Your artistic journey is deeply tied to the Detroit music scene. How has the city influenced your style and career?
The city has a rich music history in jazz, R&B, techno and other styles which have all contributed to my creative process. There are other factors as well. Such as the environment, both socially and physically. The city had a massive decline after the riots of 1967 which plagued it for decades. Though Detroit has come back very strong in recent years, this difficult period effected the attitudes of many people during that time. These emotions are manifested in the music we make. Also, Detroit can have a brutal winter season. During this time of year, I spend most of my time indoors creating music. These are some of the elements of Detroit that have been instrumental in my musical development.
Your label, Soiree Records International, has always had a distinctive approach. What is your vision for your label, and how do you choose the artists and tracks to
release?
The tracks on Soiree Records have a particular soulful appeal. I look for music that’s dynamic and expresses passion. Music that is not overly produced or robotic.
Your recent tracks, “The Moonlight” and “Moonlight & You,” are part of the “Celestial” compilation. Can you tell us about the creative process behind these tracks and what they represent to you?
The Moonlight actually was written about 20 years ago as a deep jazz track. It has sat on the self for all of those years. I’ve always wanted to recreate it and the time was finally right to make it happen. I gave it more of a dance groove and changed a few elements but maintained the original emotion. The track has such a distinct feel. I can hear it screaming “drum and bass” to me. So I produced the drum and bass version, “Moonlight & You.” Still very jazzy and deep, plus I was able to add a guitar solo.
Electronic music continues to evolve. How do you keep your sound fresh and innovative while staying true to your musical roots?
I find inspiration listening to and studying other musicians and dj’s. I also find inspiration in nature and travel. Also from life’s experiences.
The “Celestial” compilation has received great feedback. How do you select the tracks for your compilations, and what are the key elements you look for in a track
to include it in such an important project?
Depending on the style of the track, I look for things like chord progressions, originality on the rhythm tracks and bass line. The track has to feel right to me and it the sound quality is also a high priority.
What is your opinion on the current state of the techno and house scene globally, and what do you think is the future of these music genres?
There is a lot of great music still being produced. Techno and house music continues to evolve. New sounds, new genres are still being born. The possibilities are unlimited. But with that, there’s also a lot of garbage being produced and pushed by the powers that be. I think the people in the trenches, those who are grass roots underground are the only real hope for keeping the music authentic. If those voices are silenced by the influencers with the deepest pockets, then we can kiss our beloved music good-bye.
As a DJ and producer, what have been the most significant collaborations or experiences in your career, and what have you learned from them?
I love it when I produce a track, and I can hear a DJ from the other side of the world playing it and the crowd going nuts dancing to it. That’s what it’s all about to me. The international language of music is powerful and it can bring us all together…in peace and happiness.
