Exclusive Interview with UK DJ / producer – Colezy

Colezy is fast-becoming one of the UK’s most talked-about new dance acts. He has managed to gain a lot of attention and support from the dance music community. Some of his tracks are already supported by Radio Stations & DJs’ worldwide.

Colezys’ passion to evolve his own unique sound is stronger than ever, while he continues to prove himself as a leading name in dance music’s next generation. Not bothered by any limitations when it comes to underground versus mainstream, York resident David Coulson combines everything that’s made dance music so appealing throughout the years. Bringing together classic vibes as well as the sounds from deep and future house, here is a man that knows the craft of getting dance floors in a frenzy.

Colezy is proving to be a true visionary as he conquered the bold transition from his spine-shattering bass sound to a more sophisticated house approach. From every DJ, to influencer, to radio station, the budding artist is proving to have an undeniable impact on the current global dance music scene.

Although Colezy is still only young, this talent did not come overnight. He grew up developing his sound and collaborating with other rising producers. Demonstrating remarkable growth in a short period of time, Colezy is proving to be an act with a promising career ahead.

Colezy has a background in several genres, but he can’t deny his love for the bass heavy house tracks he makes today. The result, a man that’s focused on the groove, while not afraid to wreak havoc every once in a while. And this year is looking even brighter! With all that he has in store this year, Colezy is the name to watch in the near future as he braces to get back to touring.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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

I’ve always had a passion for music, especially EDM. My sister, when she was younger, had a few failed attempts at trying to master playing instruments. She’d tried a recorder, keyboard and acoustic guitar. I one day picked up her guitar, which I had to get restrung because she’d snapped most of the strings. Fast forward a few years and I’ve just picked up FL Studio for the first time and recorded some samples using my guitar. I really didn’t understand FL Studio at first. I was awful. But you’re supposed to suck at first, right?! I was a self taught FL Studio enthusiast I guess you could say. As for learning to make music; I’ve got a degree in Music Theory from Berklee Online which I obtained during lockdown. It took some doing, but it was worth it! Martin Garrix still blows me away to this day as a DJ. I feel like we have similar hyperactive energy levels, to be honest.

Who are some of your biggest influences in the industry?

I have too many to name but some of the main influences are Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, Brooks, Don Diablo, Hardwell and Diplo.

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

I can try! *Chuckles*. It usually starts with the vocals. I refuse to sing on my own tracks so I hire vocalists. Just trust me, there’s not enough auto tune in the world to make me sound good!! I convert the vocals into MIDI by using Melodyne and that gives me some chords to play around with. I always change the chord progression somewhat, but it gives me a rough idea of how it’s going to sound at first. I use Serum for my leads. A lot of my sound is just letting my ADHD run wild and if it sounds good, then it is good! I learnt that from Bassjackers.

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

Knuckle punches with EVERYONE is A MUST! I feel like I’ll do a bad show otherwise. Other than that; I psych myself up by jumping around and pumping myself up beforehand. I don’t really like being talked to before a gig because I do get nervous, and I’m trying to focus on the task ahead, which is having fun and putting on a good show! I have a lot going through my little ADHD brain *Chuckles*.

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

When lockdown hit, I did some lockdown DJ sets, which I really enjoyed. Just the Music and Myself. It was such a therapeutic moment, especially because of how crazy and stressful the world had become with Covid-19 and the clubs being shut down!

What do you enjoy most about performing as a DJ?

Making people smile and enjoy themselves through my music. There’s no better feeling. If I don’t manage that, then I’ve not done my job properly.

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

I also use the alias ‘Dopium’. In January 2022 I released my debut single called ‘Cry’. As we speak now, it’s sitting at 2,000,000 streams. It’s completely blown my mind to be honest as it was my debut single!! The love and support I’ve received from it has been mind-boggling. The track will always have a special place in my heart. An anecdote for you: I once played a 2 hour gig. I really needed the toilet. I’m not sure why, but there was a life-size cardboard cutout of Margot Robbie backstage, so I brought her onstage to “DJ” whilst I went for the quickest wee of my life!! She did a good job at entertaining the crowd whilst I was gone, though.

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

I’m always on the prowl for new music. It’s like a little early birthday present when I find a new track. I’ve constantly got my head buried in my laptop looking on SoundCloud or YouTube for something new.

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

This year I’m planning on doing 11 DJ livestreams on YouTube and hopefully releasing 2 or 3 Colezy tracks. I’m going for quality over quantity this year in the releases department. I also want to keep growing as a person. Every day I learn something new and I’m so grateful for it.

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 love going on adventures like day trips out and holidays abroad. I compete on my off-road motorbike in events near where I live. The scenery is just unreal, and it’s always good fun with the added pressure of trying to beat my dad, who I also ride against!

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

In this line of work, you have to be able to read a room. I try to make my sets as energetic as possible because that’s what kind of person I am! And that translates into my sets. It’s always good to maintain eye contact and see what the crowd are doing.

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

Dealing with haters on Social Media. Social Media is a savage place for young or vulnerable people. Instead of focusing on the positives, I used to focus on the negatives and that just isn’t healthy for you. I taught myself to focus on the positives. There will ALWAYS be haters. You just have to ignore them. This didn’t come overnight, but I did eventually get the hang of it.

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

EDM is much more about an emotional value these days versus just trying to make a dance hit. It’s more personal with more meaningful lyrics. And utilising real instruments! There’s no comparison to a real guitar versus VST guitar, for example.

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

My hope is to keep making music for as long as humanly possible. I love music so much and the power it has to completely takeover your emotions is just bewildering to me. I’d love to make my music reach far and wide into the world to connect people together. That’s what it’s all about. Connections!

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

Just be yourself. Like seriously. Be yourself and work harder than everyone else. Take sacrifices. Get used to failing and making mistakes because it’s all part of your journey as a human being.

Listen to ‘Cry’ on Spotify

Connect with Colezy

Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud