[INTERVIEW] Ty Rogers Shares His Journey On Turning PROFOUND Into A Top Curator For House Music, The Road To 100K Subscribers On YouTube, And Future Plans

In this exclusive interview, we delve into founder Ty Rogers’ visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, which propelled PROFOUND to become a leading tastemaker, brand, and community in the electronic music industry. From a beginning fueled by his passion for house music to surpassing 100,000 subscribers on YouTube, Ty discusses the strategies behind his success, the challenges he has faced, and what enthusiasts can expect next from this influential platform. 

His dedication to promoting emerging talents and his keen ear for transformative sounds have not only captivated a global audience, but also significantly influenced the dance music culture, specifically in the realm of house. Join us as Ty Rogers unfolds the narrative behind PROFOUND’s rise and his future aspirations for this dynamic enterprise.

What inspired you to create PROFOUND, and how has your vision evolved since its inception?

When I launched the PROFOUND YouTube channel in 2017, I embarked on a journey without fully grasping its potential. With a deep-seated passion for community-building and sharing music, my initial aspirations were modest. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that the channel began to gain significant traction, revealing the potential vision I held for PROFOUND.

Beyond a mere blog, I envisioned it as a premier destination for industry DJs seeking to find emerging talent, a hub fostering a sense of belonging for fellow lovers of dance music, all while upholding a distinct and cohesive identity. Recognizing early on that this endeavor would be a long-term commitment, I remain steadfast in my dedication, finding fulfillment in the ongoing evolution of the platform.

As a tastemaker in the electronic music scene, how do you discover new talent, and what qualities do you look for in emerging artists?

There is so much great music being made today, most of which unfortunately goes unnoticed, so I am always on the lookout for someone bringing a completely fresh and unique sound to the scene. A sound that fits within our realm but also pushing boundaries and introducing elements from other dance genres. 

For example, an artist like Fab Massimo has done a great job at blending a Tech House foundation with Techno style synths. 

Can you walk us through the process of curating tracks for the PROFOUND community, and what criteria do you use to select content?

Personally, it is all about creativity and production, I am not worried about how many social followers the artist has. Being a producer when I was younger I gravitated towards an underground sound, heavy synths, atmospheric vocals and pure bassline grooves. I think this is where the sound of PROFOUND was born.

Could you share some insights into the creation of the new PROFOUND mix series, and what listeners might hear and see across future installments?

With the increasing popularity of streaming DJ Mixes, which has been frequently requested by the community, I aimed to introduce a monthly series featuring special guests from around the world, debuting in 2024. 

This initiative also presented an opportunity to expand the scope of PROFOUND by incorporating abstract visualizers. The likes of Cloverdale and DONT BLINK have blessed the series already, with a (spoiler alert*) Kaysin set to takeover the series in late May. 

How do you decide if an artist is a solid fit for guest mix on PROFOUND?

The community gives us a good indication of the guests they would like to see on the series. I would say high-energy, bassline-driven mixes are the foundation of the series. The magic is made by the artist; we are just lucky enough to put them on a platform for people to see. 

In addition to promoting tracks, PROFOUND also features written content about artists and their music. What sparked this approach, and how do you tackle storytelling in these features?

With so much new music being released, it is very hard to see the full story of an artist behind the music, some of whom have relatable and inspiring stories. It is an opportunity to highlight gig dates, upcoming releases, and must-know news about your newest favorite producer while keeping you in the loop with must-know releases. 

This also sets the path for becoming a go-to site for the latest music and news in our space, something we plan to expand on over the next couple of years. 

PROFOUND emphasizes supporting both labels and artists. Can you elaborate on the importance of this dual focus and its impact on the music industry?

I wanted to create a platform that is accessible to both artists and labels. A lot of my own music never made it off the hard drive because I could not find a label that wanted to sign it. Much music goes unnoticed without the backing of a label. 

