INTERVIEW : BTAV’s Latest Release ‘Lipstick Stains’ Delivers Deep Emotion and Irresistible Beats in Electronic House Music

BTAV’s Latest Release ‘Lipstick Stains’ Delivers Deep Emotion and Irresistible Beats in Electronic House Music. Out now!

If you’re looking for a track that encapsulates raw emotion and irresistible beats, look no further than BTAV‘s latest release, “Lipstick Stains”. This Deep and Pop House track is not only catchy, but also captures the feelings of being lost, not fitting in, and not feeling loved.

BTAV has a unique talent for turning pain and heartbreak into upbeat and fun music to dance to. His eclectic style is on full display in “Lipstick Stains”, where he seamlessly combines a summer-style piano in a Deep House song and includes choir samples in luscious drops.

But BTAV’s mission goes beyond creating memorable music. As a minority in the Electronic House Music scene, he is on a mission to bring light to the genre within the Black Community. It’s a journey that means so much bigger than himself, and one that he takes very seriously.

“Lipstick Stains” is just the latest example of BTAV’s incredible talent and ability to create music that speaks to the soul. It’s a track that will have you dancing and feeling all the emotions at the same time. Don’t miss out on this gem from one of the most exciting artists in the Deep and Pop House scene.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

How did you first get into DJing and producing electronic dance music?

In high school a close friend played EDM Music repeatedly in class. In between the teacher yelling at him, the music slowly began to grow on me because I hated it at first. I would reply “there’s no lyrics!” When he said he would start producing the music due to our local community college starting a class for production, I decided I would as well and I never looked back since.

Who are some of your biggest influences in the industry?

My biggest influences have always changed but currently it is Kream and Meduza.

Can you walk us through your process for creating a new track?

I look for samples I like as a baseline to mold the track around. Then I begin working on the drop and making my synths from scratch. Once I’m satisfied with the drop, I move to the verses and slowly the track begins to come alive.

How do you prepare for a gig? Do you have any pre-performance rituals or routines?

I haven’t had much gigs unfortunately, and I’m currently getting tips and lessons for mixing and prepping on a pioneer from local dj in the Baltimore and DC area that has played at places like Echostage, Soundcheck, and Soundstage. However, when I have had party or bar gigs I would practice mixing the songs requested in my room. Understanding the vibe from either the songs or the place I would be DJing at, and figuring out what other songs I can implement that would feel and sound cohesive.

What has been your favorite gig or event to play at so far in your career?

Before Covid, I played at my friends fraternity at West Virginia University. It was as if I played at a underground club because I was DJing with a light man next to me. It was grimey, it was sweaty, but it was a moment I’ll never forget.

What do you enjoy most about performing as a DJ?

Personally, because I haven’t had much experience in getting my foot in the door, so I’ve enjoyed producing more due to the creativity aspect. But for the West Virginia party, I enjoyed the compliments and how much fun the students had because I’ve never been exposed to that in-person response before.

Can you share any memorable experiences or anecdotes from your time as a DJ and producer?

Outside of the West Virginia party, I’ve had some memorable parties I DJ’d for in my home state of Maryland when I was still in college. Producing wise, I’d say when I’ve stayed up late producing so I don’t lose that creative flow state. Those moments where I could sleep in peace knowing I’d wake up the next day and still like the product I made the night before.

How do you stay current and find new music to play at your gigs?

SPOTIFY, SPOTIFY, SPOTIFY! However, the dj I mentioned earlier put me onto 1001 tracklists, so I will have to explore that for what other DJs are playing.

What’s next for you in terms of new projects or goals?

After this release, I have 2 remixes I will be releasing within the next 2 months. One will be a David Guetta remix and the other is a Sam Smith remix. I’m currently also working on a Oliver Tree remix. I will also be releasing another original song 6-8 weeks after Lipstick Stains. I still have a love for summer sounding music, so I think it’s best to still release my Pop-inspired songs during the summer as well.

In your free time, what do you like to do outside of music? Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of the industry?

I have a football podcast with my Dad called “Ravens Flock Talk” where we dissect the Baltimore Ravens games during the season. I also am into working out and Jiu Jitsu.

How do you adapt your sets to fit the energy and vibe of the crowd at each gig?

It’s all about movement and what is getting people into that trance-like state. I think it’s obvious when the crowd is vibing with the music or not. As a DJ and Producer, you have to know the landscape of where music is trending.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a DJ and how have you overcome them?

Producing wise, it’s always been about quality and having that industry standard sound. There isn’t a universal way to mix a song, and that’s always been hard for me because I am very hard on myself. I think every artist is self conscious about their music, especially when they put it out to the world. As a DJ, my challenges has always been playing live. Trying to figure out who to contact, how to get my foot in the door, and polish my mixing whenever my name finally gets called upon.

How do you think the electronic dance music industry has changed since you first started out?

In terms of House Music, when I started genres such as Big Room House were popular. But now I see even big name DJs getting into minimal sounding genres like Tech and Deep House. Vocal chops were also very big when I started, and I don’t see producers implementing that as much. I’ve also loved the genre blending that producers of harder genres like Dubstep have been putting out.

What do you hope to achieve with your music in the long-term?

I just want to be able to support myself solely on different music avenues. Making music has been my passion sine 2015 and if I was a professional producer, it wouldn’t feel like work to me. So, many people don’t live out their dreams or enjoy what they do. It would really mean the world to me if I were to make it to the point I’ve always wanted, especially after the struggles I’ve been through.

Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring DJs and producers who are just starting out in the industry?

Mimic your favorite producers in the very beginning, eventually create remixes, get second, third, and maybe fourth opinions, and put yourself in uncomfortable positions to grow. Most of all have fun, because I’ve gotten away from that due to wanting my “big break.”

BTAV – ‘Lipstick Stains’ is out now!

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