Herding-in YOUR Evolution – Interview: DJ Matt Herdman

Herding -In Your Evolution

DJ Matt Herdman @ SkyBar (Boom Boom Room), Windsor, On.

Links: www.mattherdman.com/, twitter.com/mattherdman

Also: check out DJ Matt Herdman’s music on: http://onesandzeroeslive.com/

DJ Evolution CHECKLIST 101:

In the beginning: Mad love for the production aspect of music.
Requirements: Natural talent, hard-work, dedication to better, more refined and dynamic productions.
CHECK

On the road towards top of the music-food chain status: Roll with the most interesting, innovative and hard-working crew possible WHEREEVER you are.

Note: Good company is hard to find, but start off with other DJ’s and similar-minded individuals whose love for the music is apparent in their productions and live sets.
Requirements: Constant attention to one’s craft and what is going down around you, dynamic live shows that are both learning lessons and network/schmooze fests. Also, a natural gravitational pull towards those you like, respect, or feel akin towards in the industry is a bonus.
CHECK

The final result: A satisfying, up-wards moving career in the electronic music industry. Personal satisfaction and some kick-ass productions and an ever-expanding music catalog.

DJ Matt Herdman epitomizes this evolution theory. This check-list is not exhaustive, and non-inclusive, but the nutshell version of his career thus far. Prior to the actual interview, while chatting with him, I quickly realized that raw talent with dedication is good, but hard-work combined with a positive, realistic attitude towards one’s craft sets you on a golden path towards a rewarding career. DJ Matt Herdman is in on his way to creating his own brand of success, reward and musical evolution.

Being from a small town in Southern Ontario, DJ Matt Herdman took his evolution into his own hands when he transplanted himself in a diverse musical scene in Windsor, On. Although he came to Windsor for another reason, school, he found his niche when he found the turntable and has been diligently working at attaining his personal goals ever since. Now, he linked to National and International talents in the electronic music scene. The clearest and well-documented link is to John Acquaviva, however his recent link / work with Richie Hawtin shows his progression and dedication to expanding his musical repertoire and influences.   Last year,  DJ Herdman won DJ contest that was hand picked by industry-giant, Dubfire.  Owing to this, DJ Matt Herdman is receiving positive recognition both within and beyond Canada from colleagues and consumers alike.

Q 1: How has working with Definitive Records changed your life, beyond the obvious (access to amazing talent, equipment and/or music)?
It has allowed me get out there in terms of name dropping and networking. It has helped with the power of word of mouth and just getting my name out there.

Q 2: What DJ / producer that you have you worked with, besides Acquaviva, you feel has influenced your music the most?I have had the great fortune of meeting my now great friend Anthony Attalla. Anthony and I share a strong drive towards our goals and are constantly bouncing ideas off each other or playing together. Anthony has also started his own label (Incorrect Music) since then and has signed and released some of my music. I can’t say enough good stuff about Anthony Attalla.  Also, Richie Hawtin – his music categories are constantly looming over my head and inspiring me. His productions go beyond the music and into other aspects of the industry – you cannot help but be inspired by it.

Q3: What do you like to do more – Produce or performer?
Produce – Performance gives you instant gratification, but you cannot beat that feeling when you’ve been working on something for a long time, worked on it from scratch, and then it’s done and it’s yours – all my friends give me shit about that! (In reference to the time and care DJ Matt Herdman takes with his productions and remixing the work of others). Also, there is an emotional, ‘close to person’ aspect of it [production].

Q4: Your performances are very dynamic, do you do that purposely or do you find that you just get caught up in the music or the love shown to you by the crowd?
When I play it is a mix of two things; giving the crowd the very best show possible and challenging myself to see what I can do with the music – if I do it well, something incredible happens.

Q5: Because you are an energetic performer, do you find that crowd responds better to you and your music when you give them a lot of your energy and attention while performing?
There is a lot to be said for feeding off a crowd, DJ’s often need to feel that – it’s a symbiotic relationship.

Q6: I love to dance, is there any song that you just can’t get enough of and makes you want to hit the df (dance floor)?
I do dance too, never trust a DJ that does not dance – I think I may be taking that quote from someone – but it is totally true, if the DJ can’t get down to it [music] how can someone in the crowd get down to it – as for a song – that’s a tough one ….

Q7: What is your fave song to perform live of your own, or another producer / DJ?
Own – “Past 12”, I wrote it one morning when I woke up suddenly at 6 AM. I was just hit by it [inspiration], but banging out techno music [in the morning] does not make for happy neighbors.

Q8: Where do you see your music, your career and yourself personally in 5 years?
In 5 years, I want to be living in the EU, working with or for everyone that has inspired me.
Where – Berlin, Amsterdam when I was over in the EU, I fell in love with both those cities.

Q9: If you could play anywhere in the world with anyone (DJ/producer) where would it be and with whom?

Where – London – there is a club with a dance floor that is engineered to generate energy when people dance on it – that’s pretty cool!

WHO – Plasticman.

*In later conversation, DJ Matt Herdman was telling me he saw Plasticman perform in Detroit and he loved both the visuals and technical aspect of Plasticman’s live set.

Q10: Who would you like to have your productions re-mixed or reworked by?
Tim Xavier – his productions as of late have been phenomenal and even his older work is damn good!