WHO IS BRIAN TECH? INTERVIEW WITH THE DJ/PRODUCER/ARTIST

The first I heard of Brian Tech was from the recording artist Zaylan.. But from Zaylan and others we have learned to appreciate this young man's skill, talent and mind.  Mr. Tech's mind is similar to his mixing, producing style.. FAST AND MULTI-LAYERED!

Brian Tech is a straight, black professor of music. Read our interview with him here..

NNY:  I know "WhoIsBrianTech" is your screen-name on some platforms and your catch phrase but WHO IS Brian Tech?, introduce yourself to readers just meeting you.. 

BT:  So My Dj/Producer/ Artist name is WhoisBriantech And I run my own online digital dance music shows.. Tech22, Btec44, HiddenSessionz98, In U Reflektionz, Infinite Sonix and also Onlee U RefleKtionz all under my media company umbrella SubprintzNYCMedia along with my online WebStation. I have been producing and remixing, mainly underground, house dance tracks since 2011 with my 1st official release that came out on Chicago’s legendary producer djs Label Jesse Saunders Broken Records. My very 1st Release  was called Da Mental Groove. Since then I’ve put out releases on various underground house labels from Booth Records Italy to Eightball NYC Digital to Nightscopedeep Recordings/ Gyroscopic to Vicente Sounds San Diego to Sweatin Records, and of course my label Tech22 and my various subprintz labels.

click here: https://www.subprintznycmedia.co.za

NNY:  How did you discover your passion for music?

BT:  Well my dad is self taught musician who plays guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, flute and a few woodwinds. He has always encouraged me when I was a kid to learn an instrument.  Along the way he also guided me into electronic studio equipment from Roland Drum Machines to Yamaha synthesizers and samplers and effects processors to you name it. And naturally coming from the Bronx I was totally brought up via Early 80s 90s Hip Hop and into all styles from early r&b to freestyle music to Rock and New Wave Jazz and even some limited knowledge when I was a kid about club music that was kind of pulling me into its path of musical conversion. That led me into more of the Dj culture eventually.

 

NNY:  Who were some of your musical influences coming up?

BT:  All of late 80s and Early 90s Hip Hop late 80s Freestyle late 80s Classic Pop and Rock and eventually early 90s club music in which later on found out in the early 90s this style was called House Music. And of Course jazz music and Blues, Disco and Early Funk and Soul music.

NNY:  How and when did you get started in making and spinning music? What’s your process like for making music? Do you have a set routine or does it vary track by track?

BT:  Well my Process  was more of a beat Kid imitating beats I heard on the radio from freestyle music hip hop dancehall reggae you name it. Than eventually moving into keyboards and synthesizers. But Eventually when I caught the underground house bug listening to amazing djs such as Frankie Knuckles in late 1994 onwards on stations late at night on hot97 when they actually had underground house mix shows from Frankie Knuckles David Morales

Tony Humphries Glenn Friscia and Hush Gurelli and even Johnny Vicious that is when I realized this is the sound that would guide me through life.. I started to buy records and eventually turntables and a mixer in 1996 and got into production more seriously in the later part of 1998 going into 1999 and bought my own studio equipment which consisted at the time of Sequencing Remix Groove station called a Yamaha Rm1x and Zoom sampletrak. And With those 2 pieces I used to be able to make full tracks with those pieces alone from hip hop beats to house to drum and bass to r&b jazz inspired cuts as well and record them to tape lol 😂 miss those beats 😂 and now I’ve advanced  to mainly software music making apps which are way more convenient and by far way more powerful than hardware units in my opinion.

And so my process is different on a track to track basis and if I’m remixing vocals I always chop them up to hear stripped down what my possibilities with these vocals are, to see what what directions I

can possibly go with them, esp with dance music. Then once I have a general Idea of a project layer out on the sequencer I start to build grooves and beats based on the vocals that I’ve layed down... that’s for a  remix.... for original material by me depends on the type of vibe I’m going for. So for me it’s definitely no set Absolute way of creating ... It’s a track to track basis. 

NNY:  What has been the best moment in your music career so far?

BT:   Haven’t gotten to that point yet honestly at all. Constantly building to outdo my last projects. 

NNY:  How many tracks do you have out and how can people get to them?

BT:  Over 50 tracks out on all digital platforms Spotify to Apple Music to more Specifically Dance Dj store orientated platforms Beatport Tracsource Junodownload.

NNY:  What advice would you give new Deejays who are trying to find their footing in the music industry?

BT:Allow the process of whatever your trying to accomplish as a Dj to take its course and don’t rush. And don’t feel you know everything and learn everything from promoting your own events live or online to anything that you have to do be somewhat efficient in what you do. You want to get to a point where you can do have to rely on others to do for you what you can do for yourself. And you always have control in what you do musically.

NNY:  Talk to me about the making of your Internet shows. What was the inspiration behind them?  

BT:  When and where can people find them?

These online shows are exactly what radio is always been best at, a way to promote yourself as artist, Dj and/or producer. A lot of my Podcasts are archived up on Mixcloud and Apple Music SoundCloud and also Spotify and other podcast sites world wide.

