DANIEL DEJMAN X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [TECHNO SCENE, RECENT TRACK, LABEL]

Daniel Dejman, the Nis born, Chicago based Dj/Producer has gradually emerged this past year as a solo artist. Having spent years of migrating through the influential electronic scene, Daniel has settled in his musical realm. His latest EP release, “PRVI”, has cultivated his brand as an artist, climbing to #4 in the top 100 Hard Techno releases, and has gained support from world-renowned artists. 2018 has been a learning curve for Daniel, paving the way with new experiences, grasped knowledge, and the desire to grow as an artist.

Daniel Dejman navigated his way through the electronic music sphere before recently solidifying his prowess as a hard house/techno producer. Following the release of ‘SŃKRS OŃLY’, he returns to the studio to deliver a jarring three-track EP entitled ‘STTÆB’. The EP marks Daniel Dejman’s debut contribution to his own imprint Slow Dancing To Techno and is available now across all streaming platforms.

INTERVIEW

CR: First of all, how are you doing during these unprecedented times and how are you dealing with social distancing?

DD: I’m doing well, being very optimistic, and hoping this is all over soon! I’ve been keeping busy with my latest release ‘STTÆB’, planning the next release, and I’m slowly moving to a new studio.

CR: As techno fans, we wanted to know how is the Techno scene in Chicago, and how did that influence you as an artist?

DD: Techno has always been around, whether it’s been in the underground warehouse scene, or in the clubs. Some of my earliest influences have come from local artists, discovering it at an early age in the record stores in Chicago, and experiencing it at warehouse parties. I was captivated by dark, fast, driving elements of it, something that was completely different from what I had begun listening to as a kid.

CR: Growing up were there any artists who inspired you into becoming a Producer/DJ?

DD: DJ Funk, DJ Misjah, and Joey Beltram

CR: Who is your biggest supporter as a Producer/ DJ?

DD: My mom!

CR: Do you like playing in larger gatherings or smaller intimate gatherings?

DD: I honestly don’t have a preference, but if I had to pick, I’d say larger gatherings.

CR: Is there a track that never leaves your personal playlist because it has a certain emotional connection to you?

DD: Julien Jabre - “Swimming Places”

Fell in love with the track the first time I heard it during WMC at an open-air night party years ago. At that time there was no Shazam so I remember spending weeks digging for it on Youtube in hopes that someone “named the track” when I came across it. Lol 😂

CR: Can you tell us the thought process behind ‘STTÆB’ and how you connected with your fellow Chicago producer Rojii to do a remix of your track?

DD: I started it one summer evening in 2019 while I was in bed. I had the elements playing in my head, and I thought I had to lay them down in Ableton before I lost it. You’d laugh if you heard the things I’ve recorded on my phone in the past, just so I wouldn’t forget. Anyway, after I had finished the track, I knew that I wanted to release it along with a remix, so I reached out to my good friend, Rojii, who was more than happy to jump on it, and he absolutely nailed it!

CR: We know you recently did a podcast with Xceed, would you consider putting out your own podcasts to have some of the Chicago based Techno artists to showcase their music?

DD: I have thought about it and am definitely putting it on my list of things to do for the near future. Although some thought and planning will go into it prior to an announcement.

CR: How is it running your own label ‘Slow Dancing to Techno’?

DD: It’s great, fun, and a lot of work! In a way, it’s a relief that you don’t have to answer to anyone but your fans! Lol 😂

CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

DD: I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, playing basketball, biking, watching tutorials, reading, hang with my pups!

GL0BAL X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [RECENT TRACK, MEMORABLE SHOW, WORDS OF WISDOM]

The multi-talented Canadian producer has dabbled in trap, hip-hop, dubstep, and many other genres. Gl0balhas received notable recognition due to his sheer aptitude behind the decks. His music has seen major support from industry titans, with his tracks regularly played out on tour by the likes of DJ Snake, The Chainsmokers, Dillon Francis, and Excision. Gl0balhas been actively producing bass-centric music since 2015, recently signing to Circus Records last year to release his 4-track ‘Insomnia’ EP. The latest hit from Gl0bal sees the revered musician build upon all the best aspects of his previous releases to form one of his best tracks since his career began five years ago. 

INTERVIEW

CR: First, we want to say hello and ask you how you are doing during quarantine?

G: Hey what's up! Thankfully things haven’t been too bad, but this has definitely been an adjustment. I’m grateful for the position I am in as I know many others are dealing with worse conditions.

CR: There are a bunch of different genres mixed together in your latest track ‘WYN’, which artist or genre was the main influence for this track?

G: WYN is a weird one haha. I’d have to say after listening to a few Sullivan King & Flosstradamus DJ sets, I was inspired to create something dark and put my weird spin on it. There aren’t too many “slow trap” records out there that really smack you in the face. So I would say WYN is mix between dark dub & trap.

CR: We know that you have been producing for a while now, how has the journey been for you as an artist and as an individual?

G: My journey has been an interesting one for sure, filled with ups and downs but ultimately this path has taught me the importance of believing in myself. I’ve connected with so many different people so far and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

CR: Your signature sound is Trap/Future Bass and Dubstep. What other genres influence you on a daily basis outside of these two?

G: I’m a big hip-hop fan and used to play the drums for 8 years, so anything I’m making has to have amazing drums ha! I really enjoy listening to progressive house and lots of melodic stuff.

CR: Who is your biggest supporter as a Producer/ DJ?

G: My biggest supporter is definitely my fiance. Without her, I probably would’ve stopped producing honestly. She definitely puts the battery in my back and truly believes in where I am trying to go as an individual.

My brother is another one, he’s always supporting my art and pushing me!

CR: Are there any collaborations or remixes in the works for you this year?

