Crozier: The Pulse of Melbourne's Underground Music Scene

In the heart of Melbourne/Naarm's vibrant music scene is Jordan Mason Crozier, known simply as Crozier. A producer/DJ with a profound connection to his roots and an unwavering dedication to the craft, Crozier has become a symbol of innovation and self-expression in the electronic music landscape. We delve into his journey, exploring the inspirations, aspirations, and soulful depth of his music and events.

A Name with Heritage

"Crozier is my last name. I’m proud to be a Crozier and love my family a lot so it’s special to have the name represent me and my art synonymously," Crozier shares, highlighting the personal significance behind his stage name.

The Genesis of a Musical Odyssey

Crozier's journey into the realm of electronic music was sparked by his early experiences in bands and a decade-long engagement with electronic music production. "My first ever DJ set was at a house party where I played 6 original productions and then jumped off the decks. That was the real start of the journey of DJ’ing the tunes I am producing," he recalls, marking the inception of his DJ career.

Crafting Sonic Landscapes

Balancing the energy of heaving dance floors with creating lush soundscapes, Crozier believes in the power of music to transform spaces. "I believe all good music has lush soundscapes, and when mixed, the energy transfer is the dance floor and the result of a great tune played at the right time," he explains.

SILHOUETTE: A Vision Brought to Life

Together with Amber Ferraro, Crozier co-founded SILHOUETTE, an event that merges electrifying DJ sets with kinky performances. "Silhouette is the event we wanted to see in Naarm/Melbourne...a platform for people to learn and engage with professionals in a supportive environment," he states, emphasizing the event's role as a conversation starter and a bridge between communities.

A Commitment to Self-Expression

As an advocate for self-expression, Crozier ensures his music and events reflect this core value. He elaborates, “I always play events that allow me to express myself & I always only ever book artists that I have done my research on and understand their artistic expression.” This meticulous approach guarantees that every performance and event is not just an exhibition but a genuine representation of the artists involved, ensuring authenticity and integrity in every beat and rhythm.

The Allure of Dark, Moody Grooves

Drawn to "naughty, groovy baselines," Crozier's love for dark, moody grooves defines his musical aesthetic. This preference shapes the sonic identity of his productions and DJ sets, offering listeners a dive into the depths of sound.

Fostering Community Through Music

Crozier views his role as a DJ/producer as an opportunity to educate and unite people through music. "It’s an opportunity to bring people together to share something positive, dancing - how good," he remarks, highlighting the communal aspect of music.

Day Parties, House Music, and Sunshine

The combination of sunshine, good music, and friends encapsulates the essence of what excites Crozier about day parties and proper house music. This simple yet profound joy is a driving force behind his passion for organizing and playing at such events.

Deep Cargo: Diving into the Depths

With 'Deep Cargo,' Crozier aims to challenge the norm of short DJ sets, creating space for selectors to explore their collections deeply. "I hate short sets...Booking just 2 or 3 DJs for a 6 to 9-hour event gives the artistry a chance to go deeper and take people on a journey," he explains, advocating for extended sets that allow for a more immersive musical experience.

FLOATING: A Deep and Minimal House Voyage

Discussing his debut EP "FLOATING," Crozier opens up about the collaborative and creative processes behind the project. "Each song had a different process," he says, detailing the unique contributions of Amber Ferraro and Christian Marshall to the EP. The result is a "naughty mix of deep and minimal house" that showcases Crozier's versatility and depth as a producer.

Collaborations and Community

The collaborations with Amber Ferraro and Christian Marshall highlight the importance of community and shared creativity in Crozier's work. "Amber is my partner and Christian was my housemate at the time...I’m super grateful to share releasing music with them," he shares, emphasizing the personal connections that enrich his music.

Alchemy: A Dub Techno Inspiration

The single 'Alchemy,' created with Amber Ferraro, draws inspiration from dub techno pioneers. "We wrote this song about a year and a half before we released it...We called it Alchemy and made the conscious decision to have vocals without lyrics to represent how amazing it is to use music as an Alchemic expression," Crozier explains, shedding light on the track's conceptual depth.

Learning from the Greats

Supporting renowned artists like Dj Koze and Gerd Jansen has offered Crozier invaluable lessons. "It’s amazing to play these gigs and have all your mates come and support you...the warm-up & closing sets are very important and require different skills," he reflects, acknowledging the learning curve and the honour of sharing stages with industry giants.

