I play Techno. I love to listen to music from all genres, from Jazz to Hip-Hop to Country to Drum n Bass and Pop.
4. How did it all start for you?
I started out studying Jazz guitar until I went to a rave and my entire path changed. I was mesmerized by the DJ in the booth and had to find out more about what they were doing! It became a life mission to become a DJ. My dad helped me start out by driving me to DJ stores so I could buy equipment. My little sister spent a lot of time going with me to record stores and she helped me to get my first DJ sponsorship.
I was lucky to find a good mentor who taught me about the art of turntablism. I learned how to scratch, juggle and mix and he got me out onto the DJ scene. I later attended the Harris Institute for the Arts and earned a degree in Audio Education. After school, I focused on my skills as a battle and club DJ as I began to play gigs both locally and internationally.
5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Charlotte de Witte, Richie Hawtin and Calvin Harris.
6. What single night out has been most memorable for you?
One of my favourite nights out as a clubber was in LA at a Work By 6AM party. They hold great underground parties in warehouses in downtown LA with incredible artists. Luke Slater and Jamaica Suk played and I fell in love with her set that night. The whole ambience and atmosphere of the party was amazing. Really great, inspiring Techno.
One of my most memorable sets playing out as a DJ was in Las Vegas, playing for Techno Taco Tuesday organized by MNTRA. I opened up for Fur Coat that night. MNTRA runs a wild event series that keeps the underground alive in Vegas. In Toronto, one of my most memorable nights was New Years Eve a few years ago, closing the Box of Kittens NYE party with Mike Gibbs, Jamie Kidd and Greg Gow.
7. What is it that you love about the scene?
I love the music, first and foremost. I love the energy of the rave scene, the fact that people can gather together and dance. I also love the ambience of raves, festivals and clubs; the lights and visuals that set the mood to immerse ravers into an experience like no other.
8. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
I would advise up and coming DJ’s to find a mentor, someone they can work with and learn from. I recommend studying DJ history and learning about the roots of different musical styles and the artists who came before you. Spend as much time as you can finding tunes for your set. Learn how to use new DJ technology, and stay up to date with modern equipment and techniques.
9. What is your opinion of DJ’ing~ old school versus new school? Did you play vinyl and/or are you currently digital?
I respect all forms of DJ’ing and I believe the end result (what the dance floor hears) is more important than how a DJ chooses to play. I use TRAKTOR in all my sets but when I scratch I like to use vinyl. I believe in using new technology; as I do believe technological developments can inspire and help artists.
10. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in the next year and five years?
I do see the scene taking a little while longer to get back on its feet. It could be a year or more before we are fully back to clubbing again. In the meantime, I see live streaming and the internet as an outlet that artists will continue to use to connect with fans. I see DJ’ing becoming more immersed with music that’s available from streaming services, which could eliminate the need to own a copy of the music.
11. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ?
Absolutely! As you develop, you will start to sound like yourself.
12. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing?
I think there are many different types of settings to appreciate, from raves to small clubs to large festivals. I personally prefer raves and large festivals, as there’s more energy in those environments.
13. What is one track that never gets old for you?
Roni Size – “Brown Paper Bag”
14. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music?
If someone is into Pop music, I would recommend they listen to some artists like Loud Luxury or Afrojack who make dance music that is Pop music, too. Calvin Harris’ new Love Regenerator project is a good project that has a lot of retro sounds on it. For classic albums, I recommend listening to The Chemical Brothers ‘Exit Planet Dust’. Last but not least, Depeche Mode is a great band for people who are interested in listening to Electronic music.
15. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would it be?
Hakkasan in Las Vegas.
16. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well?
I’m a producer and have my own label, Simmetry Sounds.
Sara Simms is in the studio making tracks. You can listen to her sounds on Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube. Sara also live-streams on Twitch and Facebook.
FineGrind Audio has Deeno on board for this minimal house track with the perfect vocal and bassline. P&C FGA 2019 and available on Beatport. With remixes by Automated Soul, Vlassix, DJ Jace and Benny Knox.
Automated Soul takes the tempo down a few notches and adds haunting synths to this perfect, minimal track produced by Deeno. Released on FGA (FineGrind Audio) and available at Beatport as a high quality mp3. “We can create a perfect world in our heads” echoes throughout the track:
Currently, I play music from across the bpm spectrum with a focus on “bass music” including deep roots dubstep, drum n bass, jungle, halftime, breakbeats with a recent interest in the bass heavy rave breakbeats. Depending on the occasion, I like to also explore downtempo with a nod towards Boards of Canada-inspired beats and sounds. After playing music for so long, I find it hard to play a set of all one genre.
5. How did it all start for you?
This all began after hearing something brand new to my ears from my brother’s bedroom, it was ‘Obscene Underground vol.1: TITS’ by DJ Freaky Flow & MC Flipside. From that moment on, I had an insatiable thirst for all things rave.
This lead me to discovering Bassline Records owned and operated by local staple DMS where I bought my first records, record bag (which I still use to this day) and spent countless hours soaking in the vibe that was found nowhere else in Guelph. With Guelph’s scene largely lending to the sound of House music, I dove into the sounds of deep house.
My sister’s boyfriend at the time, Mat Lunnen, played a big part in hooking me up with 2 matching turntables (a step up from using old gear my parents had acquired in their teens). Between Mat and Deeno, I played my first gigs in Hamilton’s Hess Village and Guelph spots such as Bubba Gibbs, The Black Mustard, Atmosphere, etc.
