Electro-swing DJ and violinist Michael Fraser plays Frostbite Series

Michael Fraser is no stranger to hitting the dusty trail. While touring to promote his latest EP, Gypsitech, Fraser travelled across Europe — through Austria, Germany and Italy. A mixer, DJ equipment, a laptop and violin — to name a few key pieces of gear — do not make for light bags.

This Vancouver-based free spirit has also traveled through Revelstoke before. In fact getting home from Revelstoke on the Greyhound last year was no easy feat. Below is Fraser in his own words:

On the bus back to Vancouver from Revy, Greyhound paired me up on the adventure with a homeless person, a junkie, and a military fanatic. The homeless person was keeping the thermostat up with his farts, the junkie was arguing with anyone and the military fanatic couldn’t survive without his gun strapped around his shoulder. An accident on the highway held us up and we had to make friends with each other. We broke marshmallows over a highway-side fire. We were finally cleared to detour and take the long way back to Vancouver. It was a Donkey Kong of a mess!

Unlike other genres, Fraser’s category of music — electro-swing — is delightfully straightforward; old style swing sounds sped up and mixed with electronic beats. Fraser is responsible for mixing music and playing his violin simultaneously at his live shows. When asked to describe his music, Fraser muses: “My style was born in the shoes of a gypsy violin prodigy, shaped by the urban streets.” His music evokes images of trapeze artists and lion tamers. If you’re lucky, there will be a circus performer or burlesque dancer beside him on stage.

https://soundcloud.com/shambhalamusicfestival/shambhala-mix-series-005

When asked about staying current in both DJing and violin playing, Fraser explains that “practicing is something that happens naturally when you love something.” As a young producer Fraser is always creating something new and loves to listen to popular music, experimental music and “producers who tactfully fuse genres.”

What does a Revelstoke crowd have that you can’t find anywhere else in the world? “I have not found any two people alike, but yet we are all doppelgangers. It’s one of life’s mysteries,” he reflects.

Gypsitech was self released in November 2014 on Bandcamp, You can download is there or buy it from Fraser at the Traverse March 27. Tickets are $10 and sold at Society Skate and Snow and at the door.

This story is produced in partnership with Flexproductions, the Frostbite Series and the Revelstoke Mountaineer.