Who am I?

My name is Tison Hiland.  I am 28 years old and graduated from Shepherd University where I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Science, with a focus in Network Security and Design.  I am a brother of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.  Originally coming from Chicago, Illinois, moving to a rural area was quite the shock for me.  Changing from a robust area full of life and excitement where you meet new people every day to a laid back community where everyone knows everyone was a very big flip.  Though the area prefers things a little more easy-going, I prefer to live it up.  I'm just like any other average young adult.  I like all sorts of hobbies, including things such as paintball, clubbing, video games, movies, and everything in-between.  However, one interest of mine stands out above the rest: Music.

Why do you like Electronic Dance Music (EDM)?

Music has always been a passion of mine.  I enjoy all sorts of different genres, and really appreciate the affect music has on people.  It inspires minds, calms nerves, provides a fun atmosphere, and can really pump up a crowd.  A lot of DJs get started with the wrong goals in mind... Some just want to mess around.  Some like the attention.  Some are even in it for the money.  However, the artists that truly stand out are the ones who appreciate the sounds they make, and enjoy making their fans happy.  That is what I aim to do.  I have a personal passion for music that makes you just want to get up and dance.  I love creating sounds that make you forget your worries, and just stand up and jump around.  Luckily, we have so many artists in the world who are capable of creating legit songs that we just love.  One of my favorite things to do is take a song that you know and love, and put a unique twist on it and remix the hell out of it so it's almost as if you are experiencing the song for the first time all over again!  I just find it extremely interesting that something as simple as sound can completely alter a person's emotions, and through a song, you can practically program an emotional roller coaster.

What got you started?

Originally I started dabbing in House music a few years back.  After being introduced to some House remixes of some classic songs, I was hooked.  I found myself attending concerts, parties, and raves whenever I could.  Soon, I found myself desiring to make my mark on the genre and put my own unique twist on songs.  At first it started out that I would hear a cool song, and really enjoy it, but then I would hear a certain piece that just didn't sound right, and I found myself saying "I think I would have done this part differently...".  As I would walk through everyday life, I would hear some song on the radio, and start thinking "You know what beat would go really well with this song?" and it just got my mind working.  Soon after I found myself counting beats on songs I would hear in public places, counting down until the drop comes in.  Finally, I decided I should take the plunge and try my hand at making House bootlegs.  Although I kept my releases to myself, I found great joy in expressing new parts of songs that people may not have originally noticed, emphasizing on subtle verses.  After getting acquainted with programs such as Ableton and FL Studio, I was able to further edit tracks and create some unique sounds.