DJ Talk: Bro Safari on Family, Influences and “Follow”

[mashshare]

We had the chance to chat with Bro Safari inbetween his hectic touring and producing schedule…

Do you ever read the comments on your Soundcloud? One of them on your new track “Follow” is “I think I might like my first Bro Safari song”, so congratulations on the new fan! The rest of course are raving about how awesome it is and even though I’m not the biggest trap/dubstep fan, I’d have to agree. It’s got a great energy and pace to it, the vocals are on point and I love the little DNB breakdown.

Thanks! To be honest, I don’t usually read comments on Soundcloud, Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. They’re usually a sure way to get me worked up, upset and irrationally unfocused. That being said, I decided to torture myself and read the comments on “Follow.” I was obviously really happy to see such a positive reaction from the people listening to the track, but I also felt relieved. I felt like, “I can still do this.”

 

What are your thoughts on the recent changes Soundcloud made to their platform from a producer’s perspective?

I’m a little out of the loop, but I see all my peers complaining about Soundcloud all the time. I’ll just have to claim ignorance on it, for now. I don’t want to speak about it without knowing what I’m talking about.

 

You’re a pretty big punk rock fan right? I am too – who are some of your favorite punk acts and why?

I grew up listening to all types of music, but the one style of music that I focused on for the longest amount of time before Electronic Music was punk. I started out with bands like Minor Threat, The Dead Kennedy’s, Circle Jerks and so on. From there, I got into the new school movement in the late 90’s. Bands like NOFX, Pennywise and what not.

 

What influence would you say growing up in Atlanta had on the style of your taste in music and flavor of music production?

I was in high school when the Dungeon Family was running things. I was exposed to Goodie Mobb, Outkast and dirty south stuff very early on. All of that stuff was a huge inspiration to me at the time, especially Outkast. I still listen to them all the time. 

 

How and why did you make the transition from DNB to your current style of trap and moobathon?

I just wanted to make a change. I had been doing Drum and Bass for so long that I felt like I had run out of ideas. I heard Moombahton and I just really dug how original it felt. I hadn’t heard anything like it, so I just took a chance and went for it.

 

Speaking of moobathon, what was it like working with Dillon Francis on “Pull It”?

It was really easy. He and I were staying at the same hotel for a few days, so we got together and cranked it out really quickly. We both just sat there with our laptops, no headphones, playing ideas over each other. Everything flowed smoothly and it was finished later using Dropbox. I really enjoy working with Dillon. We don’t overthink anything when we’re making a song together. 

 

I saw you kill it at the Fillmore during Hard Miami last year. You’ve also played huge fests like Coachella and EDC. Any preference between a club or festival setting?

Huge difference. The festival productions can be daunting. You’re so far removed from the audience. It feels more like a performance than a gig, if that makes sense. I love playing in clubs. Cramming people into a small space always creates a great level of energy in the room. However, huge festival crowds that are there to participate can raise the hairs on your arms. 

 

Try your best to describe what it feels like to be on a main stage and looking out to a massive crowd of tens of thousands and all of them losing their shit to music you’ve made.

I kind of block it out as it’s happening. I’m obviously aware of what’s going on, but I feel like if I stop what I’m doing behind the decks, I’ll lose focus and also lose the moment. I do take moments to take it in, and when I do, it’s a surreal feeling. It’s incredibly hard to explain, you’re right!

 

You have a son – are you doing anything to pass the musical torch on to him?

My girl and I just brought him to his first festival this past weekend! We’ve wanted to expose him to large concerts for a while now, but things like Coachella just don’t seem like they’d be much fun for him. We brought him to Hangout fest in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was so much fun for all of us. He was able to see me play for the first time, play on the beach and meet tons of great people. I think that if we continue to expose him to what I do for a living, and play good music for him at home, he’ll gravitate towards it. I have NO expectations though. I want him to follow whatever path he chooses on his own. I won’t lie though, I’d love to see him start taking piano lessons soon.

 

What do you like to do in your down time when you’re not touring or producing?

Three words. Call of Duty. 

 

What’s your favorite BBQ joint back at home in Austin?

Tough call. I’ve had just about all of them. I can’t name a favorite, but I go for Rudy’s often. It’s next to my house, it’s always good and it’s easy.

 

What’s next after “Follow”? Anything you can share about upcoming albums or collaborations?

I have a full plate, for sure. I have quite a few solo tunes to release this year along with plenty of collabs. I have songs in the works with UFO!, Dillon Francis, Getter and a lot more. I’m really excited to see just how many songs I can release before the end of the year. 🙂

“Follow” Bro Safari on Soundcloud, Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with his latest releases and  be sure to catch his set at the next festival or club near you!