Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (@teed) has returned with a fresh DJ-Kicks mix for !K7 Records, serving as a poignant reminder that a curated mix can still capture the essence of an artist’s environment and intent. Rather than adhering to the slow, patient arcs often associated with such compilations, TEED designed this project to mirror the kinetic energy of a night out in Los Angeles—the anticipation, the social atmosphere, and the building momentum before the house is even left behind.
Crafting a Modern DJ Narrative
The mix leans heavily into house music, soul, and vocal-driven tracks, featuring artists like Casino Times, Joe Goddard, Austin Ato, and Jacques Greene. TEED’s approach was to ensure the music felt immediately useful within the context of modern DJ culture. Beyond mere selection, he took a hands-on approach to production, rebuilding tracks like “Never Seen You Dance” and “Persuasion” with new drums, basslines, and structural changes, while also contributing a personal cover of KC and The Sunshine Band’s “Please Don’t Go.”
Maintaining Artistic Integrity
When asked about what sustains the drive to create music amidst the pressures of social media, AI, and vanity metrics, TEED emphasizes that the core motivation remains a genuine interest in the craft. He argues that the industry is often driven by laziness and greed, prioritizing the path of least resistance. His advice to fellow artists is to prioritize the music itself and maintain a level of involvement in business decisions, reminding creators that platforms ultimately need them more than they need the platforms.
Never forget that the platforms need you. Their trick is making you think you need them.
TEED suggests that staying connected to one’s own taste requires honesty and a willingness to explore. He encourages artists to engage in intellectual discourse about art, even while acknowledging that, ultimately, it is the heart that matters. Regarding the rise of AI in music production, he expresses concern about the potential normalization of mediocrity. He warns that if the industry settles for content that lacks the human, heartfelt, and brave qualities of true artistry, it risks undermining one of humanity’s most significant achievements.
Ultimately, TEED views the challenge of consistent output versus quality control as a balancing act. Drawing on the wisdom that “people only remember the hits,” he encourages artists to take risks, noting that a single misstep is rarely fatal to a long-term career. For those looking to stay relevant, his message is clear: focus on what moves you, and ignore the temptation to chase fleeting trends.