SCUMFROG – JESSE HOUK
Amsterdam’s Jesse Houk, aka The Scumfrog, is always thinking ahead. The in-demand remixer and energetic DJ is looking for ways to take dance music to new arenas, weather it’s with his live electronic music act “DJs Are Alive” or at his virtual club, Glam Scum, on Second Life. The “music revolution-ary” is no stranger to traditional dance clubs though, recently headlining Ibiza’s Privilege (the worlds biggest club), playing at the Burning Man festival, and touring constantly. We sat down with the former boy band member to find out his loves, his hates, and what he has planned for his new website.
How did you first get into DJing?
I started DJing in high school in the mid eighties as a way to get invited to parties otherwise exclusive to girls and guys in higher grades. This was long before a DJ was cool. He was usually tucked away somewhere and yelled at for not playing enough Kid n Play. However, the next day in class you could say I was there.
What was your first big break?
Landing two of my tracks on Danny Tenaglias Global Underground compilation in 1999.
How would you describe your personal look/style?
I'm into fashion to the point that I follow certain brands and designers. If something makes me look good I stick with it. But I’m not very hip when it comes to keeping up with the seasons. You’ll be likely to see me in something that is so 2004. I’m not against labels as long as they’re not visible on me.
How would you describe your sound?
Fitting and elevating.
What do you think about the current state of affairs in dance music?
Between Clear Channel still not being down with Trentmoller, and actual music sales being at a seemingly unstoppable decline, dance music is completely underground again, which is, in my humble opinion, when it is at its most innovative and vibrant. More and more producers during their creative process let go of the notion that their songs need to sell or get radio play. This results in music that is more from the heart than from the mind, and on any given underground club night, the result of this trend is very audible.
What other artists or producers have been impressing you lately?
Keep an eye out for Deadmau5 (Canada), D-Nox (Germany), David Gausa (Spain), Lank (Hungary), Tommy Vee (Italy)
What’s your favorite club to play? Favorite city to play in?
The Deep End in Black Rock City
What’s the one thing you cant live without when on the road?
My amazing team back home that informs me where I am, and what I am doing, on an hour-to-hour basis.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen or had happen to you at a gig?
Watching a fellow DJ from the same line-up chatting up a girl while I was performing. He was claiming to be me after she told him she had come to the club to see The Scumfrog. I don’t know if she fell for it, but they did leave the club together.
What exciting stuff do you have coming up? Gigs, albums, travel...?
I did a project with Cyndi Lauper for her upcoming album. The stuff came out really cool and is about ready for release on Sony. For travel info check out www.thescumfrog.com.
With his new website thescrumfrog.com – Jesse is one of the first major producers to give away upcoming tracks to DJs and fans. Check it out and get tour dates, new releases, merchandise, and downloads, and some extra exclusives.
Listen to The Scumfrog’s new show on Sirius Radio’s Area 33 or his most recent DJ mix podcast at theflawlessSound.com. He’ll be playing at New York’s Sullivan Room on December 14, 2007.