PROFOUND is a platform to showcase your music while remaining true to your sound and personality, regardless of any social affiliations.

The visualizers accompanying each track on PROFOUND are aesthetically stunning. What is the creative process behind designing these unique visual components and making sure they align with the track they are paired with?

I aimed to create branding that matched the sound we are promoting, while also having the potential to expand into a live setting in the future. Abstract, energetic, and elusive were the guiding principles. 

I believe there will always be room for improvement when it comes to branding. Increasing my skills in this area over the next 12 months is a major focus.

What major challenges have you faced in building and growing the PROFOUND community, and how have you overcome them?

Throughout the years, my main challenges have revolved around adhering to a daily feature schedule while upholding a sound and brand that I take pride in. I have consistently operated with a ‘music comes first’ policy, prioritizing the best interests of the community and artists. 

While it has certainly presented challenges, my genuine love for music drives me forward, reassuring me that as long as I remain dedicated to putting the community and artists first, I am on the right path. Essentially, I aim not to alter the formula that initially established the brand, but rather to enhance and expand upon its existing foundation.

What are your top three house tracks of all time? What sonic elements make these tracks stand out to you?

Look Right Through (MK Dub)

This track marked my first introduction to house music, I remember being obsessed over the bassline. I was 17 years old, in Malaga, and the memory of that day remains vivid in my mind. It was a definitive moment for me, and from that holiday onward, I was completely immersed in the world of house music.

CamelPhat – Hangin Out With Charlie

Another favorite of mine, mainly for the nostalgia it brings from my early days of DJing. There’s nothing quite like the rush of hearing this tune in a dimly lit, packed club.”

Jessie Ware – Say You Love Me (Gorgon City Remix)

I’ve always been captivated by the sound of Gorgon City; their bassline-driven productions never fail to impress me. While there are numerous tracks of theirs that have influenced my journey, I chose this one in particular because it resonated with me during the early stages of my music production endeavors. I remember having it on a loop for months on end.

Who are your top three house artists right now and why? What is one rising artist that recently popped up on your radar?

Westend

Westend’s consistency and talent are truly remarkable. Supporting his music for over five years, it has been a privilege to witness his journey unfold. Check out his exclusive ‘100K Subscribers Mix’ if you are looking for a groove-filled sonic experience.

Kyle Watson

Kyle Watson stands out as one of the premier producers in the industry today. When describing the sound of PROFOUND, his productions often come to mind. Anticipation for new music from Kyle is always high.

Duke & Jones

Duke & Jones are particularly notable for their distinctive and abstract sound. ‘Formulate’ and ‘Horizon’ stand out as two of my favorite releases this year. I’m eagerly anticipating what the rest of the year holds for these lads.

Rising Star

With so many exceptional talents emerging in the scene, SUBSHIFT has particularly caught my attention with his signature high-energy sound, which has become a favorite within the community. I foresee a significant future ahead for him.

Additionally, Cherry Tooth has firmly landed on my radar more recently.

How do you see PROFOUND contributing to the global electronic dance music community, and what impact do you hope to have?

I strongly believe in the transformative power of music; the experience of being surrounded by like-minded music fans at a festival or rave has always been profoundly meaningful to me. It’s my aspiration for PROFOUND to evolve into a thriving community that fosters connection and unity among its members. 

Playing a role in elevating artists in their careers has always been a rewarding journey, and I am dedicated to continuing this effort. Additionally, I am personally committed to raising awareness around mental health within the industry and our community. 

Looking ahead, what exciting projects or collaborations can we expect from PROFOUND during the rest of 2024?

I have lots of ideas and plans in store for PROFOUND over the next couple of years. The launch of our label has been eagerly anticipated for some time, along with upcoming projects such as sample packs, a clothing line, and events. 

While I am incredibly excited to introduce these new ventures, my commitment remains to continue moving forward thoughtfully, ensuring that each step we take contributes to the overall growth and integrity of the brand.

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