Tuned up for TITTSWORTH

TITTSWORTH – yes, that’s the Philippines-born, US-based DJ’s real name – returns to Bangkok next Thursday for a long-awaited gig. He’ll be hitting the newly opened Mad Club with a “much more developed bag of tricks”.
Much esteemed for influencing the world of dance music for more than a decade, Jesse Tittsworth co-founded his own record label, T&A Records, in 2006. Early on it played an important role in the cultivating multiple movements.
Tittsworth’s production skills went global in 2008 with his debut album “12 Steps”, featuring Pitbull, Nina Sky, Kid Sister and the Federation, among others. It received high praise from Billboard, DJ Mag, URB and XLR8R.
His style was birthed at parties in Washington DC like Buzz at Nation and Capitol Ballroom, Tracks, and countless raves and warehouses. After a couple of DIY vinyl releases, he progressed to playing major festivals around the world, even landing on a Fifa soundtrack.
His acclaimed hits include “After the Dance”, featuring Q-Tip, Theophilus, London and Alison Carney, and “TNT” with Valentino Khan.
We got him to unscrew his headphones for a quick chat.

HOW’S 2016 TREATED YOU SO FAR?
Grind-mode, son! Massive studio investments! And my newest project, Reagan Bombs, is really taking form. I had a slew of bi-coastal gigs this run, which leads into my Asian tour shortly.

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE YOUR DEBUT ALBUM. ANY PLANS FOR THE NEXT ONE SOON?
No plans for an album. In the years that followed that album I put out a moombahton classic, a Bmore-inspired original with Q-Tip and Theophlilus, and a lot more. Right now I’m working heavily on a DC Go Go-inspired live show that just gained the approval of the New York Foundation of the Arts to become a documentary.

WHAT KINDS OF MUSIC DID YOU GROW UP LISTENING TO?
My most formative years were mainly go-go, Baltimore club, house, techno, hip-hop and drum-and-bass. I grew up going to black clubs and raves. Sometimes they intersected, too.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST TASTE OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC?
It was at a ratty warehouse called the Edge, where I’d later become a resident and even book.
I went as a hip-hop head to see my boy, Henley, DJ a side room. It started off, like, “I’ll be in here, son, that rave shit is cool, but ain’t my thang!” And 30 minutes later I was “parked” in front of subs listening to house and techno till the sun peeked through. Ecstasy is a hell of a drug.

HOW DID DJING START FOR YOU?
It started from record collecting and watching friends scratch, mix and beat-match local parties – the beginning of my Vitamin D deficiency. Guys like Atrak, Craze, Klever and Ayres would show me the ropes after the club shit started to pop.

HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY HELP YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS?
I put out a lot of my first records on really modest |equipment and pirated software. A lot of us couldn’t afford the access to professional-enough-sounding tools.
Also, I was a part of the blog house era that first made music intertwine and globalise in interesting ways. Like, a cat from Moscow could do an interesting EP collaboration with someone from Alaska, have it out on a blog, and end up with a European tour in a month’s time, without some corny major-label bullshit.
 
WHAT WAS THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY OR DJ GEAR YOU ACQUIRED?
I got a new laptop, Ableton push, U-he synths, Pioneer RMX effects, Gogo and a really good sounding room finally.

VINYL OR CD?
I miss record collecting, but I don’t like how it can be snobby and classist at times. Use whatever makes you most sound like you.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE GIG RECENTLY?
Reagan Bombs Live, a five-piece band in Washington DC. It was four hours of sound check, a few dozen mics, dozens of drums, two hard practice days – just to be shut down by the cops.

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST FROM THE LAST TRIP TO BANGKOK?
The open-mindedness, the lack of formality and cats that want to party! Also, I love eating weird shit.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR US THIS TIME?
Expect a much more developed bag of tricks, a wider variety of party-rocking material, with the relentless DJing I’m known for, but also the immediate ability to strip down for some really vibey shit at any given time.


See Tittsworth in action at the Mad Club Bangkok on Ratchadapisek Soi 14 next Thursday.
Admission is Bt300 |and covers your first drink.
Call (094) 441 9124.