Mt. Sierra is an Icon Collective trained artist who has put his foot forward in the realm of progressive house. He is 2 track’s deep under this alias, with his 2nd track dropping only a month ago. With plans to keep the momentum going in 2021 on a more regular basis, there’s no telling what the future may hold precisely for Mt. Sierra, but all signs are pointing to something promising.
West Coast based and plenty of tracks under his belt yet to be released, Mt. Sierra took the time out to chat about CO-VID, influences, dream collaborations, and more in this exclusive interview.
Exclusive Interview
How would you say covid-19 affected your musical productivity or
influenced the pathology of your brand?
Covid-19…. Affected me in so many ways. It moved my studies at Icon Collective from in person, to remote/online, which in itself is was a major hindrance to my progression as an artists. While I found myself with more time to work on music, I found myself working more, and more, being that I have a job in healthcare.
With in-person classes out of the way, I was able to put in more hours at work, and actually take my online classes, while at work. It was a weird mess. In hindsight, I probably should have used that time to focus more on my music, but I’m a helper, and it only made sense to use skills to help fight the pandemic. Once I completed my course, I would say my musical productivity was somewhat stalled, as the pandemic was raging, and I was working full-time. Now that it’s slowed down, I’ve found time to focus on my music, and get the ball rolling.
As far as how this affected my brand, I found myself making music really for myself, expressing emotions, and ‘venting’ musically. A lot of the stuff I made during the pandemic I wouldn’t say is exactly DJ friendly, but it is my music, and part of my story nonetheless. I’ve definitely DJed a few of the tracks for friends & family privately. I think people at home, as well as myself included will be able to hear, and feel a lot of the emotions in my music, even if they won’t be hearing it on a dancefloor.
How would you describe your musical direction in 2021?
My musical direction in 2021… so for one. In 2021, I’ve found myself launching my brand to begin with. On top of that, I’m working to mix/master all of the tunes I made in 2020, and prior, in order to get them scheduled for release. As far as production/composition I’m finding myself venturing more into making music that others might want to play. I’m seeing so many of my peers & contemporaries achieving great things. Some are having their idols play their tunes out, and even releasing on their dream labels. I want that for myself. So it only makes sense, to me that I venture away from what I consider “passion music” and start making stuff I think others would play. I’m sitting on loads of tracks, so my objective is finalize those to get them out while simultaneously keeping my ear to the wind to see what is current, and trending. Before, I made what I wanted, with no regard for how it is to be received. I like to think I’m still growing in 2021.
Who is your dream collaboration?
Dream collaborations, hmm. Avicii (RIP) Calvin Harris, Chris Lake, CAMELPHAT. Oh and KASKADE. Deadmau5 too. This is tough question as I have so many different influences. Which I suppose leads us into our next question.
Who are your biggest influences?
Of all time, Avicii, Calvin Harris, Kaskade. Deadmau5, and a few others. At the moment however, would definitely be people like CAMELPHAT, MEDUZA, John Summit, oh and DUKE DUMONT for sure!
How many tracks can we see from you this year?
To be honest, maybe around 4, to 6. I have the EP I have planned, that will definitely be completely out by the end of the year. I plan to put these sounds out one at a time, with some bonus material at the end. I also have a couple more EP’s worth of music, which I think I might put out as an album along with this first EP when all said and done.
What do you hope is a message or vibe people take from your music?
One thing I try to maintain in my music is the mindset of : “Telling stories, and sharing a vibe. Making the music I want to listen to.”
With that being said a lot of the music I’m sitting on was created through the lens of emotion. Emotions I didn’t want to, or couldn’t verbalize. So I guess the message at the time being is to keep it real with yourself, and feel your emotions. I’d also like to be an example of someone “chasing their dreams.” I’ve
seen way too many people around me fall into the rat race, and give up on their passions. Especially coming out of the military, you know?
I’d like to be an example of someone who didn’t do that, who others can look to for some inspiration. Follow your dreams.
Connect with Mt. Sierra
https://www.facebook.com/MtSierraMusic
https://twitter.com/MtSierraMusic
https://soundcloud.com/mtsierra
https://www.instagram.com/mtsierramusic/
Share On
