This has been a breakout that’s long been simmering.
The genre-bending Miami duo GTA first caught the fame bug in 2012 when they were featured on Diplo’s “Express Yourself” and have only increased in success since.
They recently released their self-titled album Good Times Ahead (that’s what GTA stands for) and are stopping in New York to play at The Meadows Music and Art Festival this weekend, as well as a special after-party show at Schimanski in Brooklyn.
Before their performances this weekend, we had the chance to get to know Julio Mejia and Matt Toth, the two people behind GTA, a little better.
How’d you meet and decide to join forces?
We met through a mutual friend who was a local DJ in Miami. He showed us each other’s music and through Facebook messages we decided to meet and try making music. We really hit it off and shared a lot of the same taste in music, so we kept meeting up and that’s how GTA joined forces.
You guys have played Coachella, Lollapalooza, EDC Brazil, and now Meadows. Do you have a preference for festivals vs. regular shows? How about multi-genre festivals vs. only electronic?
Although festivals are super fun and energetic (which is right up our alley), we really love playing intimate regular shows. There’s nothing like getting sweaty with some crazy fans!
As far as festivals though, we love playing the multi-genre festivals because it allows us to play a bunch of music that we normally wouldn’t play in an electronic festival setting. We both really love playing different styles to switch it up for us and the crowd.
You went from playing hole-in-the-wall clubs to huge tours with crowds over 10,000 with Rihanna. What’s that been like? Do you have a preference for one over the other?
The journey has been crazy! Touring with Rihanna was incredible, but we also go to tour with huge DJ greats like Tiësto, Diplo and Calvin Harris.
Between touring and getting to make an album (Good Times Ahead the album out NOW) it’s been a really overwhelming but amazing experience getting to play our own music to people all over the world!
Do you have a favorite place you’ve toured? Best tour story?
So far our favorite place would have to be Japan. We’re both really into video games and clothes, and Japan has that and so much more on lock.
One fun tour story was when we played in Nagoya, Japan and the festival was at an amusement part with the (former) largest/longest roller coaster in the world and we got to ride it after our set. Now THAT’S adrenaline!
Any favorite must-visit spots in your hometown of Miami?
JR Burgers right in Miami Springs is the best burger in town. Definitely gotta try that or Casavana, which is one our of favorite Cuban food spots.
You’ve worked with huge artists such as Diplo… Do you have a dream collaboration?
Definitely Pharrell! Also Flying Lotus, Noisia, Tyler The Creator, Baauer, and so many more.
Do you have advice for anyone coming up in the industry?
Stay true to what you wanna make. Don’t be afraid to try something else that isn’t “the biggest” or “most popular” sound.
Anyone you can’t stop listening to?
Tyler, The Creator’s “Flower Boy”.
What’s in store for the next year?
Next year, we’ve got more new music coming out and more club/festival shows 🙂
Can’t wait to see them next year? Schimanski has you covered this weekend.
Event:
GTA
Date & Time:
September 16, 2017 | 10 PM
Location:
Schimanski
54 North 11th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
Claim to go | Contest | Tickets
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