Photograph by Andrew Bastion
Question: What happens when EDM meets metalcore?
Answer: Darksiderz, with an explosion of hard dance music guaranteed to set your heart racing.
Hardcore EDM is something new. For Aaron NecroFlesh, anything new is a chance to learn. His education in music combined research, observation, and working with other artists. It is not enough for him to find the right mix of notes and tones. Aaron wants to know why they work together. In designing a remix, Aaron looks to what he hears and what is possible. Each song becomes his individual interpretation of the music. Remixing is a process. When he listens to a new piece, Aaron says, “I take it and it’s like what do I want from this song that maybe wasn’t there already. And that’s kind of what I do. For me, remixing is like putting my own vibe or feel into it.” Just like singers who perform renditions of another artist’s song, Aaron adds a personal spin to the music he plays.
Who does that? Mixing hardcore with EDM is not as easy as it may seem. Aaron began his musical career as a drummer for a punk rock band when he was fifteen years old. He first heard EDM at an underground rave party playing in a side room. He was drawn to the myriad of emotions and the energy he found in the music. There are times when the ideas flow freely, but like all musicians, Aaron can suffer writer’s block. Knowing when to step away is essential as Aaron describes, “I learned not to force it. There were songs that were forced to be released, that I have released, and I’m not the happiest about them.” But even the less than perfect can be a positive experience. Aaron went on to say, “It’s never perfect, but you always learn something new or have a new perspective.” With over 100,000 likes on Facebook, Aaron is translating what he learns into a fresh new take on metal and EDM.
When I listen to music, I hear what is there. When Aaron listens to music, he hears what is not there. Endless possibilities in sounds and rhythms flood his mind with infinite combinations. But remixing can be a difficult procedure. It may seem simple to take a song and add to it, but Aaron explains, “People would think it’s easier when the idea is there, but it’s not, because you have to really work harder to (to make it) fit. When you’re working on an original, it’s already in your head. It’s everything you’re imaging. When you take the remix, you already know what is out in the world and now you have to do (better).” It can be risky, but Aaron stays true to his vision and the results are a stunning collection of the music hardcore fans love with an EDM twist that is irresistible.
Music is a spiritual journey. Aaron uses his Native American roots to add a cultural influence to the music he creates. Aaron grew up surrounded by the music and traditions of his culture. He still participates in tribal customs and events when he is at home. The percussion driven music allowed him to form a creative connection with the beat of a drum. In keeping with his heritage, Aaron’s attitudes and way of life are based on nature, which provides him with an organic mindset. His approach to becoming a DJ was done by starting at the beginning. He says, “I learned the old way, when there was still vinyl and turntables. I learned to beat match with my ears. I didn’t have a computer telling me what to do. What really helped me was that I was already playing drums, so learning time and tempo, or synching things up was really good for me.” Being a musician with a penchant for the driving force of EDM led Aaron to marry the two genres in a natural progression of music.
The live show of Darksiderz is mesmerizing. The Agora Theatre became the stage as Aaron invites the audience in to participate in his experience. He directs the listeners like a maestro conducting an orchestra, leading them through each movement. The most compelling feature of a Darksiderz show is that it is unique to the audience. Aaron prepares a tentative set list, but designs each performance around the people in the crowd. The music compelling and fascinating, and always just what you want to hear. Darksiderz has so many new projects coming up that it would be impossible to list them all. Suffice it to say, fans can look forward to new mixes by favorite artists and a tour next year.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/K7NnHMoj4ts?list=PLcbwAjibvaIJIyZmd8UQ0Eh5WbvEPwr8-[/youtube]
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