Orlando’s Newest Dubstep DJ: Zaylien

Tags: DJ, dubstep, Electro, Florida, house, Orlando, Tampa, Zaylien

 

Most people remember Yosemitebear’s “Double Rainbow” YouTube video from a year ago. The viral video was a phenomenon, which is still referenced today. But fewer people have probably heard of the Double Rainbow dubstep remix by Zaylien.

22-year-old Isaiah Swor, otherwise known as Zaylien, is one of Orlando, Florida’s newest dubstep DJ’s. He recently moved from Tampa to the Central Florida city after reconsidering his plans for college. He says he wants to attend the University of Central Florida for computer sciences, while still producing music for his dubstep project, free for his fans or based only on donations.

“I’ve realized that the whole music industry is changing,” Zaylien said. “Labels are getting phased out, and it’s better for artists to actually market their own music. So I’m really just trying to market myself and go straight to the fans. I’d rather not have to go through the middleman.”

So for the past four years, that’s exactly what Zaylien has done. He’s set up his website, Facebook, Bandcamp and YouTube to push and promote his new dubstep productions as much as possible.

For those who haven’t caught on to the obsession yet, dubstep is a form of electronic music that originally came from Europe. In fact, most European musicians already consider themselves to be in a new genre known as “post-dubstep,” such as newcomer James Blake. But dubstep is only just starting to hit its big streak in America.

Take, for example, the new Britney Spears hit, “Hold it Against Me”, which features a minute-long dubstep interlude. Regardless of whether or not people believe pop artists, such as Spears, are ruining the genre, one fact remains: American youngsters are crazy for the stuff.

But Zaylien has been producing electronic music, including house and electro, since he was in high school. For the past four years, he has recently switched over to dubstep.

“I started hearing stuff from Benga, Skream and those people,” Zaylien said. “It was more mellow stuff, but it really interested me because of the wobbly bass.”

Zaylien said he first got into music when he was six years old. He was classically trained on the piano and eventually moved on to guitar and drums. He originally started producing dubstep on a program called Fruityloops (now called FL Studio) but quickly changed to the program he now uses: Ableton. With Ableton, he’s able to easily mix and mash drum beats, synths, bass and melodies until he can come up with a sound that he really likes.

“That’s usually what I call the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the song, because it’s what you hear right after the drop,” Zaylien said. “And then I go back and make the intro bits, all the little noises on top, the ‘zips and zaps.’ Stuff like that.”

Zaylien says he’s had a “music itch” since he was a kid. He’s always wanted to make music, but now he feels he has more sounds and material to work with.

Since moving to Orlando, Zaylien is planning on starting a music and video production group with his roommates. He also has a 4-track EP deal with a record company in Tampa called Freak2Freak, which he plans on putting out as soon as possible.

YouTube, Bandcamp and the internet in general have played a big role in his music, as well. His YouTube videos, including the Double Rainbow remix and other remixes from movies like Lion King and Kill Bill have had somewhat of a following.

“I went to a couple dubstep shows in Tampa, and some guys were saying they heard my Double Rainbow track in other clubs,” Zaylien said. “They’re for-free downloads online, so I guess it makes sense that other DJ’s might use it.”

Zaylien firmly believes that in a peer-to-peer-file-sharing era—where entertainment is mostly found for free online—the music industry isn’t dying; it’s just changing. He says he’s glad to give his music to fans for free, as long as people support him when they’re able to, and if they like what they hear.

Zaylien is looking forward to being a part of Orlando’s dubstep scene and playing some shows. Currently, he’s set to open for dubstep DJ Death Face at Backbooth on June 30 ($10 in advance / $12 at the door).

Keep an eye out for the show on Backbooth’s events and look for more beats to come from Zaylien.