SNAILS Discusses World of Slime Tour And Managing His New Label

SNAILS Discusses World of Slime Tour And Managing His New Label, SLUGZ MUSIC

Montreal resident and bass-heavy producer SNAILS caught up with Respect My Region over the weekend ahead of his show at the Tacoma Dome. Making a stop for his WORLD OF SLIME TOUR Saturday night, joining SNAILS was Liquid Stranger, Crankdat, Kompany and Al Ross. The bunch packed out the Tacoma Dome and brought the bass with them in the process.

In our interview, SNAILS aka Frédérik Durand touches on what its been like preparing for his new tour, what his favorite collaboration is and what it’s like managing a career and his newly found label, SLUGZ MUSIC.

Known for going above and beyond making sure fans are never left behind, to hosting pre-show taco parties, to being an artist that’s keeping dubstep and bass music alive, SNAILS continues to do what is true to him regardless of what others are up to. You won’t miss out on our exclusive interview below!

Exclusive SNAILS Interview

*This interview was edited for clarity*

Welcome to Seattle! How excited are you to be on tour right now?

I’m so stoked to finally set this monster free! I’ve been working hard on making this tour as unique and engaging as possible. It’s a thrill to finally share it with everyone. Especially in a city like Seattle.

How many months of preparation did you put into this tour? What is the hardest part about putting together a touring show and what is the most enjoyable part?

Oh, man. I’ve been working on this tour for the better part of 2019. The visuals are heavily based on my newest comic book Mission: Sluggtopia, and work on that started in March. The most challenging part of tour production is constantly trying to put out the best of yourself. The team and I are always looking for new ways of putting the coolest show together – holographic screening, lasers, props .. you name it! There’s a lot of trial and error, but nothing beats the feeling of everything coming together. Seeing the reaction on people’s faces means everything to me.

WORLD OF SLIME TOUR

What sort of influence has Quebec had on you and your music career so far?

You can take the boy out of Quebec, but you can’t take Quebec out of the boy! I live in Montreal. It’s a great place where all different kinds of people come together to create a unique space. It’s a combination of cultures, backgrounds, food… music. Everyone is so open. That’s what my music is about. The Vomitsquad is a place of acceptance. It’s a place where weird people can listen to weird music. No judgment. Just love.

What do you feel is the difference between someone with an audience of 20,000 versus a larger audience like yours? What does it take to get to that point?

It’s interesting. I don’t think there’s an actual difference between the artist who plays in front of 20,000 fans versus someone who plays to 200,000 or even 20 people. It’s really about staying dedicated to your craft. I think everything is possible if you dream hard and work even harder. You need to set goals for yourself and stick to them – even if it isn’t always easy.

What has been a highlight for you throughout 2019 as it’s coming to a close?

I’m so lucky. 2019 has been great! Sluggtopia at Red Rocks is always a highlight of my year. Organizing my own festival for three years now has been such a blessing – and headlining with KILL THE SNAILS was crazy special. Other highlights include playing in Asia, completing my second comic book, an upcoming EP and most definitely the WORLD OF SLIME TOUR.

What has been your raddest collaboration up until this point? Has there been one that has had a huge impact on your career?

I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing artists over the years. The craziest by far was my work on Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü. Those two are absolute legends in my eyes. Hola Out gave me the credibility I needed to go further with music.

SNAILS

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with moving forward that you haven’t yet?

There are so many! I grew up listening to Metallica. Oh, man – I would love a SNAILS x Metallica collab.

What would you like to accomplish moving forward? Do you have your eyes on anything in particular outside of finishing the tour?!

After this tour, I’ll start working on the next one. Haha! Other than that, I’m excited to continue working on some new music, videos … stick around to see what else I have up my sleeve!

How are things going at your label?

Things are epic! So proud to have Jayceeoh and HI I’M GHOST as SLUGZ MUSIC’s first artists. Look out for all of those guys! The GRAND SLAM and DEATH RAIL EPS are pure fire. Great things ahead.

When working with and managing new artists on the label – do you try to get involved with the moves they’re making and help take over control, ie. song choices, marketing tactics, etc. or do you let them maneuver on their own?

I’ll always give my honest opinion on things, but I’ll never control what others are doing. I want SLUGZ MUSIC to be a creative safe ground for artists to push their limits. It’s about inspiring each other, never about dominating each other.

Chris Yoder

Is it hard to find a balance between your career meanwhile, looking out for others and managing a label that gives tools to other artists they need to be successful? Or do you find it easy because you enjoy what you’re doing?

Honestly, I’m loving every second of it. My personal experiences in the industry help me run my label and give the best professional advice I can. This business can get pretty crazy. Making the whole process easier on a new artist is an ultimate goal of mine. I’m also surrounded by the greatest team. That helps!

Is there anything you would like to share with readers out here in the Pacific Northwest?!

Hi readers! Check out WORLD OF SLIME. I hope you love it. Also, go hug your mom.

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