Many electronic artists dream about being on the Mad Decent label, but producer/DJ Dillon Francis managed to achieve this feat barely a year into his career. Garnering praise from Annie Mac and collaborating with moombahton pioneer Dave Nada have producers and critics buzzing about Francis' own upcoming EP. Working closely with label founder Diplo, his sound has been described as "moombahcore" or "luvstep," which he explains to us below. He also chats about what being part of Mad Decent means to him, and why he feels no pressure when making music. Dillon Francis headlines Rickshaw Stop Friday with Adam F.
What got you into producing and not just DJing?
I got into producing when I was around 21. The main reasons I got into it were so that I could play EDM events, because it's hard to just be a DJ and be able to play those events when you aren't making music.
How did you hook up with Mad Decent?
I got together with Mad Decent through my old manager, Stretch Armstrong. He sent over my track "Masta Blasta" to Diplo, and then next thing I know I'm in the studio with him.
What the most important part of being an artist on the label?
Being a part of Mad Decent means so much to me. I love the label and love how Diplo handles what he puts out on it. We are like a family and he always keeps us in the loop about what's going on.
What's it like being so successful only a year into your career?
It's pretty surreal. I'm just so happy people like what I'm doing.
Right now, you're most closely associated with moombahton. What interested you in the moombahton sound?
The way that I got into moombahton was through a Soundcloud message from Munchi. He told me he had done a remix of Steve Starks' song "Git Em," so I went to his Soundcloud page and started listening to all his stuff. Most of it I couldn't even guess what the BPM was. So I knew I had to start producing it.
Now there seems to be subgenres within the moombahton sound. What exactly does "moombahcore" or "luvstep" mean?
Moombahcore is dubstep-influenced moombahton, or as I like to call it "jump up." Luvstep is very melodic dubstep, usually with a girl singing on it, and the drops aren't really face-melters. They are more easy-going drops.
Your most recent release, "Que Que," has quite a busy music video. What was the theme of the video?
The theme was just to make it as outrageous as possible. You can tell Yo Gabba Gabba was definitely a big influence and also Tim and Eric.
Are you still planning on releasing your own EP this year, given all the collaborations and singles you've done so far?
Well, I just released a free dubstep EP online, which is a collaboration EP I did with my mentor, Cory Enemy. My next plan is to release a Jump Up EP, and then release a proper follow-up to Westside, which will be strictly rootsy moombahton.
Is there more pressure since the tracks you have produced so far have been major hits?
Nah, I just get in the studio and do my thing. I don't really try to think about that stuff. I just love producing music.
Where can we find you in San Francisco this weekend?
Going to the Tenderloin and getting into trouble -- and also lots of Irish Car Bombs!
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