G: I do have an official remix for Flux Pavilion that is in the works, that should be a big record which I am fairly excited for!

CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

G: Are you sure I can’t say producing? ;) During my downtime, I love to stay active so going to the gym and playing basketball with friends are big ones for me.  I’m a pretty social guy, so when time permits I’m up for a fun night out if there’s some good music around

CR: Is there a show that has been the most memorable in your journey as a DJ?

G: I would say my most memorable show in my DJ journey was in 2013. I was direct support for Avicii (RIP) during his Levels Tour.  It was my first time playing in an arena, playing in front of my friends and it basically confirmed for me that this is something I want to pursue.

CR: Since we are all quarantined in what other Dubstep/Trap artists are you currently listening to at the moment?

G: In quarantine, I've been listening a lot of different artists, but 3 I’m currently I’m listening to are 4B, Excision, and Nitti Gritti.

CR: Do you have any advice for our followers that are trying to make it in the industry?

Gl0bal:

●       First, I would say, ensure you surround yourself with peers you trust and peers who are able to give you honest feedback on what you are trying to do. These individuals will keep you grounded.

●       Practice, Practice, Practice, there’s always more to learn so don’t be afraid of learning

●       There’s no right or wrong way trust your gut

●       Network, get yourself out there and introduce yourself to people within the industry and make your presence known. People are more inclined to work with people they can put a face or name to.

●       Lastly, believe in your own sauce. It sounds silly but in the social media age, it can be easy to think a certain amount of likes, followers,reports means your art is good. Any creator should remember that they control their success and without hard work and persistence you won’t get too far. Put in the hours.

GIL GLAZE X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [QUARANTINE, RECENT TRACK, DOWNTIME]

Following an incredible 2019, Gil now sets his sights on another career-defining year with the first of many stellar productions to come. Fuelled by an innate passion for music Gil has made serious waves across the electronic music landscape, with his pop-focused and deep house offerings proving commonplace among the touring playlists of the industry greats. DJing alongside the likes of Tiësto, David Guetta and Martin Garrix, Gil is definitely carving his own creative lane and now focuses on including more live music in his productions.

INTERVIEW

CR: First, we wanted to say hello and ask you how you are doing in all the commotion and quarantine?

GG: Doing great thanks! The first two weeks were quite hard as I had some really cool shows that I was sad were canceled. Now I have gotten used to this “new” life and am enjoying taking this time off to think and work on a lot of new music. I never get too much time in the studio as I am always traveling or in the office taking care of the business side of things. This has allowed me to focus on producing and going outside to do some exercise and sports! 

CR: How was the track ‘WASTED’ produced? The lyrics, vocals, and planning of it?

GG: ‘Wasted' was produced in the summer of 2019. While I was in Los Angeles I got to collaborate with DJ Swivel on this. He had already recorded the vocals with Candace Sosa who wrote the lyrics and sang. I wanted to dive more into the pop genre and felt there’s no better place than LA or working with a legend like Swivel who has worked with Coldplay, Beyoncé and The Chainsmokers. 

CR: Who is your biggest supporter as a Producer/ DJ?

GG: I’d have to say in my life I am super grateful to The Chainsmokers and EDX who have helped me to get to where I am today. EDX taught me a lot as a teenager about the business side of things and even let me intern for his record label. The Chainsmokers opened so many doors for me as they let me join their Australia tour, do two remixes for them, a guest mix on their radio show and lots more. They are the coolest guys and basically always help out when I have questions or need advice! 

CR: Is there a go-to track for you that is always in your DJ playlist?

GG: For some reason, I always have Martin Solveig's ‘Intoxicated' in my sets as it really works in any venue and everyone knows it! 

CR: Growing up did you play any instruments and how that helped you go in the direction of Producing/ DJing?

GG: I started playing saxophone and piano when I was young. At the age of 13, I went to UCLA for summer camp in Los Angeles and took courses in radio broadcasting and DJing just for fun. I did it as a hobby for a while until it started getting serious when I was playing clubs that I was promoting. 

CR: Are there any collaboration or remixes in the works for you this year?

GG: I put off remixes for the year as I wanted to focus on putting out more originals... now that I’m locked up in the studio I started doing remixes again for some bigger labels (can’t say anything until they are confirmed). I am happy though to say I’ve collaborated with a super talented singer in the UK by the name of Rika. Also working with Josh Charm on a collaboration that is more of a club track. 

CR: What is one subgenre you think doesn't get the attention it deserves?

GG: Tropical house ... I think it had a big hype around 2016 but then shifted to be called “pop” as a lot of big names took it to the radio. I think there are some really cool tropical house club instrumentals that deserve more attention and really can work in a club without being too mellow. It feels as if this genre has been forgotten or even just considered pop or EDM. 

CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

GG: I’ve started mountain biking again as the weather is so nice again! Besides that, I love to snowboard in the winter and hug my dogs haha! 

CR: What is 2020 looking like for you? Anything our followers should know about?

GG: I had a lot of amazing shows planned but are now all cancelled due to COVID-19. The good news is expected a lot more music to come out. Myself and Sony music Switzerland switched up my timeline for releases to put more music out. I’m also working a lot on merchandise which is fun so keep on the lookout for that! 

CR: Any message for our followers that are trying to get into this industry?

GG: It’s taken me 10 years, to this day I still feel like a newcomer. My motto is this isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon and even though you may feel like you are not where you want to be in your career take some time to look back on what you’ve achieved. I did that the other day and am so grateful for where I’ve gotten to in my career at such a young age. Never let anyone push you down as when I started I had so many people (older DJs) tell me I’ll never get signed to a label and never get booked internationally. Be grateful for the moment and make a list for yourself of what you want to achieve.