Born with a bang, Electronic music producers D3FF and AKTEC capitalized on the opportunity to perform Identity 2012, an endeavour lighting the fuse for an explosion of popularity within the Canadian electronic music scene. Two years ago, the duo was selected out of a citywide search for the chance to play with some of the biggest names in the business. Already having shared the stage with Eric Prydz, Madeon and Bingo Players, DJ’s DE3FF and AKTEC are quickly providing premise for the capitalization of their stage names.
With a combined spinning experience of 7 years, the electronic duo began as social hobbyists, their passion for the craft quickly spurring an epiphany of potential. In recent years, the popularity of electronic music has pushed many musical minds to the realms of technology.
D3FF comments, “My family didn’t have much money growing up and they couldn’t afford all the expensive instruments I thought I could play. I was in my late 20’s when I realized there was free software online that could replicate any sound I ever wanted.”
The age of technology can also be marked as an age of increasing accessibility, this laying reason for the steep rise seen in electronic music production. This popularization has led to the split of the scene into two distinct categories, one gripping roots to the subculture origin and the other falling into the current of the mainstream. The inherent commercialization associated with rise in popularity fuels constant battle of integrity for serious electronic music producers attempting to trademark sound in a swelling industry. Influenced by both major headliners and underground producers, DJ’s D3FF and AKTEC try to infuse the honour of subculture and with the hype of public appeal. D3FF says “There is the benefit of the quantity of new music being put out constantly, but there is also the consequence of the over-saturation of the market and the devaluing of people’s work.”
The duo has steadily worked to further inflate their presence on the thriving scene by playing trendy venues like The Hoxton and spreading social media awareness, now boasting over 9000 likes on their Facebook page. Their unique sound was developed through the collaboration of their distinctive perspectives, the cooperation of partnership expanding creativity and strengthening purpose. Although teamwork can sometimes spur competition, the pair affirms that their cohabitation has only been beneficial. AKTEC comments, “We constantly keep each other in the loop with our contributions to the sound. By sharing ideas it allows us to run on the same wavelength and work as a team. Sometimes teamwork means sacrificing for the other for the better of the group.”
The producers aim to create a sound that stresses the interconnection of listeners and the positive vibes of dance culture. The formulaic nature of mainstream influence is a barrier D3FF and AKTEC are working to transcend, the originality of their work meant to strengthen genre interest in what some critics lay claim as a musical fad. Maintaining a musical perspective or what AKTEC refers to, as “the groove” is essential in career longevity. In the wake of technological revolution DJ’s and Producers D3FF and AKTEC are steadily working to secure a plaque in the hallway of musical accomplishment. With a feel-good sound that resonates from a pumping fist to a pounding heart, their recordings are sure to breathe life into any venue. Stay glued to their Soundcloud for new releases and their Facebook page for touring updates.
