Interview with Robert Nan

I wanted to interview someone who has been an active participant in the San Diego EDM community, and found what he had to say quite interesting .

How many years have you been a participant in the EDM community?
12 years

What was it like in the beginning?
It used to be very low key, and exclusive. Only people who know would attend. Now it’s just too widespread. It’s everywhere, on the radio. People used to want to keep it exclusive. Back then, people usually went because they liked the music. They would bond because they like the same music. Now, there are people that don’t know the music, and people that want to try it out. Which isn’t a bad thing. But it’s not all about the music anymore.

How long have you been participating in San Diego EDM events?

4 years ago, in 2009

How’s San Diego’s events different than other places in America?
I’ve only been to norcal, la, and ultra. In San Diego, it’s a pretty new community. It actually started forming when dubstep and trap started becoming popular. Which is really interesting because it seems like the people here really relate to these genres. The events here play a lot of the harder stuff because people here became more interested in the music when these newer genres had started becoming more popular.

What is your favorite genre, and why?
Trans, because it’s more than just dance music. It picks up my mood sometimes. It’s more than just dancing, like other electro music are mostly about dancing. But the lyrics and meaning behind trans sound really pretty.

Do you think being in San Diego has changed your preference in music?
No, it just has given me more opportunity to explore different music. I haven’t really changed my preference, but it has enhanced what I wouldn’t have regularly listened to before.

Did you like other genres beside EDM?
Yes, I listen to everything. I listen to all pop, rock, punk-rock, alternative

How did you first start listening to EDM?
Cute girl. She was interested in it so I began listening to it, and I realized I really liked it.

Do you think the EDM community in San Diego is growing?
Ya, at a really fast rate. Even the school is realizing it. You can see it reflecting at UCSD like Sun God and Let’s Bounce