The artist formerly known as DJ Carnage has undergone a significant transformation, rebranding as GORDO and pivoting towards a house and tech-house sound. This evolution has seen him achieve new levels of recognition, including producing for global superstar Drake and continuing his extensive world tours. GORDO recently shared insights into his journey, creative process, and future aspirations.
The Genesis of a Musician
GORDO describes his path into music production and DJing not as a choice, but as an innate calling. “I feel like I was born to do what I do,” he stated. His passion for music has been a lifelong constant, marked by an persistent urge to capture melodic ideas, lyrical fragments, or chord progressions as soon as they emerge. Early on, he self-taught the music production software FL Studio, which provided the tools to transform these nascent ideas into tangible tracks. The natural progression from creating music to performing it as a DJ felt seamless, fueled by a love for travel, live performance, and the unique ability of music to offer audiences a temporary escape from reality.
Transitioning from DJ Carnage to GORDO
The decision to retire the DJ Carnage moniker and adopt the GORDO identity was a deliberate response to personal and professional shifts. By mid-2018, GORDO felt a disconnect with the DJ Carnage project, noting a decline in ticket sales and a waning connection with his signature harder-hitting sound. He described the project as having “ran its course.” The global pause brought on by the pandemic in 2020 proved to be a pivotal moment, offering a chance for profound re-evaluation. During this period, GORDO embraced a holistic approach to his well-being, relocating to Hawaii, prioritizing health and fitness, and shedding over 150 pounds. Simultaneously, he immersed himself in studio work, livestreaming sets and sharing new music online. This intensive period of self-discovery and creative exploration led to the realization that the evolving artist and the music he was creating no longer aligned with the DJ Carnage persona. “It wasn’t about running away from Carnage, it was about accepting that I had grown beyond it and was ready for this next chapter of my life to begin,” he explained. The GORDO alias emerged as the natural embodiment of this new creative direction.
Exploring the Spectrum of Production
Despite the shift in his primary sound, GORDO remains enthusiastic about his roots in hip-hop and rap. He views his past collaborations in these genres as foundational to his career, highlighting that some of his most significant records have involved hip-hop artists. GORDO expressed a strong desire to continue bridging the gap between house music and hip-hop, hinting that upcoming releases will further exemplify this fusion. He also left the door open for potential “Carnage anniversary” projects in the future, suggesting a continued connection to his earlier work.
Collaborating with Drake
Among his extensive production credits, GORDO singles out his work with Drake as a particularly significant and honorable experience. The collaboration has yielded over 20 released tracks, each accompanied by memorable moments. GORDO recounted sessions in Toronto at Drake’s home studio and traveling across Europe together during the “Anita Max Win Tour,” emphasizing the consistently engaging and enjoyable nature of their creative process. He noted that Drake’s influence predates their professional relationship, making the trust Drake places in him as a producer a powerful motivator for continued success.
Personal Listening Habits and Performance Philosophy
When not actively creating or performing, GORDO maintains a broad musical palate, listening to a wide variety of genres and artists. He often finds himself dissecting live sets during flights, driven by a fascination with sound design and composition. Beyond music, podcasts are a significant part of his downtime, with long-form episodes providing a preferred format for relaxation and engagement.
The Art of Live Performance
GORDO expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to perform at renowned global venues such as Pacha in Ibiza and XS in Las Vegas. He views these experiences as a testament to the dedication of promoters who foster a supportive environment for artists. His residency at Pacha Ibiza, under the TARAKA banner, is approached with a mix of excitement and humility, recognizing the magnitude of the opportunity. Regarding his DJ sets, GORDO employs a flexible approach. While he prepares sets based on the venue type, cultural context, and audience expectations, he emphasizes the importance of improvisation. The use of multiple CDJs, though not strictly necessary, allows him to react dynamically to the crowd’s energy, ensuring a more connected and responsive performance. “Performing is an art form and I want it to be perfect, but I also want to be engaged and connected with the crowd giving them what they want in that moment rather than playing a predetermined set list,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
GORDO’s journey reflects a commitment to artistic growth and authenticity. By embracing change and staying true to his evolving creative impulses, he has successfully carved out a new identity while honoring his past. His continued work with artists like Drake and his exploration of diverse musical landscapes suggest a promising future filled with innovative productions and captivating performances.