NNY:  How can people find or follow you on social media?

BT:  IG is WhoisBriantech FB Brian E Nance (personal profile). Also have a Facebook Page as WhoisBriantech Twitter  and all major Dancemusic Online Platforms for streaming and downloading is "WhoisBriantech".

NNY:  So what’s next for you?

BT:  Whats next for me is My 1st True Artist Album. The name of that album will be called "WhoDaFLuuuukIzBriantechBX22"

INTERVIEW WITH INDIE ARTIST "ZAYLAN" SINGER OF THE NEW TRACK "I'M GETTING UP"

In September 2019 I got to hear some of the new track called "I'm getting up" by Indie recording artist Zaylan and I really liked it and the extended mix reminded me of the House music I would hear in the late 80's early 90's.. it really has that Classic House feel. Zaylan is set to release the new track and music video THIS month October 2019. We asked the Indie artist some questions about the new project, his passions and his process and THESE were his answers.

NNY: Zaylan is a GREAT name. Is that your real name or a stage name?

Z: Thank you! Zaylan is my self-given spiritual name and my artist name.
 

NNY: How did you discover your passion for music?

Z: Great question! It might actually have been when I was a little boy at around age 3 or 4 when I recall hearing my mom singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way." I felt a special thrill in my heart when i first heard songs like Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly ,Tavares' "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel", Oh and the Christmas song "Little Drummer Boy". I wanted a set of drums the Christmas I first heard that song , ...I didn't get them and i definitely wanted to be the drummer boy 😃!


NNY: Who were some of your musical influences coming up?

Z: Gloria Gaynor most definitely! I started to write songs immediately after hearing her 1978 album "Love Tracks" which contained the mega-hit " I Will Survive". Other influences are Prince, Eurthymics, Madonna, George Michael, Barry White, Roy Ayers and Crystal Waters

 

NNY: How and when did you get started in the music business?

Z: Although I started recording Demos in 1987 I actually got started in the music business in 2005 when I formally created my own record label "Fuzemix Records" and independently released my first maxi-single/ep called "Nothing Left For You Here".


NNY: What’s your process like for making music? Do you have a set routine or does it vary track by track?

Z: LOL, ok my process feels like giving birth! it's joyful but often frustrating and uncomfortable...yet exciting! No set routine but what I notice is that I grab any piece of paper wherever I am at anytime and jot down whatever is in my head, whatever comes to my spirit. I've learned to carry notebooks and I use my cell phones' voice recorder to record melodic ideas and lyrics. I even simulate drum patterns bass lines etc. with my voice when these ideas come to my spirit. Then when I am formally recording a vocal or I'm working on production for a song I will start, stop, lay down on the couch or go back to sleep briefly, toss and turn, then get up and start the cycle all over again - and again.

NNY: What has been the best moment in your music career so far?
 

Z:  Well I haven't received My Award for best artist of the century yet, so I can't claim that one LOL just kidding.. but for some reason what comes to mind when you ask about my best moment, could actually be perceived as an awkward moment in 2002 when the music stopped during a live performance and I didn't react I just kept on singing until the song came back on - right on point.

NNY: What was it like filming your first video?

Z: It was a dream come true! My 1st video crew "Artlook" was loving, talented and amazing! I went into that project with a vengeance and when I saw the finished product I also saw sides of myself that ultimately helped to increase my confidence as a Performing Artist and as a human being.


NNY: How many music videos do you have and where can people find them?

Z:  I have 10 official music videos released as i write this.. with 2 more that are in final editing set for release in early October 2019. So it will be 12 official music videos any day now.
People can find my music videos on ZaylanMusic YouTube Channel
https://youtu.be/kEuI5oNte3w
And on my official Zaylan website: zaylan.com
 

NNY: What advice would you give new artists who are trying to find their footing in the music industry?

Z: Allow yourself to be yourself and don't try to be anyone else. Please note that being influenced by someone else and being motivated by someone else is truly different from trying to become a carbon copy of someone else. So I would encourage new artists to enjoy the process of discovering themselves as artists. Follow your instincts. We feel insecure and uncertain sometimes and other times we feel confident. Whatever you feel - honor it - but keep striving and Never Give Up. For me, this is a journey where I am still discovering myself as an artist and learning self-acceptance as a human being. So yes Never Give Up and copyright your material! Be aware of the sharks and manipulators and carrot danglers. At times it's okay to say no.When one door closes another one can open up. Ask the god of your own understanding to guide you. There are lessons to learn and opportunities for growth in every experience. If you feel like you didn't do so well today dust yourself off get on up and try again tomorrow.

NNY: Talk to me about the making of your latest song. What was the inspiration behind it?

