What is your name and role within the band?
My name is Kollin Houghtaling and I am the founder and producer/DJ by the handle Flats Stanlie.
How did you start?
I got my start 3 1/2 years ago, I’ve been a musician since the age of 6 starting off with singing. When I reached the age of 11 I started to dabble with piano, now 13 years later I am completely self taught with all of my personal musical knowledge. Producing didn’t come to me until I was 20 about to be 21. I’ve always loved electronic music and after watching some of my greatest influences (Zeds Dead, RL Grime, and Keys N Krates) I decided it was my time to start really pursuing my passion; music.
Where are you based?
I was born and raised in Grand Haven, Michigan. I have traveled all over the U.S but I still reside in my hometown.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
My music writing process differs with every track I make. But always ends with me working them in similar ways. If I am working with samples, I start with either vocals or a lead sample and I’ll start to develop different melodies/drum/bass patterns around those samples to better fit the track I’m working on. If I am starting from scratch I will tend to start with a melody and then create drum/bass patterns around the melodies. Most of the time I tend to be a perfectionist and will get entire tracks done and restart them because I don’t enjoy the flow of them enough. I want to make sure I am producing quality over quantity. Giving each listener a unique experience and having each have different opinions about my music. Makes for great feedback on which way to head next.
What are you working on right now?
I’ve released two singles in the past month. The first single I released is called “Pulse” which is off my upcoming “Digital Astronauts” EP dropping Wednesday, June 28th. The second single is called “Like This.” which I released 3 days ago and is climbing faster than any other track I have released in the past 4 months. I am currently working on a plethora of projects in a timely matter with some have release dates but most do not. This includes originals, promotional mixes, and remixes.
What is your gear setup?
My gear set up for live playing is a Pioneer DDJ-SR and a MacBook Pro. My producing set up is a pair of studio monitors and windows computer with FL Studio 12.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
My hobbies outside of music consist of long boarding, slack lining (a form of tight rope walking), hanging out with friends who aren’t musicians to be able to break myself away from the creative process and escape the work flow, also I spend a lot of time with my beautiful lady and my cat. Most of the time I find inspiration everywhere I go but I tend to try and escape from the studio just to enjoy the little things in life. Otherwise I’d drive myself insane.
How would you describe your music genre?
The genre of music I am pushing is called Astrobass. The genre is based off Future Bass with a Future Funk twist and more of a cosmic influence. But I am very diverse with my sound, I never stick to one sound or genre.
Do you know any music theory?
I know music theory but like I said before everything I know is self taught or something I picked up from other musicians.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future (long term) are to be able to share/play my music worldwide. My short term goal is to be able to share/play my music throughout the U.S.
How did you get into music?
I got into music at an early age. I sang in choir during school, I taught myself piano, and then in my adult years I started to produce and DJ. I am currently touring the country playing 7 festivals from coast to coast. I’ve always loved music and I’ve always wanted to be able to play in front of crowds and see their reactions when I play my own music.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I am currently listening to a lot of different producers/ live instrumentalists from all over the world. At the moment I can’t stop listening to Freddy Todd, Russ Liquid, Manic Focus, and GRiZ.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
1.) GRiZ
2.) Zeds Dead
3.) Manic Focus
4.) Atmosphere
5.) C2C
When are you playing next?
I play this weekend in Mariposa, California at The Untz Festival. Then the next festival after that is Sonic Bloom in Colorado.
Please feel free to include any extra info.
I love what I do, and I hope you do too.