The Anxious Beat w/ CalvoMusic
As we slip deeper within a sonic hybridisation of the 21st century, an artistically boundary-less realm of music, culture & expression keeps unraveling beyond imagination - truly beautiful & truly inspiring.
For this October 2023 edition, we asked CalvoMusic - Club Producer & Pioneer of "New Club Waves" - A Sub Genre\ Formula of Baltimore Club Music - to lead the way as we enter his vibrant ocean of beats & sounds. We’re treated to an exceptionally rhythm-bending & soulful DJ mix, embodying the power of free musical expression. In addition, CalvoMusic also generously shared his thoughts with us - his connection to music, creative philosophy & a few amazing things that happened since it all started.
How did your interest in music begin?
CMI was surrounded by music because of my family and the things they were into. I became fond of the tunes I’d hear playing video games in addition.
How/when did you start DJ'ing and producing?
CMIn 2011, my 3DS was stolen and I didn’t have much to do that summer. I ended up plugging my eldest brother old pc and a monitor together. Once I was able to get it working properly, I noticed fl studio 8 was still installed. I would play around with virtual DJ here and there before getting a DDJ
in 2019.
Tell us about your sound and what it consists of
CMI call the sound “ New Club Waves” because of the inspirations mixed within that aren’t limited to the releases people are familiar with, or the prior examples of Baltimore club everyone know of. Many genres I grew up hearing due to the spaces I was around influences me, house, disco, garage, etc. I tap into different areas I’m fond of, surrounding it around The Baltimore Club example & African Drum class pattern structuring.
In ways waves are considered trends, I look at it as a frequency thing within my style. Similar to waves within the ocean, different tides, different flows. I tend to do the same with my songs, as there’s many feels you can grasp from them. No matter the tempo, no matter what’s incorporated through my influences, & the waves increase more with time.
Tell us about something extra memorable to you as far as your music and life and how come you carry that with you
CMFinally traveling to the UK by far. That’s been a goal since 2019 and I had a great time seeing what it was like out there. I even traveled up to Glasgow. Favorite show of them all! Shoutout to the fam Yves Tomas, Bok Bok & many others welcoming me with good energy during my stay. Earlier this year I dropped a tape of edits for an artist named Kris Hollis, & Wiz Khalifa ended up hearing it. I grew up jamming his mixtapes, so seeing that post from Wiz was crazy. I’d say that’s Top 10 memorable moment of all time.
Honestly, everything within the last 5 years is pretty memorable. A lot has changed for my own community by grinding. I carry it all because a lot wouldn’t be happening for certain areas within Baltimore. Reminder that you never know what can flourish by sticking to your passions & to keep doing what I love.
Future plans/releases coming up
CMI’m featured on a Night Slugs compilation that just dropped with S. Dot , Kade Young, & SlickGoHam. We’re all Baltimore Club Producers, & it’s a big moment for them. Other than that, I’m deeply in the brainstorming / laboratory stages.. being real patient with the process, but I can assure newer music is coming soon. Early 2024 is looking very promising.
Feel free to speak on something you'd like to share and that we perhaps didn't know to ask about
CMI’ll be back to the UK soon, hopefully I’ll stop through Bristol while i’m there next time. Also, be on the lookout for Baltimore City. Great things are to come from us!