Respect out to DMS, Mat Lunnen, Deeno & The ShiKing for playing a big part in my early years.
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Early on, I would say The Inland Knights were very inspiring as their sound really encapsulated everything I love about house music.
Artists such as Modeselektor & Deft inspire me as a producer as they proven time and time again, they are good at producing many genres very well. Artists like Amon Tobin and Tipper really reveal the limitless scope of what can be done with audio. Overall, I would say my biggest inspiration is the potential to create a powerful connection between people and music through hi-fidelity sound systems. Creating the moment.
7. What single night out has been most memorable for you?
I’ve been given the chance to play some really amazing events over the years so it is hard to choose but I would have to go with last summer at Harvest Festival.
I had the honour of opening the weekend on the big stage. There was an unrelenting storm happening as people were arriving and trying to set-up camp before the weekend kicked off. The festival organizer asked me to start playing as soon as I was ready as people needed a dry place to go and spirits to be lifted as the rain came down hard.
I made my way to the stage and the lighting and sound techs were running last minute tests. I stepped up to a brand new, top of the line DJ booth with my pick of either the latest Pioneer or Allen & Heath mixer. All connected to a KV2 sound system with 22 bass bins. This gig was different as I had the rare opportunity to start from silence and needed to build gradually up to party time.
I took the opportunity to explore some of my favourite ambient, experimental and downtempo in the first hour all while the wind and rain beat on the steel structure and then moved into some of my own productions that are very dear to me. To have my own music, that I’d crafted in the studio for what seemed like countless hours, come through on a massive sound system was a dream come true. To watch people respond to something I created and hear and feel the bass come through so strong is a feeling like nothing else. Bass heavy beats for the last hour and a half and the party was on!
I watched the crowd grow from 1 to approx 800 over the 2.5 hr set and by the time I was done we were in full on rave mode. World class lighting and laser rig, soundsystem, venue and all under the frenetic energy of mother nature on full blast outside.
8. What is it that you love about the scene?
Something I love about the scene today, as it was in its origin, is the inclusivity. It is an inclusive space that allows for you to connect more with yourself through music and dance and with like-minded people you may not have connected with otherwise.
9. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
Keep positive, be sure to always make it about the music. There are a lot of distractions along the way. Be personable and don’t pay attention to the haters. They’re just jealous.
10. What is your opinion of DJ’ing~ old school versus new school? Did you play vinyl and/or are you currently digital?
I have played many formats when it comes to DJ’ing. I started with wax and turntables, moved to Serato to keep that “feel” of playing records, I lived abroad for a period and used my laptop and a midi controller with Ableton Live & Traktor. Now I use CDJ’s and USB.
The bottom line is, the average person out on the dancefloor, loving your set, doesn’t give a shit about how it’s being done. Fellow artists and scenesters will always have something to say about every modality. I have my preferences and you will, too. Use what makes sense for you.
11. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in the next year and five years?
At this point, it’s really hard to see where things are heading. Live streams are popular, now more than ever. It seems the big platforms are difficult to work with due to copyright infringement. Facebook Live often silences audio, Twitch has recently reminded their users that it is not meant for streaming DJ sets. The music has to be yours to play it on their platform. That’s not to say there aren’t sites out there hosting live streams, you just have to dig a bit deeper. Shout out dubplate.fm.
Let’s face it, nothing beats a club or outdoor venue with a huge stack of sound but that might be a ways off. I’m certainly hoping within the next 2 years, we will be back to hot, loud & packed venues.
12. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ?
Yes. To stand out as a DJ in 2020, with it being so accessible to be one, it goes a long way to develop your own style of mixing, track selection and delivery. Style can even lend to how you present yourself online. This is not my forte but it pays to be active and engaged in social media.
13. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing?
Oh, that is hard! All settings have their merits. If I had to choose, I’d say outside at a festival. Massive sound systems always sound their best when outside. The bass can mature as it was intended and not be limited to indoor structures or materials. Nothing beats day time dancing in the sun but also tall trees lit up at night is a sight to be seen. There is a special magic to outdoor festivals that cannot be produced indoors. You also can’t beat the full spectrum of party people that might end up catching your set that might not have otherwise been to a club night geared towards one genre/scene.
14. What is one track that never gets old for you?
“Hot Soup” by The Inland Knights
15. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music?
(Amon Tobin and The Inland Knights)
16. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would it be?
The Village Stage – Shambhala, BC
17. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well?
I’ve always been a musician, even before DJing, so I naturally grew towards producing my own music. Over the years, I’ve had some originals and remixes signed to compilation albums out of Toronto, California and a label from the UK. I’ve composed a soundtrack for a short film and, last year, I had the opportunity to give a workshop on making electronic music to a highschool class in Orangeville.
18. Please promote what you are up to as a DJ / musician / scene maker:
Since 2010 I have run an internet radio show called ‘The DOSE with Niko’ on Dubplate.fm. This monthly 2 hour live broadcast is my platform to showcase music that I’m feeling, whether for the dancefloor or not and also feature original music by fellow Canadian artists. The DOSE is live every last Tuesday of the month, from 8-10pm, EST on dubplate.fm’s dub & bass stream.
NIKO has a remix coming out on Grease Coast Records this summer for Nick E Tee’s EP and he is, also, working on a collaboration project with Jonah K.
