Artist of the Month: CRiiOZ
CRiiOZ: The Journey of Passion and Persistence in Electronic Music
In the world of electronic music, where creativity knows no bounds and the beat never stops, certain artists rise above the rest, driven by an unyielding passion and a deep connection to their roots. CRiiOZ is one such artist. His journey into the electronic music scene is a testament to perseverance, community, and a love for the craft that goes beyond mere beats and rhythms.
Starting from humble beginnings in high school, where he first dabbled in mixing alongside his close friend KJ, CRiiOZ’s path wasn’t always linear. Like many artists, he took detours—playing hockey, taking breaks, and finding his way back to music. However, it was during the global pandemic that CRiiOZ reconnected with his passion, moving back in with KJ and reigniting the spark that would eventually propel him into the world of production and DJing.
Today, CRiiOZ is not just another name in the EDM scene; he’s a force to be reckoned with. From managing and throwing events to headlining major venues, his rise in the industry has been nothing short of inspiring. CRiiOZ has carved out a space for himself, blending raw emotion with powerful energy in every track he creates.
His story is one of community, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Through trial and error, countless hours in the studio, and the support of fellow artists, CRiiOZ has honed his unique sound—one that resonates deeply with fans and continues to push the boundaries of electronic music.
In this exclusive Q&A, CRiiOZ shares insights into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and the inspirations that drive him. Whether you’re an aspiring DJ, a seasoned producer, or just a fan of electronic music, there’s something in his story that will resonate with you.
Q&A with CRiiOZ
Q: How did you first get into music production and DJing?
CRiiOZ: "I started mixing in high school with my buddy KJ. Although I took a break to play hockey, I returned to music during COVID, moving back in with KJ, which reignited my passion for mixing. Soon after, I transitioned into producing."
Q: Who are your biggest musical influences?
CRiiOZ: "My biggest influences include Marauda, Svdden Death, and Muerte. Getter was the artist who first inspired me to dive deeper into EDM."
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in electronic music?
CRiiOZ: "After managing and throwing EDM events with KJ, I quickly realized I wanted to pursue the artist life. The EDM scene felt like home, and through trial and error, CRiiOZ was born."
Q: How do you approach the creative process when producing new tracks?
CRiiOZ: "Every track is a new adventure, blending my influences with my unique vision for CRiiOZ. I aim to capture raw emotion and energy in my music."
Q: What software and equipment do you use in your setup?
CRiiOZ: "I produce in my home studio using Ableton on my MacBook. My setup includes JBL studio speakers and Audio-Technica M50 headphones."
Q: Do you have a favorite local venue where you enjoy performing?
CRiiOZ: "Crofoot and Elektricity, located near each other, are my favorite venues to play. The energy there is unmatched."
Q: What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
CRiiOZ: "Learning to produce was the biggest challenge, and I overcame it with the help of other artists. Lessons from artists like Sqishi, Zoinks, RAK, Prosecute, and Muerte helped me shape the CRiiOZ sound."
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers in your community?
CRiiOZ: "Be active in your scene, ask for help, and remember it's not a competition. Collaborate with other artists, and stay humble."
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or releases you can share with us?
CRiiOZ: "I have a self-release on 8/2 and a collaboration with Bernzikial at the end of August. I'll also be performing four shows in August, including a headliner in Seattle and Quebec."
Q: How do you engage with your fans and build your community?
CRiiOZ: "I attend local shows, interact with fans, and immerse myself in the crowd during performances. I also stay connected through Instagram, ensuring I respond to DMs and keep fans updated with content. Fans are the backbone of my journey, and I strive to show them respect and appreciation."
CRiiOZ’s journey through the electronic music scene is a powerful example of how passion, persistence, and community can drive success. From his early days mixing tracks with friends to headlining major venues and releasing original music, CRiiOZ has never lost sight of what matters most: the music and the people who support it.
His story is not just about personal achievement, but also about the importance of collaboration, learning from others, and giving back to the community that helped shape him. CRiiOZ’s dedication to his craft and his fans shines through in every performance, every track, and every interaction, making him not just an artist to watch, but a true advocate for the electronic music scene.
As he continues to push boundaries with his unique sound, CRiiOZ is setting a new standard in the EDM world. His upcoming releases and performances promise to further solidify his place in the industry, and with each new project, he brings his fans along on the journey.
Whether you’re just discovering CRiiOZ or have been following his career from the start, there’s no doubt that this is only the beginning. With a relentless drive and a clear vision, CRiiOZ is poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of electronic music, and his journey is far from over.
Keep an eye out for his latest projects and catch him live at one of his upcoming shows—you won’t want to miss what’s next from this rising star.