September 13, 2012
Compson Sound consists of Hamilton senior Ben Li. He started experimenting with music production the summer of 2011. His style of mash-ups primarily focuses on combining electronic dance tracks with Top 40 a capellas as well as using rarely featured samples such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye or Bon Jovi. He’s Dj-ed at numerous parties and Late Nite events, including opening for 3LAU last weekend. Although he only started eight months ago, Ben Li is on his way to becoming the next big thing in the electronic world.
Why did you decide to start Compson Sound?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I started playing piano when I was 6 and the guitar when I was 13 and was in a couple high school bands but nothing serious. When the electronic music industry took force in America I jumped on the boat as well. During my sophomore year my friends and I took a trip to Montreal; this was my first experience with electronic music. And I started working on electronic
music since then.
And where did the name come from?
I didn’t want to do a name with “DJ blank” because I think that’s really tacky and it doesn’t differentiate you. And also, I didn’t want to be known as just a DJ but a music producer as well — so coming up with a name was pretty hard. I really enjoy Faulkner novels and the name Compson comes from one of his most famous pieces The Sound and the Fury. I was originally going to go with that name but there’s already an ad agency for that name. The Sound and the Fury is based on the Compson family so I just kind went with it. I google searched [the name] and nothing came up. It’s got a nice ring to it.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s definitely a style of progressive house. I typically use a signature 44 kick beat with a build up, or drop, with a lot of synth added in and a break down section. Think of like Avicii, Swedish house mafia, Capslap, Alesso, all those types of people.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?
Work your ass off. It kind of bothers me when people go into the idea thinking that this is really easy music to produce while it’s very technical. There’s a lot of intricacies and technical work that goes into it. It’s mainly about dedication while catching a few lucky breaks along the way. Know how to set your self out and be accessible to fans.
Who are your favorite DJs?
Currently there are two people I really like. One of them is Zedd. He rose up without a label, which is pretty much unheard of. His sound is very unique in a sense you can tell he took a lot of time in producing each track because there’s a lot of layers underneath and just a lot of stuff going on.
I also look up to 3LAU mainly because he’s in a similar boat as many people [producing and DJing] during college. He’s the same age as me and we’re both trying to do the same thing.
Do you have any non-musical inspirations?
The Hamilton campus is a great place if you want inspiration. Sometimes when I’m stuck staring at the computer screen for a while, its just good to walk across campus and see some nature.
Where do you see Compson Sound in the future?
I definitely still plan on doing mashups and mixes and I’m working on remixes and original productions right now. The jump from doing mashups and doing something of your own is really far. It’ll be awhile in the making. In the springtime I’ll release a couple of remixes. I have a couple of shows [off campus] on the book for later in the semester. I’m still working out the details but I have some big plans for the future.
My friend helped me get a gig at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse in October. I’m still working out the details but [the show] is definitely in late October. I’ll be opening for the Polish Ambassador.
What has been your biggest challenge as a DJ?
The flip side of it being so easy to get started is that so many people are getting started, it’s very hard to differentiate yourself from people who are doing this for fun or are not very good. You really have to find a way to differentiate yourself in terms of the stuff you make or mix. Just something new to bring to the table. No one wants to hear anymore Carly Rae Jepsen mashups. It’s been done before and its over and easy to do. We get it. You really just have to push yourself beyond what everyone else is doing. Because its so easy to get caught up doing that when your doing mixes. When you hear someone else doing something that sounds good you inadvertently do the same thing. It’s a challenge.
What is one the best things about being a DJ?
One of the great things about electronic music is that its really easy to get into… with five piece bands its really difficult to coordinate practice times get together and balance egos within the band but all you need is a laptop and software that does the music programming for you. Anyone can do it as long as you have the drive, passion and work ethic for it. It’s all about being patient, working hard and not giving up.