A few weeks ago my friend and production partner R.E.G. posited a very interesting question to me that I have been contemplating ever since. He simply asked "Why do you make music?"
My initial response was genuine but perhaps a bit superficial upon reflection. I answered "to make people dance and enjoy the present moment." Over the past 4 years as a professional DJ this has been my answer, and for the most part it has been sufficient. Helping people let go and lose themselves in the moment through dance is certainly an honest pursuit, but lately as I produce more original songs and I find that answer lacking. I am coming to understand that making people dance only scratches the surface of what making music is all about. Rhythm and movement are inherent in all music, yet there is a higher realm that some songs reach as we listen. Great music connects with us personally and moves our emotions as well as our bodies. This is my new answer to that profound question:
"I make music to connect with people and to move their mind, body, and soul".
With this new perspective in mind I have been trying to make music with meaning and emotion. I felt a good place to look for inspiration is art that has moved me recently. One such piece is Australian Jewish artist Jane Korman's Youtube video "I Will Survive: Dancing Auschwitz" in which her three children and her father, 89-year-old Holocaust survivor Adolk dance at various Holocaust sites to Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". It is a new and entertaining way to express the power of the human spirit and to remember that we must never let racial intolerance consume our world again. I was so moved that I wrote a dubstep song expressing this same theme and remixed Korman's video in my VJ performance style. This is the first piece of art I have created that touches on such an important, meaningful message and thought it may seem odd, this is my way of expressing Korman's message of tolerance and peace. Hopefully it will move you too.
In the Name of Peace + Video Remix of Dancing Auschwitz
In my latest track I teamed up with Boulder beatmeister R.E.G. to create this odd number. Part hip hop, part dubstep, part synth pop DnB - this party mover has many different styles...like me!
THis may be some sort of sick april fools joke but Joel Zimmerman AKA Deadmau5 is posting some ill wobble beats on a new Soundcloud account under the alias fuckmylife. You be the judge...
Rex Buchanan is a DJ and dance music producer based in Denver. His mixing style and production work range from big room electro to late night dubstep, always maintaining female friendly dance floor vibes. In the past he has performed at some amazing events and venues including Burning Man Festival (Nevada), Pool Party @ Coachella (California), The Foundry (Boulder), Nomad Lounge (Omaha), Fly Lounge (Aspen), Cirque (Snowmass), Lipgloss, The Church, Vinyl, Suite 200, & DJ Mag's # 1 nightclub in the US for 2008, Beta.
During his career Rex has opened for or spun alongside headliner acts such as Pretty Lights, Will.I.Am, Ludacris, LMFAO, Benny Benassi, Bad Boy Bill, DJ Icey, Donald Glaude, Josh Gabriel, Matt Darey, Vajra, LAZRtag, The Faint, Lee Burridge, Jen Lasher, Dances With White Girls, Wyatt Earp, Brian Howe and Manufactured Superstars.
Rex started Discosapien Productions to facilitate large scale events and support upcoming artists. Rex and his team provide professional sound, lighting, and DJ / MC performances for nightclubs, weddings and private events throughout Colorado as well as design and promotion services.
For those interested in the art of moving bodies, Rex provides private DJ and Music Production Tutoring out of his studio in Denver. Rex is also the lead instructor for the Colorado chapter of DJ4Life Academy based out of San Fransisco. Those students who are interested in taking their DJ and production skills to the next level should consider training with Rex.
