Yesterday the producer, singer, songwriter and DJ BT, also known as Brian Wayne Transeau, went on a Twitter rampage calling out DJ/Producer Porter Robinson for his lack of appreciation and respect. No newbie to the EDM scene BT has collaborated with just about every big name on the charts. And now he’s apparently decided to let the fans know he’s ticked.
Three years ago, with the admirable goal of wanting to give back to the EDM community by helping discover and promote talented new artists, BT decided to take Porter under his wing with the intention of mentoring the young producer to stardom. BT worked hard to tell everyone he knew in the industry about Porter. As this was happening BT and Porter collaborated on two tracks from BT’s newest album, “Must Be the Love” and “Letting Go.” BT’s efforts started to pay off and Porter was asked to remix Lady GaGa’s smash hit “The Edge of Glory” as well as join Tiesto’s American college invasion tour.
After this Porter’s career skyrocketed. His name began appearing on almost every lineup for every major music festival in the United States and some abroad. His shows were selling out and his fan base growing rapidly. Sadly, Porter was to fall victim to what is so common for young adults who reach high levels of fame. According to BT, he became an elitist with no time for his old mentor. No longer interested in completing their unfinished collaborations or even answering BT’s calls Porter’s behavior is scarily similar to a prima donna’s.
On a personal note, BT’s statements are totally unsurprising to me. I first saw Porter Robinson perform live at The Vault in Gainesville Florida in 2010. There was no one there. With an empty dance floor and one local opening DJ Porter threw down his remix of “The Edge of Glory” for the first time ever and seemed absolutely elated to be doing so. As I estimate this was around the time Porter was working with BT this coincides with the more positive side of the musician that BT seems to be appealing to in his Twitter onslaught.
Despite the highly entertaining factor of BT’s tweets he makes a positive and thought provoking point. “Most importantly remember that whatever you do, there has always been help to achieve it that deserves acknowledgement…So much has come before you to make what you do possible. It deserves your acknowledgement and respect.”
Read The Tweets Below:
Today I’m going to tell a long story. Prepare for about 100 tweets (no but seriously) @porterrobinson you should begin reading at this one
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
So about 3 years ago my then agent asked me to check out a MySpace. It’s was @porterrobinson. I listened & was blown away. Actually inspired
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
So I contacted @porterrobinson & we began to strike up a friendship. Talked on the phone, talked to his parents, talked CSound, whatever.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
Told everyone I knew about him. Started playing his music constantly on #LaptopSymphony. Told @siriusxm about him. Anyone that would listen.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
And we began to plan to work on some music together. Notably Must Be the Love and Letting Go from my new album. As all of this was unfolding
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
People began to take notice of Porter. He got his first big remix for Lady Gaga and then @tiesto (finally listened) and took him on tour.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
I was elated. This felt like a personal victory. I’d invested a tremendous amount of my social commodity into someone young and truly gifted
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
Before long Porter was more reclusive, harder to reach, surrounded by a team of advisers. It was just beginning to blow up for him.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
Not only was I understanding of this (because I’ve walked it) but also excited for him. Anyway, quickly Porter seemed too cool to interact
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
The music we’d began Porter claimed he couldn’t finish because he didn’t have time or couldn’t get anything good going amongst other things
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
And this put a really bad taste in my mouth and I was personally affronted by this. It honestly hurt my feelings a considerable amount.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
I’ve noted similar behavior in other young producers & it made me feel like the generation of guys coming up now are self focused & selfish
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
Here’s the thing. When I was coming up someone helped me a similar way @sashaofficial. He gave me an opportunity that can never be replayed
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
And I vowed to do the same thing someday when I could and I have done it repeatedly. It feels great to pay it forward and most importantly
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
To remember that whatever you do, there has always been help to achieve it that deserves acknowledgement. That & especially in dance music
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
(and listen up young producers) So much has come before you to make what you do possible. It deserves your acknowledgement and respect
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
I gave mine in my times of comeuppance and so should you all that walk that path.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
So for my part, the sh**tty email I wrote you when you let me down (for all the aforementioned reasons) I’m sorry for.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
Your a real talent @porterrobinson and I did then and do now want your music to be heard by everyone that will listen. It’s awesome.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
So I hope you (and other young producers reading this) take this as a cautionary tale. Remember to act with respect and pay it forward.
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
**END RANT**
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013
RT @tiesto: @bt you are so right…there’s not much loyalty out there! (And think about the artists you’ve broken! I could name 20)
— BT (@BT) May 13, 2013