14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHFREQISH

Brandon Lee began the Freqish project in early 2020. His first release "Let's Get High" on Claude Vonstroke's Dirtybird. His next releases followed suit and found homes on key labels like Gettoblaster's We Jack, DJ Dan's InStereo Recordings, Ravesta Records, iconic NY labels Nervous Records, King Street Sounds, their sublabel Street King and Vanilla Ace's Wyldcard Records.

Q: Please introduce yourself

My name is Brandon Lee PKA Freqish. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

One person I would like to sit and have coffee with is my future self to see if I was able to change the world for the better. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I were to have a superpower it would be the ability to teleport. I got into DJing because in addition to entertaining people I also really love traveling. I feel like there’s still so much I haven’t seen and it would make that easier. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

Most definitely Dune. I absolutely loved the books and the newest one I have watched like ten times already. I rarely see films where you can tell the focus on story and music were equally important like Star Wars for example. Or any movie with Hans Zimmer would be an honor. 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

There are honestly so many artists who influenced me. To name a few, I would have to say Gettoblaster, DJ Dan, Bad Boy Bill, and Qbert. But there are many more from the days of vinyl who influenced my DJing and shaped my music. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

I started DJing when I was 13. I went to my first rave and was instantly captivated by the scene. My mother bought me my first set of turntables to keep me from going out every weekend. It worked! I then went on to play gigs everywhere in my hometown of Denver. I knew this was going to be my career path because I was so passionate about it. I enrolled in audio engineering at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. I then moved to Chicago and worked as an intern at Pressure Point. I continued to DJ in Chicago at many after-hours events. When my internship was completed, I moved back home and started my first label while continuing to spend all my time producing. I was throwing my own after-hours events that coincided with my record label. Right before the pandemic, I started the Freqish project. Before long, I was getting my productions signed to very established record labels. 

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

One habit I use to push through the downs is producing music for extended periods of time because that is what keeps me peaceful. My studio is my temple and where I pay homage to those who helped carve out the path I continue to walk. Slow and steady wins the race. 

Q: What is one pro work ethic that you would recommend to the readers/listeners?

Understanding that this game is a journey and not a race. Stay patient and focus on your craft, and don’t let ego become your reason for pursuing success (whatever success looks like to you). 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

My sound hasn’t changed much over the years because I’ve always written every genre but the latest sound I feel pushes the boundaries of what House Music should sound like.This sound has yet to be released but my new label will introduce it. My mixing and mastering have definitely improved because I’ve placed more emphasis on making louder, more full tracks without sacrificing quality. Constant subtractive EQing as I work and finding the sweet spots is just one way I achieve this. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

I do not believe in following or playing one specific music genre. It’s all just art and it can be expressed in many forms. I also feel that artists shouldn’t be boxed into one particular genre as it hinders new ideas. In life change is constant so my music should always be in a state of evolution. This is not a very popular opinion but it is my opinion and I feel like at least a small group of artists share the same sentiment. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

“That Zipper Track” by DJ Dan, “Ego -Trip” by DJ Keoki, and “Searching” by DJ Icey were just a few tracks that inspired me. To me, the music during that time was always top notch because if you were going to release something it was a very intricate and expensive process, so as an artist you really needed to believe in your sound. I was fortunate enough to experience the last part of the 90s as a kid so for me it was less about the music and community we equally important. The rave scene gave me a place to belong because I was a socially awkward kid at that time. I decided that DJing would help me to conquer that while allowing me to play a more active role and keep that legacy going. 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

A missile silo in eastern Colorado would be the perfect location for an event. It would be the ideal setting for me to create a special experience for a party. Although I’ve thrown bigger shows I am about smaller, more intimate events where people have an opportunity to connect and create lasting friendships. To me that’s what this whole thing is about. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

I’m launching a new record label Old World Order Records, I just launched a publishing company as well. I currently have an Unlearn EP release coming out June 7th. I also have new music coming out on Gettoblaster’s imprint, Aliens on Mushrooms. I just finished a remix for DJ Dan and Jerome Robins which will be released on Dan’s label InStereo Recordings. Much more is in the frying pan but people will have to wait a bit longer. 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I used to clean high rise windows in Chicago because my internships were all unpaid. It actually impacted my career a lot. I figured if I could jump off a 70 story building in 30degree weather and live I was capable of anything.

Bonus Q Powered by Pioneer DJ: How did Pioneer DJ influence your career and what is your favorite Pioneer DJ gear?

Pioneer made it easier for me to bring more music to shows without the hassle of carrying records. I’m not a big guy, maybe 135 on a good day so carrying half your weight in vinyl was always a huge task. My favorite gear includes the CDJ2000 Nxs2 and the DJM 900. I own this set up and won’t be getting rid of this rig anytime soon because they have been played on by some of the world’s best talent. I consider them to be my good luck charm. Also I rarely endorse products but I must say that I just updated to the newest version of Rekordbox and the speed to load up tracks on my drives was absolutely insane. It kept me on schedule when a bunch of other roadblocks were in my way.