Iconic Venues and Memorable Sets

Playing at iconic venues like Revolver Upstairs and The Breakfast Club holds special meaning for Crozier. "Melbourne is pretty lucky to have these spaces and parties...it’s always an honour to play for them whenever I get the chance," he states, expressing gratitude for the opportunities to contribute to Melbourne's rich nightlife.

Preparing for the Moment

Crozier's approach to preparing for a set has evolved. "I used to prepare a lot but I don’t prepare these days...depending on the set time/venue and party you need to be able to read the room and be flexible," he shares, highlighting the importance of adaptability and intuition in his performances.

International Experiences and Perspectives

Reflecting on his recent performances in Europe, Crozier shares, "It was amazing to play in the UK and Spain...Playing on the beach in Tarifa at Waves Beach Club was super chill but maybe one of the best experiences I have ever had DJ’ing." These international gigs have broadened his horizons, offering new audiences and environments to explore his sound.

Introducing Sound to New Audiences

When introducing his sound to new audiences, especially abroad, Crozier emphasizes confidence and enjoyment. "Play your music confidently and enjoy the moment, showing the audience how happy it makes you will transfer and become infectious," he advises, underlining the universal language of music.

The Uniqueness of Melbourne/Naarm's Music Scene

Crozier finds Melbourne/Naarm's music scene uniquely inspiring due to its diversity and the sense of community among artists. "I think our city is very diverse and there are many spaces for different vibes...I’m always inspired by the scene here and its diversity," he comments, appreciating the collaborative spirit that defines the local scene.

Staying Inspired in a Fast-Paced World

For Crozier, staying inspired in the ever-evolving world of electronic music comes naturally. "I honestly need no motivation to constantly look for new music and create new music daily because I just love it so much," he says, highlighting his unwavering passion for exploration and creation.

Overcoming Challenges and Doubts

Discussing challenges in his career, Crozier opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the creative process. "The toughest thing is constantly yo-yo-ing between thinking you’ve made progress and wanting to give up & feeling like shit," he admits. This candid reflection sheds light on the internal battles artists often face, underscoring the resilience required to navigate the music industry.

Advice for Aspiring DJs/Producers

For those looking to make their mark, Crozier emphasizes the importance of music theory and authenticity. "Learn more music theory & don’t follow trends," he advises, encouraging upcoming artists to carve their paths and stay true to their artistic vision.

Balancing Production and DJing

Crozier sees music production and DJing as complementary facets of his artistic expression. "For me, there’s a few different types of ‘DJ’ing’...it’s 100% about playing gigs in spaces where you can play your music and showcase it publicly," he explains, highlighting the fulfilment derived from sharing his creations with live audiences.

Music's Role in Cultural Expression

In today's world, Crozier believes music plays a crucial role in reflecting and shaping social and cultural values. "It’s massive. It’s everywhere and is aligned with our values, morals, and ethics," he states, emphasizing music's power to connect and inspire across diverse communities.

Exciting Future Projects

Looking ahead, Crozier is enthusiastic about his upcoming EP 'Spill' and other projects. "I am releasing my new EP ‘Spill’ on Thursday, March 19...I also have another 20+ tracks that I am finishing up at the moment, including new music with Amber and some other dope local artists," he shares, hinting at a prolific phase of creativity and collaboration.

The Creative Process Unveiled

When starting a new track or project, Crozier typically begins with a percussive idea. "I usually start with a drum or percussive idea and just go from there," he says, outlining a process that prioritizes rhythm and groove as foundational elements of his music.

Digital vs. Analog in Music Production

On the digital vs. analog debate, Crozier sees value in both. "I don’t think it’s one or the other. Both are good...It also just depends on what you're trying to achieve," he remarks, advocating for a flexible approach that harnesses the strengths of both digital and analog technologies.

Engaging with Audiences During Live Sets

Engagement and authenticity are key for Crozier during live performances. "Enjoy the moment and don’t take yourself too seriously...Be a goose, dance around and look people in the eye," he suggests, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections with the audience.

Aspirations for the Future

As for his future goals, Crozier aspires to continue sharing his music globally. "I just want to continue to write, release and play my music out and around the world...release music that helps us travel more," he dreams, envisioning a career that combines his love for music with the opportunity to explore new horizons alongside Amber.

A Legacy of Fun, Dirty, and Naughty Beats

Ultimately, Crozier wants his music and performances to leave a lasting impression of joy and irreverence. "Fun, dirty and naughty. Stank faces all day every day," he concludes, capturing the essence of his artistic identity and the unforgettable experiences he aims to create through his music.

Crozier's journey through Melbourne/Naarm's music scene is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and community. As he continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, his work not only entertains but also inspires, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who venture into his sonic landscapes.

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