The Declaration Of Human Rights is more relevant now than ever before. Wayne F Smythe (aka DJ Muse) provides the updated lyrics as Andrew Hendriks (Automated Soul) and Dino Busato (Deeno) provide the beats and arrangement of this deep, dubby and dirty track. Mastering by Robert Babicz. Copyright: Royal City Records, 2020.
I play house, techno and everything in between. I’m also a big fan of drum n’ bass, hip hop, funk, soul and the blues.
5. How did it all start for you?
I was 16 and had already been collecting vinyl for a few years. Some friends and I went to our first warehouse party in town and I was immediately hooked. From there a few friends went splits on a cheap pair of Gemini turntables and mixer and I spent a lot of time over there practicing. It wasn’t long before I got my own setup and the rest is history!
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My early inspiration was coming mainly from the local DJ’s in my area. Like me, most people from the Kitchener area in the scene would recognize Mike Shannon as a big influence. His sound at the time was something I hadn’t heard before and I still look up to him to this day. I also looked up to D. Riehl, a local DJ who was always willing to talk with me and share ideas about music in my early years as a DJ.
I also draw inspiration from the Detroit and Chicago scenes as there were and are so many great artists coming out of those cities. Rest in peace to Mike Huckaby, a big influence on me musically.
I would also say that my friends are a big inspiration when it comes to music and DJ’ing. There are about 5 of us that have always played together, whether it be rinse-outs at home or at one of the many Halfway House nights locally and in Toronto. Shout out to the Halfway House crew!
7. What single night out has been most memorable for you?
As a patron one of my favorite nights out was a party at the Guvernment called ‘Rewind’. This was about 1998 and highlights were Kenny Ken in the main room playing all of the classic tracks that I still love today. I also remember Vitamin D dropping some killer early morning tunes at that party.
As a DJ it’s hard to pick one night out as there were so many locally and in Toronto that were really special. Perhaps the biggest set for me was at the 2012 Evolve festival in Antigonish, NS. Sharing the stage with so many amazing artists and DJ’s from around the world was very special for me and so much fun!
8. What is it that you love about the scene?
Obviously the music is what brought us all together but I would say the people are what I love most about the scene. I’ve made so many lifelong friends being involved with music over the years and I continue to meet and reconnect with people to this day!
9. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
Be yourself and have fun with it. A dancefloor is a very infectious place and the vibe can start and stop with the DJ. People can tell when you’re truly having fun! A friend of mine used to say ‘don’t trust a DJ who isn’t dancing’ which I still hold true.
10. What is your opinion of DJ’ing~ old school versus new school? Did you play vinyl and/or are you currently digital?
I started on vinyl and still consider it my preferred medium when playing at home or out. I also play digital and haven’t been buying records like I used to. The good part about digital is the ability to collect music inexpensively and maintain a relevant and interesting collection. I think it’s important to know multiple mediums, but don’t have any problems with digital-only DJ’s. A dope DJ is a dope DJ!
11. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in the next year and five years?
I think the scene will eventually get back to what we were used to or close to it. In the meantime, I can see smaller clubs having a resurgence with potential reduced capacity due to the virus. Time will tell but I’m hopeful that this will be sooner than some are saying.
12. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ?
I think it’s very important to have your own style as a DJ. It can be easy to fall in love with what everyone else is playing and stick to the status quo. Doing the work to dig for tracks and share them with people is the high road and this will show when you play for people. Thoughtful selections and feeling the floor are a part of creating a unique style as a DJ, too. It all goes back to being yourself and having fun!
13. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing?
My favorite setting for DJ’ing would be a dimly lit smaller club with an amazing sound system. More intimate dancefloors are the most fun for me both as a DJ and a dancer. The energy can be amazing in a smaller setting and you get feedback from the crowd instantly.
14. What is one track that never gets old for you?
Tim Green – In Love – Get Physical Music. Give it a spin you’ll love it!
15. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music?
I recommend older Chemical Brothers material. Their older stuff has so many different styles from breaks, acid and techno to melodic and downtempo songs. This gives the listener a chance to explore several subgenres and maybe gravitate towards one and dig deeper. I would also suggest listening to some Carl Cox mixes as he’s such a great ambassador for the music and knows how to pick tunes and rock a party.
16. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would it be?
Alux Cave in Mexico. I watched some videos from the BPM festival a bunch of years back and it looks incredible and unique. I can’t imagine what the sound must have been like in there!
17. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well?
Since I was 16, I’ve been recording and producing music. I tend to go back and forth between being passionate about making music and listening to and playing music for people. I really started focusing more on DJ’ing and promoting about 8 years ago and haven’t really gone back to production in my full capacity. Although I still dabble, I would consider myself more of a DJ than anything at this point.
Right now MATTYSON is working on a few tunes in his home studio as well as a DJ mix that should be ready to go soon. He looks forward to things getting back to normal so he can get out there and play music for people with his friends. Mattyson is missing the connection with people in that way and missing getting lost in the music. More to come in the future for sure!
Playing live since 2015, practicing/collecting since 2011.
4. What music do you DJ?
I typically play House Music, Deep House, Tech House, Electro, Progressive, Disco and Techno.
Obviously not all in one set but, depending on the vibe, I dabble into these genres confidently.
5. How did it all start for you?
I attended a few underground parties in Toronto [2011ish] that focused on electronic music and featured local DJs. Those shows made me really appreciate electronic music. The crowds that attended those shows were some of the most awesome people I had ever met.
