User talk:TrentCantrelle

There are few artists who feel just as comfortable rocking marquee stages at Electric Daisy Carnival and Coachella, as they do curating the soundtrack to subterranean warehouse parties. But the delicate dichotomy defines Los Angeles-based DJ/producer Trent Cantrelle, who has emerged as a hero for a new generation of dance music fans tired of cookie-cutter tracks and predictable breaks and builds.

With standout releases on such divergent labels as Ministry of Sound, Spinnin’, Toolroom, and Size X, Cantrelle’s stylistic versatility and consummate ear for quality have enabled him to expand horizons across the globe. “You could tell in the kids’ faces that they were discovering this music for the first time,” Trent said about a recent gig. “I feel like I’m rediscovering it too. Living through them, it’s like a renaissance.”

Growing up in New Orleans, Trent found his footing in music from an early age. He began DJ-ing at 13, drawing his initial influences from the hip-hop and freestyle on weekend radio shows. He quickly graduated to the clubs, where he built a reputation for taking listeners on marathon musical odysseys that showcased his eclectic blend of styles. A move to Los Angeles and renewed focus on production paid off with the success of “Runway,” which Pete Tong named WMC’s Essential New Tune in 2005. The transnational hit catapulted Cantrelle into the global touring spotlight.

Despite his demanding tour schedule, Cantrelle remained a prolific producer. He released anthemic house hit “I Want A Freak” on Spinnin in 2011, which became one of the top 10 best-selling house songs that year. He recently made waves as the debut signee for Steve Angello’s X imprint, releasing his Nice & Close EP in 2013 to commercial and critical success.

Now, Trent is focusing his energies on his own Sounds Like, a record label and event brand that celebrates the return of the serious party. The label’s flagship release, “What I Need,” is a perfect representation of Trent’s open approach to floor-filling house music, with brooding bass, deep chord progressions, and a sultry vibe. “In a ten-hour set, I play a lot of different forms of house and techno, and the Sounds Like label will touch on that,” Trent says. “It will cover a lot of ground, not one specific style; I see a lot of labels fall into that trap. Anything coming from us will be made for the dancefloor.”

The Sounds Like terrace party, every Sunday in Los Angeles, has built a special vibe that draws a dedicated crowd, and an impressive array of guest DJs tag-teaming with Trent, including Doc Martin, Sander Kleinenberg, Oxia, and Eddie Amador. Featuring performance artists and art installations in addition to the music, it’s fast become an institution in the City of Angels, while staying true to Trent's music ethos. The party is now expanding to include evening events, in partnership with Insomniac Events.

Events, tours and lots more music – keep pace with Trent and Sounds Like throughout the year for announcements all meant to make you dance.