Montreal young gun Mayfie is in the house for the latest episode of Prima Lux this week. The up and coming MTL-based Nice native flirting between the grooves of tech house and raw sound design of techno, has rinsed a top quality sixty minute session for When We Dip readers. He also sat down with us for a chat, and we’re delighted to share with you guys what came out of it. Mayfie introduces us to his regularly studio-bound French bulldog, discusses his love for hardware and how he always tries to push the boundaries within his own materials.
WWD: Cheers for joining us Mayfie! How are you doing?
Hi, I’m great, thanks for the invitation! I’m really glad to launch my project with a mix for When We Dip.
WWD: We must admit, we love the french bulldog, what’s its name?
Her name is Lily! She’s also from Nice, France like me. When we saw her in my hometown during our vacation we couldn’t resist to bring her back to Montreal.
WWD: She’s often in the studio with you, we also notice the heavy presence of hardware in your set up. What are your favourite pieces to work with right now?
Yes she’s always with me in the studio! I’m a big fan of Roland and all the boutique versions of their legendary Synthesizers. I’m using a lot the JP-O8 at the moment. Creating effects, risers and synths lines. I’m also using the TR-8 for some drums, and for inspirations while jamming on this one.
WWD: What’s your favourite studio beverage and why?
I don’t really have a beverage during my sessions but a good espresso is what I need before I get started. For night sessions I like tea!!
WWD: Innovation, is undoubtedly an important thing in the world of music today. How do you innovate with your music? Are there unique touches you try to apply?
In some of my upcoming tracks, I write some lines and invite my wife to jump on the vocals! It’s a challenge to start from nothing and recording those from scratch and it’s more fun when you know where it’s from!! A lot of process but worth it at the end to have an original product. I always include layers from my hardware (synths, drums). The modulation that you can create on those one can be unique and important for the originality.
WWD: What’s the best production tip you’ve learned recently?
Taking the time to structure your track by its base. Be sure at the beginning of your idea that everything mixed well – example: kick-bass and drums. It helped me a lot on my workflow. Don’t wait until the end of the project, like that you won’t have to do a massive mix down. Identify which instruments you want in the front of the track.. and mix other elements around those ones. It’s not on the technical side but, I learned to try everything, like jamming on hardware while recording can give you some surprises!
WWD: What artists outside of dance music inspire your work in the studio?
I don’t know if it inspires my work but it helps me escape a little bit… I’ve been liking since a couple of years Jason Aldean, his lyrics, instrumentals and new country style!! Not really on the same page haha.
WWD: You’re from France originally, now based in Montreal. What role did the move have on the impact of your music education?
I discovered electronic music here in Montreal so the move had a major impact.
The underground scene is great here! Nice venues, festivals as well as local artists. A good exposure for the scene.
WWD: What are the three things you miss the most from your hometown?
Three is not enough haha! First my family for sure, I moved alone here.
Second I will go for the sun and the landscape.
And finally, the amazing food!!!
WWD: What are your three favourite hangouts in Montreal?
Old Montreal-Port, especially during the summer.
Walking the Mont-Royal
Restaurant L’avenue for brunch, great plates, massive milkshakes!
WWD: Tell us a little bit about the mix you’re recorded for us today!
The mix really represents what you can expect from me live, in a shorten version.
Some classic house, techy acid surrounded by catchy vocals, techno and my own material of course!
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