What initially made me attracted to DJ’ing was that I could harness the ability to build my own mixes of electronic music that I enjoy.
In my first year, I practiced a lot and recorded crappy mixes to listen to in the car or when I was working. I sent a few of them to friends and they were really nice about it. Listening to them now, wtf was I thinking lol.
Anyways, I practiced for about a year, made a few mixes but after attending some shows at the Guvernment and Veld in 2012 I saw how the music can really affect people and decided to get more serious about it.
I continued to practice and work on “the craft” so-to-speak for another 3 years. I wanted to learn everything I could before I played out. I felt that I had a good selection of music at that point and wanted people to hear it. I just wanted to practice more.
Around 2015 I mustered up the courage to reach out to some local Toronto promoters. I attended some of their shows and around March of 2015 I got my first live gig at Lily Lounge in Toronto.
By June of 2015 I was playing Hess Village in Hamilton consistently with two local Hamilton promoters I had met, Locotek and DJ Chaotic (at the time).
Shortly after that, I met my good friend Dan Rivero (Osito). He was throwing Weekly Saturday parties at Baltimore House in Hamilton. I contacted him, we chatted and he gave me a shot. I was super grateful for that opportunity in Hamilton, as well. We ended up playing a lot of messy Saturday nights together at Baltimore house. I met so many amazing people there.
Same with O Lounge in Hamilton, I began attending a lot of the local parties there and next thing I knew, I had met Guilio and he gave me a shot. I remember one of my first times playing there, the second DJ bailed and I ended up playing for 4 hours. They were great times, I just remember dancing with everyone and laughing, never had a bad experience. O Lounge was a real gem.
Needless to say, that was a really fun summer in the scene!
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My 3 biggest inspirations in regards to electronic music are Daft Punk, Deadmau5, and Eric Prydz. Amazing artists.
7. What single night out has been most memorable for you?
The second gig I ever played was at Lily Lounge in Toronto on May 16, 2015. My set was 4am – 6am, and I was playing after Deko-Ze and Jerome Robins.
Two Toronto legends and two DJs I have mad respect for. I saw Deko-Ze play the Guvernment constantly and he was definitely a local inspiration for me.
I have to thank Michael “Deko-Ze”, for taking me under his wing during that one. I introduced myself to him at the start of the night and, by the time I was ready to play, he had built me up so much nothing could have brought me down.
I ended up playing really well and had someone that I respect a ton in the DJ scene watch me play my full set. The crowd stuck around until 6am and were totally in the groove with me the entire time. It was a night to remember, especially considering it was only my second gig.
8. What is it that you love about the scene?
The sense of belonging, friendship and love while soaking up the beats together. The Hamilton scene in itself is like one big family. We even call it #familton lol.
9. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
If you want to play out, network with promoters, venues and local DJs. Start supporting local shows, attend or play at open deck events. Get involved. See who is involved in the scene and talk to them. A simple face to face conversation goes a long way.
Other than that, get used to playing opening slots for a bit. Don’t be disappointed or upset. Embrace the opening slots. Be one with them lol.
Most DJ’s would say they are the hardest sets to play, mainly because you are the one who has to get people moving and feeling comfortable on the dance floor. I’ve personally learned to love them.
10. What is your opinion of DJ’ing~ old school versus new school? Did you play vinyl and/or are you currently digital?
I couldn’t care less what people decide to play on, equipment-wise, provided they aren’t using the digital means as a crutch. Learn to beat match at minimum, it isn’t that hard. FX are fun too, but don’t overuse them.
I have always been digital and can safely admit that I can’t play on vinyl well. It’s completely different than CDJ-2000’s and takes a different type of skill to get used to.
11. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in the next year and five years?
Hopefully not into another Coronavirus pandemic.
I just hope that people continue to come out to support local shows and grow the scene with amazing ideas for events. Without the love and support, the electronic scene will wither away.
PSA: Please, If you love the music and the scene, get out there and support your local DJ’s, your local promoters and your local electronic music venues. Be involved. The scene will only grow if everyone does their part.
12. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ?
I feel that DJ’s should bring music that they truly love to the decks, not what they “Shazamed” at the last event they were at or the most recent Beatport top 10 so they can please the masses.
Do some digging. Find the sound, vibe, genre that you personally love and connect with. Put in the work to find it. It’s worth it. You’re the DJ. If you love it, other people will too. A good groove is a good groove.
There is nothing wrong with playing something that you’re a little weary about or you don’t think anyone has heard before. Give those tracks a shot.
I’ve found that those tracks tend to become staples in your DJ sets.
13. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing?
Studio L14 in Hamilton. Nothing makes me happier than playing in there.
#shamelessselfpromo lol
14. What is one track that never gets old for you?
Right now I’m obsessed with this track. It’s slower but it’s a jam.
Sharam feat. Bengle – The Rain (New York Extended Mix)
15. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music?
Daft Punk, Eric Prydz, Zedd, Justice and David Guetta.
16. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would it be?
Berghain – mainly because I want to see it.
17. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well?
I have been messing with Ableton / Music production since 2013. I’ve made a few remixes that I play out and have sent to friends. I haven’t sent out anything to labels though.
I probably have 30 tracks on my computer that I just don’t want to admit are finished. I always go back and change things here and there when I’m bored and learn something new in Ableton. Then I sit on them again.
It’s a vicious cycle lol.
