NCM GUEST MIX 016: EASY
Easy, thinking about how much he misses Utah
Now on to bigger and better things, Eric Wright known as Easy was once a staple of the Salt Lake scene. Whether behind the bar at some of the best restaurants and bars, behind decks in the desert, or at a downtown club, you can always count on him to deliver the goods. Like hands in the air, good-goods.
Easy’s passion for the finer things in life spills over into everything he does. Whether that’s food, cocktails, or music. Clearly evident in the mix he made for us here. The other thing we love about him is his bright and cheerful attitude. It’s something money can’t buy. It’s a bear hug waiting for you on the dance floor of life.
What were your earliest memories that sparked your interest in music?
My mother inspired a lot of my music taste when I was young. She got me a drum set when I was about four years old. Every time we were in the car I always had to guess the artist on the radio. After school, I would just sit in my room and listen to different albums from start to finish (as I think a lot of us did.) I don’t remember a time in my life were music didn’t come first.
What are some albums or artists that changed your life as a teenager? Your secret is safe with us.
I had a friend take me to a Sunspot Jonz concert at the Santa Cruz Civic early in my high school days. I was blown away. I immersed myself in the Bay Area hip-hop scene. Living Legends, Hieroglyphics. I loved it.
My introduction to dance music was Goodbye Country (Hello Nightclub) by Groove Armada. That album took me by surprise. I listened to every soundscape over and over.
We first met you when you were playing with Camp Catalyst around SLC coming from Burning Man and E11 (local burn) yes?
Yes! I helped organize a few different Burning Man theme camps before meeting the Camp Catalyst guys. We clicked right away and started organizing renegade parties in the desert. We would build big interactive structures and stages to dance and play around on. We brought a few variations out to the big burn and some other festivals, eventually teaming up with the Lun Cacoon crew and forming what is now known as Catalun Village at Element 11.
Your camp made its own handcrafted sound system which was pretty cool. Tell us about that.
Well we liked to build things, and we were looking for a cost-effective way to produce some big sound, so we came up with the idea to build our subwoofers. They sounded great and it was a super fun system to play on. We continued to build tweeters and other things to fill out the sound, but it was pretty heavy. Made for a tough load in and out. We got our use out of that system though. We played so many gigs and festivals with it. I give those guys all the credit, they taught me everything they knew in that realm.
What is it about the music and the desert that’s so attractive to you and others you think?
It’s a blank canvas. You can create anything you want. You can be as loud as you want. You can be as silly as you want. It’s ethereal and whimsical and everything in between. It’s incredibly romantic to let your guard down and be vulnerable. As an artist, you can let yourself go in that sort of environment.
How did you get your DJ name ‘Easy'?
It was a nickname given to me by my old boss because I share a name with Eazy E from N.W.A. So when I started playing out that’s what I went with. I think now it’s taken on a whole new meaning. My overall demeanor is pretty easy going and I like to play a more chilled-out minimal style of house and techno. Ethereal, chill… Easy.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or passions, outside of music?
I have a passion for dining and cocktails. I love walking into a restaurant or bar and just knowing you are going to get immaculate service with quality food and drinks. I love being introduced to new food and spirits. Service and standards seem to be lacking nowadays and I wish we could go back to a time with fewer substitutions and more trust in the chef and staff.
As a former Utah resident now living in Pittsburgh, what do you miss about the scene in Salt Lake?
I miss New City Movement! I miss the desert parties and the scene in general. Salt Lake has such a special house music community that’s hard to match. I'm still finding my bearings in Pittsburgh and I’m excited to see what the scene here has to offer. It’s been really great so far.
Do you have a favorite club, dance floor, or festival memory from over the years?
Playing in Berlin was a surreal experience that I will never forget. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I can’t wait to do it again.
I’m a sucker for a great sunrise set. Whether I’m playing them or enjoying them in the crowd those always provide everything I’m looking for. The sky gets those purple orange hues. The music gets deep, emotive, and groovy. Half the people have been up all night and some just woke up. If the DJ is doing it right, it’s the best.
What would you say to your younger self if you had the chance?
Put yourself out there. Don’t be scared to be judged. Everyone has an opinion so just be your authentic self and whatever comes of it, comes of it.
How would you describe the mix you made for NCM? Process, selection, etc. Anything in particular?
I tried to showcase a variety of sounds and styles that I enjoy. I went a bit more vocal on this mix to create a certain atmosphere. I want it to be versatile so people can dance if they want, listen at home, or in the car.
However they find this mix, I hope they interpret it and enjoy it however they want!
Anything else you’d like to tell the world?
Thanks to Matt and Jesse for all that you do!
TRACKLIST:
1. Daniel Dubb, Jonathan Rosa “Diamonds” [Get Physical]
2. Dachshund “Corruption” [Poker Flat Recordings]
3. Christian Martin “Orion’s Home” [Trippy Ass Technologies]
4. Fouk “Next Summer” [Shall Not Fade]
5. Logic 1000 “Like My Way” [Official Visualiser]
6. Sanoi “It’s All Love Baby” [Magician On Duty]
7. Cubestar “Deeper Love” [Unreleased Edit]=
8. PEZNT Featuring Devine Essence “Deep Down Inside” [Blacksoul Music]
9. Erik Kupper, K Scope “Valhalla” [Hysteria]
10. Homero Espinosa “Hold Me Close” (Tough Mix) [Kolour Recordings]
11. Rony Breaker, Nathan Thomas, Miguel Migs “Elevate” (Miguel Migs Salty Space Dub) [Salted Music]
12. Viot “On and On” [Rawthenic]
13. Sevader, Brian Bright “Techno Brat” [Omnifik]
14. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs “A Dream I Have” [Nice Age]
15. Niel Francis “Mr. Blue” (Lau.ra Remix) [Nettwerk Music Group]
16. Clive From Accounts “Gravitate” [Dirt Crew Recordings]