Dillon Francis: We Talk With Him Ahead of His El Rey Stand

Kenneth Cappello

Los Angeles based producer Dillon Francis is 25; after his track "Masta Blasta" found its way to Diplo's computer, and he was signed to Mad Decent. He's now working to help evolve Moombahton, a fusion of house and reggaeton invented by Dave Nada.

He's had massive support from Diplo (whom he calls his "Dad") and Skrillex, and is currently in the midst of his first U.S. headlining tour, including a three-night stop at the El Rey starting tonight. We caught up with Francis at his downtown loft, where he also records. Sitting on a plaid couch, wearing a pastel button down from Topshop, Francis talked about why Calvin Harris used to think he was crazy, and other topics.

Romina Rosenow

Dillon Francis on his couch, posing with his beloved cat pillow.

You've put out a ton of remixes this year. Just a few days ago you dropped one with Nicky Romero and Nervo, "Like Home." Which one's your favorite?

I really like the Nicky Romero one. I always try to make every [new] remix or track I do my favorite one.

Along with the remixes, you've put out several EPs on Mad Decent and one on Skrillex's OWSLA earlier this year. Any plans for a full-length album?

Yes, it's coming out next year. I have a collaboration with Kill Paris [and another] with Diplo [on it]. Those two aren't finished yet.

Is there going to be any departure from your earlier work?

I'm actually going to be going back to my earlier stuff. Like the whole Westside! EP. I want to go to back to the Moombahton stuff, because I've been away from it for so long.

Are there currently any artists that are influencing your music and the direction it's taking?

No. I've just been thinking about my old stuff right now and going back to that, so I've been re-influencing myself.

Nadastrom is a good example of what I've been listening to, they have very rootsy Moombahton stuff. Dave Nada is in that group. Flosstradamus -- just like what they did with the trap movement [influenced me].

Where do you hope to take Moombahton?

I want it to be fun and sexy. I want it to have the feel of either disco or '90s house parties stuff.

Any specifics?
Like the Kriss Kross song "Jump" or like [L'Trimm] "Cars With The Boom".

You've been on the road a lot and worked with lots of respected artists. What's the most exciting thing that's happened to you this year?

Working with Calvin Harris and putting out a song ["Here 2 China"] on his label. I never-ever thought I'd work with Calvin Harris. I listened to I Created Disco when it first came out. I was like, 'This guy is so cool!' I was so obsessed with his CD.

Who approached whom?