When you talk about Canadian House music or electronic music in general Deko-ze has to be on your list. If not he should be. He’s one of best Canadian djs to ever hit the decks, awesome producer and still manages to write articles in magazines. Deko is so special to this country’s scene because he has been able to grow an fanbase by going all across the country spreading love and joy with his funky house sound. We asked him a few questions about his career, his label and future projects.
We were asking who is Canada best dj and your name came up a lot why do you think is that?
My name might’ve come up because I’ve been touring across Canada extensively, from Victoria to St John’s, for over 20 years. It might also be because I make damn good rice krispie cake, know the difference between ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ and am fucking nice.
You tour a lot around Canada what are the places that you think have a awesome House crowd?
The obvious choices are Montreal and Toronto as they are world renowned. But there are lots of smaller places like St John’s, Sudbury, Edmonton and Victoria that have dedicated and loyal house heads.
Already a veteran on the scene how do you see the evolution of Canadian electronic music?
Our scene is growing exponentially and is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Canadians like John Acquaviva, Deadmau5, Richie Hawtin, Art Department. Hatiras, Carlo Lio, MSTRKFT, Jerome Robins, D-Unity, Tiga, Zed’s Dead, Dvbbs, DJ Sneak, Nathan Barato and Simon Doty have helped cement Canada on the dance map and its not going to stop.
Tell us about your label Jungle Funk Recordings?
My studio partner, Jerome Robins came to me with the idea of starting a label together. The music format is simply good quality house: deep, funky, tech and everything in between. In just under two years, we have over 60 releases, have signed tracks from Boy George, DJ Dan, Hoxton Whores, Phunk Investigation, Crazibiza, Lizzie Curious.. and have top guys like My Digital Enemy, Black Legend and DJ PP doing exclusive compilations for us!
Our goal is to become one of Canada’s Top 3 House labels.
So far what are your favorite tracks that you have produced so far?
I have tracks on a lot of labels including Hotfingers, Pacha, Hotboxdigital, Magma and Deported. My faves so far are:
“Ain’t Nobody” because I nearly fell off my chair when I heard Sweet Brown say “Ain’t nobody got time fo’ dat!”
“One Night In Toronto” because me and Jay Frog were at his studio in Hamburg Germany drinking wayyyyy too many shots of Jager at 3AM.
And mine and Jerome Robins remix of DJ PP’s “Ibiza”. Bangin’ and funky track that got played by a lot of guys across the globe.
What are future plans as far of producing and djing?
Right now, I am working on tracks and remixes with Black Legend, Gordon John and John Norman, doing a compilation with Jerome Robins for Germany-based label Recovery House and am working on my own solo tracks.
DJ wise, I launched a new night in Toronto at Ryze with Addy and Jerome, am holding down 6 club residencies and have gigs planned in the UK, Germany and Netherlands in the new year!
Upcoming Releases
February: Deko-ze & Peter Brown – I’m In Love With You (JFR #54)
February : Lizzie Curious & Peter Brown – Beautiful Heartbeat * Deko-ze & John Norman remix (JFR #55)
March: Jay Frog & Deko-ze – Uh-Huh (JFR #59)
Where can people find your tracks and remixes?
http://www.beatport.com/artist/deko-ze/27617
And is there somewhere people hear your live sets and mixes?
Deko-ze is solid awesome. I was also glad to see that he mentioned Simon Doty in his list.
Yes! Deko-ze is the man!!!