At home I typically use Ableton as my main DAW, with some AU Software synths and drum machines like Sylenth1, Ana, Diva, Kontakt, FM8, ABL3, Arturia Analog Lab, and Revolution808. I use a Launchpad, Maschine, Midi Keyboard, and APC 40 for control over Ableton drum racks and channel functions.
In regards to hardware, I own a Korg Monologue Synth, a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface, and KrK Monitors.
18. Please promote what you are up to as a DJ / musician / scene maker:
When everything gets back to normal I hope to start DJ’ing at different venues around the GTA/GHA again under my name Kevin Kartwell. I can’t wait to get back together with my good friend and DJ partner, Dan Rivero (Osito) to play a few more shows as our DJ DUO “OK” (Osito & Kartwell).
We get into a lot of House, Disco and throwbacks. We just have fun and play around. I really enjoy playing those B2B sets with Osito.
In 2016 I began live streaming “Kevin Kartwell’s Shelter Sessions” from my basement just for fun. Picked up a streaming camera and jumped in. This got me into the world of live streaming.
I began hosting a few guest DJs on the stream and tried to learn everything I could about it. Now, with us all being trapped inside, I have really focused my attention on building a really solid live stream that I think is entertaining to watch.
I also put together four episodes of the “Isolation Nation Vodcast” for the Toronto House Music Crew at the start of this pandemic.
The Isolation Nation Vodcasts were live streams that aired on Saturday nights to give some people something to dance to. The episodes featured a DJ from each promotional company involved. Typically we featured 4 Djs per episode. It was a lot of work, but the outcome was worth it.
The Isolation Nation Vodcast was a collaborative effort with THM (Toronto House Music Group), Party Tutorial (Event Promo Company), SHLTR (Event Promo Company), Oneida Sessions (Toronto Live Streaming Crew), and Studio L14 (Hamilton Venue).
The next thing I do for fun is co-host a radio show on 93.3 CFMU (93.3FM Hamilton) called “Hostile Airwaves”. It airs on Friday nights from 8-10pm from McMaster University here in Hamilton. I was brought on as a co-host in December 2015 but the show has been running strong on CFMU since 2000.
The show features Djs mixing all sorts of Electronic Music. Sometimes we have guests, and sometimes the hosts mix themselves. It’s a lot of fun.
Usually when I feature a guest, I enjoy having a short interview at the start of the episode and then letting the guest do their thing on the decks for the remainder of the show. I feel the interviews give really good insight into the local scene and the DJs themselves.
Our primary focus in regards to genres is typically Drum and Bass, House, Jungle, and Techno. I usually do the show every other week but, due to Corona, everything’s on hold because Mac is locked up.
The live radio shows are something I miss doing a lot right now. We can send in prerecorded episodes, but it’s just not the same. I can’t wait to get back to it when this lockdown is fully lifted.
Studio L14 was opened in October 2017. It is a 800 sq ft private performance, training, rehearsal, recording, and live streaming/broadcasting studio/dancefloor in central downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Studio L14 is operated by myself [Kevin Kartwell] and my good friend Trevor Wilkes.
Studio L14 was built to provide artists with a platform to record, rehearse, live-stream or host a paid admittance performance for their fans with a reasonable rental rate.
With DJ’s and electronic musicians in mind, Studio L14 provides industry standard digital / vinyl DJ equipment and an amazing sound system. Studio L14 is outfitted with a stage, coloured studio lighting, a non-alcoholic drink bar and some very neat special effects.
We typically rent the Studio out to local promoters to host events, bday parties feat. Djs, or live streaming. We have hosted numerous events ourselves including after hours events, and open decks events. We’ve also brought in some big names over the past couple years. Frankie Bones, Neil Landstrumm (2 weeks before he played Movement Detroit), Loose Lips (UK), and Terrence Parker. Talk about wild shows lol.
In the summer of 2019, we hosted an open decks event that went for 14 hours and featured 28 local up and coming DJs. It was a lot to handle, but so worth it. We heard some incredible locals that day.
We like to use studio to try to support our local scene, we try our best to incorporate as many different local DJs into the different events as we can. Studio L14 has been a great way to network with likeminded individuals in the scene.
Here is a short interview Trevor Wilkes and Myself did for Mohawk College’s Ignite News about Studio L14: https://youtu.be/TGkOsujwY3A
For all those who have read this far,
Thank you so much for supporting Studio L14. Without you amazing people in this scene, Studio wouldn’t be what it is today.
19. Please provide us with a link to an online mix or music production:
The link below is a recording of a housey mix I did at an event I hosted called “Kevin Kartwell & Friends” at Shaolin Underground on James St N Hamilton back in January 2020.
The event featured myself [Kevin Kartwell], Osito, Immigrant at Work, and Toronto’s Scotty Du.
Huge shout out to Deeno for putting this together, thank you so much for having me! I really enjoyed completing this for you. It brought back some awesome memories.
3. How long have you been a DJ for? Good question! I had to look up an old poster to figure this one out. Just over a decade. I remember my first outside-of-the-basement gig was a DJ battle at Tabu in 2010. I brought my whole desktop computer in a suitcase and used Virtual DJ. I did not win.
4. What music do you DJ? I love all music (except for country). I tend to specialize in soul/funk house and love to drop some 90s hiphop/r&b nostalgia in there but it really depends on the crowd. I like to be as versatile as possible, hence my tagline “the gender bending, genre blending DJ”. I also like to research and purchase as much music produced by QTPOC (queer and trans people of colour). This population has paved the way in house music (and countless other genres) and are often underrepresented in the scene.
