So how we are glad that this genius collaboration of Dave Nada and Matt Nordstrom came together is 2007 and hit the ground running with their very successful first EP “Pussy”? Both had success before they came together, Nada DJ-ing alongside acclaimed DJs like K-Swift, Rod Lee and DJ Technics as well as producing tracks of his own. All this whilst Nordstrom, who swapped his college major from psychology to audio engineering, piloted recording sessions with Stevie Knicks and P Diddy, receiving a Grammy nomination in the process. Since their successful first EP, they have followed up with producing for Kid Sister, also remixing for Kid Cudi, Benny Benassi, Christina Aguilera and Waka Flocka Flame to name but a few.
People have often described Nadastrom as the architects, ambassadors and pioneers of the Moombahton movement, and they would not be wrong. The seeds of Moombahton were sown in the unlikely location of a high school “skipping party” (a party in the middle of the school day, kids skip school, party in a basement, close down before police shut it down, go back to school) that a friend of Nada’s cousin was having. Feeling a bit nervous and out of place with his house and techno, Nada played some Dutch House and turned it down to 108bpm and the place went crazy for it. After this reaction, Nada decided to make some edits and play them at clubs in Baltimore to a great response once again.
Since then Moombahton has become a movement of its own, growing from the club scene in Baltimore, to DC to LA and much further afield including the Vancouver winter Olympics in 2010. The Moombahton Massive is crossing the waters and coming to Barcelona on June 17th and it promises to be a massive night. With a line-up of Moombahton masters such as Nadastrom, Sabo, Munchi and Data, it’s an night not to be missed!
How would describe Moombahton to someone who has never heard any before?
How did you guys meet?
Matt Nordstrom and I met through our mutual friend and amazing dj Tittsworth from DC. He introduced us during the summer of 2007, noticing that we shared the same love for electronic music and classic Eddie Murphy movies. We immediately hit it off, trading mixes, ideas for tunes, and we started a weekly dj night where we played weird house records all night for a bar tab. Great times!
What's your working relationship like, do you create your own tracks or collaborate on everything?
We do both! Sometimes Matt will have a dope idea for a track and I'll help develop it and vise versa. When we're at home in LA, we like to get up in our studio and work together whenever we get the chance. We've been on the road a lot this year, so we usually try to get in some studio time during our travels. It's not ideal, but you gotta make the best of it!
Who's the ideas man?
Both of us!
Why did you decide to bring Moombahton to Barcelona?
Nadastrom had an amazing night at Razmatazz last time we came through Barcelona in April, so when Sunjinho asked to collaborate and do a proper Moombahton Massive, we thought it was great timing. Especially with our brothers Sabo and Munchi on the lineup. It makes for a classic night. We started Moombahton Massive with Sabo in Washington DC almost 2 years ago, and Munchi was our special guest for the 1st one we did. It was also his U.S. debut. This makes BCN Moombahton Massive extra special for us this time around.
How do you think the Moombahton movement is developing in Barcelona?
Well it's tough to gauge at this point since this is only our 2nd time playing in Barcelona, but we had an overwhelmingly great response from our April show at Razmatazz, so we have high expectations this time around. Especially with such a solid lineup!
Who do you think will be the next big name on the Moombahton scene?
There are tons of great producers making moombahton music right now that are pushing boundaries like Steve Starks, JWLS, Billy The Gent x Longjawns, Tittsworth, Jay Fay, Sabo, Jon Kwest, Boyfriend, Melo, Valentino Khan, Astronomar, etc. So many to name!
Describe to me a normal day, if there is such a thing, for a DJ, starting with what time are you normally getting out of bed?
Normal day could mean anything haha. Average day, I'm either waking up early morning, disoriented, trying to catch a flight and traveling all day to the next city for a show. Usually get there around soundcheck time, grab dinner with Matt, go over tunes, then head to the club and play until close, wake up early the next day and do it all over again...Or I'm sleeping in with my fiancé til about noon, then getting coffee and making brunch at home and we'll work throughout the day. Sometimes we'll go hiking before the sun goes down. Jen's an amazing cook, so we love throw small dinner parties and invite our LA buddies over when we have the chance.
What advice would you give to aspiring young artists?
Explore all areas of music! Never limit yourselves or be intimidated to try things. Keep a positive mental attitude and keep working on your craft! All these things will come in handy in the long run.
