Leftroom label boss Matt Tolfrey has teamed up with Visionquest buddy Ryan Crosson for their 'Don't Be Leftout' mix compilation, out now on Leftroom Records. The mix is packed with label exclusives from Matt and Ryan themselves as well as the likes of Maher Daniel, Jay Haze, Huxley, Ricardo Villalobos, and Luke Solomon. In light of the compilation's release, Matt and Ryan sat down together for a little chat about track selection, the Leftroom catalog, playing and collaborating with other DJs, being left out, bacon, unlucky numbers, and much more. Enter to win a copy of the compilation below!
Matt: Is this the first mix CD you have completed using your own name rather than a team effort?
Ryan: Actually this was a team effort with you Matt!
Ryan: Why was it important for you to only include material exclusive to Leftroom for this mix? Wouldn't you be "leaving out" a large portion of tracks that could have offered a more fluid aesthetic between you and your partner?
Matt: I knew you'd ask this question... I just felt it was a good opportunity to support all the Leftroom artists that have been releasing music with us for the last few years, and also introduce some new producers that we're keeping our eye on. Deep down, I knew you'd be up for the challenge Ryan!!! Also, and more importantly it adds an extra angle to the project as the music is so fresh.
Matt: Was it a lot more challenging in that all the tracks were signed exclusively to the mix and you couldn't just chose from any music out there?
Ryan: It did provide a degree of difficulty at the beginning when we were sifting through a lot of material. There were a lot of tracks at the time that I wanted to license but looking back, it's better that we didn't because of the timeline of when we started until the mix actually came out. While truly great tracks don't have a shelf life, some can become a bit overplayed during the year. By keeping the music exclusive we have the opportunity to highlight new tracks from established artists as well as break some new unknown acts that could influence how things go in 2014.
Ryan: A common attitude with many is that there are no rules when it comes to making music. However, be it with a mix CD or in the studio, do you feel that sometimes putting a set of rules or limitations on yourself could also open up a world of possibilities and challenges of doing more with less?
Matt: Too much of anything can get confusing, and therefore lead to a lack of concentration. In the studio a lot of producers get caught up in listening to hours and hours of samples, when they could actually invest in a bit of hardware and make it themselves. The thought of compiling a mix CD where there are no boundaries or rules is quite daunting, but something I would be extremely excited about also. I can't imagine you can do too many of these in your life...
Matt: How many times did the mix have to be re-started or change direction?
Ryan: Countless. No, not that many. Maybe four times if I remember correctly.
Ryan: Having had the final copy of the mix for months now, is there anything you would do differently?
Matt: Musically, no. Business wise, always, but that's boring and an ongoing battle in the music industry!!!
Matt: Do you enjoy playing back2back with fellow DJs?
Ryan: Most of the time, yes, because I'm playing with people that I've known for years and we know how to compliment one another, but even that can have its downside if there is a lack of communication and interaction. If one guy is just trying to top the other with big drops and build ups the set sucks and the party suffers. If I'm playing with someone and that shit starts happening and it's totally out of context I'd rather just not play. Playing back to back is about creating a positive unique experience that doesn't happen so often and it's about playing off of one another. If you want to drown out your partner, why did you agree to play back to back?
Ryan: You're known for collaborating with friends both in the studio and through many different types of party events. Do you feel that too many solo productions and solo gigs can stagnate an artist and create sort of a narrow field of vision or bland palate when it comes to their music?
Matt: In my opinion, one of the most interesting things about life is that that everyone is different. Personally, I find working with others keeps me inspired and more focused. If I work on my own for too long I start thinking about emails, promoting, the bank, bills, dinner, my wife, etc... Can you imagine working in an office completely on your own? I reckon it would be very weird...
Matt: Have you ever been left out?
Ryan: Many times. It helps you generate a tough skin.
Ryan: Would you consider bacon a condiment?
Matt: It's quite simple... "When there is bacon in your mouth, nothing else matters."
Matt: What should you never leave out?
Ryan: Your friends.
Ryan: What is your worst habit?
Matt: Over sleeping.
Matt: Is the number 13 unlucky for you?
Ryan: Not at all. It's just a number.
Pulse Radio is happy to be giving away five copies of 'Don't Be Leftout' - enter to win below! The more options you choose, the better your chances are of winning. The contest will end on May 8th at 3pm EST, and the winners will be notified via email shortly after. Good luck!
Tracklist:
1. Jack Riley - This Isn't You
2. Benedetto & Farina feat Jaw - Your Smile (Spoken House Mix)
3. Sam Russo - Past Ways
4. Hugo Barritt - Lever Tate
5. Maher Daniel & Ostrich - Hypnosis
6. Gavin Herlihy - Was I Supposed To?
7. Canal & Garfield - Eastpoint Breaks
8. Lil Mark - 1994 (Matt Tolfrey's Freedom To Party Dub)
9. Geddes - Run For Your Money
10. Huxley and Sam Russo - Don't Undastand (Acappella)
11. Sweatshop Boys - Wanna Be More
12. H-Foundation feat Blakkat - All I Need
13. William Kouam Djoko - Sufficed To Say
14. Ryan Crosson - Two One Three
15. Luke Solomon - Psycho Babble
16. Pezzner - The Answer
17. Matt Tolfrey feat Jem Cooke and Kevin Knapp - Distant Story (Mr Finger's Galactic Mix)
18. Jay Haze feat Ricardo Villalobos - The Darkest Disco (Matt Tolfrey Reprise)