In the interview, Curtis gives his thoughts about the current state of dance music and the changing landscape of music production.

As a special bonus, Vocals Only presents a special edit of the exclusive mix of Lollie's Remix Pack, "Mend" as a free download. Check out the magic that happens when Lollie's sexy vocals are joined with the pulsating "Midnight Society" sound.

The Interview

V.O.: Hi Curtis, thanks for chatting with us. Being a remixer with some amazing work on some high profile labels, we wanted to know about what inspires you to remix. What part of remixing do you enjoy best?

C. A: I like being able to create a new vision -- a new interpretation of an already existing piece of work. To hear something you appreciate and then be able to recreate it in a way that people can see out of your eyes.

V.O.: Right, or hear the song through your ears. What are your favorite pieces of equipment?

C. A: I have one. The computer. Most of the work I do is in a virtual environment. I don't have a proper studio as they used to be known. Instead I use programs like Reason, Acid Pro, Digital Performer and Ableton Live. I'm able to create sounds as I need them and sequence them. Without my computer I couldn't make the music.

V.O.: We couldn't do much without a computer either. What's the most exciting technical development you've seen, related to DJ-ing or production?

It's a tie, I'd say. From a DJ-ing standpoint, seeing CD technology moving into more sound manipulation flexibility is exciting to me. A few years ago, it was about putting a CD in the slot, pressing the button and letting it play. Now you can speed up, slow down, scratch, loop and add effects to the sound in real time. Some of the current CD players made by companies like Pioneer and Technics are so close to vinyl it's scary.

C. A: On the production side, Reason, Acid Pro and Ableton Live make it easier for people who before had to buy seven thousand dollars worth of equipment, just to put together a simple beat. You can create as many sounds as you want, you can sequence them and voila! You have a track already.

V.O.: So you're saying a producer doesn't have to have a lot of gear to make good music?

C. A: Not at all. Anyone can make good music if they have a sense of rhythm and can create loops and make their own sounds or find re created sounds like the ones of Vocals Only. With the programs I mentioned and Peak or SoundForge you can make music without touching a keyboard or sampler. It can all be done with the proper software and a few plug-ins.

V.O.: What's your opinion on the current state of dance music or the dance music industry?

C. A: It's definitely an exciting time. And it's definitely at a crossroads. Mainly because technology has made it easier for people to produce and get people to listen. It's also a scary time for labels because artists don't have to go through the traditional route of renting a studio, making tracks on expensive equipment and shopping them. You can make your music and use PayPal and a Web site to create your own digital label and make money from your own home. I don't know exactly where it's going to go, but it's very easy for someone who wants to make music to get in and do it.

V.O.: What's your take on downloading tracks and piracy?

C. A: It's no secret that downloading has been a bad scene. But the thing is, we wish record companies were making a pay-per service. With dance music, people would have bought records for ninety-nine cents. Beatport and iTunes proved that. But then the labels were just catering to the DJs and not the fans hearing the DJs. There are so many songs where you'll only hear them if you buy a turntable and the vinyl. Most fans won't do all that for one song. Now that there are legal download options, people will use them. It supports the artist and doesn't break people's pockets.

V.O.: Do you have any advice for up and coming producers?

C. A: I started with a copy of SoundForge and Acid and sitting on a crate with some sequences. If you really love producing, go for it. No longer do you have to spend lots of money to create the best music pieces. Use your creativity and produce exactly how and what you want.

V.O.: Who do you look up to as a producer or DJ?

C. A: Lots of people. It's a variety, really. Danny Tenaglia, Deep Dish, Saeed & Palash, Tom Stephan. I want to hear DJs that are experimental, but still know how to move a dance floor. DJs who are willing to take chances and make something more exciting. You'll hear something different with them.

V.O.: What did you think about working with the Remix Pack for Lollie's "Mend?"

C. A: The great thing about a Remix Pack is that you get all of the necessary tools to make a whole track. In the Lollie Remix Pack, I got the vocal sung, spoken and whispered. In my virtual setup, it's very easy to import and use. And there's plenty of material. I also didn't have to go and re-process the vocals unless I really wanted to do something wierd. They were fully workable. I didn't have to do more than come up with the idea and go with it. The vocals worked with me. I enjoyed making the remix. Do you like it?

V.O.: We love it! Thanks!