Few acts have the innovative color and diverse repertoire of Party Favor, one of the fastest rising names in Dance Music. His edgy style helped pioneer the festival trap genre, exhilarating and thrilling audiences and turning heads across the globe. Party Favor, AKA Dylan Ragland, is currently making groundbreaking remixes for names such as Dillon Francis, Diplo, Flosstradamus, and Major Lazer. He is also creating chart topping original records such as “Bap U” (Mad Decent) and “Booty Loose” (Mad Decent). Party Favor’s newest release Party and Destory EP which includes collaborations with Dillon Francis, Gucci Mane, Sean Kingston, Rich The Kid, Gent & Jawns and Georgia Ku. Party and Destroy hit #2 on iTunes album charts and the lead single “Give It To Me Twice” garnished over 1 million plays on Spotify in its first two weeks.
Who or what inspired you to become a DJ?
The music itself did. I fell in love with electronic music first, and it was the first time a genre of music really made me want to make it. Then I wanted to try to find a way to make my mark on it.
You’re going to be a busy guy over the next few months by touring. What’s something you always love doing when you’re on tour? Is there anything that you have to do/accomplish each time?
No. 1 is to find the best food in each city. I’m very fortunate I get to go to a lot of neat places so I always have Yelp on hand.
Do you have a favorite location to play at when you’re touring? If so, where is it?
In the states, Seattle, Washington. Abroad, Japan.
If you had to play an hour long set but could only play out three tracks for that hour, which tracks would you choose?
Hold on let me think of the longest songs I have haha…. Just kidding. “Opus” by Eric Prydz, RL Grime’s remix of Chief Keef’s “Love Sosa,” and “Stop It” by Fisher.
What’s a challenge that you’re currently trying to overcome, and how are you overcoming it?
Trying not to be so hard on myself all the time and being more present with people. Listening and engaging with them instead of being on my phone or having thoughts elsewhere.
You have some epic forthcoming releases and collaborations. Which one are you most excited about and why?
I just finished up a collaboration with Baauer, and that one is coming out sooner than later. I’m also really stoked the song “Alive” I produced for Lil Jon is doing really well.
https://soundcloud.com/partyfavormusic/party-favor-x-baauer-mdr
You’ve had your music in movies and TV shows like How To Be Single, Vacation, Neighbors 2, NCIS Los Angeles, and many more. Describe the feeling you had when you first heard your music in the movie or TV show. What was going through your mind?
Since I used to work in the film industry, it is surreal to me every time and just so cool. Films are probably my second favorite thing to music, so I feel very fortunate.
What’s your favorite song at the moment?
G-Eazy – “No Limit” (featuring ASAP Rocky & Cardi B). Cardi B absolutely murders her verse.
You’ve also got some merch coming out soon. Could you tell us a little bit about that?
I am working with a new creative team and we are working on some cool stuff. It’s more things that are true to my brand and not just my logo. So it’ll be stuff people really want to wear and are into.
How does Party Favor usually start producing a track? Is there anything that gets you inspired?
A lot of times I get inspired listening to music in a different genre to get the music going. Then I sit down and start messing with random sounds that turn around into a melody until something sounds cool.
Whose a burgeoning artist that you believe we should watch out for in 2018?
Awoltalk. His stuff is dope.
What is one thing that you didn’t achieve/do last year that you’re hoping to accomplish this year? (A New Year’s resolution, perhaps?)
Can’t wait to put out my album and release more music. Last year was a slow music year for me comparatively to past years. I’m also taking my show production to the next level. That has a show with a beginning, middle, and end.
If you had your own festival, who would be your headlining acts and why?
Dr. Dre because he’s got all the hits, and you know he would have some special guests.