THE BIG
CHEESE

SQUEAKS COME OUT AT NIGHT: Deadmau5

by JACK OATMON

When it comes to internationally recognized Canadian artists who compete with the American and European heavy hitters, Deadmau5 is decidedly dance music’s answer to Nickelback, in terms of style, success and appeal. The Toronto-based DJ/producer, born Joel Zimmerman, frequents Beatport’s top download lists, Juno ceremonies and glossy magazines. His sound is a populist hodgepodge, just aggressive and driving enough to get thrown in with electro, just slick and gradual enough to work with the mega-club house heads, while staying up-tempo and epic for all those Tiësto-worshipping trance lovers in Ibiza. In short, it’s inoffensive pop dance music that slips through the gates all over town, and the superstar DJs lap it right up.

Only on the scene for three years and change, Deadmau5 has made a breakneck paced climb to success, entering the DJ Mag Top 100 List at number 11 last year—the highest first-time entry ever. “I learned music from being sent to piano lessons at an early age and then teaching myself about computers,” explains Zimmerman via e-mail. “From making library music to designing Web sites and then programming software like FruityLoops. Then I moved on to making music and putting it out on Beatport. The rest has been a very fast ride up until now.”

Zimmerman says he’s looking forward to visiting for Bal en Blanc, and says to watch out for surprises. “I can’t wait to play this gig. I’ve heard so much about this party. Sounds like it’s going to be crazy. And watch out for a possible new mau5head.”

He refers to his signature gimmick, the giant mouse mask with lighting effects and strobing eyes that he wears at his gigs. Zimmerman recently revealed that his artist name and distinct image was actually inspired by a mouse that literally crawled into the back of his computer and died, not to be sniffed out until weeks later.

The technological bells and whistles don’t stop at the visual, either, as Deadmau5 packs a laptop combined with various fancy controllers that keep his sets original and fluid. Though he plays mostly original material when he performs, he told us about some of his favourite tracks and producers at the moment. “Calvin Harris. I’ve just remixed his new single ‘I’m Not Alone.’ Chris Lake—his new album is also out this week in North America. Also Eric Prydz and his new tune, ‘Mello.’”

In the coming weeks and months, he’s also got a lot on his plate.

“Right now, I’m looking forward to having a three-week break at the end of this tour and making some music. We have a very special new head being built, which will be ready this summer, along with the new visual show we’re unveiling this week at the Ultra festival in Miami. I’m starting to write my new album, which I hope will be ready early next year. We’ve also just launched my new iPhone app which seems to be doing great—Deadmau5 Touch Mix.”