NY based DJ/Producer eSenTRIK has been steadily killing the game for the past few years. As 1/2 of TWRK, he has unleashed some of the hottest 100 BPM cuts out and was a key influencer in the explosion of the twerk genre. The collaborative project with Benzi has seen immense success, allowing the duo to tour the world playing some of the largest festivals and shows each year. As a solo artist his productions vary greatly, producing everything from trap and jersey club to stunning future bass. One common thread throughout his work is the distinct level of ‘sexy’ injected in every track. We had the pleasure of connecting with the immensely talented producer to discuss the upcoming WE ARE TWRK EP, future solo works and his tour schedule. Check out the full interview below.
FUXWITHIT: What’s the significance of the capitalization in your name?
eSenTRIK: There really isn’t one, I just thought it looked cool. I thought about just doing all capitals but people have told me they like it how it is.
FUXWITHIT: You started out making blends and edits. What was the first thing you made that really made you believe in yourself?
eSenTRIK: I’ve made a handful of good and bad edits but I think the one that put me on the map was a bootleg remix of Drake’s ‘Over’ back in 2010. I took DJ Sega’s remix of ‘BE’ and put Drake’s vocals on it and it went off on the internet. It was the first time I ever got any blog coverage. Fader magazine covered it and the biggest was it was posted on Drake’s ‘October’s Very Own’ site!
“Twerk music happened cause Benzi and I heard ‘Bird Machine’ and had a feeling music was going to shift to a more mid tempo 100 BPM style”
FUXWITHIT: You’re a bit of a tastemaker. You were supporting and producing Jersey club, future bass and most notably twerk, well before the genres began reaching a broader audience. How do you stay ahead of the game?
eSenTRIK: I’ve been just open-minded when it comes to new stuff. Before, it used to be friends telling me about new stuff. But the internet is so powerful now that you can find anything. Exploring SoundCloud is a huge plus. Twerk music happened cause Benzi and I heard “Bird Machine” and had a feeling music was going to shift to a more mid tempo 100 bpm style. So, Ben and I just went all in and busted out all the 100 bpm jams we can think of and sure enough, the world followed.
FUXWITHIT: What do you see as the next sound or genre to look out for?
eSenTRIK: I don’t know about the next sound but I can see moombahton coming back around. Also, I would like to see more transition type songs where the tempo changes in the middle of the song like in the Diplo x GTA’s ‘Boy Oh Boy’ song.
FUXWITHIT: I’ve heard a few people predicting moombahton making a strong return. Can we expect any moombah coming from you?
eSenTRIK: I would like to. I’ve always added moombah elements like with the drums when it came to the TWRK stuff so I never really abandoned the sound. Maybe bring back the moombahsoul sound?
FUXWITHIT: With the TWRK EP set to drop in May, what can you tell us about the release?
eSenTRIK: The EP is called WE ARE TWRK and it’s just filled with jams galore. It’s a very fun EP that we hope everyone will dig. The first track we released off the EP was ‘SPRING BREAK’ ft. The Rej3ctz & Dougie F. Since we are in the spring break season, it was only right to release it for free with an announcement of the new EP. The one track that everyone should look for is ‘HELICOPTER.’ It’ll be the next single and the big heavyweights like Flosstradamus and GTA are already playing it. Big horns on the breakdown, crazy vocal chops on the drop and hopefully a clever dance to go with it!
FUXWITHIT: What’s the process like when you and Benzi collaborate? Are you always physically together when working? Do you have certain roles or is not just back and forth?
eSenTRIK: In the pre-TWRK days, we would communicate through emails. Ben was living in Michigan at the time and I live in NY so emails were important. Now we’re both in NYC so everything is way easier. I usually start off the track and once I have a good structure, I’ll pass it to Ben and he’ll make notes. Then, we’ll just combine and throw more ideas on the table and see what comes out the speakers.
FUXWITHIT: Have you begun working on your solo EP? How will the sound differentiate from the upcoming TWRK project?
eSenTRIK: I’m jotting down ideas right now. It’ll sound way different than the TWRK project cause it’ll be more melodic and R&B driven, I guess the “future bass/R&B” sound that people like to call it.
FUXWITHIT: The large majority of your works are remixes. Can we expect any new originals this year? What is it about remixes that you enjoy so much?
eSenTRIK: Yeah, of course. I have a few in the stash that are unreleased right now but once I start my solo EP, expect more originals in the future. Remixes are fun to do cause if I can flip it in a certain way and people tell me they like it better than the original then I’m happy.
FUXWITHIT: How does the process differ when working on official vs. unofficial remixes?
eSenTRIK: My work ethic is the same but the process of making it is easier with officials. Most of the time the label will provide the files/stems for the song and I’ll have more options to work with. It’s sometimes tough with bootlegs cause I have to hunt down the acapella and instrumental just to get something I can work with.
FUXWITHIT: I spoke with Vices last year and they mentioned a collab was in the works. How is it coming along? Any other notable collaborations in the pipeline?
eSenTRIK: Yeah, we’ve had a couple of ideas in the works but nothing has come to fruition just yet. We’re still working though! I have a few collabs in mind but nothing set in stone yet.
FUXWITHIT: You recently wrapped up the Down Under Tour in Australia and New Zealand. What was the best part of the experience?
eSenTRIK: AUS/NZ was an amazing time. Just experiencing the culture there and how people know our music is just great to me. Music has no barriers. Also, the weather was fantastic so whenever I can get a chance to leave NYC during the winter time is always a plus.
“I remember watching the ULTRA YouTube stream 2 years ago thinking how would it feel to ever play such a big festival. Now we’ll be a part of it…”
FUXWITHIT: You’re already booked to play SXSW and Ultra, two of the biggest events this Spring. What shows are you looking forward to most this year?
eSenTRIK: I’d say both cause both have a special meaning to me. I’ve played SXSW with Benzi as TWRK last year but this year I get to play a solo one for the OKAYFUTURE x SERATO showcase as well as TWRK shows. As far as ULTRA, I mean it doesn’t get any bigger than that, right? I remember watching the ULTRA YouTube stream 2 years ago thinking how would it feel to ever play such a big festival. Now we’ll be a part of it and I can’t wait!
FUXWITHIT: Any plans for a Canadian tour?
eSenTRIK: Yes this summer!
FUXWITHIT: That’s great news! Do you have the cities lined up yet?
eSenTRIK: I can’t really confirm any more info other than TWRK Canadian tour in June. Get ready ayee.
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