Guest Who’s pipeline of releases have been getting launched on reputable house music labels from DeeVu Records in the UK and Vanilla Ace’s WYLDCARD to the vibrant House of Hustle. Now Guest Who rendezvous with FOOTWURK for their appearance with Country Club Disco, for a true tech house record out of Calgary, ‘Bring It’.
Guest Who has graced the stage of venues like The Palace Theatre, The Hifi Club, Marquee, Commonwealth, Dancing Sasquatch and Aurora, alongside Walker & Royce, Gareth Emery, Chris Lake, Chris Lorenzo, Shiba San, Shaun Frank and many more.
His previous releases ‘Never Lie’, a collaboration with James Godfrey, along with its successor ‘Got You’ are currently making waves. Enjoy his discography and get to know Chris, Josh, Spencer and more about the Canadian electronic music scene through our recent interview.
What are some festivals you like to attend?
Oh man, there are so many I’d still like to attend. I definitely would want to check out Ultra in Miami and Tomorrowland, as well as Burning Man and Desert Hearts Festival. I’d also like to go to CRSSD Festival again, which is in San Diego. There are just too many to list but those are my top ones!
What are your favorite events and venues in your area?
In Canada, we have a decent amount of festivals. I live in Calgary and we have Badlands and Chasing Summer which are both super fun. Of course, even the smaller, more intimate club events held at Commonwealth Bar & Stage and The Palace Theatre here in Calgary are super fun. There’s also an event which I’m part of called Pop Up Series and those events we put on are so dope.
What are 5 tracks you find at the forefront of electronic music?
In no particular order, I’d say the five below would be the ones I’d choose in terms of still being played out today and remixed hundreds of times each. The popularity and how well produced and catchy the songs are I think make them some of the best still today.
1. Daft Punk – One More Time
2. Benny Benassi – Satisfaction
3. Above & Beyond – Sun & Moon
4. Faithless – Insomnia
5. Delerium – Silence
What are some take away lessons or tips you may have picked up while DJing alongside some of the greats?
I’d say one thing I’ve learned is to read the crowd no matter where you end up playing. It’s super important to know what the crowd likes while also playing what you stay true to. It takes a lot of experience to do so but if you can read a crowd and change the mood or vibe with the right track during a set then you can DJ anywhere.
I know some DJs like to pre plan what they’re going to play for their set, which is fine. But I tend to find more excitement in having lots of songs on my USB and going with the flow and vibe of the night. It makes it more interesting for me!
Can you tell us a little about the production behind ‘Bring it’?
FOOTWURK flew down to my hometown to play a gig that I was playing at also and we connected at the show. Soon after we talked about getting a session together when they came back to my city again. We opened up a brand new session in Ableton and laid down the drums, bass and most of the groove. We definitely wanted to make something hype and higher energy to play out at clubs and festivals. We sent the project back and forth and added all the synths, ear candy, and fine tuned the song to get it label ready. FOOTWURK are super talented producers so it was great working with them and having their creative minds be a part of the process.
What is your favorite instrument?
I’d say the piano! Although I can’t really play the instrument, I think the sound and tone of a piano is so soothing.
What has been the highlight of your year, week and day so far?
So far the highlight of my year has been signing a record to Thrive Music which is part of Virgin Music. The track comes out April 8th and is a collaboration with rising talent Bexxie.
Do you have plans to play out soon?
Yes definitely! I’ve actually already started playing at the club venues here in Canada and helped curate some of our own events which are coming up. I’m also hoping to play a few of the festivals too.
What are some of your favorite party brands in Canada?
I am not sure what you mean by this but if you mean event brands etc then I’d say Pop Up Series curates some fine house and techno shows with intricate detail to production at various venues here in Calgary!
Do you have any life hacks?
Well let me think…i’m not sure if this is a life hack per se but “Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from” – I think this is super important and can relate to anything in life. And another would be to “always trust your instincts/gut because 9/10 times it’s usually right). Another one would be to always be nice and genuine to everyone, and to be straight forward.
Can you tell us a little about your touch to ‘Bring it’?
Spent a lot of time getting the bass right for this track. It’s a simple patch in Ableton’s operator synth with a few layers of the patch switched up to get the tone I wanted and fatten up the sound. Also added in cowbell because you always need more cowbell.
What is your favorite instrument?
Within the DAW, my favorite instrument in Ableton’s operator synth live instrument is definitely drums or bass.
What has been the highlight of your year, week and day so far?
Highlight of the year so far is that Covid restrictions are easing, we are making the best music we have ever made, playing more live shows and working with artists we look up to. Highlight of the week is we finished a couple huge collaborations with some of our friends! Highlight of the day is surely getting finished the 8-5 job, and being able to plug into music.
Do you have plans to play out soon or what is next?
We are playing live April 2, April 22, and a lot of tentative dates. All in different provinces across Canada.
What has been your favorite party / parties to DJ so far?
Any club setting is always amazing and intimate. We have recently been blessed to be a part of Pop Up Series where we come from, and it is the most proper vibes an entertainer or music lover would want to be a part of.
What are 5 tracks you find at the forefront of electronic music?
Space Ghetto – Skream
Industria – Eli Brown x HI-LO
Enough – Solardo x Rowetta
Better Off Leaving – HNTR
CP-1 – Love Reginerator
What are some of your favorite party brands in Canada?
Favorite party brands in Canada.. Uhm.. Footwurk? Of course.
Do you have any life hacks?
Three quick and dirty life hacks be kind and patient. Love the people around you and make all of the memories.
Be persistent and you will see rewarding results.
What is the best rave you have attended and why?
Josh: Shambala because of the culture and atmosphere staying at a camping festival. Being able to interact with people from all over the world and meeting lots of artists. Spencer: chasing summer because it was the first big rave I’d ever been to, and also a private mansion party over Halloween, small intimate group of ravers and DJs.
Favorite late night food?
Josh: a slice of pizza
Spencer: a Canadian poutine
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