By all accounts, Mathias is having a great 2016. This past year, the hardworking DC DJ was profiled by Washington City Paper and Made In The District while spending his nights on the decks at some of DC’s most exciting events. This month, Mathias is launching a new club night called Everybody In The Place at U Street Music Hall and we caught up with him to talk about the new night’s sound and its first guest headliner.
Mathias, thanks for taking time out to talk to us about Everybody In The Place. Can you describe the sound and the style you are reaching for with this club night?
​Thanks for reaching out! There’s no one sound I’m aiming for with this party. I love almost every style of music. I just wanted to curate a night where you’ll hear more than one or two genres. There’s so much music, and I feel the bass driven stuff needs more exposure. So for this night, you’ll hear anything & everything. The Rapture to Lil Uzi Vert, Justice to Dancehall Riddims, Skepta to Lakim, TekLife to Flava D, New & Classic Bmore & Jersey Club/Vogue, and much more. I plan on having an out of town act to headline, and local DJ support every time.
Everybody In The Place, I am assuming, is named after the 1994 single from the Prodigy. In a recent interview with Made In The District, you cite Liam Howlett as one of your inspirations because he stayed true to himself through his career. Does same ethos carry over to the club night?
Dang, you related to Nardwaur? Lol, yes, that’s exactly where the name of the party came from. I first heard of them during a visit to Europe in 1997. There were “adverts” about The Prodigy everywhere because they were going to release The Fat Of The Land that summer. I heard “Firestarter” and became an instant fan. I got back to the states, and ordered every LP/EP of theirs I could. I was new to the electronic sound, so the Experience LP definitely made an a huge impact on me. “Everybody In The Place” was hands down my favorite cut. Ethos wise – yes. I listen to primarily BBC & Rinse FM, and I get so jealous when I hear some of their weekly line-ups. Almost always a mix of sounds in the same room. So between that, and the legendary TaxLo, and Trouble & Bass parties I used to attend, I’ve always been inspired to throw a cross-genre type of night. No better place in the city to do it other than U Hall. Forever thankful for all the staff there has done for me.
Jubilee feels like the perfect choice to launch this night. Her DJ sets are broad, covering a lot of stylistic territory, but also an irresistibly fun party. What led you to start the club night with her as the first headlining act?
Jubilee is just … awesome. I couldn’t think of anyone better. Like you said, she always makes her sets fun, and broad at the same time. So when I was approached about the night, I couldn’t think of anyone better to kick it off. I’ve only seen her DJ once (IRL), and it was for a Moombahton Massive. It was she and Dre Skull, and they brought the vibes. The TROPIXXX djs and me have always talked about trying to book her for one of our parties, so really I’m glad this is happening.
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Have you heard her new album After Hours?
Nah, I’ve only listened to it like 100 times. It’s a body of work. Definitely on my best albums of 2016 list. Another thing that I really dig is her Miami bass influence. I was really huge into that, as well as (NY) Freestyle (Dance Music) growing up. I lived in Langley Park, MD, so those sounds were in my ears at a young age. So to hear elements of it in present day is amazing.
Finally, are there any hints that you can drop about Everybody In The Place for 2017?
Hmm … just that I aim to make this a successful party with a wide assortment of different DJs from all styles of music.​ I hope everyone sees my vision with it, and has a great time on the dancefloor.
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