Joshua Gilbert aka APEK is an award winning music producer and DJ who recently won the Hardwell original music competition. A graduate of ICON Collective Production School. He grew up in Palm Springs and learned from the best music producers and sound engineers including Brian Matrix and Steve Duda. His single ‘Your Heaven’ has been featured on Entertainment Tonight and reached the #1 spot on house.net’s Top 10 chart. APEK has already become a fan favorite in Los Angeles and has played at Yost, Create, Supperclub, Hard Rock Las Vegas and many more.
We are honored that APEK is playing at the DLX Dayclub which will happen during Coachella Weekend 1 on April 1, 2015.
BACKGROUND of APEK
Where were you born? Where did you spend your childhood?
I was born and raised in Palm Springs. It was a quiet and relaxing town with absolutely no industry. But somehow music still found its way in my life and I wasn’t able to shake it off.
Education: Where did you go to high school/college/grad school?
I studied at Chapman University for my undergraduate with the intentions of going to law school. However, after graduation I made the decision to drop all my plans and move to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of music.
What did you do before you were a dj?
I have had a variety of jobs. Worked as an assistant at a management company, promoted at night clubs, sold mens shoes at Nordstrom, worked as a bartender, whatever it would take to pay the bills and work on my productions during my off time.
What is the vision of your brand?
My mission for my brand and my music is to impact every demographic and make sure everyone is affected by my music in a positive, motivating, and inspirational way. My music has a lot of emotions, some happy, some sad; but all with the common ground that you can take any situation and grow from it. We have all had sad and hard times in our lives, I want people to know that we can all come back from them stronger and better than ever.
CRITICAL INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS FROM APEK
Where do you see your company in 5 years? Paint the picture for us.
All of my music on the radio, starting my own brand and record label, signing new up and coming artists. I want to build a family of the next generation.
Would you do anything differently?
If I could do anything differently I would focus less on what people told me I should do, and instead focus on what it is that you think you are best at, and what you love the most. When it comes to creating something, whether it is a brand on art. You are only going to make the best product you possibly can if it is something that you are truly passionate about and it truly resonates with you and the people you are trying to share it with.
BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR
What drives you? Has it changed over time?
My love for music and my need to the best I can possibly be.
What is your personal highlight/proudest moment?
Getting my first track signed to a major record label. It finally gave me the confidence I needed to know I was heading in the right direction. Everyone needs a little reassurance from time to time.
Advice for those who dream of starting or running their own company
Believe in yourself, and most importantly. NEVER, EVER, GIVE UP.
LUXURY
If money was no object which cars (up to 3) would you pick as your own and why?
Tesla (very into renewable energy and getting rid of our dependency on oil)
Porsche 911 (once they come out with an electric version)
SOCIAL MEDIA ADVICE FROM APEK
What are 3 ways to increase your social media following?
Always post interesting content, keep people engaged, and let your fans into your life. No need to be all cool and mysterious. People want to know who you are, let them in!
How did you build your following?
I think it is really important to reach out to your fans. Your fans are everything and you wouldn’t be where you are without them. So everyday I spend as much time as I have available to talk with people 1 on 1 and get to know them. My fans are a family, and I intend to keep it that way. #APACK
PERSONALITY INSIGHTS/LESS SERIOUS TOPICS
What would you do if you weren’t doing this?
I honestly couldn’t see myself doing anything else, whether I found success or not. I would happily make music and be broke. But if I had to do something else I would love to work in a tech startup. I love new and exciting things and being on the ground floor of innovative ideas.
What do you like to do for fun? What are your hobbies, sports, outlets?
This is a tough question because my biggest hobby is making music! Whether it’s producing, or playing guitar or piano with my friends jamming and having fun by the pool. Other than that I really love snowboarding in the winters, and in the summers I love to go hiking, biking, and traveling to new and fun places.
What inspires you? Who inspires you? Most influential people in your life?
What inspires me is music from people (big or small) that gives me music that gives you goosebumps. They are undeniable and something you can’t control. You know a song is great when it gives you that feeling. That is what I try to give with my music.
Mentors: From whom did you learn? Who deserves partial credit for your success?
The person who deserves the most credit for my success is my older brother Adam. Even though I had been working on music for years and knew what my dreams were. He gave me the motivation and the confidence to drop everything I had going on in my life to move to Los Angeles and pursue my dream. I am very grateful because I know how hard it is for a lot of people to make that jump and risk it all. And if I hadn’t done that I know I wouldn’t be anywhere near as far in my career as I am now. I now see it as a personal mission of mine to be able to pay it forward and do that for people like myself who want to do the same.
What’s next for you? What goals and dreams remain for you?
So much new music!!! I am so excited to release all of these new tracks. I am working with some really exciting labels, collaboration with some really exciting artists, and working with some unbelievable singers. And I cannot wait to share it with everyone!
Looking back on your career, does the path make sense to you? Do the dots connect?
Absolutely. I had a very clear goal in mind. Obviously there are some things I would have done differently but I am still very happy with where my career is at.
What is your most memorable experience?
Watching people party to my music at Ultra Music Festival.
What is the most interesting fact about yourself?
I was once on the Price is Right, and won!
Follow APEK
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apekofficial
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/apekofficial
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/apekofficial
Website: http://www.apekofficial.com