WHEN I “ STARTED WITH ELECTRONIC MUSIC, I NEVER KNEW I HAD THIS PASSION FOR THE MUSIC. ” my first album. This gives me peace. There is nothing to achieve more; everything was right,” he says. “The meaning of leaving my country, moving to New York, producing an album, and switching from analog to digital — changes me every way.” Dice continues to produce hip-hop through his ongoing “FKD” project, wherein he invites hip-hop artists from London’s grime scene to the studio to make music he typically releases for free via Facebook. “The good thing about London’s hip-hop artists is that they’re open- minded — they go to techno parties,” he says. Even the way Dice carries himself feels more hip-hop, a far cry from minimal DJs’ of- ten-stoic body language. He’s convivial and sashays, hugs, and high-fives anyone at arm’s length. The need for social pleasantries dissi- pates when he’s focused on mixing, however. Dice locks his eyes onto the mixer or his lap- top as his head bobs to the beat. Perhaps because he’s gone through the tribulations of earning respect behind the decks, Dice always seems ready to help push young producers to overcome their own ob- stacles. For instance, the communication be- tween a headliner and resident DJ usually totals just a few words during transitions. But Dice’s relationship with resident Ms. Mada (AKA Rachel Tumada) runs deeper. Having opened and closed for Dice countless times throughout the year, she has developed a gen- uine friendship with her fellow DJ, which re- cently led to Tumada serving as the opener during Dice’s South America tour. “I originally did all the logistics and han- dled Dice’s contracts when he played at Space,” she recalls. “But I don’t think it was until my 2019 Boiler Room set where Dice took notice and was like, ‘I like when she’s playing.’” Adds Tumada: “He gave me such great ad- vice to stop thinking as an opening DJ — what I play is good enough — and not second-guess my abilities.” “For guys like Dice, who is one of the inter- national residents, it’s more about showcas- ing their different talents all by themselves anywhere from six to seven times a year,” says Club Space co-owner Davide Danese. “They represent the spirit and soul of the club. I think it’s because we like the music and enjoy being there and watching the crowd develop — and when the artist sees you there and en- joys the music, a relationship forms. The room is as much his as it is ours.” Nearing hour 11 of his marathon set on Space’s terrace, Dice is still going strong. The music is not hip-hop, nor is it minimal. It’s just good. “The game changed, and you have to adopt,” Dice says. “I’m feeling young again. I see myself as an artist. I feel fresh.” [email protected] 39 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com | CONTENTS | LETTERS | NEWS | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | CAFE | MUSIC | miaminewtimes.com | CONTENTS | LETTERS | RIPTIDE | METRO | NIGHT+DAY | STAGE | ART | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | MIAMI NEW TIMES NEW TIMES MONTH XX–MONTH XX, 2008 JUNE 30-JULY 6, 2022 Photo courtesy of the artist/Listen Up
