The Art of DJing: Insights from Priori and Patrick Holland

The Journey Begins

Starting as a DJ can often feel serendipitous, a mix of passion and opportunity. For Priori, it stemmed from the simple joy of being a teenager looking for fun. “It felt like a fun thing to do,” he recalls, emphasizing the carefree essence of those early experiences. Patrick Holland echoes this sentiment, noting that his desire to share music inspired him to start DJing. “Loving tunes and wanting to share them,” he says, highlights the genuine enthusiasm that drives many artists in the scene.

First Sets: Finding Their Groove

Both Priori and Patrick had defining moments in their early careers that set the stage for their future. Priori remembers his very first set: “I played at a bar in the suburb I grew up in.” Armed with little more than a Toshiba laptop and Virtual DJ, that initial experience was a significant step in his DJ journey. For Patrick, the location was different yet equally formative. He recounts a gig in 2011 at an all-ages show above a restaurant in North Vancouver, B.C. This juxtaposition of venues showcases the diversity in the early landscapes of their careers.

Inspiration and Influence

The world of DJing is vast and filled with artists leaving indelible marks on their peers. Priori acknowledges the multitude of inspirations, stating, “There are too many really.” He emphasizes the importance of community, particularly friends and local artists influencing his style. Patrick’s list delves deeper into specific names, citing Jim O’Rourke, Fennesz, Grouper, Villalobos, and Actress as pivotal figures in shaping his sound.

The Local Scene’s Impact

Their shared home of Montreal plays a crucial role in their musical curation. “Montreal has a rich history of rock bands and minimal techno/microhouse,” Jump Source notes, breaking down how these genres influence their work. The vibrant local scene not only inspires but also challenges artists to weave these elements into their sets, creating a unique blend that resonates with audiences.

Collaboration: Finding Each Other

Collaboration is often where magic happens, and for Priori and Patrick, it was no different. Patrick’s move from Vancouver to Montreal in the early 2010s led to a serendipitous meeting at local shows. “We met at shows and quickly started writing tunes together,” Jump Source recalls, emphasizing the organic nature of their partnership.

Memorable Moments on Stage

When asked about their most memorable sets, the answers reflect impactful experiences in their careers. For Jump Source, the opening of Parquette in Montreal stands out alongside recent excitement at Canary Test in LA. These performances showcase not just their growth as artists, but also their capacity to resonate with the audience and create unforgettable moments.

Nightlife: A New Horizon

As their careers evolve, both Priori and Patrick express a hopeful outlook on the future of nightlife. “That it’s blending into daylife,” Jump Source posits, hinting at a trend where daytime dancefloors become special sanctuaries. Imagine soundtracking a sunset or witnessing the joy of sunrise beats—these moments represent a fresh blend of experiences that elevate the nightlife culture.

Trends and Traditions

While new trends often emerge in nightlife culture, some call for reevaluation. Priori’s humorous assertion that “All of them” need to die suggests a playful dismissal of fleeting trends. Patrick adds a more specific critique: “Practicing.” This reflects a sentiment among some artists who believe that overemphasis on perfection can detract from the spontaneity and joy that music should evoke.

The FADER Mix: A Personal Touch

When it comes to their mix for The FADER, Jump Source describes it as “a collection of tunes we really enjoy.” With tracks that range from personal classics to fresh discoveries, the mix embodies their musical journey. It’s a rich tapestry of sounds designed to connect with listeners on a deeper level.

The Recording Environment

The intimacy of their creative process is evident in how they recorded their mix. Conceived in Patrick’s living room, the mix was crafted amidst the comfort of a “plush couch, coffee, slippers.” After refining it in their studio, they present a finished product that truly reflects their collaborative essence.

Priori and Patrick’s stories reveal not only their individual journeys but also a shared love for music that transcends simple DJing. Through their experiences and insights, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in creating an unforgettable set.