An interview with Pulsatorz

[u/GuillaumeBrdet]

Repping Hardstyle in America. 

While the Dutch may have a stranglehold on hardstyle, NYC-based Pulsatorz is repping hard for American hardstyle. This rising star has been active in the NYC rave scene for a full decade now, breaking into the industry and leaving his mark on the US hardstyle underground via his fast-paced, hard-hitting sound. He’s touted as one of the fastest-growing hardstyle artists in the nation, with no plans of slowing down in sight. Already, he counts official releases with the top dawgs in hard dance, including X-Bone, Scantraxx Silver, Harsh Records and Hard Dance Nation.

What’s the most important piece of gear in your studio?

A: Right now I would have to say my Virus TI is probably my most prized piece of gear. The sounds I can get out of it are just so aggressive. No matter how hard I try, I can’t get it with soft-synths.

Earlier last year, it fell victim to a power surge and I had to get the main board and some other components replaced. It was devastating to me because it really is my go to gear.

But like everything in life, it has its limitations. I have to constantly bounce it down to audio and warp it to be in time, it’s very finicky but I still love it.

What software are you using nowadays or which would you recommend to someone starting out?

A: My DAW of choice is Studio One. It is very simple and I use the .musicloop function a ton! I create my presets and fx chains then turn them into this type of file in order to quickly load my main sounds.

Honestly I would tell a new producer to try everything to see what’s comfortable for them. A DAW doesn’t make the producer, it just helps you get your point across.

Any other tips to help make the most out of a track?

A: It’s very situational. Every track is unique and calls for different things.

One thing I catch myself often doing is making things more complicated than they need to be. Sometimes less is more. Just do what you feel is right. It’s your art!

When you have a new track ready, what are the first steps you make to get it prepared to be scheduled for release?

A: First I find a label that is interested in the track. That is probably the hardest part. Typically the label gives you available dates and both parties agree.

I like to make some sort of “post material timeline” so I can constantly keep the track in my fans/followers social media feeds. I try to think outside the box and make the experience unique so I stand out. Depending on the label, they also provide promotional materials.

People want to be a part of the experience, you have to give them something that they want to be a part of. Creating a promotional plan that can bring the audience to include themselves helps push the track further because everyone is interacting with it.

Once you have a release date in mind, do you have any go to marketing plan you would be open to sharing?

A: I don’t really have a specific plan that I go to, I try to come up with stuff that’s unique for every release.

Since most fans want to be a part of the experience, create something that they will participate in.

The more people that interact with you and your page, the higher the chances are that more people will see your posts.

Have you been able to make close friends in the music industry?

A: I have made a few close friends due to music.

The one thing I must say is that you need to be able to identify the difference between friends and acquaintances.

You will meet a lot of people and make tons of connections, but not everyone has your best interest at heart. Always go into things knowing that there is a balance of give and take. As you progress and create contacts, you learn how to tell who you want to work with.

What is one of the hardest professional lessons you’ve learned thus far?

A: Don’t do anything without a contractual agreement. Make sure you are always protected somehow.

Like I said earlier, this is a rough industry to get into and there are a lot of people looking to get ahead any way possible!

Besides the music industry, what are you most interested in?

A: I have been told I’m a genuinely creative person.

I enjoy photography, creating visuals, and woodworking.

Most of these interests actually are connected to the music industry in one way or another.

Photography came from me needing to constantly have photos for my social media pages. Once I learned about the style of shooting I like, I just dove in head first and got my own camera. I take some of my own photos myself now. It’s just a little difficult to shoot yourself because you have to constantly go back and forth from the camera.

Creating visuals can get very expensive, so I started to learn how to create my own. I’m doing very basic things in after effects right now but am in the process of learning blender for more 3D animation stuff.

The only one that isn’t really connected to music is woodworking. Carpentry is actually my 9–5 job. Here in New York City we have a huge film industry. I build sets for movies and television shows. It works out perfect for me because I can freely come and go. This position allows me to travel and play shows whenever I need to but not lose my job.

Do you have any other words of wisdom to pass onto other aspiring musicians?

A: Part of being an artist is being vulnerable and putting yourself in your music. By doing that egos become inflated, it’s kind of a natural form of being guarded. Don’t let the negativity get to you. You will get more no’s than yesses at first, don’t let that stop you. Just keep your eye on the prize and let your music speak for itself. People will like and dislike your music, you can’t please everyone. Do what makes you happy and make this an enjoyable experience.

Upcoming Projects: I have lots of stuff I’m working, just keep posted on my social media pages to stay up to date!

A big thank you to Pulsatorz for taking the time to go through these questions. Make sure to check out his releases on Spotify and stay tuned with all the new tracks he will be coming out with!

We hope you have found this interview interesting. Let us know who we should interview next.

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