Andrea Graham rises as underground music artist, broadcaster and organizer

Andrea Graham aka The Librarian needs little introduction. The DJ, Producer and Bass Coast co-founder is a favourite among the underground electronic music scene across the Pacific Northwest. Lovers of bass will vibe in an instant to her futuristic sounds. These are the people excited when a low-end rumble fills a club or forest floor. Bass makes them feel sexy with their clothes on. It’s the way the Librarian orchestrates these dichotomies, in her music and at party venues, that makes her so great. In a male dominated industry, her sly yet demur subtleties go a long way. Below she talks about her love for the mountains and being a part of the bass family.

Musical influences

Revelstoke Mountaineer: What were some of your hobbies before DJing? What lead you to DJing?

Andrea Graham: I was very attached to my snowboard before I started DJing. I spent seasons at Big White, Whitewater, and then settled up in Whistler. At the time I was playing in bands and performing solo with my guitar to support my snowboarding habit.  The evolution from live music to DJing began when I bought a computer and started learning Logic. I started building electronic tracks and then eventually started DJing.  Attending festivals like Shambhala and Burning Man influenced my transition from live music to electronic expression.  I still snowboard and ride my mountain bike whenever I can.

RM: What’s on your iPod right now?

AG: Alex Coulton, Doctor Jeep, Robot Koch, Vessels, Sam Binga, Popcaan, DJ Earl

Sharing music in 2015

RM: How do you like to share your music? How active is your Myspace? SoundCloud? What is Sub.FM and how often do you play on air?

AG: I use SoundCloud to host all my mixes and new creations. My Myspace is dead.  I can’t delete my account so it is probably still floating around the Internet somewhere.  Sub.FM is an online radio station where Mat the Alien and I host a two hour show every second Wednesday from 8–10pm PST. It’s a great outlet to play new music from all our friends and to connect with people around the world. I love it. Each week we take on a new musical direction and there is a lot of freedom because we aren’t catering to a dance floor. We don’t record the sets so you have to listen by going to www.sub.fm or downloading the SUBFM app.

Part of the crew

RM: In the summer of 2013, you became a part of Lighta! Sound. How has that helped your career or changed the trajectory?

AG: I’m continually inspired and motivated by every person in Lighta! Sound. There is so much creativity within the crew and everyone is dedicated to pushing their own creative boundaries and supporting each other along the way. It means the world to me to be included, as I’ve looked up to Lighta! since first attending one of the early Dubforms events years ago. I’ve learned a lot from the attention to detail and commitment to sound system culture and artistic freedom that is the backbone of any Lighta! show. And I’m so happy to be part of the family.

The great Canadian nightlife

RM: How is Really Good Tuesdays in Whistler with Mat the Alien going so far in 2015? What’s the best part about sharing a residency?

AG: Really Good Tuesdays have been going for 5–6 years now. Mat the Alien and I have fun playing B2B and trying out all our new tunes. The best part is seeing the Really Good regulars who come out from Squamish and Whistler and they rule the dance floor from the beginning to end. The night happens once a month at Maxx Fish in Whistler and we often bring in headliners from all over the world.

RM: You’ve mentioned in other interviews you were responsible for throwing smaller parties and performance and art based events before you and Liz went big with Bass Coast. Do you know of any other groups that are trying to fill the gap and keep Canadian nightlife alive?

AG: Almost every city or small-town has a crew that works tirelessly to keep underground music culture alive. Two groups that are in the forefront of my mind are Shah DJ’s in Vancouver and Northern Lights in Calgary. They have been working for years to promote club shows and underground events that push the emergent sounds of electronic music. They aren’t afraid to take risks and have built a dedicated following and have provided an outlet for many local artists. It’s the underground culture that propels evolution in sound.

Festival season is upon us

RM: Since founding Bass Coast in 2009 with Liz Thompson, your summers must be very busy. How do you maintain in the summer?

AG: I have a 1971 Boler trailer that my husband refinished. It is my sanctuary and escape when on the road. I love it and it makes going to festivals smooth. I sometimes even get some sleep! I love being at festivals and working hard so the adrenaline keeps me going until fall, then I usually need to take a little break for some me-time.

RM: How do you decompress?

AG: Mountain biking is my form of meditation. I live in Squamish so there are hundreds of world-class trails to ride. Biking forces me to be in the moment and I love the feeling of floating down the mountain, it’s my healthy escape.

RM: Does the Bass Coast symbol stem from the mathematical symbol for PHI? The 2014 guest bracelets had the Fibonacci sequence printed on them. Can you explain the connection between Bass Coast and this mathematical symbol and sequence?

AG: From day one most of our stages and graphics have integrated PHI or the Fibonacci sequence into their design.

The Librarian plays the Traverse Feb. 27 with opening sets by Marty Beats and Lorne B. $10 tickets in advance at The Cabin & Society Snow & Skate. Doors open at 9pm.