Introducing: 12th Planet

Introducing: 12th Planet

12 July, 2010 | 6.54AM

• Written by: BeatportSean
• Filed under: Music News: 12th planet, infiltrata

Which producer takes his name from a book written by the Sumerian historian Zechariah Sitchin, who argues that human origins stem from extraterrestrial beings from the planet Nibiru?

Why, it’s none other than 12th Planet of course! The ambassador of Los Angeles Dubstep tells us, “I chose the name because I wanted my music, image, and legacy to be somewhat mysterious, mythological, intergalactic, and original all in one.” Original it is indeed.

As a resident of Los Angeles’ SMOG, 12th Planet has been dominating the city with extraordinary mixsets and a schedule of remixes and tracks that have elevated California’s position in the global scene. We had the chance to occupy his busy schedule with our frivolous questions all in the name of bringing you some insight into the stellar mind of the man behind 12th Planet.

When did you first discover dubstep?

I started off playing drum & bass under the name Infiltrata about 10 years ago, so I was in touch with what was happening in the UK underground. I got into dubstep around five years ago. One of my friends, Mark (Tech Itch), was really into the music, and put me onto some the first artists putting out “dubstep”. Then I got this podcast of this Mary Anne Hobbs radio show, that had all of the freshest music of the time. People like DMZ, Skream, Benga, etc. were all debuting their latest tracks on this show. I didn’t think it would be where it is today, but I was intrigued at how much it resembled drum & bass. It got much better once I found out there were other people in my immediate area who were into the same music. One thing lead to another and soon we had weeklies, monthlies and one-offs poppin’ off in LA.

How would you describe the sets you play?

Intergalactic, high energy, and extremely bass sexual!

Are you early bird, late nighter or all nighter?

I never rest.

How do you explain your music to your family members?

My family is aware of most of the music I produce. I keep them up to date with the latest merch, music, and videos whenever I can.

Where do you produce?

At the moment I produce in a studio in downtown Los Angeles, about two blocks from Skid Row.

Do you currently have a favorite piece of gear/software?

I cant get enough of the u-he ACE synth.

What inspires you when you go into the studio? 

Not sitting in a cubicle.

Which record do you wish you had made? 

‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles, if we are basing this off stats!

The long overdue L.A. earthquake starts to hit, which one record would you grab before running to safety? 

I think I would just grab my hard drive instead. Diggin’ through 30 crates of vinyl on the wall would be tough in that large of an earthquake.

What was the best party/gig/festival you’ve ever attended, and why? 

From a personal aspect, I think my seventh birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese’s might have been the best party ever! From a dubstep aspect, DMZ’s three-year was pretty heavy for me. It was the first time I recognized how international dubstep had become.

What was the best party/gig/festival you’ve ever played, and why?

Electric Daisy Carnival Los Angeles 2010 is hands down the best and biggest party I’ve ever played in my life. I played in front of 15,000 people and had more fun there than any other party ever.

Musical genres: horrible and constricting categories, or needed definitions for avid fans to follow?

Hmmm, That’s a tricky question. I am a bit partial to both ways to be fair. On one side I feel that genres are needed to identify specific fan-bases for marketing, sales, and the industry as a whole. On the other hand I believe that genres tend to dictate where a specific trend will stay, and die. I am in the middle, because I love dubstep music at the moment, but I don’t consider the music I make to be purely dubstep. I am influenced by so many other classifications of music that it just kind of becomes this one melting pot at 140 bpm.

When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to?

Hip-hop.

When you’re not making or playing music, what’s your preferred pastime?

FIFA! I play video games to switch it up.

What was your screen name on the eternally hilarious Brostep Forum? 

Haha, I think I registered 12th Bronet on there.

Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases…

I got a remix of Rusko‘s ‘Hold On’ forthcoming on Mad Decent this month. I’ve got a remix of Sidney Samson‘s ‘Fill U Up’, forthcoming on Ministry of Sound. I’ve got a remix of DJ Sneak‘s ‘Southern Boy’ forthcoming on Scion Audio Visual as well.  I’ve been working on some original projects as well, but I’ll keep the secrets under wraps!

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