Up-and-coming Australian producer by the alias of Hades of Spades has captured the attention of the dance music industry with his unique, elaborate, and technically adept live performances. Putting various samplers, synths, and controllers to use, Hades of Spades pushes the boundaries of DJing and performance, as can be seen in a recent video [seen above], where he plays a track entitled “Love Hate” off of his brand new EP, Escape From Planet EDM.
Having long been involved with composition and production, Hades of Spades spoke with us about delivering an extraordinary live performance, and even shared seven essential tips of which all aspiring producers and DJs should take note.
Check them out below, along with a few other impressive videos from this burgeoning artist.
I’ve been writing music for over 10 years and began playing with Korg Monotrons/tribes and then the EMX1 as jamming tools.
It was so fun I became addicted and bought my two Elektron Octatrack samplers. I think they are the best way to perform live besides a laptop.
DJ’ing is cool, but this stuff is next level for performers. Being able to reach into your tracks to perform and alter each element is awesome fun, and more interesting to listen and watch.”
Hades of Spades’ 7 Tips For Playing Live:
1) Know your tracks inside out
“When you’re up on stage pushing buttons time can become a blur. You know your tracks well, but make a point to memorise key moments/audio cues.”
2) Practice practice practice
“The more you practice the more comfortable you are and it shows. Practice grows confidence and a confident performer is a good entertainer.
Good practice is the difference between a train wreck vs a minor mistake.”
3) Know your gear front to back
“No matter how well prepared you are things are going to go wrong sometimes. The better you know your gear the faster you will be able to troubleshoot live on stage. I colour code my cables with tape so setup is as fast and easy as possible.”
4) Be prepared for anything
“Bring extra music. Bring extra cables. Bring extra headphones. Bring extra underwear.
If they don’t save your life you may well save someone else’s.”
5) Be professional and social
“Don’t miss sound check! Talk to everyone including the front of house tech and stick around after the show if possible.
The more visible you are the more friends and connections you make.
It’s a job, not just a party!”
6) Relax and have fun
“Play like you’re playing at home, and try not to overdo your performance. It’s tempting to overcomplicate it, like a singer adding too many trills. Chill, smile and have fun!”
Rightly titled so, Escape From Planet EDM undoubtedly deviates from the formulaic style that seems to have permeated throughout the dance music scene today. With discernible influence from 80s music, this EP presents an interesting coalescence of genres, playing upon the signature Drum & Bass, as well as Dubstep sounds to produce uplifting, poignant, and dynamic tunes.
The EP can be streamed below, and you can grab it via Bandcamp here.
Connect with Hades of Spades:
https://www.facebook.com/hadesofspades
https://twitter.com/Hades_of_Spades
https://soundcloud.com/hadesofspades
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