Z: My new song which is called " I'm Getting Up" is actually about the "positive motivated determined" side of me facing off against the "lackadaisical, fetal position, procrastinator" side of me. In this song I make a choice to get up, out of bed, out of the rut and away from the stagnation of self - and do the damn thing. The song is about severing the relationship with a part of my own self that has held me back. However, the INSPIRATION behind this song comes from a wonderful new friend I have made who I've come to find has experienced a lifetime with a similar struggles, this friend his shared about how music, House Music in particular, lifts his spirit and heals his soul...So yes my identification with this powerful authentic and inspiring person is what compelled me to write the lyrics to "I'm Getting Up".
The song is actually also about transitioning away from relationships I have had with actual energy draining people and a desire to develop and embrace relationships that are more nurturing and supportive - by starting with self.

NNY: Where can people buy your music online?
 

Z:  My music can be purchased through several online stores. Cdbaby, iTunes, Amazon, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, iHeart, GooglePlay Music and more.

How can people find or follow you online?
People can find me on
www.facebook.com/zaylanmusic
www.instagram.com/zaylanmusic
www.zaylan.com
facebook.com/producerarnoldmartin


 
NNY: You are the recording artist/songwriter and executive producer of most, if not all of your songs : Can you give us a bit of insight into what it was like creating your latest single " I'm Getting Up"?

Z: Tense, but Awesome! First of all Yes I do perform multiple roles, as you mentioned, on most of my songs.. but with this song in particular I "surrendered the wheel " to my co-producer, the wonderful Keith Kemper, who was at the forefront of structuring and arranging the song I wrote. Keith directed the vocals for the 3 female vocalists, YaYa Williams, Tuwanna Calpurnia & Mz La'D Lace. This is where the tension came in, because after doing my lead vocals I really wanted to consider the track as done, but Keith had a vision he felt strongly about, so I chose to practice some patience and allow the process and I'm happy I did. Keith and I have worked on music since 1998 and we work well together! In this case I came up with a song, melody and percussive groove and he took that shyt and ran with it!

NNY: So what’s next for you?

Z: What's next? Well, more music of course! I would like to put out an EP with remixes to some of my current songs produced by some Remixers who have expressed an interest. I would like to collaborate with some artists that I have in mind for a collection of new songs that are already in the planning stages. I have been asked to act in a play which should be quite interesting; and of course more live performances. I am open to and available for gigs as always.


NNY: I know it will be hard to think of everyone and the list may be long but is there anyone you want to thank when it comes to the new track and your experiences this year?

Z: Wow, OK.. Keith Kemper, Brian E Nance, John Macie, E-man Clarke, YaYa Williams, Tuwanna Calpurnia, Mz La'D Lace, DJ DirtyFINGERS, DJ Frankie Paradise, Brenda O.R. Love, Rican Vargas,Coney Island Dancers, Ernee Peppers, Aries OG, Robin Evans-Branden, SH Washington, Velvet Toi, Brian Tech, Nubia Kristos, Shawn Riddick, Pojanee Fleury, Renee Reed, Nicky Sunshine, Adrian Tracey, Juanita Allen Graham, Sharisse Chaplin, DJ Black Icon 1, Sophia Heinecke, Summahluv, Gerri Nailz, Stacey Jackson, DJ Ty Torres, Kiki Stewart, Shaylah Day, MC Ras Anthony, Ray Large & Sweetness & Mikey (Talk Up), Tyrone Lowe, Jerome and Darlene Oates, Derrick Jackson, Sunshine Spurgeon, Adrianna Pattillo, Adaira Murray, Edwina Abraham, DJ Redboy, Davina Perez, Louis B Rodriguez, DJ Andre Collins, DJ Chaz X, Cathy Mitchell, Benya Cotto, DJ Charlie Caz, Darlene Hubbard, Watesha White, Tokeato Carter, Carmencita "Kat", Pat Tucker, DJ Warren, DJ Selectress Kae, Promotions 1, Tina Dixon, Yng Polo, Delta9 Media, J Frost Films, Cmani Delights, Carrie Watts, Pearl Ewell, Kia Danielle, DJ Tommy Limo, Roxanne Harewood, Kim Matrix, DJ Doc Martin, Dorothea Maria Seabron, DJ Stunna, Lorenzo Lonzo, Sapphire and Keanyna, DJ Rich Williams, Lisa Mathis, Denise Staton, Louann Thomas Cowan, Alba Lombay, DJ Razor Ray, Cynthia Mejia, Neah Ivanna, Cynthia Diane, Cynthia Poe, Roderick Wildgoose and my loving sister Maritza Wildgoose,Rion Lee Scott , Jeffrey Smith , Jaeda Wildgoose ,Ayana Wildgoose, Shaun Mintz, Carl Duhaney, Kischa Link, Crystal Levell, Matthew Espinet, Mecca Stinette, Abe James, Neive James, Jenna Smith, Mercury, Candice Hall, Pam Smith, Komal Rambharose,

Dawn Benjamin-O'Bryan,

Aron Prince, Cynthia Poe, Barry Mason, Jay Black and Jeffrey Smith

https://www.facebook.com/events/364226134485457/

 
 

Brought to you by...



LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW SINGLE CALLED "I'M GETTING UP" by ZAYLAN
AVAILABLE SOON!