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Interview: Getting to Know Miami-based DJ/Producer Bryan Softwell


Bryan Softwell

Born and raised in Miami, self-taught DJ/producer Bryan Softwell has emerged from the city’s bustling nightlife scene and risen through the ranks to set himself up as a name to watch for the future. From his recent appearance at iii Points through to EDC Orlando, LA’s Day Trip and New York’s Webster Hall, his sets and sound, taking influences from his Latin heritage, have seen him gain essential early love and support from Pete Tong, MK, Cloonee, and Lee Foss to name a few. Building on releases via Sink Or Swim, Night Service Only, and multiple outings on Foss’ Repopulate Mars, his next project sees him level up again with the launch of his label, Swell. You can Download/Stream 'If These Walls Could Talk' here: https://vyd.co/Ifthesewallscouldtalkep.



Following a series of electrifying Swell parties, bringing together music enthusiasts from all walks of life, the natural progression brings a platform to capture the magic of those nights and showcase its signature sound: infectious beats, hypnotic basslines and irresistible grooves capturing the sun-kissed beaches of Miami to the darkest corners of the city’s underground club scene. Opening things in style, late November welcomes the arrival of his ‘If These Walls Could Talk’ EP - with early love from Luciano, Blackchild, Iglesias and ChaseWest.


For ‘If These Walls Could Talk’, I always wanted to create a track with some salsa elements. I love listening to salsa in my free time for inspiration. The label’s mission is to not only curate cutting-edge music, but to create an inclusive space where artists and fans alike can come together to celebrate their shared love for the electronic music experience.- Bryan Softwell.


In honour of Bryan’s latest release on his newly formed Swell imprint, we caught up with the Miami native and got to know him a little better:


Thanks for joining us today. Where are you writing to us from, and what have you been up to over the last few weeks?


I'm currently in my favorite place in the world, Miami. Just got back from a great set at EDC Orlando and III Points not long before that. I'm taking the time off now to keep writing music.


Tell us about your journey into music and what led you to this point.


My brother is much older than me, so he got into the scene when I was only 7 or 8. He drove me to school every day, and all we listened to was dance music.


For a long time, all I ever knew was dance music, and once I started going to festivals, I quickly realized this was the only thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life.


How do you effectively promote yourself as an artist?


I never see myself too cool for anything, and I do my best to support those around me. People really remember when you support them. I know that because it means a lot when someone supports me and what I do. Making each interaction with someone a positive one is a great way to have people remember you and enjoy your presence.


Tell us about 'If These Walls Could Talk.'


I'm in love with tech house and minimal grooves. You know when you go to a party, and there's that one song you remember the most because you danced the hardest to it? That's the feeling I want to give others.


What has the feedback been like from your first Swell release?


There have been some big names, like Paco Osuna, Joseph Capriati, and Marco Carola, behind the record, to name a few. I couldn't be happier with that.



How do you take care of your mental health?


I try to do things I love apart from music production. Working out, Yoga, Meditation, Video Games, spending time with my dogs, and sometimes even getting in a good meal with a nice nap afterwards can erase a lot of the mental clutter!


Talk us through your creative process.


Someone once told me I had to create an "undeniable groove" and that phrase stuck with me ever since. I used to start with a vocal or with a bass line first, but what really works for me is making a drum groove that is good enough to play on its own before moving on to adding other elements.


What advice do you have for other artists?


I'm not a pro; I'm not a wizard in the studio, and I don't know music theory. Everything I learned about production is on YouTube. Make what you like and build around that. I know everyone says it, but I wasn't truly happy with the stuff I was making until I made what I felt happiest creating.


What is your biggest goal this year, and how close are you to achieving it?


The year is almost up, and I think I'm pretty happy with everything that I've accomplished. I'm doing things I dreamt of since I was a little kid. I used to get goosebumps listening to music, imagining myself DJing for a crowd. This year, I played multiple festivals, including EDC and III Points. I gained a lot of support from some of my favourite artists, and I've started my own label so that I never have to wait on anyone to put out music again.


Lastly, what can we expect from you in the future?


Killer sets, Parties, Music festivals, Merchandise, Growth, sick collaborations with some great artists, and most important of all, Undeniable Grooves.


Bryan Softwell

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