Felix was a punk rocker

Prepare for the ultimate electro-house music showdown as Felix Cartal graces the Bangkok dance floor for the first time tomorrow at Q Bar.
Raised in Vancouver, Taelor Deitcher’s initial mark on the dance scene was his debut EP in 2009 titled “Skeleton”. Steve Aoki and MSTRKRFT were some of the earliest supporters of his sound, and he released his debut LP “Popular Music” on Aoki’s label, Dim Mak Records. The record featured several big tunes such as “Love”, which was featured on the “I Love Techno” 2010 compilation.
Also well known is “World Class Driver”, which startled the Internet with the video’s shocking take on senior citizens involved in the drug scene, and “Volcano”, which featured vocals from an unlikely collaboration of Johnny Whitney from post-hardcore stars the Blood Brothers.
Felix has done countless remixes for the likes of Britney Spears, John Legend, Tiesto, Steve Aoki and Chris Brown. Don’t miss what is sure to be an amazing night of music.
He sent us an email.

What are you up to?
I’m just at home in Vancouver writing right now, working on my new EP as well as a remix for my friends, the Bloody Beetroots.
 
How does it feel to be performing in Bangkok soon?
I’ve never been, so I’m very excited! My sister was visiting there |recently on vacation and had some great stories to tell me, so I can’t wait.

You started off in a punk band. How did you end up being a DJ?
Once my band broke up I kept making music on my computer as a side hobby. At first I would re-create rock songs that I loved in midi, and then I started to create my own original music. The more I started listening to electronic music, the more I began to cultivate my own style and sound.
 
Does the past experience as a punk bassist help with DJ-ing?
Yes. I think a lot of the bass lines I write in my music now are similar to things that I used to write in my punk band. Also, that DIY ethic of punk music definitely remains ||consistent in a lot of things that I do nowadays as well. I’m very hands-on with all of my social media, videos and artwork too.

What kinds of music did you grow up listening to?
A lot of the things my dad liked, artists like the Beatles, Supertramp and Steely Dan. Once I became older I eased into punk and really identified with that. After that I became a lover of a lot of things, and rather than pigeonhole myself into one genre, became very accepting of almost all styles of music. I believe that’s important as a musician.
 
What do Canadian party animals dance to?
My hometown of Vancouver has a thriving dance scene thanks to a few promoters who are really into building artists and helping them grow in our city. People dance to a variety of music – it’s definitely not limited to just one sound.
 
You often surprise us with unpredictable vocalists on your tracks. Where do you find them?
For me it’s always been just a unique voice, something slightly different about them that makes them stand out. I’ll never base a vocal on whether or not that person seems “cool” at the time, I always just try and pick what’s right for the song. Finding these vocalists comes from just listening to music, people I’ve always wanted to work with, as well as suggestions from my friends and management.
 
And your dream vocalists?
The dream list would definitely be Bjork, Matt Bellamy and Britney Spears.

Do you ever involve live instruments in your music?
Not currently, but never say never!

What’s the latest DJ gear you purchased? What do you use when you’re on tour?
My DJ gear is very small and compact – just Ableton Live with a DJM Nexus 900. It keeps being on the road easy!

Did anyone ever request “Gangnam Style” at your shows?
[Laughs] No one has asked for that yet! I don’t normally take requests, but maybe after a few cocktails.