Notorious Lynch, originating from Cork, Ireland, and now based in San Diego, is a pivotal figure in electronic music, known for his dynamic DJ sets and diverse productions. Starting his music journey in 2000 as a radio presenter, he has evolved into a versatile DJ and producer with a deep-rooted passion for House Music.
He has released tracks on labels like One Dance Left, Slightly Sizzled Records, and Deep Tech Los Angeles Records, showcasing his adeptness at blending genres. His track “Vamos a Bailar” exemplifies his unique blend of sultry vibes and classic Tech House rhythms. As a well-traveled DJ, Lynch’s performances are celebrated at international venues and music festivals, energizing crowds with his innovative sound.
With his latest single Kick Back out now on Unlearn Records, we caught up with the notorious artist for a chat.
Hi Notorious Lynch! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! How has the year been treating you?
The year has been great so far. I have 2 new tracks out in the first quarter, with support coming in from the likes of Malaa and Insomniac, so I’ve been pretty chuffed. I’ve been across the border playing in Mexico as well, so all has been good, thankfully.
Where do you think the impulse to create music comes from for you?
For me, it comes from all around. I keep real-time notes going in my phone when I get inspirations or impulses. I could be just listening to the radio or watching a movie, and something will click for an idea, and I’ll write it down, hum it down, whatever I need to do to remember it for the next studio session. I tend to take inspiration from everywhere, my travels, people; it’s pretty random.
Starting your DJ career with a local Hip Hop radio show transitioned to House music. What sparked this shift in musical focus?
To be exact, while I was working at the radio station (Shoutout Klub FM), I was mostly surrounded by dance music DJs, mostly vinyl DJs as well, so when my show was done, and I’d be hanging out, I saw these guys tear up the decks with high-energy BPM with House, Hard House, and Trance. I saw quick chops, creative transitions, vinyl spinbacks, and I think I was just drawn to the overall energy of it more than anything.
You’ve held residencies in different countries. How has your international experience influenced your music style?
In short, greatly; it’s been a bit of an education. I think it has made me pretty eclectic across the board. You will hear tracks I’ve made that are Deep House, House, Piano House, Tech House, almost crossing the Techno line with the last one. The BPMs range from 120-130, and I think that comes from serving an almost international apprenticeship. Being able to play music in different countries across different cultures is a quick way to learn ‘the room’ and the local environment. It’s experience I carry with me to this day when playing and draw from when I am in the studio producing also, maybe subconsciously.
Your tracks span various genres and labels, like Rhythm Culture and Deep Tech Los Angeles Records. How did you hook up with Unlearn for the new release?
I’ve been a fan of Doc Brown’s music for a while and got in touch with him in the early days of my radio show for a guest mix and interview, which he graciously obliged as the show was only getting started at the time. From there, I guess it just opened a direct line of communication, and the following year, when I launched my label, One Dance Left, in Miami at the Surfcomber, I asked Doc if he would like to play the event. We had Todd Terry headlining, and a whole host of other great DJs; that was such a fun one. I’ve been to his Unlearn events and have been a fan of the output from the label for a while but, it wasn’t until I made ‘Kick Back’ that I felt I had something that fit the label sound. It was the first actual demo I sent him, and luckily, he liked it and signed it up. Thanks, Doc!
Collaboration is a significant aspect of music production. How do you choose artists to collaborate with, and what’s that process like?
To be honest, it’s just a vibe thing for me, coming together with like-minded people, even if they are from different musical or cultural backgrounds, can lead to great things. That’s my sort of personal ethos, so I just bring that into the process, and I am open-minded with what the other person wants to do. Some collabs don’t work, but that to me is nothing to do with the relationship itself. I would just say let’s go again; it’s like producing any track, for every 5 released, there’s probably 10 on the cutting room floor. It won’t always work the first time, just keep at it if the vibe is right.
With your music reaching global audiences, how do you stay connected with your fans across different platforms and countries?
You will mostly find me on Instagram mainly, and I try to engage with everyone who comments or supports; it’s greatly appreciated. I use Songstats and other analytics to track where my music is played, which mostly hits in Mexico and South America, so maybe the first major tour will be going South. I will admit, I probably need to put myself out there more, though social media has never been something I put much time into, but I understand the times we live in currently, and it’s becoming more essential every day.
Technology constantly evolves the music industry. How has it affected your production techniques and DJ performances?
For production, it’s great as I keep a small tidy studio and work mostly in the box (digitally). I have one synth and a MIDI keyboard; everything else is virtual, and to be able to create what is being created nowadays from a laptop with minimal investment just goes to show how far technology has come. It’s made it accessible to everyone. Djing, on the other hand, for me, I try to keep it simple. I definitely utilize effects in the performance but, I try not to overdo it, and I am not trying to do a James Hype on it; it’s just not me. He’s amazing, btw, I just think each to their own. I focus on the golden rule, making people dance.
Sustainability and mental health are growing concerns in the music industry. What measures do you take to address these issues personally and professionally?
I’m definitely not traveling as much as some of the other pros, so I haven’t really experienced these issues personally but, I do see it in the industry a lot. The best advice I can give is to surround yourself with good people and keep your eye on the prize. It’s always nice to have a drink and enjoy yourself, but you can’t burn the candle at both ends and think everything is going to be okay. It catches up with you physically, and when things start to spiral, the mental health side starts to slip. I think with a good team around you, you are set up for success, and can curtail things like this from happening.
You’ve been active in the music scene for over two decades. How do you keep your sound fresh and relevant to new and old fans alike?
I feel blessed in one way with the experience behind me because I know enough classics to keep any dancefloor moving, or else shame on me! Lol.
It’s crazy how my sound has changed over the years, but I do listen to a lot of music, and I typically just roll with my taste buds. They have changed over the years from time to time, but I’m not making conscious decisions to change. It’s always within the House realm for me. I haven’t veered off that beaten track yet, not sure I will now after 20 years but, hey, if they want me to headline EDC sometime, I might have to take it up a notch!
Looking to the future, are there any new projects or directions you’re excited to explore in your career?
At this point, I am pretty content DJing, producing, running the label, and putting out the radio show. I think the logical next step would be to start doing my own events. I have done quite a few already but thinking more like my own ‘Day Trip’ or ‘Boiler Room’ setup. I have a few ideas.
I would love to make it full-time at some point in at least one of these roles, or something else within the music industry. Even after 20 years, I am still learning, still excited, and still dreaming of what’s next.
What should we expect from you for the rest of 2024?
Lots more music for sure. I am sitting on a bunch of new music right now that I am about to start hitting some of my favorite labels with, so hopefully, some of that will stick and make it out this year. I have some releases planned on One Dance Left too that I am excited about, and ultimately more events with me behind the 1’s and 2’s.