It is fair to say that your music is a true melting pot of musical genres! Hip-hop, rock, house… How did you come to create such eclectic material?
Growing up in the DC/Maryland area, I listened to go-go, Baltimore club, rave, rock, you name it. I remember when club DJs would play many different genres in the same set in the ’90s and I’m glad I live in a time when people are open to so many types of music.
Your music collection must be interesting… how many records are we talking about?
10,000+? I’ve never actually counted. There are dub plates from my drum’n’bass days, some original Blue Notes, a Kind Of Blue original pressing, tons of Baltimore club white labels, and hundreds of torn-up mismatched sleeves.
You’re a favourite in London, Scandinavia, and in the US. But I read in your bio that you have sold-out shows in Brazil... There are definitely some cities where I seem to pull a consistent following. I think I benefit from those places where people are open-minded musically and can appreciate really aggressively mixed dance music of all sorts.
What has been the best moment of your career to date?
I’m playing my first 40,000+ festival in Australia come February alongside Kanye West, A-trak, Kid Sister, Sinden and more. I’m also finishing my debut album on Plant Music at the moment featuring a long list of A-list vocalists.
Any low points so far?
There was a particular night where I was put up in the worst hotel in an unnamed city. Check-in was behind bulletproof glass next to a sign warning about “birth defects found in chemicals onsite”.
Within 10 minutes I saw a roach, cigarette burns and a not new tampon in my room. At 3am, the cops run down the hall too. I was fighting this really bad cold. I slid the dresser in front of the door and hoped for the best. It wasn’t the first time I stayed in a seedy hotel, though the door-pounding wake-up call at 10:30am was
a first.
You have a very busy couple of months ahead, you’re playing all over the world! What are your plans afterwards – a hard-earned vacation I suppose?
I don’t take many breaks but I’m trying to be better about that. I am thankful to be spending Chinese New Year with my family in Taiwan for a few days. After all is said and done, I will also be going to Jamaica for a friend’s wedding to relax for a few days.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Michael Jackson!
So, are you excited about performing at Volar on the 31st?
Absolutely! I’m actually half Chinese but have never DJ’d Asia, or been there much beyond Taiwan. I’m honoured and at the same time focused on showing you all how we do it here in the States!
Anything you’d like to say to people coming to the show?
Bring comfortable shoes and please do not jail me if a fight breaks out because of my music!
Tittsworth is performing at Volar, Basement 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Central 2810 1272, on Thursday, 31 January. Entry is free before midnight and $150 afterwards for non-members, including a free drink for the ladies.
How did you and Rob Davy meet before the two of you became Mutiny?
We met through a mutual friend. We buzzed off each other’s stuff and started working together. Ten years later we are still doing it. Wicked!
How was the experience of leaving Virgin and has teaming up with Ministry of Sound radio to promote your music been successful?
We just carry on having fun and enjoying as much of the process of making music as we can. I think it’s all about being positive. We are making music, we are not down a mine shaft. We really can’t complain about anything. We are very proud to be doing the radio show.
You grew up on jazz and reggae. How has your music tastes changed since you started and which artists are you considering working with in the near future?
We are going to be working with some amazing people this year but I’m not allowed to say much about that. We are working with Sarah Main on Pacha stuff and also a host of our mates including Paul Woolford, Steve Mac and Nick Corelli, as well as doing something with Yousef later in the year. Our influences come from all over and I suppose we change all the time without really realizing it.
Did you run into any difficulties in the studio while working on the new album?
We love everything that we have done on this album so far. The challenge has been to make music in a totally new studio and with a totally changing musical world. All albums have their specific moments and this one has been no different. It represents what we are doing in our lives. It’s always a real release of emotions and frustrations together with good times. It has a bit of work to go yet but Sun in My Eyes is my favorite and a track called Go Slow with slide guitars all over it. Really enjoyed making that one. It has taken quite a while but I never count the hours.
What is the best party you remember playing at?
Miami is mad, Ibiza is hot and there have been some amazing parties along the way. The best I can’t really remember… That must tell you something!
How do you feel about the audiences in Asia and are you excited about your first visit to Hong Kong?
I love playing in Japan and Singapore, as they seem to be excited by it more than most countries. I hope that Hong Kong and China has a similar buzz. Word has it it’s even better. I can’t wait to be there and hope to be guided to the best places to be and be seen at!
Featured at the Beijing Club (2, 3 and 5/F, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central) on Wednesday, February 13, DJ Dylan Barnes, presented by Ministry of Sound, will be spinning a tracks from around the world from 11pm into the wee hours of the morning. Admission will be $220 for men at the door, free entrance for ladies, and 21+. For further enquiries, call 2526 8298. |
