Monstergetdown
Origin: United States
Monstergetdown was born from a need to create not only new music, but new soundscapes altogether. He’s as much an artist as he is a shape-shifter – moving between genres seamlessly and taking to the streets to turn everyday sounds into groovy and atmospheric house and techno.
Growing up in Boyle Heights, an area just east of downtown Los Angeles, Monstergetdown began producing amid his discovery of artists like Green Velvet, Surkin, Deadmau5, Paco Osuna, Stimming and Tim Green in 2007. In the shadow of a city famous for artifice, he used his love of music to start building something real and raw – a mix of house and techno.
After a few releases on European labels, his breakout moment happened when Deadmau5 heard his track 28MM in 2015. Mau5trap signed him immediately, and he spent the next two years honing in his sound and building the 28MM EP.
In 2016, Monstergetdown remixed Deadmau5’s hit Strobe for a vinyl exclusive of his W:/2016ALBUM/. This added to his 28MM momentum and has led to Deadmau5 bringing him on tour globally in 2017 and 2018 on the same bill as techno powerhouses like ANNA.
2018 continues to be a huge year for Monstergetdown’s growth, with artists like Richie Hawtin playing out his tracks and furthering his global appeal, it only promises to get bigger. With the May release of his Blakmajik EP, his track That’s That garnered attention from Pete Tong who played it out on his BBC1 Radio show. As he continues to tour with Deadmau5 in both the US and Europe, Monstergetdown continues to expand and create sounds that go far beyond his LA roots.
//
Discovery Project Winner Interview (2012):
I’m Charlie (Monstergetdown). I started producing that sound of mine in 2010 and since then have accomplished a good amount of things in the three years thus far. Played some dope shows met some cool people, but it’s just begun. Also got upcoming release on System Recordings “The Underground” EP out in September really excited about it you should be too!
Home Town: Boyle Heights, CA
Currently Living: Boyle Heights, CA
Origin Of Name: It came from one of my favorite bands I Monster. I was trying to name a track I made when I just started producing, and I said to myself damn this song gets down, put one and one together and I ended up with Monstergetdown.
Weapon of Choice: Always different
Source of Power: Life
Was there one particular moment in the recording or mixing process for your Discovery Project entry that made you feel like you were creating something pretty damn special?
I don’t know really. When I saw the contest I knew I had to enter…I had a feeling in my gut that I would have a chance at winning, if I just did my thing…and I did.
Are there any dots to connect with where/how you grew up to your musical output?
A variety of music was played in the household: hip-hop, rock and roll, Spanish music, classic music, disco, oldies, dance and house music.
What do your parents think of what you are doing?
That it is just a hobby, ha-ha.
What’s the strangest part of your job?
That I can create, and make those around me dance.
What’s the biggest misconception about being a DJ?
Really anyone can do it, but producing on the other hand is actually harder than it may seem.
Tell me about your most memorable night out.
Watching deadmau5 live at TAO 08-09. I threw a bracelet I made for him at him and it hit his face pretty hard, ha-ha.
Do you have any memorable moments from past EDC’s or any other Insomniac party?
EDC 2008 was my first massive rave and was so insane. Joaquin Bamaca, Moby and Benny B killed it.
How does what you do for a living affect you on a day-to-day basis?
Doesn’t really effect me or anyone at all I think, I love it and everyone does too.
What is your ultimate career dream?
Release on my favorite labels and become friends with all my favorite producers.
Are you impulsive with your work or do you have a sketch in mind before you start?
Just go in and see what happens. Once I have a solid foundation I sculpt it out from there. I like to take my time when I work on music.
What’s the most important piece of gear in your studio?
Most definitely my laptop, has my DAW (Ableton Live 9 Suite), and plugins and samples I use.
What sound or noise do you love?
Funky groovy sub bass.
What should everyone just shut the fuck up about?
Daft Punk “Get Lucky” and all that other top 100 slip slop.
What gets you excited when you think about the future of electronic music and club culture?
The underground.
When you look at electronic music and the surrounding culture, what worries you about the future?
Top 100.
What are your weaknesses?
I’m a little more to myself.
How would you describe your sound to a deaf person?
Groovy, funky—they’d feel the bassline.
Is success physical or internal?
Most definitely internal, all I know is it feels great to have accomplished some of my goals that I have set for myself.
What do you remember about your first DJ gig?
Lots of people, and cameras, a Funktion One Soundsystem on a fucking boat at a rave.
What’s the hardest professional lesson you’ve learned thus far?
Doors open and close.
Do you have a favorite all-time mixed CD or series?
Maybe this Dubfire 2007 compilation CD my dad gave me.
What advice would you offer someone thinking about entering the Discovery Project competition?
Be original. Believe in yourself, anything is possible.
Live from Escape From Wonderland:
Winning Track:
