Freak On: Fitness, Firefighting, and Finding Flow Behind the Decks

Arizona-born, Portland-raised DJ and producer Freak On has grown his presence in house music since making the move to Los Angeles after seven years as a firefighter and EMT in Oregon. He’s performed at big time venues such as SOUND LA, Splash House, and The Shrine while releasing music on reputable labels such as Thrive Music, Repopulate Mars, and House Call Records. His tracks have earned support from leading names across the scene, helping him build momentum on both club and festival stages.

In this interview, Freak On talks about his journey from emergency response work to touring, tracks that never leave the USB, and the mindset behind his work in the studio.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I was a firefighter/EMT in Oregon for seven years before pursuing music in LA.

If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?

I would most likely still be working in emergency medicine.

Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?

Murphy’s Law, Luke Dean, Jamie Jones, and Franky Rizardo.

What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?

My edit of “Pump Up The Jam” has been a great crowd mover lately.

What’s your go-to snack or drink before a show?

If I can grab some pizza before a show, that’s the move I’ll make!

What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?

I’ve always had so much fun playing in LA. The crowd is always reactive and engaged.

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Fun, energetic, groovy.

What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?

Working out.

What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

Avicii.

What’s your favorite non-music-related hobby?

Snowboarding.

If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?

The ’70s — for the peak of disco!

What’s a record that never leaves your crate or USB?

“Eeny Meeny” by Haynes.

If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?

At the gym, hanging with family and friends, or playing video games.

When do you feel most at peace?

Phone off, back in Oregon during the summertime visiting my family.

As someone who deals with technology and computers to write music, has there been a gut-wrenching story where you lost your music or tracks you were working on?

Yes. I actually had one of my external hard drives corrupt — it held a ton of my samples. Most of my WIPs were half-empty, so I decided to just start over. It was terrible at the time, but in the long run, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?

I try not to be too hard on myself for what I wrote early on, but I’d say the mixdowns and sample choices stand out the most.

What do you find yourself obsessing over most in the studio?

The groove of the track — how the percussion and bassline make it move.

What is your favorite set time and duration?

I’d say a three-hour set is perfect. You can set the tone, build it up, and tell a story well — not to say I wouldn’t love playing longer.

If you had the power to erase and abolish one musical genre for all eternity, which one would it be?

Noise music.