What hasn’t Darin Epsilon accomplished? He is an internationally acclaimed DJ, producer, host of the radio show Perspectives, record label owner, and a leader of Progressive and Tech House music. He is also one of the most sought-after artists to play international hotspots ranging from Kenya, Russia, UK, Brazil, Columbia, and he performs regularly in Los Angeles’ premiere clubs such as Avalon, Vanguard, and Playhouse.

With tracks featuring on numerous compilations for the likes of Markus Schulz, Paul Oakenfold, and John Digweed, Epsilon is in the company of the most influential producers of his genre. INTO THE AM recently had the opportunity to chat with Darin - this is what he had to say:

ITAM: You sunk your teeth into music at a young age:  you worked in a record shop and were the director of a college radio station, so clearly music is your passion.  How does electronic music speak to you and inspire you to produce the tracks that you do?

DE: That’s a great question to start off the interview!  Electronic music is unlike any other kind of music out there.  It’s an entirely unique and fresh sound that involves both body and soul.  I personally find it exhilarating to listen to, coming from a classical music background.  I don’t know about you, but my heart always pumps faster whenever I hear an enormous bassline thundering across a giant stadium.  That’s not a feeling I can get attending a rock concert, or a jazz festival, or whatever else for that matter.

ITAM: What do you think separates you from other producers and DJ’s? Would it be your work ethic, experience, sound? What makes you stand out?

DE: Well, I could say I have a strong work ethic and lots of experience.  However, I think it’s my sound that sets me apart from everybody else in the industry.  I’m pushing a style of music that I believe carries emotion, depth, and artistry.  It may not necessarily be the most popular thing out there, but I feel that it resonates with people who are well educated in electronic dance music culture and know how to truly appreciate it.

ITAM: You have been featured on compilations from some of the most respected artists in the industry such as Nick Warren, Markus Schulz, and Paul Oakenfold, just to name a few. Who would you like to work with next, and why?

DE: I’d love to work with guys like Hernan Cattaneo, John Digweed, Sasha, Guy J, 16 Bit Lolitas, etc.  I have massive respect for these artists and believe we’re on the same mission.

ITAM: If you could play back to back on the decks with one artist, who would it be and why?

DE: It’s a tossup between Nick Warren or Hernan Cattaneo.  We have the exact same taste in music.  Specifically, we support well-produced tracks that can stand the test of time.

ITAM: Describe your own sound in 3 words.

DE: Deep, groovy, and emotional.

ITAM: You performed at Insomniacs New Year’s Eve Party, White Wonderland, with two different set times this year.  How did that happen?  How will you differentiate what you play during the different sets?

DE: One day I received an email from Insomniac asking if I was available to play the midnight slot.  Of course I couldn’t say no, although I was a bit frightened, to be completely honest!  Everything worked out well in the end though.  Although I don’t believe I fit in with the rest of the lineup, I managed to find a happy medium with my sound that pleased both myself and the audience.

ITAM: What is the most memorable event you have played at thus far and why?

DE: White Wonderland, and also some gigs in Kenya, Russia, and Mexico.

ITAM: What motivated you to open your own label?

DE: I basically reached a point in my career when I decided it was time to really push my own brand.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that many labels out there are working in the artists’ best interests.  Now that I have my own imprint, I have the freedom to release whatever I want, whenever I want.

ITAM: What is something you want to tell the Into the AM audience that they wouldn’t know about you already?

DE: My mom and dad were not on board with me being a musician for a very long time.  Only after I started achieving a bit of success did they finally start accepting my career choice.  The moral of the story is, only you know what’s really best for you.  Don’t let anyone stand in your way or tell you differently.

ITAM: Who do you think the most influential artist has been in your own work?  Can be anyone you’ve worked with, listened to, mentored you etc.

DE: There are far too many to mention.  Paul Oakenfold is the person most responsible for motivating me to become a DJ.  I grew up absolutely loving his compilations and going to all the shows I could.  I was also heavily influenced by the Global Underground label, Sasha & Digweed, and groups like the Prodigy, Leftfield, Orbital, and Future Sound of London, among many others.

ITAM: You currently have a residency at Exchange LA.  If you could have a dream residency anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

DE: Ministry of Sound in London.  Any place where real underground music can be valued and appreciated.

ITAM: What do you think about the current commercialization and sudden popularity of electronic dance music even though it’s been around for decades? Do you think it is hurting or helping the industry?

DE: There’s not really a right answer to that question, I’m afraid.  I feel sorry that the younger generation isn’t getting exposed to what I refer to as “real” electronic music.  The acts that are getting booked to play the big festivals these days are primarily profit-driven and looking to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

On the positive side, more people are discovering dance music at a much faster rate than ever before.  Whichever side of the fence you’re on, that could only be a good thing in the long run.

ITAM: What is your dream show to play?

DE: Creamfields in Argentina.  South America has some of the most devoted fans in the entire world.  The people there are quite passionate.

ITAM: What does 2013 look like for you? Any exciting news you can give us?

DE: My new track ‘Shine The Light’ will be out January 28 on Nick Warren’s ‘Renaissance Masters’ compilation.  Two weeks later it will be released on Hope Recordings.  I also have several more releases in the pipeline.  The absolute best places to keep up to date with everything I’m doing are Facebook or SoundCloud.

ITAM: Thank you so much for doing the interview Darin! Best of luck to you!

Make sure to check out Darin's live set from this year's White Wonderland!

https://soundcloud.com/darinepsilon/darin-epsilon-live-white-wonderland-nye-dec-31-2012