Our Artist of the Week for the last week of June is none other than the electro-house duo; Cold Blank! They travel the world in search of new adventures and new musical influences constantly. Their focus is electro-house, but as of late, the duo has dabbled with other genres, and have done so successfully. We’re very honored to have recently had the chance to talk with Cold Blank and find out more about who they are as artists and as regular people. Check out the interview and some of their tracks below! Enjoy!
I love the intro to your Facebook bio, who wrote that?
One of the former employees from our management team, Nik Cherwink. We discussed it over lunch and the magic just poured out.
What was it like planning Smash Disco? Did it go how you imagined?
It never really felt like a gamble, it was a blessing. The scene was established and growing and we were throwing the event that was in the forefront of the underground scene. It eventually got out of control and nearly every venue we moved to got shut down due to overcrowding, littering, and the usual safety violations. However, we never imagined we’d get to the level of booking Wolfgang Gartner, although he broke his foot and cancelled the date. Check it: http://myspace.com/djwolfganggartner/blog/482010503
What made you guys want to start the label Burn the Fire?
We started Burn The Fire as a brand to market our events, music, and djs. Eventually, we launched the record label and began self-releasing our material. Struggling to get signed when we were in rock bands, we figured it could be an awesome DIY learning experience, but it has evolved into so much more.
Where is the favorite place you’ve ever played and why?
Seoul, South Korea. Nobody could understand us on the streets, we couldn’t read signs or directions, didn’t know what to order at restaurants, couldn’t get girls to listen to our english for more than 5 minutes, but when we played, the connection with the crowd was unreal. We were raging, they were raging, and it was an awesome halloween night.
What is one thing people should know about you?
We’re Mexicans, not Mexicants!
How did the two of you meet? Tell me about the early years working together.
We informally met at several underground & house parties in Los Angeles. We ended up going out to each other’s gigs at club venues shortly thereafter and started talking about working together in the studio. Then, we formed a partnership founding Burn The Fire and throwing Smash Disco before starting Cold Blank. We launched Cold Blank in late 2008 with a few bootleg remixes and started gigging in LA, San Diego, and Las Vegas without a single release.
Who do you listen to when you’re not creating music or touring?
Manny: Tyga, Big Sean… that’s all I listen to right now.
Chris: Lately, The Hives, Miike Snow, Mellowdrone, Jamiroquai, and Tech House stuff.
You’ve recently been exploring other genres outside of electro house, how do you approach a new genre and what are your biggest challenges with it?
We approach like a predator, carefully and precisely to bullseye our prey (the fans). I wouldn’t say there are any challenges with exploring or producing different genres, but rather a bit of backlash from some hardcore fans who don’t dig the direction. Honestly, if we produce it, then we dig it. We often sign similar stuff to the music we produce on Burn The Fire, and we play similar stuff in our sets as well.
What do you like so much about electro house?
It’s universal, unexpected, and it seems like there’s infinite writing possibilities. It’s fun and hip, and it definitely opens the door to people’s wild side on the dance floor, versus a static left & right nudge older people usually do when poppin’ bottles listenin’ to yacht/tech house. Don’t get us wrong, we dig it, but we prefer when people rage and shuffle.
What’s next for Cold Blank?
You’ll have to wait and see for the current surprises we’re working on. However, our debut album “The Agenda” drops on August 8th, 2012 on Burn The Fire. Also, quick shout to our fans, make sure to keep an eye out for us on tour.
Connect with Cold Blank
