By Madeline Zeppa
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MTV) It’s no secret that electronic dance music (EDM) is sweeping the nation. With numerous music mashups and dubstep beats, DJ and house producer Justin Blau (aka 3LAU) is among the best out there.
A college student by day and a music master by night, Blau has kept his priorities straight. “I can't say I've truly balanced both because my mind can't be in both places at the same time, but I still managed to play 50 shows across the country and finish the semester strong,” Blau tells MTV News.
Producing remixes that have charted in the top 10 on both Beatport and Hype Machine, Blau is beginning to make a big impact on the electronic dance music scene. As the fanbase for the genre grows, so does the pressure to set yourself apart. “There are so many sub genres, varieties and experimental facets of EDM, it's one of the most versatile macro-genres out there. Not to mention, EDM is dance music, and dance is a universal language that celebrates life,” says Blau.
What surprised us most about Blau is that while he has been producing music for a while, he has only been creating music mashups for a little over a year. The DJ tells us that the whole experience has been life changing.
"I've come to understand that a crowd's reaction is determined equally by the music, the production and my physical energy, regardless of how far away they are. I often feel like a conductor, not just of the dancing and of the music, but of a powerful energy in the crowd,” says Blau. “I've felt an insane amount of progress. Now, I have my first remix available on Beatport, and many more projects in the works. Thus far, the unreleased projects I've been playing live have gotten unbelievable response, and I'm becoming more and more confident in my ability to make that transition.”
Blau is been planning a headlining nationwide tour this fall in support of Dance Floor Filthand his new album, Dance Floor Filth 2. He has also been doing charity work to support new schools.
When 3LAU's remix of "Back To New" came out on Beatport on April 30, Blau pledged to donate all proceeds from the sale of the track to Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in developing countries. He also committed to matching all purchases made on Beatport until he reached his fundraising goal.
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