The Interview - 02 - Leisure

In this weeks interview, we get the privilege of interviewing one of San Diego's rising star Leisure. If that name doesn't ring a bell, you may know him as Equinox. This San Diego native is a star in the making with numerous of hits like his remix of Right On Time and more recently his remix of Carly Rae Jepsen's Call Me Maybe. He received many support from his friends, Soundcloud listeners and even Skrillex himself. Aside from his producing, he also owns a record label called Superior Records. Leisure is on the right track to EDM stardom and will make an impact in the music industry. We like to thank Leisure for allowing us to do the interview and the mix. Enjoy the interview and the free mix he did for us.

10 Marshmallows

Marshmallow Gun: Why did you change your name from Equinox to Leisure?

Leisure: Well we had some complications with another artist who also went by the name Equinox. So whenever I would distribute something on beatport or iTunes, he would get the credit. So I had the make the switch before I started really promoting myself more or it would have been hard to keep a fanbase I think.

MG: What genre do you prefer producing?

L: My main love is progressive electro. That’s my main genre as a producer, but lately I’ve been really dabbling in Trap as well. I don’t see myself crossing over as a trap artist though. It’s more of just a refreshing way to produce. I try not to limit myself as a producer.

MG: How would you honestly critique the first track you ever produced?

L: Oh man, it was bad. I think at that moment, I thought I was the next big thing. I started to think it was going to get signed right away to a label and I’d be playing EDC. I was really young and naïve.

MG: With Moombahton on the rise and Trap music recently getting the music spotlight, which do you think is going to be more popular? Which do you like and Why?

L: I like moombahton a lot and what it brought out. A more Latin feel that reminds me a lot of the Dutch House popularity. Personally I wish it would go back to the dembow beats in moombah because I’ve noticed that’s become just “slowed down electro house” and it kind of urks me because that wasn’t the whole intention of moombahton. And trap is a great new genre (in EDM) that will cross over a lot of people from Hip-Hop to the EDM scene which I think it’s great. I love the fact that electronic music has really fresh ideas every day. I can’t wait to see where both of them go.

MG: What is the best event you've attended?

L: Identity Festival 2011 in San Diego was probably the best event I’ve attended. That was the first big event I got to share with my girlfriend.

MG: If you could DJ at any event, what event would it be?

L: Event? Man that’s a hard one, I could say EDC like everyone but I would really love to play Ultra in Miami or any club in Ibiza.

MG: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

L: Nicky Romero or Hardwell. It’s so hard to choose between those two because they’ve equally inspired me and I know they would boost my career a bunch. That’s how I know I’ve made it.

MG: Aside from producing as Leisure, what other projects are you working on?

L: Well I have my Coaster project which is electronic indie dance music. You can check that out at http://soundcloud.com/coastersd

MG: What are your plans in the next 5 months?

L: I have a lot of good stuff coming that unfortunately (under contract) I’m not allowed to talk about YET. But soon, all will be revealed. And rest assured that it will be a big step in my career.

MG: In what ways do you hope to change the music industry or EDM scene?

L: I just really want to make my own sound. I want to stand alone from any producer. I also hope to bring out a lot of bedroom producers and people who’ve been working hard but not getting the exposure they need.

5 Random Marshmallows

MG: Why does your mom have the best food?

L: She’s comes from the old school Mexican thought process, “everything must be made from scratch” How do you beat FROM SCRATCH?!

MG: What is your favorite video game of all time?

L: Of all time? It’s kind of a tie between 3 games for me : Dragon’s Dogma, Star Ocean 2 and Final Fantasy X

MG: What is your favorite condiment and why?

L: Red Rooster Sauce. It’s heaven in a bottle.

MG: Dogs or cats?

L: Definitely dogs. I hope my girlfriend doesn’t read this, she’s a cat lover.

MG: Where would you like to vacation?

L: I’d love to visit Hawaii or Costa Rica. Anywhere not close to San Diego. Even though San Diego is beautiful. If you haven’t been here, you should come.

Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/leisureofficial
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/leisureofficial

And at the end of every interview here is Leisure's 30 minute mix for Marshmallow Gun! Enjoy!

Tracklist:

1. Afrojack - Rock the house (Leisure Remix)
2. Gregor Salto - Azumba (Original Mix)
3. Dannic - W.O.P. (Riverdance Festival Anthem 2012) (Original Mix)
4. Leisure - Brocahontas (Original Mix)
5. David Guetta & Nicky Romero - Metropolis (Eklektek Edit)
6. Marcel Woods & W&W - Trigger (Original Mix)
7. Gregori Klosman - Minibar (Original Mix)
8. Northend - Tabu (Original Mix)
9. Jordy Dazz & Mightyfools vs Daft Punk - One More Drumfail (Sinister Fellows Reboot)
10. Rob Marmot & My Digital Enemy - African Drop (Tom Staar Remix)
11. Levels, or not (Charlie Darker Edit)
12. Dannic - Tombo (Original Mix)
13. Rene Kuppens - Lift U Up (Original Mix)
14. Fedde Le Grand & Nicky Romero - Sparks (Original Mix)