The Q&A series at Top Billin, volume 2, ASTRONOMAR!
We’re known for introducing new artists to the ever-growing electronic music world and now we’re bringing you up close and personal with one of the finest producers creating great music for you. Our second edition in our interview series comes from a fine gent originally from Alaska, but now living in Seattle who’s productions have taken the world by storm, Astronomar.
1) Go ahead, represent.
Hello young world my name is Mar. I am a DJ/producer born & raised in Alaska, currently living in Seattle Washington. I used to be ok at skateboarding, but music is hands-down my favorite thing in the world
2) Lay down some early influences.
The first piece of music I ever owned was the cassette single of Dee-Lite’s “Groove is in the Heart”. So picture me 4 years old, listening to “Groove is in the Heart” over & over, literally all day. I eventually got the entire Dee-Lite album which had some deep house on it; the track “What Is Love” is very special to me. Fast forward 10 years, I had 2 CD wallets; one was all Wu-Tang & one was all No Limit (uhhhh, nana nana).
3) How did you hook up with Top Billin.
I was hanging out & showing tunes to my good buddy Curtis Vodka (also from Alaska) and he suggested that I showed Nenis some tunes. I showed Nenis some things, and he picked one of them for the World Gone Club compilation. then a few months later I sent him the collab that Neoteric & I did which led to me doing an ep with Top Billin. Its been a glorious ride so far.
4) Everybody has a turning point, what was yours.
I’ve got to say the biggest turning point for me was my first single, “Had To Move On” on Neoteric’s Discobelle compilation Turned On Vol. 2. Not only has it gotten support from many of my heroes, which feels great, but it also opened a lot of doors. But I also feel like everyday is a turning point, just depends on how you decide to use your time.
5) Name a shame track.
I’m not really ashamed about any of the music I like to be honest. I like some Nelly Furtado sometimes. I don’t get mad at Miley. I believe that there is a time/place/mental state for all styles of music… Expect Irish drinking music…
6) Do you like em Brown, Yellow, Puerto-Rican or Hatian.
I don’t care who you are, where your from, what you did; as long as you love me. Just have a pretty face and laugh at my bad jokes. Cooking skills are a major plus as well. Nothing too spicy tho; a past girlfriend melted my face off.
7) My precious 12″.
One of my most prized pieces of vinyl releases is kinda rare… Rare enough for me to engage in a bidding war on eBay for it, haha!! Ended up spending $40… Anyways, its a 2LP release from Future Primitive by the group Presage, comprised of Jel & Mr. Dibbs. My buddy & I stumbled upon this on Napster and smoked weed and drove around rural Alaska listening to this on many occasions. On time we were driving around on a beach and ran into a couple bears. So we rolled down the window and turned the system up; to our suprise the bear sat down and listened along with us! But as soon as a human voice came on the speakers the bear bolted off. But for a short while we got to share a musical experience with a bear; and of course we were super ripped…. Kind of epic!
8) Shout Out’s.
All my friends, family and anybody I’ve shared a positive connection with. And of course shout to everyone who has supported me in any fashion.
BIG THANKS ASTRONOMAR.
