27 year old musician and DJ, Frazer Mitchell has an extensive background in music. Sustaining a steady DJ career whilst aiding upcoming artists, Frazer Mitchell lives up to his jack of all trades reputation.
1. You’re a jack of all trades so I’m not sure if you have one title for your many roles – how do you describe yourself?
I’m a 27 year old music producer and content creator from Dorset UK. Before lockdown, I was primarily a DJ, but now work with young musicians and bands from the local area.
2. What does a typical day look like now in comparison to a day in the life of Frazer Mitchell in a non-Covid world.
Before Covid-19, I would have been gigging three or four times a week in various formats. Hosting events like Open Mic Nights, acoustic and band nights, showcases, or DJing nightclubs, festivals and weddings.
On the side, I produced my own music and other artists in my bedroom. Now, things are very different. I watch a lot more Netflix haha, but these days I’m focusing my energy more on working with young artists to produce their music, and promote it to the right channels to gain exposure, so that when restrictions are lifted, they will be at the front of the queue for new gigs which will arise in the future.
3. Your work with younger and upcoming artists all have different sounds and genres. What’s the process like working with so many genres?
It really depends on the artist. Some musicians come to me with the bare bones of a song, and ideas on how they want it to sound. Others come to me with a really cool sounding demo, and just need to spend time making each instrument sound full, and get a cleaner mix. Sometimes, we have writing sessions and go from there.
It’s exciting working in different genres. I think I’d find it boring making the same style of music, but I do know it makes me a bit “Jack of all trades, master of none”. Saying that, a lot of recording and mixing techniques are the same across genres.
4. Antix Music Network is a platform that aims to help people looking to get started in the music industry. Tell me more about Antix.
Antix started in 2015 – on the day I quit my day job. I started hosting small scale events in cafes, and organising music events for town councils, pubs, and clubs. We’ve had to adapt over the years, but we are now a live music agency, and online platform for local musicians to promote their musical endeavours to a wider audience.
5. Many artists we’ve covered in the past have said although Covid-19 forced some major life restrictions, they’ve become more productive – do you agree?
Yes and no. At the beginning of Covid-19 in March 2020, my main task was to finish my album, which with the amount of late night gigs I was doing, took a back seat. Since then, I’ve been working on and off with artists, depending on restrictions. I will say that the inspiration to write new music has definitely plummeted, because there’s nothing new happening to write about, and the future is so uncertain. However, it’s nice being involved in other people’s musical journeys, who aren’t having the inspiration problems that I’m having.
6. Once Covid-19 is over and we’re living in a safer world, what’s at the top of your bucket list of things you want to do?
Gig. That’s it. I just want to gig.
Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to see family and friends, but that will come before the nightclubs and festivals reopen. I’ve been toying with the idea of hosting an event where all the acts I’ve worked with over the years come together for a showcase concert. I think I will go ahead with this, and do it for the Dementia UK charity, which is a charity very close to mine and my family’s hearts. But this really depends on restrictions and how things progress in the months to come.
