If you think you know Demuir’s music, then this new EP may re-address any pre-conceived ideas you’ve got about the globally respected jackin’ house producer. From Black To Technocolour EP is the 1st in a 2 part release on MFF and an opportunity for Demuir to explore the more soulful end of tech house and techno. In his own words “the premise is to essentially bring colour to the techno / tech house forum. Not racially, but spiritually and in a feeling I’m looking to capture. Think Kraftwerk, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and Detroit Techno of course.”
A dedicated purveyor of all things underground, Demuir has previously released via Classic Music Company as well as Jesse Rose’s imprint Play It Down, along with an EP on DJ Sneak’s label, I’m A House Gangster, and his most recent full-length album TruSkool on Sneak’s Magnetic Recordings. We check in…
How did this release with Music For Freaks come about
I started the creation of “From Black to Technocolor” album after a night at DC-10 Ibiza and other Tech based parties to get a feel of what was out there and how I could add my spin to it. Not a criticism to any person or organization specifically, but I felt there was room to put some soul back into it that I would be comfortable playing and sharing with my peers. We get into a certain mode of doing things and somehow begin to accept these things as standard and I saw it as an opportune time to try something different.
Tell us a bit about what you have been up to lately
As of late, I’ve been looking for a new studio space along additional gear to compliment the sounds and things I am interested in. I haven’t had a studio in over 3 weeks and it’s killing me! Project wise, I’ve run the gambit on a series of collaborations both artistically and business wise this year and time is pushing some of these releases into 2019. I’m seriously enjoying my A&R role with Cassy’s Kwench Records and the engagement of my new label Purveyor Underground, which has struck a chord with people by truly putting the music and artist first. We don’t care about how many followers you have or if you have a “name” in the industry. We just care if your music has the presence to evoke a feeling / groove. Without the music, there would be no scene to speak of. Artists ought to be respected more and we are keen in doing so.
You grew up in Toronto – what is the music scene like there?
Toronto has always been a great diaspora to many cultures. You can always find inspiration here. When it comes to electronic music, the venues have been scaled down to a few that are consistent in delivering Techno, Tech House, House with some occasion Jackin’, and Afro Deep Soulful house and I’m grateful for them all. Clubs like One Loft, Nest, Revival, and Coda are representing nicely.
Festivals are still kicking. I had the pleasure to play on the Rawthentic / Moog Audio stage with Nathan Barato, Carlo Lio, and Chris Larsen at Electric Island back in May and there are other notable festivals and events throughout the summer and early Fall.
What got you in to house music?
My introduction to house happened when I was around 15 or 16 years of age. I was thirsty for new sounds as I had recently discovered, back then, a lot of the records in my Dad’s collection were sampled in the various Hip Hop records I enjoyed. A friend came back from a recent trip in Detroit and played me Derrick May’s, “Strings of Life” and other cool tracks on his MayDay imprint. I was blown away and studied every aspect of Techno / House music and got to work straight away.
What music is inspiring you currently?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Wu-Tang lately. The shit is timeless music really. The intelligent lyrics and raw beats never get tired for me and, together, there is so much going on to inspire me as an artist. The shit is pure genius.
When you are not in the studio or playing gigs, what do you get up to?
I read quite a bit to learn something new along with interesting documentaries. It’s my commitment to myself to continuously improve, always. Outside of that I like to take in various forms of art that include photography, museums, sculptures, paintings, and other forms of visual art.
You were in Ibiza recently for the Music For Freaks residency at Pikes. What’s your relationship with the island?
I first came to the island last year on invitation from DJ Sneak and an opportunity to play at Ocean Beach Ibiza, which was a blast! I love the laid back nature of the island and the myriad of cultures that come to visit under the spirit of hearing great electronic music.
What was the first record you bought?
Taking me back here! I’m almost certain it was either a Derrick May record or C Lime Woman on Stickman Records.
What was the last record you bought?
I’ve been trying to scale it back on the record digging. I literally have no more space. The last record I bought is so sick. It’s called, “Sagittarius” by The Frank Cunimondo Trio – the orginal pressing done by the band themselves. The other copy is missing a song!
If you were granted just one last meal on earth, what would it be?
There are several ways to answer this, but I’ll pick 2 – hehe! 1) From an auditory perspective, it would be Herbie Hancock’s, “Tell Me a Bedtime Story”. I love everything about this tune! 2) In terms of food, it would have to Oxtail with some rice and peas. So tasty!
From Black To Technocolor is out Sep 28…buy now here https://MFF.lnk.to/DemuirFromBlackToTechnocolor
