Cirex is a multi-instrumentalist musician, who works on electronic music. From Drum and Bass, to Hip Hop to Metal and Dubstep, Cirex delivers intense and dark music into the electro dance scene. He also works as a ‘score’ musician for movies. Cirex real name is Eric Ortiz, Born in NY , raised in Puerto Rico. He has been on the local rock scene for several years until he decided to do his own music back in 2010.

www.c1rex.com
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirex

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

I’ve breathed music since I was a child. Once I left a live band for health condition, I started to make instrumental music with my guitar, a bass and a laptop, back in the Myspace days. I started to gain popularity and since then I haven’t stop. There is one guy that I think influenced me the most. Klayton (Celldweller), I remember hearing him, and when I realize he did it all by himself, I said to myself  ‘I can freakin’ do that’. Not on his level, but I’m right there 🙂

2.) If you could compare yourself to someone who is already established in your line of work, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then what separates you from other everyone else who does what you do?

I do not like to be compared, but I guess if you love Fear Factory, Skrillex, Pendulum you can get an idea of what I do, and maybe you will like what I do.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the work that you do? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming an entrepreneur?

Not being able to perform ‘live’. I was in a band called ‘Neuttro’, we played a lot of shows, even to a 7,000 thousand people crowd, but my depression kicked in. I left the band, but that doesn’t stop me from making music. I just found the way. Everyday above ground, is an experience, and everyday I learn something new.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to create? What is your process?

First, I do what some call “The Skeleton”, which is basically all the drums, and structure them, then I star insert a lot of layers (or channels) adding basses, synths, scratches, guitars, basses, wobbles, fxs, you name it. Sometimes I finish the song with 20 channels open, and I am not joking.

5.) Unfortunately many industries are full of talented individuals who more or less become the “starving artist” and don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

I actually love to be under the radar. But even that way I had the opportunity to work with Danny Diablo, Ed (from the band Puya), Wil (from Earshot), new track coming with Hail Sagan, and be recognized by a lot of known artists and colleges.

6.) Would you rather work for a big corporation or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? What makes one better than the other?

I would like to stay independent. I have more control of myself, everything that I have achieved has been on the independent way. Of course some people have helped me all over my path, but independent for me is the best way.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the creative industry and how artists are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s economy if they’re not social media savvy?

Social Media has been a saviour in order to promote your product, but on the other hand, is pretty hard to maintain an income just relying on it. I prefer those days where you carry a box of your CD’s in the back of the car, and sell them, those time are long go by now. Thank God, I have been doing pretty well on social media (in terms of being recognized).

8.) Typically, entrepreneurs who try to create products and/or services for mass consumption for the general public and make more money are seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure that what you offer stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

I have been trying to stay away from that. For example, I live in Puerto Rico, reggeaton and latin-trap are the people’s flavor, and some people has reached out to me to make trap beats, but I am very jealous with music. Same as joining a cover band, are things that I wouldn’t sell out myself.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Making more music 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity!!