Don Diablo Chronicles His 2014, Track-By-Track

While we know that the music that many of our favorite producers usually has some kind of back story to it, it's not often that we get to hear their s

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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While we know that the music that many of our favorite producers usually has some kind of back story to it, it's not often that we get to hear their state of mind behind their material. More rare are situations where a producer chronicles their entire year through their music. Don Diablo isn't any normal producer, though. He had a solid 2014—a string of well-received singles for Spinnin', a huge single for SIZE—but like any human also had some down times. He's experienced loss, and used his artistry to work through what he'd been feeling. Lucky for us, Diablo took the time out to chronicle his 2014, track-by-track, giving us an intriguing look at the machinations behind each of his singles from 2014.

"Black Mask"

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In 2013 I was asked to write the themesong for the new Batman game Arkham Origins. This resulted in a track called "Origins," a track that allowed me to show a darker side of myself. At the time I recorded more songs that were possible contenders for the soundtrack, one of them was a futuristic track called "Black Mask." After the unexpected success of the Batman theme I decided it would be cool to extend to the Batman theme a bit longer which allowed me to create a more visual and conceptual look and feel around the releases.

"Knight Time"

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The first release of my "Time" trilogy and at the same time the last release of my Batman trilogy, hence the "Dark Knight" nudge. This record also marked a transition into a new exploration of sound, a return to my housier roots. I wanted to craft a sound that would allow me to play my records on the big stages and at the same time wouldn't sound too "big room" or harsh in smaller, more intimate venues. Symbolically I wanted to build something around the concept of "time" because I was still dealing with the passing of my father. During the last conversation I had with him we spoke about the value of time and the meaning of life, this inspired me to dedicate a series of records to this subject. I was surprised by the success of the record as it got picked up across the board by artists varying from Madeon and Knife Party to Kaskade and Tiesto.

"AnyTime"

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The success of "Knight Time" definitely inspired me to produce another record in the same direction. I wanted to make an anthem to celebrate the return of house music and the slogan "House Time is AnyTime and AnyTime is HouseTime" seemed to be the perfect slogan for this. The video for "Knight Time" was very futuristic and time consuming so for "AnyTime" I wanted to make a video that would be the opposite. The first idea that popped into my mind was to get all my colleagues and friends involved to make it feel organic and spontaneous. I ended up producing, directing, and editing the video myself which made it feel even more personal. Not long after that the song blew up, the video went viral and all of a sudden things shifted into another lane.

"Back in Time"

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For the final part of the "time trilogy" I wanted to literally go back in time and revisit the old skool UK rave sound that was popular in the '90s. The video for this track also takes you back in time, two years to be precise at it consists of two years worth of tour and backstage footage. I never really take the time to look back on things as I am already busy with the next project before the previous one has ended, so this video was a good way to put things in perspective and appreciate all the amazing adventures I am currently experiencing. It has always been a personal struggle for me to live in the here and now and I am always struggling to enjoy the moment without worrying about the next challenge.  

"Back to Life"

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After the final part of the time series it was time to get "back to life," to the in the here and now or perhaps even fast forward into the future. This track has a slightly more driving sound and spotlights a vocal that stands out immediately, in that sense it has a similar vibe and build up as my biggest song of 2013 "Starlight". The idea of living in the future and making a giant leap in time fascinated me that's how I came up with the idea to make a video that would show where I would be 50 years from now, possibly doing my last show ever or trying to make a comeback. We set up a last minute surprise show at the Avalon in Los Angeles, as a part of the video shoot, but didn't tell anybody I was going to be disguised as an old man, which made this one of the most interesting and physically exhausting shows I have ever done. I don't even know if I will ever make it to this age, my dad never did for instance, so it felt a bit like I was cheating on life and documenting something that might never even take place. Again it made me release the value of time, family and friendship.

"Generations"

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I wanted to conclude the chapter on time by looking beyond my own life, thinking about life before life and life after death. We are all part of a certain generation, but what do we really have in common? I saw my own mother struggle after losing the love of her life and her own mother not long after this. It made me realize once again how strong and beautiful women are be so I wanted to make a video that would be a very straight forward ode to women of all ages, colors and sizes. I always wanted to release a track on Steve Angello's SIZE label as I've always felt attracted to the whole vibe around surrounding this camp. SIZE is more than just a record label, it's a combines art with music and adds some traditional elements (like still pressing records on vinyl!) that are very refreshing in this throw away society where music seems to be losing more of it's value every day.

fin.

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There you have it, my personal story of 2014 explained through six simple steps that opened the door to even more possibilities and opportunities for me in 2015. I must add to this that the remixes I have done this year for artists varying from Marlon Roudette and R3Hab & Nervo to Jessie J & 2 Chainz, and especially Ed Sheeran, have also played a big part in the growth of my fanbase this year. It feels like I put five years into one year, but my energy level and drive has never been higher thanks to the strong connection that I now have with my fans, also through sharing personal experiences instead of just releasing commercially viable music. My road has been long and winding and I am super grateful that I am finally on the right track and am experiencing new levels of excitement every week now!

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