The first rule of FIGHT CLVB is f*ck sh*t up. The second rule of FIGHT CLVB is F*CK SH*T UP. But you should already be familiar with those rules if you've heard their music or seen them perform live. SAV and Mystereo make up the the two man group that is dead set on bringing their brand of Jungle Terror music to a city near you. While SAV mainly handles the decks, Mystereo can be seen jumping from tall places and generally causing havoc on stage to get the crowd going. Combined with their passion to mix movies and Dance music, there's nothing that can stop them.
When the other member of your group is essentially your alter ego, things just come easier. That's been the case with SAV and Mystereo. Stephen Vasquez, or SAV, started out with making films in college with his documentary Electro Wars being the most pivotal one. It gave him access to DJs before their rise to the top like Steve Aoki, Justice, A-Trak, Major Lazer, Chromeo, and many more. But a chance run in with Mystereo backstage on a Skrillex tour got them talking about the lack of showmanship from DJs while performing and how they could switch up the game. And thus FIGHT CLVB was born. From there, Afrojack's imprint Wall Recordings put out their first official single, "Shout That," and it's been nonstop mayhem in the studio and on tour.
Part of the Jungle Terror sound is building off of what Wiwek started. Drums are an integral part, from the syncopation to the booming quality that could rock a festival stage. Layered on top are exotic samples, mostly short stabs with some kind of distorted effect to make them stand out even more. It's an energetic blend that seems like a huge departure from what they grew up listening to (SAV: "I grew up with a lot of Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop transfused with Rock. The Nu Metal sound was a huge part of my teen years." Mystereo: "I'd say Beethoven, Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, you know..the legends.") But with a closer listen, they assemble songs similar to a classical composer, playing with variations and introducing new sounds when you least expect it, to keep the song new. All of this should go smoothly live, theoretically, but occasionally the evil half to Mystereo--Shade--shows up to add extra conflict.
We had a moment with SAV and Mystereo to discuss their beginnings in the EDM world and how they work together now. Whether fortunate or not, we were interrupted by Shade who commandeered the interview. Check out the short conversation below:
When did you become exposed to and interested in Dance music?
SAV: I really started taking an interest in Dance music during the Justice explosion, around the time I started plotting the outline for my Dance music doc Electro Wars.
MYSTEREO: 90s Freestyle got my ears perking. Like, "Yoooo what's this shit--" [heavy coughing]
SAV: Are you okay, Mystereo?!
[Mystereo passes out]
SHADE: I'll be taking over from here…
Ok... I hope Mystereo is alright. How did you both get your start in the music industry? Were you always set on making music as a job since you were kids?
SHADE: I knew I was gonna be the most ominous presence in Dance music since inception--I am the Music Industry. I AM SHADE. AND YOU WILL EMBRACE ME.
I know SAV was into making films first and then shifted over to making music. What did you learn after working on The Electro Wars in 2009? How has working on that film helped your career?
SAV: This is weird. Sorry guys. Uhhm Electro Wars was instrumental to my entire career. The connections I made through that film are unparalleled and changed the trajectory of my life.
What kind of music were you creating when you used to DJ, Mystereo, I mean, Shade? How much input do you have when it comes to working on new music in the studio?
SHADE: [Laughs] Mystereo, produce? This noob couldn't produce if Fruity Loops fucked his mother. He played Electro House and early Moombahton and completely bored the shit out of crowds. Luckily on the 1st OSWLA tour ZEDD would come on next and reinvigorate them. And he left DJing to leech off of SAV's tremendous talents.
SAV: Uhm for the record, I don't agree with anything Shade is saying. And little known fact, Mystereo actually produces 95% of all FIGHT CLVB's material.
What was each of your first gigs like? What was the grind like everyday before you "made it"?
SAV: Hmm my first gig. It was definitely at a Queens club... and somebody definitely got pregnant that night. Not by me--just like in general. As far as the grind, I can't talk about it like it's in the past really. Being from Queens and being in this industry, the grind never stops.
Is there anything that you'd like to pull off at a live show that you haven't been able to yet?
SHADE: I am going to decapitate Mystereo live at Ultra 2016. That's what I strive to do at a live show.
You've mentioned improvising at the live shows depending on how the crowd reacts to the set. Can you describe in what way you'd improvise or change your set? Is it the vibe or tweaking individual songs?
SAV: I always go in with a plan, but I'm prepared to switch that up and improv at all times depending on the vibe of the crowd. If I can tell they want to get hyped and I've been going to mellow, I switch it up… Alright Shade--why don't you just let me handle the rest of the questions?
This category of Jungle Terror seems like the perfect soundtrack for any Halloween party. What are you guys going to dress up as for Halloween next month?
SHADE: Jungle Terror--Halloween. Can't answer that one. I don't do Halloween.
Some of your songs have an aggressive energy about them that is well above many other Dance tracks. For a DJ unfamiliar with the music trying to mix in some FIGHT CLVB into his set, what is your best advice to give? Should they play Fight Club 2 on a project behind them?
SHADE: But any young DJ who wants to play FIGHT CLVB but doesn't know about us--well if you don't know--then don't play us cuz you're probably not ready. And Fight Clvb 2? Sequels suck. Don't ruin a good thing. Interview over. I AM SHADE AND YOU WILL EMBRACE ME.
SAV: I'm sorry guys… Uhhm I don't know what just happened but I have to get Mystereo to a hospital.
Keep up with FIGHT CLVB on their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
Bryan Hahn is sending a "Get Well Soon" card to Mystereo. Let him know if you'd like to sign it. He's on Twitter (@notupstate).