Datsik (musician)

Datsik
Background information
Birth nameTroy Beetles
Born (1988-06-08) June 8, 1988 (age 36)
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Genres
Occupations
  • DJ
  • record producer
Years active2007–present
Labels
Websitewww.datsik.com

Troy Beetles (born June 8, 1988), better known by his stage name Datsik, is a Canadian DJ and music producer. His first release was in the spring of 2009. He has since played at venues all over the world, including festivals such as Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, EDC Las Vegas, Stereosonic, Boonstock, Shambhala Music Festival, and Electric Zoo.

In March 2015, Datsik partnered with electronic music lifestyle brand Electric Family to produce a bracelet for which 100% of the proceeds are donated to Lupus Foundation of America, which works to cure and improve the lives of all that are affected by lupus.[1]

In March 2018, Beetles was accused of sexual assault spanning multiple years, resulting in public backlash and cancellation of all Datsik appearances at upcoming shows and festivals. He officially stepped down from his label, Firepower Records.[2]

In November 2019, Datsik broke his 18-month hiatus with a video uploaded to his Facebook page. In the video, he discussed plans to return to the music industry after having been staying in a live-in therapy facility.[3]

In August 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Datsik marked his return to music by posting four new songs from his album "Afterlife" on SoundCloud and YouTube.

Biography

Beetles was born on June 8, 1988, in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. His stage name derives from his old Xbox Live gamertag.[4] He began producing dubstep after seeing Excision perform at Shambhala in 2008.[5] Soon afterward, the two began collaborating and released several tracks together in 2009 and 2010 on Excision's Rottun Recordings.

In 2009, Datsik had several number-one releases on Beatport. He had remixed and collaborated with artists including The Crystal Method, Noisia, Wu-Tang Clan, and Diplo, and has performed with Steve Aoki, Rusko, Bassnectar, Skream, DJ Craze, Benny Benassi and Nero, among others.

Beetles cited a wide range of musical inspirations, including Wu-Tang Clan members RZA and Method Man. He has described his sound as "dark and robotic", while trying to remain "funky and gangster" and "dirty".[5]

He released his debut album Vitamin D through Dim Mak Records and Last Gang Records on April 10, 2012. The album features 12 songs as well as appearances from Downlink, Z-Trip, Infected Mushroom, Jonathan Davis, Messinian and Snak the Ripper.

Firepower Records

In January 2012,[citation needed] Datsik founded his own record label, Firepower Records.[6] It is named for his 2011 record of the same. He has already signed a wide variety of dubstep producers and bass musicians. Datsik released the Cold Blooded EP and his Let It Burn LP through this label.

In March 2018, Datsik cancelled his remaining tour performances and stepped down from Firepower Records amid numerous allegations.[2][6]

Discography

Datsik at Spring Awakening in 2014
Main article: Datsik discography

Studio albums

References

  1. ^ Boothe, Colton (18 September 2015). "Datsik to drop bass-heavy beats Saturday • The Tulane Hullabaloo". tulanehullabaloo.com. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  2. ^ a b "Dubstep DJ Datsik has been accused of multiple sexual assaults". Mixmag. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  3. ^ cameron, john. "Datsik Announces Comeback". edm.com. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
  4. ^ "Datsik Bio, Music, News & Shows". DJZ.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  5. ^ a b Vicky B (August 22, 2010). "Excision and Datsik Interview: SXSW 2010". Spinner. AOL. Archived from the original on September 18, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  6. ^ a b Friend, David (16 March 2018). "Canadian DJ Datsik Cancels Tour Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations". CTV News. Bell Media. Archived from the original on 21 April 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2018.