Hollywood Cajun: An Interview with Trent Cantrelle

December 8, 2008 4:47 PM
by Pete Tremblay

After a year of residency at the historic Avalon in LA, and getting props from Pete Tong, New Orleans Native Trent Cantrelle cant wait to push things along even further in 2009. CoolJunkie recently had a chance to catch up with the DJ/Producer to talk about Inspiration, Elvis and the future.

CoolJunkie: How did you become a DJ, and who/what inspired you to do it?

Trent Cantrelle: I started DJing pretty young actually. It was something I always had a fascination with. My first gig was playing a local teen club in New Orleans. I also ran a mobile DJ service playing everything from high school dances, weddings, and anything that needed a DJ. From there I started playing raves, nightclubs and so on. It’s all I have ever known or done to be honest.

CJ: What was the turning point of your artistic growth when you knew that there was no turning back and you had no other choice but to break into the business?

Trent Cantrelle: When I started producing my own music is when things really started to bud. I knew this was the only way to take DJing to the next level. I had no idea I would fall in love with making music the same as playing music for crowds. I think the moment I knew there was no turning back was in 2005 when Pete Tong made my song "Runaway" essential new tune at WMC. That’s when everything opened up on a global level and I have not looked back since. Mainly because I don't have eyes in the back of my head. If I did I would probably have another profession such as a school street crossing guard. Those kids would be extra safe with me on the job!

CJ: Who (artistically/personally) inspires you?

Trent Cantrelle: First and foremost my parents. They both have been behind me 110% since I started. I could not do this without their support. I am also inspired by a wide variety of people. From DJ/Producers such as Axwell, Laurent Garnier, Richie Hawtin, Danny Tenaglia, to artists such as The Beatles, Front 242, The Stone Roses, Ministry, and of course Elvis.

CJ: You mentioned on your website the love of Film and Rock and Roll, do these factors Contribute to your sound?

Trent Cantrelle: Very much so. Film has always been my second love. I went to film school before moving to LA actually. (Film School was) One of the reasons I came out West. Music and film go hand in hand. Rock has also played a big part in my music. Most of the material I did with Nynex was in the "rock house" vein. We are actually working together again in the studio so be in the lookout for more rock infused electronic music.

CJ: Ever consider doing a soundtrack to a movie or TV show?

Trent Cantrelle: I have had music licensed to a few films and TV shows, but have yet to do an entire score. Making dance singles and touring is my main focus at the moment, but film scoring is what I eventually want to dive into.

CJ: What do you listen to when you're at home?

Trent Cantrelle: I like it all. Good music is good music. I am a sucker for oldies, classic rock, old school hip hop, and especially music from New Orleans.

CJ: If you could work with any other artist in a collaboration who would it be and why?

Trent Cantrelle: Elvis because he is the king! If he were alive… I think he is alive actually. I sware I ran into him at a Big Bobs House of Ribs in Wisconsin.

CJ: Tell me about the first show you ever did?

Trent Cantrelle: The year was 1991 at the local teen club I played in New Orleans. I really don't remember much from the night other than being really nervous and thinking I need to learn how to beat match better.

CJ: What’s your favorite venue to play?

Trent Cantrelle: Avalon Los Angeles! There is really something magical about the room. It feels more like a concert than a nightclub. What I love most is how far you can push the music envelope there. I get to play tunes I normally do not get to play other places. The club really goes the extra mile in production too. I absolutely love it. Avalon was originally called The Palace which has an immense amount of history over the years. Everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones have performed there. If those walls could talk.

CJ: What’s your favorite Venue to throw a couple back and just listen to the music?

Trent Cantrelle: Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf bar in New Orleans with Rebirth Brass Band. It is a truly a unique experience. There is nothing else like it on the planet. I guess one way to describe it is a "jazz rave".

CJ: What do you think of mansion?

Trent Cantrelle: I’ve only been to Mansion during WMC actually. It’s an amazing room and reminds me of Avalon a bit. This is my first time playing there so I am extremely excited.

CJ: Is there a huge difference in the Crowd between the LA and Miami Venues?

Trent Cantrelle: In ways yes and no. Both cities have a huge support for electronic music. Let’s face it… both places have their beautiful people and the posh clubs. There is definitely something special about Miami and the unique vibe it brings. It feels like Miami is a foreign country at times with it’s over the top parties and tropical atmosphere. I actually like Miami outside of WMC more because it’s the true Miami.

CJ: Do you ever miss being in/playing in New Orleans?

Trent Cantrelle: All the time, but fortunately I go back to DJ on a regular basis. I am actually there the weekend after I play Mansion. New Orleans is one of the most unique places on the planet. Growing up there was such an amazing experience. The city eats, sleeps, and breathes music. There is no place else like it!

CJ: Which musical elements do you try to infuse into your compositions, and what do you consider to be your trademark sound?

Trent Cantrelle: Plenty of bass! I like tuff beats and a solid groove. My sound is more on the funky techy party vibe. I never stick to one style of music in my productions. I would get bored quickly.

CJ: There are 10,000,000 DJ’s and electronic Artists in the world. What about your music/image makes you stand out amongst them?

Trent Cantrelle: I think being a good DJ/artist is standing out on your own rather than doing something to try and make yourself stand out. DJing is way more than mixing two records together like some people think. Yeah, anyone can do that to be honest. My approach is more about going on a musical journey for a night rather (than) playing a bunch of hits and throwing my hands in the air. I think what makes a good DJ is experience and knowing how to read a crowd. Programming music in a club is most certainly a craft, one that takes a lot of work and time in trying to perfect. I like being very versatile with my DJ sets as well, playing the more mainstream clubs to playing the dark dirty undergrounds. My sets are also filled with plenty of re-edits and mash-ups (that) I make in the studio to play out. I get so much music these days that I will take the best parts of 3 or 4 songs and mash them into one completely new track. It’s a way to make sure my sound is always fresh and unique. As an artist I try to do the same approach as DJing; Versatility. I’ve worked with mainstream artists such as Seal and Maroon 5, but I also make banging dirty techno. There is so much that can be done with electronic music why stick with one thing?

CJ: What’s next for 2009?

Trent Cantrelle: I’m super excited about 09. In January you will see the launch of my new label: Sounds Like Music. The first single is a peak time techno stomper titled "We Got Time" which is already getting loads of support across the globe. I have a ton of other music coming out on Sounds Like next year including a collaboration with Chris Cox and Steven Lee of Lee Cabrera called "Siren Says". Mansion will be the first show I debut this newly finished single, so I am excited to see how it goes down. On top of original productions I have a ton of remixes on the plate scheduled in 2009 for various labels such as Perfecto, Interscope, and Whoop. I also have my first mix compilation coming out in the early part of next year. On the DJ tip I plan to keep touring my ass off as much as possible. I love it and can't get enough. I am also going into year two of my Avalon residency which I am very much looking forward to.

CJ: Dream Scenario: You can play for anyone, anywhere. Who and where?

Trent Cantrelle: My dream gig would be to play Jazz Fest in New Orleans. It’s one of the most amazing festivals in the world. There is nothing else like it. There has yet to be any electronic music featured at Jazz fest but I hope one day that changes.

CJ: Anything you want to add?

Trent Cantrelle: If you drop a raisin in a glass of fresh champagne it will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.

Click here to hear more from Trent Cantrelle, or check out his Beatport Player below.