ROSEDRiiVE is an internationally recognized artist originally from San Diego, California. In this insightful interview, he speaks about his musical journey as a DJ, as well as his latest House anthem “Magnetized” featuring Xander Jones.
1. Why did you change your artistic name to ROSEDRiiVE? And what does ROSEDRiiVE mean?
To me, I think any artist brand has an opportunity to represent something greater than a singular person. So I saw an opportunity to create a name that can represent a community and a mindset toward life. There are three parts to the meaning behind ROSEDRiiVE. 1. ROSE – A rose is symbolic of love or showing appreciation for someone by way of giving them a rose. If we operate from a place of love instead of fear or hate in our interactions in life, we will always win and have a positive impact. 2. DRiiVE – We all have our own unique path to life and there’s no single blueprint for everyone to follow. The theme of the brand is to always keep moving forward and finding out what is best for you in life, not what society expects of you. Action and positivity fuel movement. 3. ii – the two “ii”s represent the self. One “i” is who you currently are. The other “i” is the person you need to become to fulfill your life’s purpose. Your path is what bridges this gap. Self-discovery is an inside job.
2. How has your sound evolved over the last years?
Since I’ve played a ton of live shows I really create from a place of utility, and think where can this song enhance a live show, is this going to be something people can play at home and relax to? I wouldn’t say my sound has evolved in one specific direction but I listen to the voice inside my head to create music I genuinely want to hear, not necessarily what is trending at the moment. “Magnetized” was one of the first tracks I’d say I didn’t really do that, I just went with the flow of where the vocal by Xander Jones took me.
3. How did you know that DJing was something that you wanted to do?
I snuck into a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in San Diego, California when I was 12 years old or so. I knew I wanted to be a part of music in some shape or form after that show. It wasn’t until college when I stopped playing baseball that I committed to learning how to DJ and how to produce. My college roommate at the time had Ultra Music Festival Miami videos up on YouTube and once I had those on my radar it was really game over for me and I was all in. The idea of crafting a show to make people feel good seemed like the perfect craft to dedicate myself to.
4. Is it normal for you not to have a set list when you’re DJing?
I never have a 100% set-in-stone list for what I am going to play at a show. I do have a few dozens of live edits and mashups that aren’t anywhere online that always seem to have a great reaction from the crowd. So I have a good idea of what I am going to play but the exact order, the combinations, altering which drops I am going to use, etc. always changes. Every set I try to test at least one or two new songs or edits.
5. So far, what has been your favorite memory while performing your music live?
My favorite memory has been performing in Tokyo, Japan. Everyone in the crowd singing along to the music (even though English may not be their first language). It really highlighted to me how powerful dance music is and that it transcends cultures.
6. Have you ever played at festivals? If so, how different is the experience from the club atmosphere?
I have played festivals they are a blast. Breakaway Festival in Columbus, OH, Dusk Festival in Tucson, AZ, and will be at Breakaway Festival in Charlotte this fall. They definitely have their own vibe, most people there are really there for the music. It’s always motivating to see other artists doing their thing but the adrenaline and build-up before a festival set is like nothing else. Sometimes the sets are an hour or less so the set goes by very fast, almost like a blur!
7. What new places would you like to visit as a DJ?
As a DJ it’s a big goal for us to expand a lot in 2023 in Europe, Western Canada (have played a lot on the eastern side of Canada), South America, Australia, and New Zealand. I’ve loved playing in Asia and definitely can’t wait to get back there.
8. Your new House anthem, “Magnetized” sounds fantastic! What important aspects do you keep in mind while recording?
My favorite part of this song is that I can’t say it sounds quite like anything else. Xander wrote this beautiful song, the lyrics are powerful and I wanted to create an easier listening track that had just enough energy to bring out the amazing vocal to its full potential and we’re both really happy with how the song came out. We may or may not have another song coming.
But to really answer your question, I like to ask myself – does this song make me feel good when I listen to it, and does it enhance my mood? If it does that’s more important than anything else because hopefully, that will be the case for other people.
9. Who would you dedicate this song to?
I dedicate this song to anyone who feels like they’re on the cusp of reaching where they want to be in life. To keep going and that they are much closer to where they want to be than they can imagine. We can all tap into a level of truly feeling alive.
10. Lastly, what are those things in life that get you “Magnetized”?
For me, it’s making music and the moment right before going on stage for any show. It really is an electric feeling that nothing else in the world can provide for me (at the moment).
CONNECT WITH ROSEDRIIVE
Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
