Naveen G (listed :: Proton :: Yoshitoshi) is no stranger to the underground, and he should be no stranger to you, either. From his years on Proton Radio hosting ‘Darker Shades,’ one of the station’s consistently top rated monthly mix shows (airing the first Thursday of every month from 12PM – 2PM EST), to his original production and remix work that has been championed by many, including Satoshi Tomiie and Hernan Cattaneo, Naveen’s passion for his craft is worn on his sleeve. Just as happy to open or headline, his ability to craft a set soaked in progressive grooves and infectious baselines has allowed him to play with some of the word’s best, such as S.O.S., Danny Howells and Audiofly, to name a few.
Not surprisingly, his demeanor matches his Djing style, smooth and up-front. Always humble, Naveen’s levelheaded approach to his career is perhaps his secret weapon. In a break from currently being hard at work producing new material, we had the distinct pleasure of getting his take on the goings-on in Miami for this year’s Winter Music Conference, and got a great one-liner in the process!
1. What were your artistic and/or personal goals that motivated you to participate in WMC 2010?
I got the chance to test run some new tunes that I've been working on, which is always a good thing, especially in a place like Miami where people are clued in to what’s hot in music. It’s also always good to meet up with all the online friends to talk about music and make some loose plans for travel and gigs. It’s always about getting to hear some fresh new music and get an idea of where things will go for the summer music season, not to mention the year.
2. There was a general rumbling surrounding Conference this year concerning attendance numbers being down and an over-saturated events calendar. From an artist/DJ perspective, was this something that you observed/experienced and did this affect your ability to successfully accomplish your goals mentioned above, positively or negatively?
I feel like the events were fewer this year, but whittled down to just the very strong lineups and/or parties. Less choices meant that each party was really tough to miss. Things did seem a bit thin, especially with the worst WMC weather I’ve seen in 10 years. That said, the people who did come out were up to the challenge and the parties went off great.
3. Were there any lessons learned in Miami this year that you would pay forward in regards to your participation next year? Were there any lessons learned that you would pay forward in regards to your career in general?
I've always stuck by my idea that if you know how to open a party and enjoy doing it, it will all pay off in the end. The headliners realize that kind of hard work and appreciate it when they step up to a crowd that is properly primed for them. I'll always enjoy and look forward to being an opener for the people I’ve played with because I find it very gratifying. The response from the crowds at WMC shows me the same thing.
What was your personal biggest tune over the course of the week?
I ended up playing Kevin Griffiths’ ‘Oh Yeah,’ remixed by Afilounge on Tsuba a lot, as it really gets people going. The same can be said for Lee Currtiss’ “Sister” on Get Physical.
5. Finally, to end lightheartedly, Conference is a hot bed for crazy behavior and overall wackiness. What was the strangest thing you witnessed or heard while in Miami?
Aside from the fact that people will come to WMC and pay money to see Lil' Jon "DJ", not much surprises me...
Naveen G’s Top 5 Records from WMC 2010:
1. Kevin Griffiths - Oh Yeah (Afrilounge remix) - Tsuba
2. Lee Curtiss - Sister - Get Physical
3. Ryan Davis - Perlentaucher (Matzak remix) - Irm
4. Prompt - The Gull - Highgrade
Uner - El Vuelo – Broken
Spring WMC Promo 2010
http://www.sendspace.com/file/lvlgtc
1. Jay Tripwire - Episch Symphonies - CDR
2. I:Cube - Operation Hypnosis - Versatile
3. Mike Monday - Feel - Get Digital
4. MRI - Pilgrimage - Resopal Schallware
5. Arnaud le Texier - Perfumes of our Dead Times - Safari Electronique
6. Sharam - Say Yeah (Dimitri Andreas Remix) -
7. General Elektriks - Raid the Radio (Agoria Remix) - Discograph
8. Claude vonStroke - Big n Round (Maetrik Remix) - Dirtybird
9. Santos - Llania Inesperada (Paul Ritch Remix) - Figure
10. Rulers of the Deep - Track Three - MUM
11. Lusine - Crowded Room - Ghostly International
12. Gabriel Ananda - Schnee - Basmati
13. Psychonauts - Take Control (Psycatron Remix) - International Deejay
Gigolo
14. Unknown