Just a few hours before Deadmau5 put on a legendary Lollapalooza headlining set this past weekend, the DJ extraordinaire took the time to catch up with the Billboard crew at our backstage tent. The Mau5, otherwise known as Joel Zimmerman, spilled details of his new live DVD and tour, as well as plans for his next album. Watch our video interview below.
Deadmau5 explained that his “Deadmau5: Live at Earls Court” DVD, out as of Aug. 2, is a hi-def alternative to YouTube for the fans who couldn’t make it out to the sold-out show. “It’s a cool bit of memorabilia for myself that I’m now allowed to share with everyone else,” he said.
But for the fans who need more than a two-dimensional Deadmau5 experience, Zimmerman has embarked on a North American tour, which runs through Nov. 5. For Deadmau5, selling out London’s 19,000-capacity Earls Court isn’t the only milestone in his touring career: He’s the first electronic artist to solo headline Rogers Centre (formerly known as the SkyDome), the stadium-sized venue of choice in Mau5’s hometown of Toronto. “We get a lot of really great, big acts and DJs coming to Toronto and none of them would ever play the SkyDome just because they don’t have that draw.”
Deadmau5 to Resuscitate Dance Scene With ‘4×4=12’
While Deadmau5 doesn’t have a firm date set for the follow-up to his 2010 album, “4×4=12,” he promises that with his new, tour-friendly mobile studio, the process will be quicker than originally anticipated. “I can’t give a finite date just yet because I don’t want to have to postpone as opposed to know when it’s gonna drop.” He insists that there’s no set time frame, but fans should check his Facebook page for updates, where the Mau5 tends to let loose with tidbits both personal and professional.
Reporting by Tye Comer, Chicago.