By Jamie Booth
Jace M taught himself to DJ in the early 2000s, on records and with, in his words, “one of the shittiest mixers ever created.”
Before that, he played piano, drums, the trumpet, violin, and for a tiny moment, the flute. “I came into DJing with a strong musical background, so as my DJ career progressed and I started to learn how to produce, I was able to apply all of that knowledge to my work,” he explains.
He counts Lady Gaga as one of his biggest musical influences; not only for her singing, but for her incredible songwriting. Elton John, too, for his composition work, and the late Peter Rauhofer for his music producing. Most importantly, however, he credits the rich arts program at his high school and his teachers, for giving him a solid music education. “At the time, I didn’t realize the opportunity I had or where it would take me in life, but looking back, I am super lucky to have received such incredible guidance,” he says.
Jace M performs The Chapel at The Abbey in West Hollywood this Saturday night. We caught up with him from his Miami home.
What do you have in store for Chapel this Saturday night?
Jace M: I’ll be spinning some powerful lyrics, tons of synths, and I’ll be premiering lots of my new music on the Chapel dance floor. The Los Angeles crowd is one of my favorite crowds. I’ve met some of my favorite people in the world playing LA parties. The guys are outgoing, friendly, funny, supportive, and, of course, beautiful.
How do you prepare for a show like this?
JM: I am always prepared for a performance. This is my job and my passion, so I stay on top of new music and avoid a fire drill of tasks before each show.
Your latest remix of Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X’s “He Knows” has been getting a lot of attention since its release. Can you walk us through your creative process for these tracks?
JM: It’s definitely a process! Toy Armada and I spend a lot of time studying music and trying to make it special in our own way. We worked together on the mix. It was important that it reflect our sounds but also be playable for other DJs because that is what makes the label happy, since selling the record to DJs and club fans is what pays the bills!
How did you get to the point where labels like UMG are approaching you to remix their high-profile artists?
JM: It took a long time to get to this point. A lot of proving myself with unsigned artists who I still love to produce and remix because they are the future. Many of the labels and artists discovered and reached out to me through my SoundCloud. In the case of Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X’s “He Knows”, Toy and I were approached by the label through a referral from Dan Slater, a fellow DJ and dear friend. Dan’s an incredible supporter of other DJs.
As a top LGBTQ+ DJ producer, how do you see your role in the music industry and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community?
JM: The music industry is run by the gays! Well, not really, but heavily influenced! I personally don’t like to apply my sexuality to music because music is a universal language and it shouldn’t matter who the person who makes it sleeps with or loves. However, with fame, large or small, comes a platform and I try to use my platform as much as possible to advocate for, not only the LGBTQ+ community, but all artists, especially those that are part of marginalized communities. I’m always happy to mentor up-and-coming artists, produce for them… whatever I can do.
How do you keep your sound fresh and innovative?
JM: I’m always exploring new synths, sounds, and drums to use in productions and sets. I love to go out and listen to other DJs, gay and straight, to hear what they are doing with their music. Every set I hear from another DJ is a class to me. I also produce quite often with Toy Armada. He’s a musical genius and a true inspiration.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
JM: People can really be jealous and there are some vindictive bitches out there! (Laughing) It’s easy to get tied up in people’s thoughts, comments, and negativity. Especially as a performer or DJ, people’s words hurt and get taken to heart – and they can be devastating. I try to lift people up and support them and I try to surround myself with others who do the same for me. I’ve been told no a lot. I’ve been denied gigs and offered shitty pay. I used to get frustrated, but one day my manager told me something and she was right. She said, “Don’t worry, one day they’ll be back, and you’ll be the one saying no because you’ll be so booked up, you won’t need them.”
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