Exposed Vocals Interviews Hackerbeatz
Born and raised in Southern California, Hackerbeatz was inspired by the many talented Dj’s and music producers from the mid 90’s rave scene. As a Dj, he played house and techno all over So Cal. Hackerbeatz has a passion for all types of music but EDM was what really captured his attention. He started to produce and release EDM tracks under ADM (USA) in 2014. He and his good friend Jonny Lexxs formed Spam Junkies and there E.P “Back To The Oldschool” reached #49 on Beatports top 100 releases. He released tracks for Dynamic Musik, Wolfrage Recordings, Burning Bash, and Mo-Jo Records just to name a few. In late 2015 he changed his artist name to Hackerbeatz. His first release under his new name was called “What’s On My Mind” under Bedroom Muzik. You can find his releases on Beatport, iTunes, Spotify and other media stores. He continues to work on new productions and in early 2016, launched his Artist page on nimbit.com/hackerbeatz. There you can find unsigned tracks that he releases himself to his fans. He also releases free tracks that you can download on his page and also on Soundcloud.com/Hackerbeatz. He continues to gain new fans via social media. You can find him on Instagram, Twitter, under Hackerbeatz. He believes any feedback, positive or negative is good feedback. “You learn as you go” – Hackerbeatz. He is very humble and likes to interact with his fans.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Hackerbeatz: I was born and raised in Southern California. My dad was a DJ back in the 80’s and we always had music playing. He had the Dj set up in the garage. My brother and I would mess around with the 1200’s playing old disco and funk stuff. Music was always in us and in the early to Mid 90’s my brother (Rene) and I started spinning Techno and House music when it started to boom. Our good friend Jonny Lexxs started his own label back in early 2000 and when I saw what could be done by producing music, I eventually decided to take a shot at it. I really started to take it seriously in 2014. It’s never too late. LOL
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Hackerbeatz: When I started to produce, I just went by my initials ADM (Angel Damen Mendoza) but after realizing there were several ADM’s, I was like, I have to change it. For one, I felt it wasn’t artistic enough and second I was looking for something no one had. I was just writing down a bunch of different ideas and Hackerbeatz was one of them. I just thought it was different and checked that no one else used it and Walla..Hackerbeatz it is.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Hackerbeatz: I think music sharing is awesome, especially if you’re just starting out. I do give music away for free because I think giving back to your fans shows appreciation and not everybody has a couple of bucks in their pocket.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Hackerbeatz: Not that I have the credit to give tips on this matter because I myself am striving to achieve those goals. The only thing I can say is be confident in what you do and keep grinding. When you start off, you have to put in the leg work to promote yourself. Look up music marketing tools; engage in social media sites that share your same interest. Go to events so you can promote yourself. This is my first interview and I never thought I would be privileged to do something like this. So thank you Exposed Vocals for this opportunity.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Hackerbeatz: You can get inspiration anywhere from a song you hear to things you hear in the streets to a tone or something you just start humming. When I start to produce a track, I usually start with a 4 to 8 bar loop and it’s usually the drop or main hook. When I feel something is good enough to expand on, then I start adding the other elements and start building the intro and so on.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Hackerbeatz: I just launched my artist page on http://www.nimbitmusic.com/hackerbeatz in early Feb. This is a great page for independent artist that want that direct to fan experience. Here you can purchase some of my tracks direct that are not released elsewhere and other product goods. I will be adding more content in the future. You can also here previews of upcoming releases on my soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/hackerbeatz
You can also find posts of mine on Instagram and Twitter under Hackerbeatz
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Hackerbeatz: If I was given half a million, I would take my family on a well needed vacation and also give to a charity. I would upgrade studio gear and buy my girlfriend something special.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Hackerbeatz: For now, I just try to post clips on instagram and twitter. I try to promote my new artist page via social media. I send out demos to different labels and hopefully they get picked up and released on media sites. I do have several releases out on Beatport and other music stores. I give out free tracks to attract fans to my site and music. Nothing is guaranteed and you have to work for it. It takes time but will be worth it in the end.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Hackerbeatz: I’m always working on new music. The thing with me is that I don’t have a certain style of EDM. It’s what I’m feeling at the time. I have released some hard house bangers, some tech house, deep house. Sometimes I don’t even know what’s going to come out until I start working. LOL. But you will hear and see new music coming out throughout the year. I would like to Collab with some other artists because when you work with other people, you learn new things and get different ideas.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Hackerbeatz: If I wasn’t making music I would be recording it. My next step in music is to record bands and set up their demos or albums. I’ve been learning a lot about live recording.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Hackerbeatz: It’s hard because I have a full time job. But you have to have that drive to keep going. Sometimes I get only 3 to 4 hours of sleep just so I can start working on music. It takes time to do your own promoting and sending out your tracks to labels. But if you want it, you have to put in the hours.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Hackerbeatz: Some new and different sounds. You always got to try to make something unique and different. Be on the lookout for more free music on my artist page and some funky, tech, deep stuff.