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Published 12/10/2012
Panic City is one of the hottest up-and-coming EDM producers in the country. The San Francisco native started off on turntables and built a reputation as one of the Bay Area’s most talented DJ’s combining technical skills, high-energy sets, and quality production. Now rising as an EDM producer, Panic City’s remixes and original tracks are being played worldwide by some of the best DJ’s in the world. Panic City took some time to sit down and chat with us.
Where does the name Panic City come from?
I knew this question was coming first. My real name is Nic…hence the Pa’nic’. But that’s all I can really say haha. It’s a really weird story and you don’t want to hear about it…but it stuck and here I am.
How did you get into DJing and producing?
I think it was 2005 I was just a bedroom DJ making side cash DJing house parties. It wasn’t until DJ AM blew up I got really inspired to become a club DJ. I found out there were try outs for a new club called Fahrenheit in San Jose (45 minutes south of San Francisco). I ended up getting the gig and Steven Renteria, the entertainment director believed in me so much he helped guide me to the top of the Bay Area DJ scene. Back then I was making my own edits and blends, but was ready to take things to the next level. Visting my buddy DJ Andrew B in Las Vegas, he introduced me to DJ MegaMan (aka Michael Mayeda) who he swore was the man to talk to about production. We became good friends and ended up making a lot of great remixes together. He taught me a lot of what I know about producing.
Panic City and DJ AM
How are you able to set yourself apart from other DJs?
I’d say its being a Producer. Everyday people who don’t follow DJ’s but love music find me now because of the internet presence associated with producing tracks that gain hype. On the flip side, what separates me from the “producer DJ” is I can hold my own on the turntables. Check out my 2012 mix “Out the Blue“. The art of DJing is definitely not dead.
Can you tell us a little bit about your label, Blacklights Records?
My record label is just another piece to the puzzle. It isn’t even one year old yet, but I have big plans for it in the future. For now I’m using it as a platform to put me and other talented up and coming producers on. It’s still in it’s infancy but check us out on Beatport.
Where do you get your inspiration for your remixes?
Everywhere really. From producers I admire, big movie soundtracks, to the acapella itself. I think the way Skrillex probably listened to tons of rock growing up, i listened to lots of dramatic stuff, hip hop, and r&b so making emotional stuff comes easy to me. At the end of the day, I always start off with the acapella and a piano and start plugging away.
Who would you like to do a collaboration or a set with?
There are so many sick producers out there, but I think it’s a tie between Kaskade and Calvin Harris. Kaskade always has the most amazing female singers on his tracks, and to have one of them on a collabo would be insane. Calvin Harris took his sound and was able to win the masses over. His crossover success is something I admire.
For your sets, do you play what’s currently hot on the charts or give the crowd new sounds?
Honestly, I just play what I think is hot, and it has nothing to do with where it is on the charts. I’ve made it this far without caring to play any Nicki Minaj or Flo-rida so I’m going to keep doing that. They are too corny for me. As cliche as it sounds, in the end, trying to please everyone pleases nobody. I’ve gotten tons of shit for “doing me” but with experience, hard work and time, those same people come running back when they notice you’re on to something.
What do you think has led to the US EDM scene exploding into the mainstream the last few years?
As a DJ watching this all happen I can think of a few things for sure. With the invention of serato, traktor, etc. DJ’s started to expand their horizons because it became cheap and effortless to get into new music. With that, guys like DJ AM who played literally everything started to have a big influence on DJ’s. Then the mash-up craze started. People started mixing pop and rap acapellas over electro beats, and I think that’s how it got introduced into the general public. That mid-late 2000’s electro really opened the flood gates for guys like me who weren’t into “traditional” house music. It became the “cool” thing, and with all things that are cool, eventually become mainstream. I’m not mad though.
What is in your DJ bag?
Besides my DJ equipment, I’ve learned that the next few things were always the most important to me when i wake up in a strange place the next morning: An extra toothbrush, sunglasses, extra iphone charger, CD’s of my new mix that I always forget to give out…and most importantly a pack of TUMS.
What is the best part of life as a DJ?
Personally, it’s been meeting people who enjoy the music I make. I’m still wrapping my head around the idea of having fans and getting flown places to spin records and party with people who want to party with you. It’s been a crazy ride and I’m loving every minute of it.
What is the worst part?
Trying to stay in shape when you’re going in 3 days out of the week. The erratic sleep schedule kinda wears on you, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What are some of your goals you have planned for the upcoming year (2013)?
At the end of this year I’m playing at the Wintersalt Music Festival alongside Diplo, Zedd, Dillon Francis and more. I’m more than psyched. Next year I’m looking to do more “Panic City” shows and start incorporating live performance routines on stage. More traveling to new places. I have some great things in the works so I’m very excited for 2013. I’ll definitely be cranking out more original music.
Buy Tickets to Wintersalt San Francisco
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
If the universe is on my side, making hits with other big name producers and making beats for huge pop artists. Played at EDC or Coachella. More travelling and possibly relocating from SF to somewhere “beachy”. Maybe have a mini Panic City?!?
You can listen to Panic City on Housenation 99.7FM (San Francisco) every Saturday at 1AM.
Follow Panic City (San Francisco, CA)
Website: djpaniccity.com
Facebook: facebook.com/paniccitymusic
Twitter: @djpaniccity
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/djpaniccity
