We caught up with Brooklyn-based Futuresynth artist and label head DJ Ten who’s recently released his EP We Dream Aloud.
The producer composed and mixed the EP himself with the assistance of Tonebox. DJ Ten is also the man behind the tastemaker Youtube Channel, New Retro Wave with nearly 1 million Youtube subscribers. His own work has received over 4.1 million views across streaming platforms and a track from his Retrological 2.0 album was featured in the movie The Demolisher.
To achieve his retro-wave meets retro-electro, DJ Ten draws inspiration from artists such as Journey, Heart and Exposé. DJ Ten has given us more insight into his inspiration below.
Tell us about you, how long have you been producing music? What did inspire you to start?
I go by DJ Ten and I am a Retrowave composer/ producer who loves to experiment with other genres, sounds, and textures in my music. I have been making music for about 18 years, but on a professional level, for about 9 years. I was inspired to start making music from an early ago once listening to early 80’s power ballads, 80s freestyle, hip-hop, UK Garage, and 90’s House music.
The music industry is super competitive these days, was there a moment in your life that you wanted to give up on music? How did you manage to stay focused and achieve what you want?
I did take a break from music, but that was to focus on another project I had going. I have never given up on music and don’t see myself ever doing so as music is a huge passion/ driver of mine.
How would you describe your creative processes? Who writes the lyrics to the songs? Are the music and lyrics written in conjunction, or separately?
I compose all of my own music, but with collaborations, I have the other artist write the song. We work together to create something cohesive and great! For me, collaborating is a really fun part of being a musician.
Where the inspiration comes from?
Inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time, mostly when you least expect it. I love finding new sounds and learning about new cultures as it usually leads me to discover something new and being inspired, awoken.
What’s your favourite track from the upcoming album and what other bands/ artists are you listening to right now?
From We Dream Aloud EP, I love all of the tracks with intensity, but my fave tracks are Eternal and Nightfall. Right now I am listening to Immortal Girlfriend, Douze, Moonchild and Alfa Mist!
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on a new album for this year!