5. How did it all start for you? It all started by making mix CDs for friends in the 90’s/early 00’s. I started actually DJing in an unfinished basement that we called the dance cave. A friend and I learned how to DJ back-to-back for all of our friends. A lot of trial and error but our deep love for music kept us so enthralled. I was then, somehow, entered in that DJ battle and everything went from there. As I mentioned, I didn’t win but I gained a lot of exposure and booked a lot of really decent gigs (opening slots for Felix Cartel & Congorock when I’d only been DJ’ing for less than a year).
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration is the community around me. I learn so much from so many different people. I try to take requests but, if I don’t have the requested song or it doesn’t fit, I will write it down and do further research. Also, Motown. Love me some Motown.
7. What single night out has been most memorable for you? DJ’ing my own wedding was pretty memorable.
8. What is it that you love about the scene? I am more-so immersed in the queer*trans dance scene… so the obvious answer to that is the community. It’s one big family that I’m constantly learning and growing with.
9. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJ’s? Know your music and know your crowd. You can be the best technical DJ out there but playing the wrong music can empty the dancefloor. Study your music, learn intro music theory (many free sources online and in libraries), read the crowd and be nice! The thing I’ve always laughed at is you know it’s a good set when no one realizes you’re DJ’ing. Gotta leave that ego at the door.
10. What is your opinion of DJ’ing ~ old school versus new school? Did youplay vinyl and/or are you currently digital? Both have their merit. While there’s a common denominator, both can be completely different styles of mixing. I respect any which way people want to share their passion. I currently play digital.
11. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in thenext year and five years? More representation of marginalized communities!
12. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ? In terms of music genres, yes and no. Depends on the gig. I love playing what I love to hear but often I’m playing for the patrons so it’s a combination. In terms of mixing styles, a definite yes. I personally like my sets to be as fluid as possible to keep that dance floor pumpin’.
13. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing? Any queer function in any setting.
14. What is one track that never gets old for you? This Girl – Kungs vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners.
15. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music? Kaytranada, Frankie Knuckles, Lady Ryan, Jasmine Infiniti and RJD2
16. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would itbe? Any queer*trans outdoor festival. No matter how big or small.
17. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well? I started off in music production as I’m classically trained in piano but my main focus over the past several years has been DJing.
M’Damn D is the co-founder and resident DJ of FIERCE: Guelph’s only queer*trans monthly dance party. Follow @fierceguelph on Facebook and Instagram for more details.
My favourite type of music is probably groovy music. Its not a genre but, at the same time, there’s way too much music to narrow it down to a single type! Anything that captures the soul and essence of grooviness and funky vibes.
5. How did it all start for you?
Its funny, usually people start off with DJ’ing at house parties and such then move up from there. For me, I actually started with music production. I was at a friends house and they were showing me Ableton live. I was in awe at how powerful and versatile the software was! From there I took it and ran. Using it for many years before I even considered DJ’ing. I took up DJ’ing as a way to show off my creations. Its a struggle to showcase music, especially electronic music you’ve made. In most cases a “DJ” is supposed to curate a party, which means they have to create high energy vibes for people to enjoy. Its a constant struggle because I create a lot of music that is just not suited to be played in a club… but I still want to show it off. This is an ongoing struggle to bridge the gap between electronic performance and music that’s more downtempo or chill.
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Biggest inspiration is the mass amount of other artists doing their thing! There’s so much good music that I just want to learn from the best. And the best is such a subjective thing but, in the end, taking pieces of your favourite artists here and there. Techniques and tricks that make them special or who they are and incorporating it into your own style of music or performance!
7. What single night out has been most memorable for you?
Most memorable night was probably a night at Jimmy jazz, a local dive bar, here in Guelph. The thing with “The Jazz” is it’s not a place to be DJ’ing or playing electronic music to begin with! I had planned a night for an hour long live electronic performance and started off playing some ambient downtempo music. People seemed to be into it! Half way thru I shifted gears and started playing more of my dance music. The crowd was perceiving it super well and the dance floor was packed! This night was super memorable for me because of two key points. 1, every song I was playing was an original track of mine, which gave me a sense of extreme validation knowing everyone was enjoying something that came from me! And 2, everyone was having genuine fun! I was riding the high of the room. Jimmy Jazz is a very intimate space where you’re basically in the crowd. It was a vibe I’ll always strive for in future performances.
8. What is it that you love about the scene?
I love that, at the core of it, everyone has a difference style. Its seemingly the same thing across the board but everyone tackles it so differently! It’s like painting. We’re all staring with the same canvas but each piece is vastly different.
9. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
Do it because you love it. Success will come in persistence and, if it doesn’t.. Well, you love doing it so who cares!
10. What is your opinion of DJ’ing~ old school versus new school? Did you play vinyl and/or are you currently digital?
Never spun vinyl, I’d love to try! I think it doesn’t really matter if you use modern tools and conviences compared to older methods. Its all preference. I personally love the convenience of having hot cues and perfectly synced loops when I DJ. This frees up my mind to play with the music more, as opposed to having to worry about if the songs are in sync or if the key is right. Its just a shift in focus in terms of creative structure. I find it liberating.
11. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in the next year and five years?
