Preview and Interview: E.A.S.Y.
This Sunday, December 6th, DC art collective The Beat & Path is hosting an event and fundraiser at Flash Nightclub from 3PM-9PM in celebration of the DC-based web-series, Walk of Shame. The event, which is receiving support from the Washington, DC Economic Partnership, costs $10 with proceeds benefitting music education non-profit Mix Major and the Dupont Underground. The event will feature performances by E.A.S.Y. (DJ Shiftee & DJ Enferno), Trayze, DJ Amen Ra, Spinser Tracy, Kerim the DJ, DJ As-One, DJ Bo, and more. The event will open with a National Bohemian Power Hour from 3 – 4PM with free drinks with ticket purchase while supplies last and feature a signature “Walk of Shame” cocktail with Belmont Farm Distillery Lightning Whiskey moonshine.
We were lucky enough to catch up with busy duo, E.A.S.Y. via email ahead of their performance this Sunday. Check out the conversation below to learn their secret to making girls *literally CAN even.*
Capitol Sound DC: Tell us the story of E.A.S.Y. How did you meet and decide to collaborate?
Enferno: I’ve known Shiftee for about 12 years. We were in both in the DMC USA Finals in 2003, as well as couple other battles. We lost touch for a number of years, but I was always aware of his success in the DJ battle world. I also followed some of his videos, which I always thought were really impressive. One day, our mutual friend Dirty South Joe was in a meeting with my manager, Johnny Maroney, and Joe suggested that Shiftee and I collaborate. I immediately thought it was great idea, but I expected us to do a sort-of two-person live remix routine. In the process, we also worked in studio together and really clicked creatively. And so the bromance began.
Shiftee: There should be collabo announcements in the New York Times in the spirit of their Weddings section.
CSDC: What is the creative process like between the two of you?
Enferno: First, we stretch. Next, we meditate. Then, after listening to some Michael Bolton, we hit the studio hard.
Shiftee: Since we live in different places, we often produce via skype sessions. We figured out how to send Enferno’s audio through my speakers. Then I send back the smell of my feet via *fancy internet tubes* to make the experience feel more authentic.
CSDC: Describe what your live show is like in one phrase.
Enferno: Our live show: flows like a DJ set, entertains like a live band.
Shiftee: We try to do it all. Play our songs, party rock, even battle each other. Sometimes I even stage dive without telling Enferno first.
CSDC: Any plans of touring?
Enferno: Definitely in the future. To this point, we’ve done some cool shows in NYC and Austin for SXSW. We’ll be performing in DC for the first time at Flash on Dec 6th.
Shiftee: Fosho! We’ve got a lot of new music coming, so we will tour around that and get our mondo 12 foot rig on.
CSDC: Who are your favorite contemporary and non-contemporary artists?
Enferno: Contemporary - Lido, Keys N Krates, Manila Killa, Sweater Beats, Snakehips, Haywyre, Mr. Carmack, Craze, A-Trak, Z-Trip, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Cashmere Cat, Drake. Non-contemporary - Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Al Green, Prince, Madonna, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Guns and Roses, Hall and Oates
Shiftee: Dylon, dylon, dylon, dylon, and dylon
CSDC: Most importantly, how does E.A.S.Y. make girls *literally CAN even*?
Enferno: I defer to Shiftee on this.
Shiftee: Our music is uplifting, so when obstacles are in your way, pump up the E.A.S.Y. jams for that *CAN even* motivation.
You can catch E.A.S.Y. at Flash Nightclub this Sunday, December 6th.
Tickets for the event/fundraiser can be purchased HERE.