AC Slater brings 'Big Brooklyn Bass' to DeLuna Fest

Aaron “AC Slater” Clevenger has DJ'd all over the world, bringing his high-energy, bass-fueled remixes to raves and clubs from New York City to exotic locales like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Now he heads to our own stunning Pensacola Beach to share his “Big Brooklyn Bass” sound at DeLuna Fest. While you may recognize his DJ name from the popular ’90s television show “Saved By the Bell,” you won't recognize yourself after dancing around like a maniac to the music produced by AC Slater, who brings back the old-school rave feel with a fresh twist. During an e-mail question and answer session, AC Slater shares who he is excited to see at DeLuna Fest and keeps possible set surprises under wraps.

Q: “Big Brooklyn Bass” — what does that mean to you?

A: It's just a phrase I came up with to describe my music. I'm no good at pinning down genres. I feel like it was a good descriptor for the sound the Trouble & Bass [record label] crew had come up with since we started six years ago. A living, evolving bass music style.

Q: You seem to spend as much time as possible at festivals, especially in Miami and other large cities. How does playing festivals compare to other venues?

A: Clubs and festivals are two different beasts! In clubs you get a chance to get down and dirty with the crowd. People are closer to you; you can get away with more obscure and weird music. Festivals are a chance to connect with people on a massive level. I love festivals because you (hopefully) create a lot of new fans at once. Also, it's like a family reunion for artists. I could never choose between clubs or festivals, they are both so important.

Listen to some of our favorite AC Slater tracks

Q: Do you have any special preparation when you play large outdoor festivals, especially in states with hot climates like Florida?

A: I like to get a bunch of epic records together, do some special edits, get fired up backstage and get ready to throw up some trance hands. It's pretty tough to cool off in Florida — just have an ice cold, cheap beer there while you play.