I first met Fritz Carlton at Desert Hearts around two years ago through mutual friends. We talked for a while, discussing everything from music and LA to life and existentialism. He told me he also made music, and when I hear that now I think, “Of course.” Not in any sort of negative way, but rather a “This is the place to do it, for sure” one. He told me his goal was to eventually play a full set on DH’s singular stage.
Now, two years later, he’s doing that and much more.
Since that time, he’s developed a serious catalogue with releases on labels like Desert Hearts, This Ain’t Bristol, Main Course, Perfect Driver, and Nite Records. His unique brand of self-described ‘Weird House’ grooves with psychedelic-tinged synth lines and hypnotizing basslines that are as effective in the daytime as they are under the night sky of a deep forest rave. With a full grip on the West Coast house scene, Fritz leads his own troupe in a path he so meticulously carved himself.
From a hopeful fan in a scene he wanted to make his own to attracting thousands with a defined voice, Fritz Carlton is on a straight shot to the top. Check our quick interview below and find your favorite track in the mix below.
Tell us a bit about how you got started as Fritz Carlton.
I was exploring other avenues of music in the beginning of college after a long stint as a metal/rock drummer, and wanted to make music without relying on other people to do ‘band practice.’ That was when I discovered house, techno, dubstep, and (since it was around 2011 that I really got into all this) moombahton!
How would you describe your “weird house” sound?
It’s a mix of house, techno, vinyl sampling, analog synthing… anything relatively 4-on-the-floor that makes anyone move, but in a way you wouldn’t expect.
You started out pretty modestly and now you’re playing big shows like Desert Hearts. To what do you attribute your growth as an artist and your success in such a short amount of time?
A couple of things. Hard work; the grind. I’ve been logging 8+ hours a day for years. I’m lucky that I’m able to do so – but that’s honestly what it takes. Secondly, a good team. I owe so much to my management team, roommate (and producing partner in many instances) and other artist friends. They influence, inspire me, push me to create something I might not have thought of on my own. Collaboration is at its base a very fun thing to do – and it should be easy. If it isn’t, you aren’t hanging with the right crowd!
What is your favorite setting in which to play a set and why?
A dark, dark, daaaark warehouse! I think the best vibe is when it’s all about the music – minimal lighting, a solely audible connection with the crowd – these are the kinds of spaces I really vibe with. That being said, I’m down to play anywhere – if the crowd is good, it really doesn’t matter too much.
What have been some of your proudest moments as an artist, and what are you excited to accomplish in the near future?
Getting to play all my work (+ others!) at Desert Hearts this year was hands down my proudest & most enjoyable moment. I am really looking forward to seeing how my fans react to the music that I will be releasing over the course of 2017, I have a lot in store!
Is there anybody you’d like to work with on a track that you haven’t yet?
A dream of mine would definitely be to work with Frits Wentink & Justin Martin; I think all of the music that both of these artists make is absolutely incredible.
Any big 2017 plans?
Lots of exciting releases in store and fun gigs are definitely planned – stay tuned!
What can we expect from your MiniMix?
You can expect a mixture of weird tech house, techno, and a more spaced-out mixing style. This mix is intended to help set the tone of ‘future Fritz’.. tracks that I’ve really been feeling in my recent live sets, as well as newer (and older, re-beefed) tunes of my own that I’ve been working on. These tracks push the envelope of their respective genre.
Fritz Carlton MiniMix Tracklist:
01) Fritz Carlton – Breathe
02) Made by Pete – Rhode Trip
03) Audiojack – Vaporise
04) Fritz Carlton – Regular Play
05) Josh Brown – Pulse Width
06) Mont Blvck – Gimme (Fritz Carlton Remix)
07) Eyes Everywhere – 4am at the Pink
08) Lando – Stunts
09) Truncate – 7_1
10) Fritz Carlton & Lubelski ft. Deamon – Doses
11) Ovidi Adlert – Traffic & Streets
12) Room Temperature (Fritz Carlton, Ghostea, Lubeslki, Kevin Anderson, Rybo) – Get Down
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