Taelor Deitcher, known as Felix Cartal, is a Canadian DJ/producer who has collaborated with several major artists such as Kaskade, R3HAB, and Gallant, and has also created official remixes for the likes of Selena Gomez, Zedd, Galantis, Dillon Francis, MØ, Ellie Goulding, Diplo, Anne-Marie & Doja Cat, as well as Daya & Shallou’s ‘Older’. The renowned act has also released four full-length albums over the last decade, including his most recent endeavour ‘Expensive Sounds For Nice People’, and currently boasts over 1.9 million monthly Spotify listeners, a highly impressive feat. He has multiple Canadian platinum singles, and won the Best Dance Recording Juno Award for the single ‘Love Me’ with Lights. He has also seen support from BBC Radio 1’s Danny Howard and Diplo & Friends and SiriusXM Chill has also heavily supported several singles, while his Weekend Workout radio show is also featured on SiriusXM via Diplo’s Revolution. His sound can be compared to those of the industry greats of Avicii, Kygo, and Calvin Harris.
THE INTERVIEW
CR: Hello Taelor, Glad to have you on Canadianravers how are you doing?
FC: I’m doing well thank you!
CR: Tell us a little bit about yourself, what is the story behind the name ‘Felix Cartal’?
FC: Haha I wish there was some great story behind this but I think it’s as simple as I made a couple of songs to put on my Myspace back in the day and had to think up a name quickly. Didn’t really think it would be the name for the rest of my career, but I’m cool with it!
CR: Can you tell us a little bit about the track 'Nothing Good Comes Easy'. How did you connect with Elohim on this one? Also, what made you decide to release the track on Proximity?
FC: I met Elohim at a festival in Vancouver called FVDED in the park. We became friends after that, and she sent me the vocal demo for this track, I loved it, and did a few versions, till we settled on one we both liked. The track came out on Physical Presents, but Proximity was kind enough to host it on their channel as well.
CR: We saw that you were at Groove Cruise a couple of weekends ago, which artist stood out the most during the weekend?
FC: I’m a big fan of Walker & Royce so was hyped to see them on the terrace. Other favs were Gorgon City, Nala and really enjoyed New World Punx on the last day of the cruise.
CR: How long did it take you to find your signature sound for your music? Were there any obstacles along the way?
FC: I think it’s a constantly evolving thing. I don’t know if I’ve fully found it yet, or if that’s fully possible. I think all i try to do is make a song that I would enjoy listening to, and that guides me pretty well. The biggest struggle was getting to that mindset though, to simplify everything and just try to make a song that I enjoy. Sounds basic but it took a lot of un-training from being in the industry for a while.
CR; As a Canadian artist you have played in a lot of Canadian venues, which one was by far the best production and vibes?
FC: I think it’s impossible to pick. Every province has its own identity. I’ve grown up with Celebrities in Vancouver throughout the years and the production has just gotten better and better so that one will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m also fond of some of the smaller rooms, I love a bit of grime, like Habitat in Calgary or Le Belmont in Montreal.
CR: Which Canadian artist that you are on your radar that you would love to collaborate with in the future?
FC: Bulow, Ralph, Alex Porat, La Bronze, Glass Petals.
CR: For every DJ/Producer we interview, what is a must-have item on your rider when in the green room?
FC: Hi-chews. I’m addicted.
CR: What does a normal day look like when you are not producing music?
FC: Just getting out for a nice walk to a cafe that makes great coffee and maybe catching up with a friend or my family. Been cooking a bit more lately too since the pandemic started, so maybe trying a new recipe. Trying to take my downtime to slow these days and enjoy the pauses.
CR: What are some of your goals for 2022, anything our reader should know about?
FC: Working on developing my live show with better visuals. I’ve been learning how to build my own visuals throughout pandemic, so amplifying that now that the world is slowly re-opening is goal #1.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Texting or talking? Talking
Coffee or tea? Coffee (iced)
Hard liquor or Wine? Wine
Cake or pie? Pie
Hot dogs or hamburgers? Hamburgers
Xbox or PlayStation? PlayStation
Movie theatre or arcade? Theatre
Guitar or piano? Piano
Marvel or DC Comics? Marvel
Dog or cat? Cat
Hot weather or cold weather? Cold
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