1. You worked at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas for many years, looking after lighting at The Joint and Body English. What were the challenges there?
My challenges at the Hard Rock were personalities. Every day you had to deal with touring production, house production, and corporate shenanigans, all while trying to get the show off and hurt no one’s feelings or crush an ego. Everyone that shows up at the Hard Rock thinks that his or her show is the most important thing since the creation of chocolate milk.
2. So then you go out touring, having recently been out with Swedish House Mafia at FOH. How did that transition come about?
The whole touring thing came about when I was laid off from the Hard Rock and had to go out and make some money. Luckily, working at the Hard Rock had introduced me to a bunch of great guys, who were all willing to lend a helping hand and get my name out. It’s crazy—this transition. I feel like I am starting all over again back at the bottom trying to get a tour, a corporate, or a TV show. Also, the mental toll it takes—you have to put all your efforts into making it again, and saying no is not an option yet. You take every gig, good or bad, which just takes its toll on relationships and trying to have some normalcy in life. I was spoiled as a house guy, making great money and working at one of the hottest spots in the country. Talk about an eye opener.
3. Have you made a decision yet as to which way of life is better: house gig versus touring?
I want to tour. I want my own band or DJ, whatever the flavor of the month is going to be. I want to look up and see my own design and feel proud of it. I guess it’s corny, but it means more to me right now than it ever has before in the 12 years as a house guy. I’ll get there. Right now I am just trying to find the way.
The best career advice given to me was by an old mentor, Adam Steyh. We lost him not too many years ago, and I miss him every day when I need advice. He told me to never stop learning, and adapt to this business because it’s always going to change, which to me is very true. This business is a rollercoaster, and one day you are the cat’s ass, and the next just another LD. So rolling with the technology is the only way to stay on top.
5. What piece of equipment looks innovative to you lately?
Everything is much of the same for the past couple of years. I love the [Clay Paky] Sharpy, but you can’t go to a show without seeing a shit ton of them. If I had to pick, I think it would be the coolux Pandoras box. I think they are taking media servers to the next level.