Creating Symphonic Mayhem: Atlanta EDM talks with Stoned Level [Interview]
Written By Ian Taylor
Hailing from the culturally rich province of Quebec Julien Légaré, better known by his stage name Stoned Level, is a tour de force in the riddim/dubstep domain. Montreal has become a mecca for this sort of bass music, nurturing and propelling artists like him onto the international stage. In this vibrant epicenter of bass, Stoned Level's creative energies have been honed, allowing him to emerge as a distinctive voice in the genre. With symphonic elements blending perfectly with bone crushing bass leads, Stoned Level has been tearing through crowds all across the U.S.
When it comes to my own music taste, dubstep needs to have something of a balance. It can’t always be an abrasive mix of distorted bass and choppy rhythm sections. It needs to have personality. When I first stumbled across Julien’s music I immediately latched on to the unique progressions found as a standard in his music. With deep engaging intros, and synths that sound straight off an alien vessel. I was beamed up to a higher level of musical appreciation.
On his last visit, Atlanta EDM was granted a rare chance to delve into the mind of Stoned Level, providing fans and aficionados alike with an intimate glimpse into the inner workings of this dubstep powerhouse.
Atlanta EDM: So lets start from the beginning, When did you start producing? Was there a specific moment that brought you into the world of EDM?
Stoned Level:
Well I really started enjoying electronic music at 15. I have memories of watching the Tomorrowland recap videos in school with my friends in school. When i attended my first Valhalla Sound Circus (local festival in the Montreal area] I realized i wanted to invest myself in this world. I also knew I needed to play this one. I then started producing when I was 20 years old, and have been at it ever since.
Atlanta EDM: So i know Montreal to have a very large Dubstep scene. This must have played a pretty big role in the shaping of your musical tastes right?
Stoned Level:
I know that it may be a bit bias, but there is nothing like Montreal. At first when I saw a friend play a festival in Montreal, seeing everyone gather for his set and the vibe really had me telling myself “I will be there one day".” I started taking the Stoned Level project seriously after this moment (it existed previously). It had turned from a passion to a goal.
Atlanta EDM: So you can’t be listening to EDM all the time, are you? Which other artists or genres are you listening to during your spare time? Do you have an all-time favorite album or track?
Stoned Level:
I listen to a lot of jazz music, rap, pretty much anything that's non edm related. Helps me keep my ideas fresh. Fav album would probably be GO:OD AM from Mac Miller, there's not a single track on this album i don’t like or wouldn't listen to
Atlanta EDM: I think the people really would like to know who are some artists, both in and outside of Dubstep, that have influenced your musical journey and sound?
Stoned Level:
Midnight T, Trollphace and all the artists from the machine gun era of Dubstep. [I’ve] always been a huge fan of orchestral music, Hans Zimmer specifically. Therefore I [have] wanted to have a more orchestral touch to my music as well. [I] Always tried to Create a world where both melodic and cinematic music joins forces with the heaviness of Dubstep.
Atlanta EDM: OK that being said, are there any artists that you’ve made it a goal to collaborate in the future?
Stoned Level:
Marauda and Svdden Death are 2 guys in the Dubstep scene I always dreamed of collaborating with but I also always wanted to work with some of my fav rappers at the time such as Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. On a more realistic side of things i feel like working with people like Flowdan or even Shaq [DJ Diesel] as a vocalist would be awesome.
Atlanta EDM: I know that sometimes, it gets hard to continuously work as hard as you do. You’ve got to have habits or rituals you maintain in daily life to enhance your focus, or maybe to be more creative.
Stoned Level:
As of right now, it’s pretty much as soon as I wake up, I eat something and go to the gym. It really depends on my mood honestly. I don’t really have a schedule per se. This is to say if I have inspiration at 2AM, then I produce. I do have a schedule planner, and I try [at least] one new idea/sound design session a week. I feel like everything comes from the mindset, therefore i try to keep my mind as healthy as possible. I go to the gym every morning, first thing in the morning, then i make myself a coffee and I'm ready to go. Definitely helped a lot with motivation and achieving new goals.
Atlanta EDM: One last question I have for you. In your view, what are some of the most significant challenges and opportunities currently present in the electronic music industry, especially in the U.S.?
Stoned Level:
For me the biggest challenge is getting on the social media game, I’m not the best or most comfortable putting my face out or live-streaming. I’m an introvert by nature, I don’t feel the need to show the world I’m doing, or have any need to validate it. I know social media is an asset and I should be more present, but I never was super active on socials before stoned level. Although I’ve been doing it for a long time, it’s still new to me how much of an impact social media has.
Atlanta EDM: Its been awesome getting to talk to you Julien. I know i speak for all my bass heads in Atlanta when I say we’re excited to see what you come up with next!
Stoned Level:
I love the crowds in Atlanta and always have a good time when I’m here. Can’t wait till next time!
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