Q: „Detroit Assembly Line“ is a collaboration with Antwon Faulkner. How did this connection come about, and what was the creative process behind it?
Antwon and I have been pushing the boundaries in the Detroit scene for a long time. Rocking clubs and parties behind the decks and taking it to the next level with our own record labels. Our coming together for a project like this was inevitable and a long time coming. I knew that Antwon would bring sonic fire to Soiree Records and he certainly did not disappoint.
Q: Soiree Records International is a label that has helped launch artists worldwide. What is the philosophy behind the label, and how do you select the talents you choose to support?
Music is selected by its authenticity to the underground. We’re not about pleasing the masses, but about the pure and real music that comes from the soul. There’s something about that which is unmistakable.
Q: With the expansion of your career, you’ve also created Xplor Music as a sister label. What differences do you see between the two labels, and what makes Xplor unique in the techno scene?
Xplor Music was launched with a focus on the sound of techno and experimental. We were releasing all vinyl and featured artists from several countries. The sound was undeniable. Suddenly, things changed in the music business and Xplor Music had to be put to rest.
Q: You have a worldwide reputation for your dynamic mixing and impeccable track selection. How do you prepare for a live set, and what kind of connection do you aim to create with the audience during your performances?
My preparation begins at the club. Being in the scene, listening to a banging dj set, watching how the people respond…all of that inspires me in my own performances. My sets are not monotone. They’re charismatic, energetic and there’s always the unexpected. It’s like an underground expedition that keeps the dance floor electrified.
Q: Detroit has a legendary underground music scene. How has the city and its musical culture influenced you as an artist and producer?
It’s no secret that Detroit has a huge music legacy and culture that continues to thrive. The landscape continues to evolve and the city takes no prisoners. You have to bring it proper or go home. I think that’s what keeps the talent level exceptional.
Q: Your sound spans house, techno, and experimental. How would you describe the evolution of your musical style over the years, and which direction do you see it taking in the future?
As a musician playing acoustic instruments, I have a wide range in musical taste. To be an achieved musician you cannot limit yourself. That principle is what drives me in producing a diverse selection of tracks. I cannot continue to be creative without the opportunity to push my own limits.
Q: With the rise of digital distribution and vinyl, how do you see the evolution of physical formats in the electronic music landscape, and what do you think they represent for artists like yourself?
There are presently opportunities for artists to have a degree of success in digital and physical formats. Vinyl has come back strong and has proven to be a sustainable force through the tests of time. However, the big challenge there is the cost of manufacturing. Digital and streaming formats continue to expand, but the challenge there is the amount of music that is available. It is extremely difficult to break through and be heard. Soiree Records faces these challenges, but being established by years in the struggle, we will continue in the quest to push the boundaries beyond limits.
