what were once big mashup producers to big producers in general. I will never forget the influences I have had though as they have shaped where I am today.
4. Who would you most like to work with in your future productions?
I would love to work with the likes of big producers, many of which I listed above, but I understand the road that it will take. I will give everything and expect nothing to get there.
5. What mashup(s) are you most proud of thus far?
Technicality wise: Strength in Numbers, Filth in Paris, The Dopest Antidote, & Bastoblast
Others: Ghosts on a G6, Stuntin' with a Milli
6. How can you tell if songs mix will with each other? Is it a long trial/error process? Do you have random epiphanies?
"Having an ear for music" is something that is always talked about. Sometimes you can just feel if it will work. Knowing particular key signatures is also important when working with mixes. And then of course there is that song that comes on the radio and you have that "ah-ha!" moment where you know exactly the track that would fit with it.
7. Do any live shows you’ve done stand out in your memory as the most fun?
For the most part, all the shows have been great. From Puerto Vallarta (MX) to St. Louis to Boston, the venues have been packed. I just got done with a Oklahoma -> Texas run that was really fun, but overall they have all been great!
8. Are there any special surprises or projects you can share that we should expect in the near future? Any collaborations?
Keeping most things under wraps for now but I promise you won't be disappointed and big things are coming! Get ready for a big summer!
9. What do you like to do for fun, aside from making music and doing shows?
Overall, I love traveling. Music allows me to do that, but if I have some time off, I don't mind visiting old friends. Going out with friends, catching up on an episode of "Shameless" here or there is always good. I'm an avid sports fan so I'm always trying to keep up with what is going on. I also plan on stepping up my golf game this summer too, haha.
