An Interview With Indianapolis Producer, Ocean Keys
Start writing a post
Entertainment

An Interview With Indianapolis Producer, Ocean Keys

On music production, inspiration, and the next hub of electronic dance music.

454
An Interview With Indianapolis Producer, Ocean Keys
Defiant Productions

Ocean Keys looks like a mix of Shaggy from "Scooby-Doo" and that of a body builder. He has that laid-back California look about him. The kind of guy you find lifting at midnight but digging through records by noon. Ocean Keys is just one of the many producers that makes up the Indy electronic dance music scene.

When did you begin producing music and why? Before electronic music did you play other instruments?

I started "producing," a year and a half ago. Started taking it seriously about a year ago. Been through some tough stuff and music has always been a great outlet. Been making "mashups" on programs like audacity for a while though. I play a few instruments. The one I'm really into right now is piano. Oddly enough, it's the one that makes the most sense.

How long have you been involved in this industry?

I started playing about three years ago as X:Ponent.

Musically wise, who has been your biggest influence? Either through mentoring or just inspiration? Non-musically, who has been an influence that also helped shape your style?

It's not so much "who," as much as it is time period and a genre; 90s R&B. My production sounds nothing like that though. I enjoyed the layering of sounds and the tracks just followed beginning to end. "Non-musically," are still "musically," lol. Jen, Ramsey, Indigo Child, NAP DNB, my #cuz Cam. The knowledge and freedom of expression musically that they've created for themselves in whatever capacity. #independence

What do you aim to achieve through music? Change the world or just produce art?

My goal isn't to change the world. If I could, I would. And if somehow my music gets to the point where that's an option... I would probably remind people that I make music first before giving my opinion. But obviously everyone's opinion wants to be heard.

In the past, EDM has been an umbrella term for underground electronic music. More recently it has became a very mainstream genre due to acts like The Chainsmokers. Do you feel it is still that umbrella term or another entity? And what are your thoughts on that?

That's a pretty super deep question! I have listened to so much music, read so many forums, asked so many people... my "conclusion"... and this is just mine... yeah. "EDM" has evolved into a more pop term of mainstream. It is what it is, it's not a bag thing! I feel it gets more people involved in the music scene initially, and that's when they start getting into understand the good stuff... and by that I mean the separation of genres and just how deep the rabbit hole goes. Lol.

For years there has been a somewhat "turf war," between DJs and producers. Some believe DJs that do not produce are inferior to DJs that also produce. Do you feel it is better to be both, and how has that helped you?

Nobody is inferior to anybody. Ever. On any level. I've DJed only, produced and DJed at the same time, and now I'm pretty much only producing... and it's not even about that specific progression. If you enjoy what you are doing, why judge the other for having another view of what they want to do musically? Doesn't matter what role you play, everyone keeps the scene alive and progressing. In all honesty, if "turf wars" ended it would probably help the music scene grow stronger. More knowledgeable.

There are many EDM blogs popping up online that mostly glorify the use of club drugs instead of promoting music. Some EDM artists feel that this is destructive to the scene and industry. This goes back to that mainstream vibe. In your opinion, do you feel that there needs to be more light shined on the actual music instead of just raves and festivals?

"Underground" music has come to the point to where it dominates festivals... at leas the roots of them... and along with it comes underground things... and even those aren't so "underground" anymore. Just bein' real. Don't think it came with the music though. "Raves" aren't real;y much of a thing anymore. If you take the light off festivals, you lose the underground sound... it takes the learning experience for the music away on so many levels.

Compared to cities like Chicago or Los Angeles, Indianapolis has not been a huge influence on music. But recently Indy has grown in the music scene, do you think it will be the next hub for music?

Next "hub" ... maybe, I hope so! I know some great producers in the Midwest that plan on putting out some pretty dope stuff this year!

Be sure to follow Ocean Keys and watch out for show updates as well as Defiant Productions!

You can find Ocean Keys at Altered Thurzdaze: Altered X-Mas presented by Indy Mojo on December 21.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58741
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37882
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959433
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194890
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments