As I mentioned earlier, we’re T-minus 24 hours until Coachella and I have a special treat in the form of e-mail interviews with Travis Barker and DJ AM.
Their project, TRV$DJ-AM, will be at the Sahara Tent at 7:20 on Saturday. See the previous entry for Travis’ answers. DJ AM, birth name Adam Goldstein, talks about what it’s like to create with Barker, his new gig in Vegas and more.
Many thanks to Travis and DJ AM for responding during this crazy busy time and to Jenni for setting it up.
The Press-Enterprise: Why decide to do Coachella?
DJ AM: We were asked! Its BEYOND an honor as I am a fan who goes and loves it.
PE: What makes it such an important festival?
AM: It’s an “all you can hear, musical buffet.” Sounds delicious right?
PE: How did the two of you first start collaborating?
AM: Trav had seen a drummer and DJ collab and he hit me up. We had one jam session and I was like, “Oh yeah. This … will work.”
PE: What can fans expect to hear at the Coachella set?
AM: No genre is untouched, but we make it all our own with Trav’s style and my style. I personally promise you we won’t disappoint.
PE: Have you been working on new music? If so, will we hear it at Coachella?
AM: Yup! We have some new stuff that should be perfect for the Sahara tent fans.
PE: What do you love about performing together? What makes TRV$-DJAM special to each of you and how does it push you creatively?
AM: I love what Trav can add to an existing song or sample. He makes it extra funky 🙂
PE: How does the creative process work for you? Does it start with a drum beat, or a hook?
AM: It starts with us picking what songs work and what we can both add “our own” style too. We just have a jam session and stick with what sounds good.
PE: What drives you as artists?
AM: Making crowds get hype, that’s why I do what I do.
PE: Has the way you approached music changed at all?
AM: Nope. I listen to what sounds good.
PE: What made you know you wanted to pursue music as a career?
AM: It was actually the opposite. I had another job in a mailroom and I was DJing for free. Then people started paying me, so I quit the mailroom.
PE: What’s next for TRV$DJ-AM?
AM: Only G-D knows, I am just so happy were still here to make music.
PE: What are you the most proud of so far?
AM: The fact I can be a loving son to my Mom. Hey, you asked MOST proud of!
PE: What do you still want to accomplish?
AM: I was given a second chance at life. maybe a 3rd chance. I want to give back all the love and wisdom I was given.
PE: Tell me about the move to Rain. Are you excited?
AM: I have always been a fan of The Palms since day one so to be a part of their dynasty is an honor.
PE: What about Las Vegas makes it such a great place to DJ?
AM: People want to PARTY! They are there to have fun so they are more willing to go on a lil’ musical genre journey.
PE: I know you are a sneakerhead. Have you gotten any pairs you’re really excited about lately?
AM: YES! I just got the Union Dunks. They are so amazing. I also have a dunk of my own coming soon 🙂 Look out for the “Rivals Pack.”
Many thanks to DJ AM. I’ll be at their Coachella set on Saturday and I’ll be blogging live here all weekend. You can also follow me on Twitter.
