The Detroit deep house master takes on our quick-fire Q&A, revealing why money might help you find happiness, the importance of good monitoring and the way in which he’s a true Scorpio.
Why music?
It chose me when I was a child.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you want to be an eagle then don’t surround yourself with chickens, because they will never be able to fly!
What inspires you?
Sometimes even the simplest things inspire me… but particularly my family, friends, art, music and the future all motivate and inspire me.
What’s the next big thing?
Talented people will make a comeback. LOL!
Best club experience?
I’ve been fortunate to have a few, but whenever I’m able to play and connect with people and they’re feeling me and leave better than they came, then the mission is accomplished.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Unloading a UPS truck. Nothing against the company, but the work was brutal.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When I’m dancing or nodding my head and I don’t realise it until the music shuts off.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Quentin Harris – ‘Let’s Be Young’.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
When you figure it out, please let me know.
Recommend us a film.
I recently fell in love with a French film that I saw earlier this year, The Intouchables with François Cluzet and Omar Sy.
Recommend us a book.
The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene.
What or who is underrated?
This list is unfortunately so, so long.
What or who is overrated?
Music these days is a numbers game and therefore the masses dictate just about everything, unfortunately. I’m not a negative person but – without naming anyone – I think the answer to this question is very obvious.
What are you addicted to?
Art and clothes.
What do you lust over?
I am a true Scorpio.
Who is overrated? Without naming anyone, I think the answer to this question is very obvious.
What is your greatest regret?
How much time do we have? God willing I’ll live a long life to have another shot at some of the things on that list.
What one thing would most improve your life?
More time to be creative.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
I believe that even the bad gigs can make you stronger. Years ago it affected me if I showed up and it wasn’t packed. Now I make it my business to play just as well for 30 people as I would for 3,000 people.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
I’ve experienced both and you live and learn, but between these two I’m taking the rich creative experience.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
The $ Of Non-Conformance by Keith Worthy, in stores fall 2013. Shameless plug!
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?
Great monitors, particularly a subwoofer. Why? I recently just purchased a new pair and my music and mixes now have noticeably better balance.
Art or money?
Money won’t buy you happiness, but it will pay for the search.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
Humming my ideas into a recorder at a bus stop in Croatia.
Must-read blogs/forums?
Does YouTube count?
Money won't buy you happiness, but it will pay for the search.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
That marketing is king!
Favourite label?
Tough one. Track Mode?
What’s the worst thing about making music?
It’s a total gamble.
What’s your motto?
The rule is there are no rules!
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Always operate with integrity, and don’t purposely set out to create something to please the masses or for disingenuous reasons… Always trust your instincts. [That’s 159 characters but we’ll let him off this one time – ed.]
Keith Worthy’s debut LP, The $ Of Non-Conformance, will be out soon on Aesthetic Audio. Find Keith on Facebook.