Elite Daily’s Nikita Chauhan caught up with ‘Bailey Smalls,’ a young DJ/producer from Miami who is making waves internationally with his Trap inspired remixes and dynamic DJ sets. Smalls defies the constraints of genres while learning from some of the best in his field.

Influenced by both legends and new talent, with a style that is taking him to the biggest parties, Smalls gives Elite an exclusive insight into his music, mentoring and the names to watch in 2013.

There are a few months to go until WMC 2013, and last year you were hanging out with the likes of Diplo and Dirty South. What are you looking forward to most at WMC 2013 this year?

Last year I had an amazing time. I would say I am most looking forward to hearing where the sounds are going and seeing my friends. I will also be playing a few parties. I can’t talk about that, yet, but they’ll be big.

The last few years have seen you make your impact on the music scene and you’ve been lucky enough to have Armand Van Helden as a mentor. How has this influenced your work?

I grew up sneaking into Miami clubs that were playing Armand’s records, so becoming close with him has been unreal.
He has helped bring my knowledge of music to the next level, showed me the importance of staying true to what I want to hear and mostly inspired me to hold myself to a higher standard.

Musically, who is your biggest inspiration?

There are so many amazing bands and artists who inspire me that it is hard to pin down just a few. That being said, I think my parents have been my biggest musical inspiration.

They both attended Woodstock back in the day, and kept amazing music in the house since day one. Without them, it’s doubtful I would have found the passion I have for music and the sound that has driven me to produce.

Your music is difficult to pigeon-hole, cited as being inspired by funky-house, electro and heavy bass, with your music having certain tones of trap and dub. How would you describe your sound?

I make what I feel, so you’ll always hear different stuff from me. I like having the freedom to make any kind of music. However, at its core, I would describe it as classic vibes done with cutting edge sounds.

Where do you see your style currently sitting in the music scene?

On a beach, holding a drink with a little umbrella in it.

You’ve said it would be a dream to play internationally, are there any music scenes in particular that are currently catching your attention and why?

I love the UK, there is a certain dedication to quality and underground sound that breeds great, innovative music and the fans are open to all kinds of sounds.

Any place where the people are open to new, heartfelt sounds, I’m interested.

Some of your Trap influenced productions have been huge successes such as your R. Kelly ‘Ignition’ remix. The genre is really making movements on the music scene, how do you feel about this?

Trap is dope. To me it is really just highly produced hip hop — which I love. I think that as long as it avoids becoming played out and producers continue to innovate, it could have some real longevity.

When listening to your back catalogue it becomes apparent you like to experiment with your sound. What direction do you see your music going in 2013?

Probably lots of different directions! I’ll definitely be bringing my classic modern house vibes for the bulk of my music, but I have all kinds of sounds I’m excited to play with. No matter what, it’ll be different and unique.

The exclusive mix you made for Elite Daily brings in many genres – garage, hip-hop, electro beats. When making a mix and selecting a track to remix, what elements do you listen for?

Making a mix and remixing are very different to me. When making a mix I try to take the listener somewhere special with the music I enjoy most. With remixing, if I haven’t been asked to remix a song in particular, I usually just go for things that catch my ear.

What can we expect from Bailey Smalls in the next year?

Lots and lots of music. Stay tuned.

Last year you were excited by Boys Noize and Solid Disco, to name a few. Who do you recommend we keep an ear out for this year?

My close friend Austin Paul is about to be a sensation; his vocal, lyrical and musical talent are all next level. So many producers and DJs are out there making amazing stuff that it is hard to narrow it down. I’m really feeling Fehrplay, Lkid and Carnage at the moment.

Listen to the exclusive mix below!

Nikita Chauhan | Elite.

Elite Daily Presenter and Contributor

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