MC/DJ Pab (Chile/Australia) is truly a global artist, having performed all over the world.
He elevates freedom of expression. And cultivates a sense of community in the electronic music scene, helping people to connect with the music at a deeper level.
The Headspace and Bass Movement is all about expanded perception and energy. Pab’s high frequency is infectious. We love how he is always in motion and never at a standstill for long! After all, as he says “stagnancy decimates development at any level”.
Listen to Feel Free Feat. Pab by Cal Jamma.
In 20 years of performing, you must have learnt a lot about raising the energy of a room so that the whole crowd is in sync. How do you ‘get in the zone’ when it is time to step on stage and take the mic?
Absolutely, on a personal note I really enjoy my “getting in the zone”. But I do have different ways I prepare. Basically, it depends on if I’m performing or running a show. The ritualistic mental process is the same though, but different time frames.
When performing, I usually arrive 1-2 hours before being due on stage. I get a feel for the crowd and the venue, stand in different spots checking how it sounds. This helps me with assessing mic volume, whilst also observing the crowd on how what they are reacting. With thirty minutes to go, that’s when I really commence to “get in the zone”. Usually, I stand on the dancefloor right, left and then center to again assess sound.
Then with about fifteen mins to go, behind stage I have some alone time. Warm up the vocal cords and some vocal exercises. Get the mic…mic check 1, 2… Yep, it’s ON!
When running shows, I’ve had since the first set to work out vibes, but with all the responsibility of the show. Fifteen mins beforehand, I stand in a corner, grab the mic….AUTO PILOT!
Many people see the performance itself as “the work” but there is so much that goes on behind the scenes to cultivate the inspiration that you use to deliver an unforgettable experience at a show. Tell us more about the behind-the-scenes process.
Well absolutely a lot goes on behind the scenes, even during the week leading up to the show. But I’ll chat about the day of the show. Have you ever seen a kid’s face on Christmas day? That’s me if I’m not organizing the show.
Sleeping in is hard so I read in the morning, listen to some chilled stuff, clean, try to nap (very hard), if not, walk, do something trying to keep my head out of it for as long as possible. All the time, trying to balance energy expenditure.
Once the sun goes down, I start listening to more up-tempo stuff and relax as much as can be done. Not forgetting to eat. This used to be a usual occurrence, but I’ve realized now that nourishment is so important.
During this evening time there is, of course, the visualizing aspects, which to me personally consists of visualizing/imagining what I’m going to do. How, what vibe, go through a performance. Basically, imagination without expectation except for your own performance. Kind of being in the zone but in your mind. I basically do the same playing sports.
You never shy away from the big issues and use your platform as an artist to support and encourage your fellow human beings as much as possible. In particular, the lyrics you wrote for ‘Feel Free Feat. Pab’ by Cal Jamma are a true call to evolve, expand the mind and embrace unity. Take us a bit deeper into your thoughts on these topics.
That’s simply me. I’ve done that since childhood. I started performing at the age of 4 and have always asked questions. The questions that get responses like ‘you shouldn’t say that’. Well, why not?! Why is questioning so scary? Why do people shy away from truths? I’ve been challenging cognitive bias, beliefs, comfort zone etc. since childhood. I guess I’ve used my available platforms to express in this way.
‘Feel Free’ was a challenge on various levels for me. What the lyrics represent is inclined towards self-growth, not only on a personal level but also as a human collective. Growth cannot be achieved being stagnant and repeating patterns which do not allow development. In my world, passing down knowledge doesn’t signify domination, it simply signifies education. We all learn from somewhere, something or someone.
The personal challenge with ‘Feel Free’ was and still is a rather strange experience due to the fact that I’ve never appreciated my own voice. As hard as people may find that to believe. The other aspect was that I’ve never, until that moment, had to sit down to write lyrics for a tune before. A lot of people have asked me to do that, but it never eventuated, not just for these reasons though. When there are times to step up you have to step up. Self-challenges are important, as are collective ones.
You’ve gone through your fair share of ups and downs, like all humans! What has helped you along the way when the going gets rough?
As humans, WOW do we experience some stuff that’s for sure. If life was a straight line, we’d technically be dead, wouldn’t we? So, what has helped me along the way is definitely to understand what it is like having it all and having nothing at all except yourself. You are the only one that can make changes, but support is important. You cannot do it all yourself and for people that have had a fair share of trauma in their life this is a challenge.
Mindset is important. To always keep that hint of positive hope on outcomes regardless of the result. Understanding how important self-talk is and the way you do it. Self-belief, even when no one believes you or in you. Basically, trusting self. As mentioned in the previous question, stagnancy decimates development at any level. That includes habits which is where self-talk has an imperative role. Meditation and self-reflection are also key personally.
Adaptability, resilience, risk taking, belief, standing firm, no bullshitting yourself, hope and love is the best way to describe it. I’ve learnt and developed many techniques along the way.