Meet the Sound Provider: ARBS

We connected with DJ/producer ARBS, who shares his creative process, musical influences, and what drives his unique sound behind the decks.

Here's our latest Non-stop Mix of Eclectic R&B, Soul & Hip-Hop. (((TUNE IN BELOW)))

 

What goes through your mind when you’re behind the decks? 

I visualize musical puzzles. Kind of like a game. Each blend is like solving the puzzle. Then each creative move, whether some scratches, mashups or a perfect mix, is like leveling or powering up your energy. 

Did you have any specific influences that shaped your sound? 

D-Styles, Babu, Craze, and Cut Chemist at one point in my life have influenced my sound. 

How would you describe your music style? 

My music style is fairly open format, but I do lean towards classic grooves, funk, soul, and anything that has that vibe regardless of what genre, old or new. 

Do you plan ahead or do you improvise? 

My process is straightforward, but gets intricate as it starts to develop. I cater to the theme and start a massive playlist of potential tracks. Then I start doing small sets and start finding ways to stitch these small sets together. So many variables come into play such as tempo, key, style, and energy, but I try my best to checkmark all the boxes and make it work. 

What is your most memorable DJ set that you have played so far? 

I have to say co-headlining for Faust and Shortee at a small drum and bass night. I went back to back with the homie Reen. I’ll never forget Shortee telling us the crowd was here for us and we were a tough act to follow. That felt good to hear coming from one of the legends that inspired me. 

What is your preferred setting and why? (Festivals, Clubs, Intimate settings) 

I’ve done a little bit of everything, but nowadays I enjoy intimate settings.  

When you’re not DJing, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy many things such as the great outdoors, making music, designing, and recently picked up a new lifelong adventure… woodworking.