DJ Revo plays at Blue Beet Jan. 15
Photo by: Pietra Andrew
DJ REVO (Brent Stockton) is a DJ/Producer of Electro and Progressive House Music who unveiled a bold passion for electronic music almost 10 years ago. Stockton will be showcasing his music and Djing after a performance by LA soul artist Hewan at Blue Beet in Newport.
Stockton has DJ’ed at some of the premier venues throughout the United States encompassing Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City. In fact, his fresh spin and innovation as an artist have now carried over into the production field, which got him featured on Beatport’s Electro House Top 100 list.
The OC Concert Guide had the chance to speak with Revo about his accomplishments, inspirations and endeavors.
OCCG: What is the meaning behind your DJ name Revo? How did you come up with it?
Revo: Back in the Early 2000’s I used to be a Drum n Bass MC. I went by MC Revolution. People would always call me Rev or Revo for short. Eventually it kind of stuck. When I decided to start a new solo DJ/Artist project about 6 months ago it made sense to go back to that Alias.
OCCG: What inspired you to become a DJ? Who are your main influences?
Revo: I think what originally inspired me were the DJs I used to perform with as an MC. As an MC, I felt I had limited control of the creative process that goes into putting on a great show. I decided as a DJ and Producer I had more artistic freedom. I have had so many influences along the way its hard to put them into a simple list. I’m constantly finding inspiration from other artists, surroundings, and friends. Right now I’m really enjoying artists like Green Velvet, Dusky, and Thomas Jack.
OCCG: What was it like being on Beatport’s Electro House Top 100 list?
Revo: It was a great feeling. As an Electronic producer, I think it’s a great milestone to reach. Its cool to know that other people are enjoying the music you are creating.
OCCG: What is a personal favorite track of yours?
Revo: Right now I’m really loving this Jovani edit of Green Velvet’s La La Land. It has great deep house feel but balances itself with a little bit of aggressive synths on the drop. For me it’s the best of both worlds. I love Big Room and Electro but I have found it refreshing lately to listen to a lot of deep and funky house tracks.
OCCG: If you could collaborate with any other DJ, who would it be and why?
Revo: I would definitely have to say Hardwell. He has been a big influence on my production over the years and I think we have similar tastes in sound design.
OCCG: Did you ever think you’d get this far? Are you happy with you’re at?
Revo: When I first started I never looked at this as a career. It was a hobby. But as I progressed I realized that it was what really made me happy. I always feel that I have room to grow as an artist but I feel that if I work hard enough I can turn this into a lucrative career that I truly enjoy. For me that’s the American Dream.
OCCG: What is your biggest accomplishment and your biggest struggle with music?
Revo: I think my biggest accomplishment was my last project, Pillage The Village, breaking into the top ten releases on Beatport. That always seemed liked something that was possible farther down the line in my career. When it happened, it really reassured me that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. I think the biggest struggle is staying relevant and constantly trying to get your music out to as many people as possible.
OCCG: What do you enjoy doing besides your music?
Revo: I enjoy spending time with friends, going to the gym, biking etc. Pretty much anything someone in his or her Mid 20’s enjoys.
OCCG: Where would you like to perform that you haven’t yet?
Revo: I would really like to play WMC weekend this year in Miami. That would be super fun for me.
OCCG: Whom do you thank for being where you are today?
Revo: There are so many people that have helped me out along the way. Mike Soltani, Cold Blank, Andy Caldwell, Morgan Page, DJ Hollywood, Dirty Deeds, Altan Aksu… Too many to name! I am very grateful to everyone that has given me a shot along the way.