We live in some crazy times right now! But when everything is in full swing again, I think I see the scene going more digital than ever. We’ve already seen things like Soundcloud integration with our DJ controllers. Essentially letting you stream tracks off the internet instead of having a massive collection like most DJs do. I think this will be the norm. It will be DJ’s showing up with a playlist on the cloud as opposed to USB’s now. Partying will never go away. How we as a society deem is “entertaining” or a “performance” will always evolve. BUT first and foremost, it’s about the music.
12. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ?
Absolutely! I think the style of each DJ comes down to track selection. I can confidently say iv never heard someone DJ the songs that I DJ but that’s a good thing!
13. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing?
Small club or a house party definitely. Like I said before, having that intimate space with people enjoying the event is a must. If the setting is too grand and the room isn’t full then the vibe suffers! Id rather have a small room yet full opposed to the same amount of people in a large room any-day. As long as you can feel the bass on the system!
14. What is one track that never gets old for you?
Maximono – Jack It – Kyle Watson Remix. Its just such a unique track.
15. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music?
Turn on the radio! Besides the indie rock bands, almost every song on the top 40 list is electronic music.
16. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would it be?
While I was traveling Japan there was this awesome nightclub in Tokyo with 3 dance floors on 3 levels! It felt like a converted warehouse with different vibes on each floor. Was an awesome experience and I’d love to play there.
17. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well?
If anything I see myself as more of a producer than a DJ. A lot of people get their fix behind the decks, whereas I am more focused on creating my own loops, tracks and other. I’ve also gotten to the point where I do commissions and ghost produce for people!
Livid’s latest release, GEO, is filled with vintage tracks of all genres. House, Chill-Hop, Hip-Hop and some Disco! There’s something in there for everyone and we highly encourage you to give it the time of day!
Curtis Maranda of TIGER SUIT is geared up for his newest, solo release to hit the world via Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music tomorrow, Saturday June 13th, 2020! This deep Techno track with lush chords has a throwback sound that comes from his love of analogue gear. The song, as Curtis laughs, is “for old people, like myself” and a “birthday present to himself.”
Techno For Geezers is inspired by late 90’s Techno, 140bpm style Techno and was recorded on analogue gear. Influencial producers such as Kirk Degeorgio, Orbital, Underworld and Meatbeat Manifesto inspired Curtis along the way of making his track:
Curtis attended York University (1998-2003) then moved to Japan and began a DJ residency at Club ADD in the city of Sendai.
He began releasing his own tracks while in Japan on Italian label, Total Wipes. Curtis released a couple of EP’s and, upon his return to Canada in 2006, began releasing music on 4Play Trax. 15-20 tracks of his were released on 4Play, including remixes of Bobby Savage. Curtis became the mastering engineer for 4Play Trax in that same year.
Barry Rooke, the founder of 4Play, was a big career inspiration for Curtis. They began DJ’ing together, syncing via midi using Ableton Live, guitar and vocodor.
DJ’ing from 2003-2008 was more in the forefront for Curtis before Tiger Suit was formed. He wanted to take performing to the next level.
Please LIKE his new track, Techno For Geezers, on the above music platforms and share with your friends!
4. What music do you DJ? What are your favourite types of music?
House, Deep House, Tech House, Techno, Drumnbass, Funk, Soul, Disco, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Dub Reggae, Breaks, Electronica and Ambient.
5. How did it all start for you?
I grew up in a household with a heavy focus on music. My parents enrolled me in violin and voice lessons at age three. It seemed like we were always listening and dancing to music. My dad had a turntable, a nice stereo system and a pretty deep record collection which spanned pop, rock, blues, jazz, funk, soul, reggae, world, folk, classical and beyond. He had a unique musical taste of his own that heavily influenced me and he exposed me to a broad range of music.
When I was around fifteen, my older brother started bringing rave mixtapes home and I got drawn into the music, imagining what it would be like to hear DJ’s spin at raves on huge kilowatt sound systems. A year later, I snuck away to my first rave at Polson Avenue in Toronto and, after that night, it was game over. I attended as many raves, club events, festivals and warehouse parties as I could. In those early days I knew instantly that I wanted to be the DJ behind the turntables. I was so inspired by the music and I am so grateful for the education I received going to parties in Toronto, listening to a flood of international DJ’s who poured through the city every weekend.
6. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Derrick Carter, Kerri Chandler, Little T, Mike Shannon, Tyler Stadius, DJ Traxx.
7. What single night out has been most memorable for you?
Travelling to Kalamazoo, MI from Toronto on a road trip with my older brother and two of my closest friends to hear DJ Traxx (Melvin Oliphant III) play an extended Chicago House set that ripped the roof off. Picked up his two part ‘Unknown Musical Structures’ cassette mixtape immediately after the show and we listened to it non-stop on the drive back.
8. What is it that you love about the scene?
The simple phenomenon of people gathering to dance and to temporarily set aside their differences and forget their individual sufferings has always given me so much hope in humanity.
9. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
Be true to yourself, carve out your own sound, be proud of representing your personal history and influences through your music. Tell us a story through your musical expression and don’t hold anything back. Listen to everything and don’t judge it, be humble about all styles of music because there’s somebody out there who loves it. At the same time, it’s ok to have your own personal preferences and don’t let anyone else with an opinion stop you from fully expressing yourself.
10. What is your opinion of DJ’ing ~ old school versus new school? Did you play vinyl and/or are you currently digital?
I played a lot of vinyl and love the tactile feel of real records and the challenge of keeping the mix locked together throughout the entire set. I never really got into CDJ’s but mainly use a laptop and controllers with a DJ mixer for live digital playback.
11. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in the next year and five years?
This is an incredible time for music, we can draw on the past 100 years of recorded music and the many different genres and sub-genres of music as influences. We’re already starting to see a lot of throwback movements in electronic music where artists pay homage to previous moments of dance music history, so we’re very likely to see that cycle continue. I think there will be less genre-mashing in the next five years and more of a focus on revisiting certain periods of past musical history and rebirthing, refining and expanding on the original ideas within the context of the modern recording and production technologies we have available to us now.
12. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ?
For me, DJing has always been about personal expression, it’s infinitely more gratifying to play to an audience that is willing to be taken on a musical journey and be educated on the dance-floor.
13. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing?
Love playing the closing time-slots at warehouse parties and festivals with great people, good vibes and big sound systems.
14. What is one track that never gets old for you?
Tek 9 – We Bring Anybody Down
15. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music?
Daft Punk, Tchami, Oliver Heldens, Kerri Chandler, Derrick Carter and Masters at Work.
16. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would it be?
Any of the big, outdoor festivals
17. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well?
I’m definitely more into music production these days but there is always a time and place for DJ’ing.
18. Please promote what you are up to as a DJ / musician / scene maker:
Lately my focus is primarily in the studio, working to achieve higher fidelity and greater impact with my music. I run and operate my own imprint called Basic Needs Music and I’m working with a variety of vocalists on future releases.
I’m living in Stratford, Ontario but hopefully moving back to Guelph soon.
2. How long have you been a DJ for?
Over one year but have been a musician for many years.
3. What music do you DJ? What are your favourite types of music?
Glitch-Hop, Breaks, Electro House & Hip-Hop. However, my style varies a bit. If I’m uploading a mix the sound is going to be deeper and with some grit; where if it’s live more Electro House, dance and remixes is the direction I take.
Glitch Hop, Big Beat, Hip-Hop and Metal. My favourite type of music switches depending on my mood. The classics: Ray Charles, Tom Waits, CCR to name a few are always good for a listen.
4. How did it all start for you?
Almost my entire life I’ve surround myself with musicians, then DJ’s. I never had my own decks and know how protective Djs are with their gear, so I guess just never asked. Luckily a friend of mine, DJ Archie Swift was letting other friends spin records on his turntables one night. I tried but sucked. Not realizing I’ve never played before he then offered to teach me the fundamentals. I loved it instantaneously.
5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Kid Koala was probably my first “WOW” moment in the DJ world. 3 turntables and arguably one of the best scratch DJ’s. I had the chance to watch this guy do his thing in Paris, France.
Another would be my old roommate, Allan “DMS” Hendriks. He opened my world to Glitch Hop, which is now my favourite genre. Not every person could live with pounding bass coming from another room most of the day but I found comfort in that. I even woke up to the bass vibrating my wall and started grooving out right away. But more importantly DMS’ interests were similar to my own. Five years watching this guy’s skills improve and evolve just kept opening doors for me.
6. What single night out has been most memorable for you?
As a DJ, there was a small house party and half the people were on the dance floor; most of them women. So I felt like I didn’t suck lol.
When I was 27, I saw Kid Koala in Paris at a venue which is now Called Social Club on Montmantre Rue. I saw a flyer for the show and told all my hostel friends that we needed to go to this show. I danced 11pm to 4 am. When I was leaving there was still a massive line up at the door. That party just didn’t stop.
7. What is it that you love about the scene?
The energy and skill level on the dance floor. Watching a crowd form and invite more dancers to the table.
8. What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
Buy anything that you like, you can always sort through it later instead of not having it. Listen to your mixes on different sound systems, headphones etc to tweak your levels.
9. What is your opinion of DJ’ing~ old school versus new school? Did you play vinyl and/or are you currently digital?
I’ve only been digital but used Time Code vinyl before. Old school is a lot more challenging but more rewarding.
10. Especially now more than ever, where do you see the scene going in the next year and five years?
DJ’s will, basically, be programmers instead of downloading tracks. Limits are always being pushed; be it multiple decks, midi controllers or live instruments etc.
11. Is having your own style important to you as a DJ?
It was but what it really comes down to is the energy of the crowd. So, regardless on what you want to play, the vibe of the crowd says it all. I will always try to be unique in the DJ empire or the world.
12. What is your favourite setting for DJ’ing?
A house party will always be my pick but an outdoor festival would be cool.
13. What is one track that never gets old for you?
Jamiroquai – Feels Just Like It Should. Such a soulful artist but every once in a while there’s a track released that’s just bangin’.
14. What artists would you recommend to a “regular” person as a gateway into Electronic music?
The Crystal Method and Jamiroquai. Both push the envelope in their genre and keeping going.
15. If you could pick one venue in the entire world to DJ at, where would it be?
Shambhala. It seems that some of the most innovative music that comes out in Canada starts there. Also, I feel it’s more welcoming to fresh styles than others.
16. Are you strictly a DJ or have you gotten into music production, as well?
DJ, 100%. However if I had to do it all over again I would aim for experience as a music engineer.
MeltedWaX is just about to release his first mix on MixCloud. A lot more effort is being put into this one. He, also, has music on Soundcloud where you can see him try to decipher his style.
When I move back to Guelph (and post Covid) I will be collaborating with other DJ’s to host an event at the ANAF.
Lost In The Music 