DJ Sliink has been a staple in the scene for years. Sliink set the world on fire back in 2012 when connected with Flosstradamus for ‘Test Me’. He was a key figure in the trap movement and is the self-proclaimed Jersey club king. His ability to move between the two genres has helped to bring both sounds to a larger audience around the globe. As Jersey club exploded on a global scale in 2014, he served as the genre’s ambassador. Sliink continues to push the genre forward, blending it with unique sounds and influences to keep things fresh. Earlier this year he joined the ranks of Skrillex’s OWSLA label, dropping one of the hottest records of the year with Fatman Scoop in ‘Higher.’ We had the honour of connecting with Sliink for an exclusive interview to discuss the progression of Jersey club, his relationship with OWSLA and the surprising places music has taken him. Check out the interview below.
Jersey Club has gone through an interesting progression over the past few years. It moved from being a regional sound, to one of the hottest genres out. In recent time it seems some of the hype has worn off. What are your thoughts on the evolution of the genre over the past few years?
Jersey club has been around for decades. In Jersey we still treat it like it’s new. When the internet got a hold of it everyone went wild. You know how the internet is, they get tired of things and look for the next wave. They don’t have the education so they wouldn’t know the importance of it all. I kind of liked that other people took interest into the genre. It was cool to see what they could do with it. That also made it commercial a bit. Where I am with the genre now is, I’m working with actual artists along with the sound. It’s no more remixing really, only on the side. I want to work with the big artists to change their sound and mine.
Jersey club & dancing goes hand and hand. It’s like peanut butter and jelly.
The ‘Run Ricky Run x Higher’ video centers around some incredible dancers. Can you speak to the importance of dance culture within Jersey?
Jersey club & dancing goes hand and hand. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. The dancers get all of their ideas by how the song sounds & what kind of vibe it has. Like everybody came up listening to Jersey club, if you’re from Jersey then you know what it is. The ‘Run Ricky Run x Higher’ video really captured the things we do in Jersey. It was all homies in the video as well.
Jersey Club is a genre that built upon and known for its wild samples. What’s your favourite club sample or sound?
You’ve been teasing big things coming with Cartel Nation. Can you tell us a little bit about what Cartel Nation is about and what we can expect from you guys?
Cartel Nation is the squad. They are the homies I came up with. We went to parties together, made music together for as long as I can remember. Cartel Nation consists of dancers, DJ’s , Rappers , Producers. A little bit of everything. Specifically I’ve been teasing the song ‘Action’ Stacks Cartel Ft. Classic (Prod. DJ Big O), Executive Produced by me. That’s gonna be a nice one right there. You can expect these guys to flood the game with new music. We have music we have been working on for years.
You connected with the legendary Fatman Scoop for ‘Higher’ earlier this year. How did that collaboration come about? What was it like working together?
Earlier this year you joined the OWSLA team. How has the experience been so far? What has changed since joining the team?
I love OWSLA , they know exactly what they are doing. They have a great handful of staff that’s constantly working. So far I just think they really opened my eyes and changed my perspective on music. Being around forward thinking people builds your brain up to just be more creative. Music has changed, shows have changed, just everything for the good.
You have the OWSLA logo tattooed on your arm, that’s a pretty powerful commitment. What does that tattoo mean to you?
Yes! This tattoo to me means my first very big shot. I feel like in the past people gave me chances with things but not like this. I felt like OWSLA was just like “you ready, let’s do this!” I feel like some people try to just give you enough of what you need & the OWSLA team is like whatever you need to get things done, let’s do it.
Me making music, my mind wasn’t even on no fashion shit really.
What’s the craziest place that music has taken you?
Craziest place to me was being at fashion shows with Rick Owens & going to dinner with him and his wife. Me making music, my mind wasn’t even on no fashion shit really. Alexander Wang also used my music in his shows as well. Also of course all around the world. I’m actually in Hong Kong right now doing this interview on the way to Jakarta!
You recently had your SoundCloud page deleted. Do you see yourself continuing to use the platform and rebuilding or will you be moving onto another platform?
I feel SoundCloud has been rubbing everybody the wrong way. I’m sure their numbers have went down. I don’t really care for it, I made a new one (Sliink Official). I just tried to upload ‘Long Minute’ with Brenmar & they immediately flagged it . Lmao it’s my song and they suck. Not sure what future platforms I will be using. Can def hear things on Spotify and all that.
I’m very creative so I think I’m going to surprise myself.
You’d mentioned you’re working on a new EP. How’s it coming along? Can you give us any details (when is it coming out, title, etc.)?
I’m just working on a bunch of music for the past few years. I’m not sure what it will be and what will come from it. Just know I’m working and things will be out.
Where’s the Sliink sound going for 2017?
I’m very creative so I think I’m going to surprise myself. I always do! Thanks for the interview.
