Mitch Dodge, rooted in San Diego's dynamic music scene, has gained traction with his recent releases on notable labels like Dirtybird, Box of Cats, and Music is 4 Lovers. Besides his role as a producer, Dodge also contributes as an editor and audio engineer for Music is 4 Lovers.
Inspired by the raw beats of 90s hip hop and a fondness for four-to-the-floor rhythms, Dodge infuses his tracks with a distinct blend of influences. His latest production, featured on Lee Foss' South Of Saturn label, showcases his knack for crafting immersive sounds that resonate with listeners.
Dodge's musical journey is marked by a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. With each release, he continues solidifying his presence in the electronic music scene, promising more exciting contributions.
His latest release, the punchy 'Can You Hear Me?' on Lee Foss' South Of Saturn imprint, brings together sun-kissed Cali-synths, swaggering beats with a hint of ghetto sleaze, rapped vocals and a tight bassline that never quits. Download/stream it here: https://orcd.co/sos099.
We recently caught up with Mitch for an insight into his world and journey into music. Here's how it went:
Thanks for joining us today, Mitch. Where are you writing to us from, and what have you been up to over the last few weeks?
I'm checking in from my hometown of San Diego, CA. Just got back from an awesome trip to Joshua Tree—definitely a must-visit spot! Super pumped about my new single dropping this Friday on South of Saturn Records, and planning some trips for the Summer and Fall, and as always been busy working on new music.
Tell us about your journey into music and what led you to this point.
I've been a music enthusiast for as long as I can remember, starting as a band nerd with a love for drums and percussion. Around 2010, I delved into producing and DJ'ing after being inspired by some early raves. Artists like Kaskade, Fake Blood, Nero, Justin Martin, Eats Everything, and Claude VonStroke have been major influences on my journey. I was also a big fan of Pete Tong's Radio 1 Essential Mix back in the day. Since then, I've had the opportunity to play some incredible shows and festivals. DJ'ing has really fueled my passion for live music while I continue to focus on producing my own tracks.
How do you effectively promote yourself as an artist?
It can be tough sometimes to stay constantly motivated and creative with new ideas to promote yourself. In my experience being yourself goes a long way and helps when it comes to being creative. Also, use your calendar :)
Tell us about your latest release ‘Can You Hear Me?’ on South Of Saturn.
The vocals are from my friend and fellow producer Ekoboy, which really drove the energy and direction of the track. Recently I started using a punchier kick than in the past and this is one of the first tracks with that change that I’ve release. I am really proud of the way this one turned out, and the main phrase “hello universe can you hear me?” coincidentally is a testament to my intention for this release.
What has the feedback been like from your latest release?
I haven’t shared this one too much and wanted the release to be a surprise in a sense. However, the promo feedback so far has been great from the label. My 2 dogs seem to like it since they slept through it when I was working on the track, so that’s always a good sign.
How do you take care of your mental health?
For me balance is something I work on constantly. You really have to put in a lot of hours with music, which can take a toll on your personal life, relationships, etc, and finding a way to balance it all can be tough to navigate. I believe having a hobby or multiple passions in your life.
Talk us through your creative process.
I really think balance is key when keeping my mental health in check, especially when I'm immersed in music or passion projects. It's easy for me to become overly focused and obsessed when I'm inspired. To stay grounded, I set a schedule and make time for myself—whether that's enjoying nature, spending time with family, or staying active. Drinking plenty of water and staying active also helps me feel refreshed and focused.
What advice do you have for other artists?
My advice to fellow artists is to stay patient and persistent. Embrace experimentation, stay true to your unique sound, and don't be afraid to collaborate with others. Remember, the journey in the music industry has its ups and downs, but perseverance and passion will guide you through.
What is your biggest goal this year, and how close are you to achieving it?
My main goal this year is to keep honing my sound and crank out more tracks. I'm all about learning as I go and enjoying the process. So far, things are shaping up nicely!
Lastly, what can we expect from you in the future?
I'm looking forward to branching out and playing more shows beyond the west coast, with hopes of traveling internationally. You can definitely expect new music and releases from me throughout the year, and I'm also working on some fresh merch designs.
Mitch Dodge