DUBCO Exclusive: Hirshee talks his new track, Big Fish Records, and the Vancouver riots.

Photo courtesy of Kat Tutty

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Back in April when DUBCO was still a little baby (it still poops its pants from time to time but it’s getting better), I wrote a feature on a Canadian producer who was absolutely tearing up the Beatport dubstep charts at the time, Hirshee. With a PhD in obliterating faces, he quickly became one of my favorite artists thanks to his consistent ability to churn out some of the heaviest tunes.

Not long after that post went up, I was fortunate enough to be contacted by Hirshee. He said that he liked what he saw and wanted to know if I was interested in re-writing his bio for his new press package. I obviously jumped at the opportunity, but asked for an interview in return somewhere down the line (you can read his bio on his Facebook page or on his management company’s site).

Well, just less than two weeks ago Hirshee unleashed his latest banger on his own label, Big Fish Recordings. Consisting of a drumstep foundation and featuring plenty of left cost swag, “Third Digit” has fired up the charts yet again. As of this writing, it’s sitting comfortably at #12 in Beatport’s Top 100 and is still working it’s way upwards.

I found this as the perfect opportunity to finally have a chat with the Canuck. If for whatever reason you’re still unfamiliar with Hirshee’s work, I’m Prof. Moby — welcome to Dubstep 101.

Hirshee – Third Digit (Original Mix)

So tell me about Third Digit.

The inspiration definitely came from listening to Warren G’s “Regulate G Funk Era” album a couple of months back. I couldn’t get enough of the West Coast G Funk leads, so I decided to write one and try it out in a track.

How did it feel having a #1 track on Beatport?

I’m not gonna lie, I popped a half-chub. Naw but really it was an amazing feeling and a great sense of accomplishment. Who would have thought my first #1 would have been a Drumstep tune?

When you were growing up, what kind of music did you listen to?

Hip Hop for the most part. I started out as a Hip Hop DJ before moving into the world of Electronica.

What inspired you to start producing?

Everybody else was doing it so I wanted to be cool too!

Would you mind telling us about your setup, both live and in the studio?

My DJ setup consists of using Serato with either Tech 12 Turntables or Pioneer CDJs. DJM 800 or 2000 is definitely my mixer of choice. My studio setup is fairly basic. Aside from the essentials (midi keyboard, soundcard & monitors), I use Cubase as my DAW along with a ton of VSTs and plugins.

What made you and Lazy Rich decide to start up Big Fish Recordings?

Big Fish was originally started by Lazy Rich. A few months after launching it, he asked me to join forces with him to run it.

You guys have some great artists signed to your label, including a couple that we’ve featured on DUBCO (Calvertron and Lucky Date). Who’s one that you’re real excited about and that people should keep an eye out for?

Honestly it’s hard to pick just one, we’ve signed a ton of new artists that we’re stoked on. Ryan Enzed, Barnett Lobel, KillaGraham, DirtyRock and Rabbit Killer are a few of the fresh names on our label that I’d definitely watch out for.

Hirshee at Club Heaven in Seoul. "The revolving stage combined with the energy of the crowd made it pretty memorable."

What does the future hold for Big Fish?

World domination.

What has been your most memorable live show to date? What made it special?

I’d have to go with my show at Club Heaven in Seoul, South Korea. The revolving stage combined with the energy of the crowd made it pretty memorable.

What’s your drink?

Beer: Kronenbourg

Hard Liquor: Jägermeister

Do you prefer your peanut butter chunky or smooth?

Next question?

If you could party your ass off with one other DJ for a night, who would it be?

Without a doubt, this guy:

Where were you during the Vancouver riots?

Right in the middle of it in Downtown Vancouver. It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever witnessed, and no I wasn’t looting!

You have the floor.

Big ups to everyone that’s supported me and my tunes over the years, much love!

Monolythe – The Move (Hirshee Remix)

We need to give out a big thanks to Hirshee, who’s become a good friend of the DUBCO community. Though incredibly underrated, at least here in the East Coast, word about his music is quickly spreading. I’m not sure if he knows it or not, but Terravita dropped “So Good” at Starscape this year, with the crowd going absolutely bonkers.

I can’t guarantee that they knew what they were hearing. What I can though, is that they were hungry for more.

That’s it my dear bassheads. I’ve got a flight to catch back to Boston. See you on the other side.

One love.