We Know the Feeling: Laura DeBruin (Beatport Denver)

We Know the Feeling: Laura DeBruin (Beatport Denver)

18 October, 2010 | 8.30AM

• Written by: Sean Lewis
• Filed under: Music News: we know the feeling

For our next installment of We Know the Feeling Beatport Denver’s Laura DeBruin recounts how she slipped down the rabbit hole and never looked back, why small animals might have been better off if she had never discovered electronic music—don’t worry, it’s nothing to do with ritual sacrifice—and what not to say if you don’t want to piss off a towering go-go dancer.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small college town in Wyoming. Think boring, cold, and windy and you’ll have a clear picture.

What was the first album you purchased?

Should I be embarrassed to say it was Ace of Base’s The Sign?

Yes, you should be embarrassed. What was your first concert?

Nine Inch Nails. They’ve remained one of my absolute favorites ever since.

When and how did you get into electronic music?

I got into electronic music fairly late compared to a lot of other people I know. Wyoming doesn’t exactly have the best music scene so I didn’t get very much exposure to it early on. That all changed when I met my boyfriend at the time, who was from Chicago and a huge electronic music fan; he was constantly making me CDs and eventually took me to my first party, which was all drum ‘n’ bass. Needless to say, from that moment on I was hooked. At least once a week I would grab my best friend, we’d pack up our car and drive down to Denver to see whatever DJ was playing. We’d usually get back to town the next day just in time to go to work or class.

Have your tastes evolved since then?

Definitely. When I first started getting into electronic music I would listen to pretty much anything and everything. I’m not sure I even had a specific taste to speak of. Now I would say that I’m mostly a house addict, tech house probably coming in at number one. Anything well made or fun also gets my vote. I don’t always think that music has to be too serious to be enjoyable or effective.

What’s the best thing about living in Denver?

That it’s not Wyoming… Other than that, Beatport and all of my fantastic friends make Denver home.

What do you do here at Beatport and how long have you been with the company?

I’m the Customer Care Manager and I’ve been here a little over four years.

In layman’s terms, what does that mean?

I lead our Customer Care team and make sure that they have everything that they need to help our customers with the site and make them happy.

In what way has Beatport changed your life?

You know how people always say that when you meet the love of your life you’ll know? That’s how I feel about Beatport. I’ve met so many amazing and inspiring people and learned more than I could ever dream of, all while contributing to something that I really believe in. I can’t think of anything better.

Top three producers/Djs besides Ace of Base?

I’ve always loved Booka Shade and they’re amazing to watch live.

The Martin Brothers, both together and separately.

And of course Kaskade. Everything he makes is pretty and fun; I’ve never left from seeing him play feeling anything but happy.

Top three tracks you’ve heard in the past 3 months?

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinsoaurs, “Garden (Jesse Rose Play It Down Dub)”

Pitto, “Feelin’ (Joris Voorn Can’t Kick This Feelin When It Hits Mix”

Reset Robot, “Snippa”

How do you find new music?

Working in the Beatport office, it isn’t hard. Sometimes I almost feel overwhelmed by the amount of music that surrounds me on a day-to-day basis. I also find a lot of music on TV shows and from movies. I’m a firm believer that the music can make or break a moment in a show. Being the person who selects it sounds like a fascinating job to me.

Favorite eatery?

Do I have to pick just one?! I haven’t met too many foods that I don’t like so that’s tough. Sushi Sasa is always delicious. Cherry Creek Grill has a prime rib french dip that blows all other french dips out of the water.... Oh, and our favorite lunch spot in the office is a make your own spring rolls restaurant. I can’t give out the name though or everyone here will kill me. It’s already hard enough to get a table there.

So I narrowed it down to three…

If you were to go to jail, what would it likely be for?

Probably public intoxication. Happy Hour is definitely a trigger word in this section of the office.

Worst pick up line?

Well, the one I get the most is: “Wow. Are you really that tall?” No, and if you try to stand back to back with me you’re going to find one of my high heels in places you won’t like.

If it weren’t for Beatport, where would you be now?

I honestly have no idea. Hopefully doing something creative like graphic design or photography, but who really knows? When I started college I wanted to be a veterinarian, and obviously where I’ve ended up isn’t even close.

Complete these sentences:

I’ll never forget the time I ____

I’ll never forget the time I danced for Global Dance Festival at Red Rocks. Performing on stage in front of 10,000 people was such a rush, and I wasn’t even the DJ!

I hope to someday forget about the time I ___

I hope to someday forget about the time I had an afterparty at my house and someone threw up in my bed.

If I could be a ____, I would be a _____ because _____

If I could be a man I would be Trent Reznor because what’s not to love?

I would rather _____, than listen to ______

I would rather listen to a thousand yowling cats than listen to country music.

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