Thanks for joining us today Blake, how’s things?

Thank you for having me. When We Dip has been pushing some great music and artists, I’m happy to be involved. Things are good on my end, busy as always though!

You’re currently running two labels, Wide Angle Recordings and sister label Temparc Music. What was the decision behind the creation of the new sub label, Temparc Music?

I’ve been involved with the setup of Temparc Music, but the daily management will be in the hands of Philip James de Vries. Phil is an artist I’ve worked with a lot through Wide Angle. He’s a brilliant musician and knows his way around web technology. He brings a lot to the table. The majority of the music Phil released through Wide Angle Recordings was eletronica or ambient and left-field in nature. I had predominantly focused on music that was more dance-floor friendly, but I was really blown away with his work and had to put it out. It’s the same thing with Dual Shaman, who have been creating some really beautiful ‘alternative’ music lately. My only concern was that it was potentially throwing off our fans and consumers. The quality of music was consistent, but the style wasn’t. I thought that creating a separate avenue for electronica and ambient music would help define what we do and what our focus is. I ran the idea past Phil and he really helped push it forward. The result is Temparc Music.

What can you tell us about the ethos behind your label Wide Angle?

I’ve always been driven by melody and music that packs an emotional punch. Without really formally stating it, this is how the label started to define itself. I found music that I really connected with and it was melodic, emotional, and still accessible on the dance floor. There’s no doubt James Holden’s Balance 005 had a big influence on me, as did seeing Sven Vath during the 7th season of Cocoon on Ibiza. I used to define the label as “music that moves you physically and emotionally”, but I’ve cut that down to “electronic music with heart”. It’s a little easier to say.

How do you find the time to produce with the work involved in running two labels?

I was producing before I was DJing, starting with ACID back in ’98. As my interests expanded to DJing and label management, producing took less priority. I have done a few projects over the last couple of years, but I’m hoping to make more time for producing this year. The challenge is getting familiar and comfortable with my setup and the tools again. I’ve just posted a fun remake of ‘Swinging Party’ by Kindness on SoundCloud and I’m working on a remix for Agara Music. I’m also re-working a track I released in 2007 called ‘Proof’, so we’ll see where that lands.

Who and what can we expect to hear and see on either label that you care to share exclusively with When We Dip?

With the introduction of Temparc Music, you can expect that Wide Angle Recordings will be focused more on dancefloor music this year. I’m working with Draso, a great upcoming talent, on a few projects and we have an amazing release lined up from the underground progressive star Antrim. We haven’t announced it yet, so I’m happy to tell you that Antrim’s release will also feature remixes from Tommi Oskari and Microtrauma. As far as Temparc goes, the first release will be out this month. It’s a really beautiful and deep EP from Jelle Kuipers called Spangen.

What was your highlight of 2015 and why?

I had the opportunity to organize a party in Ottawa with Pole Folder, thanks to efforts from Beat Syndrone in Toronto. I’ve been listening to Pole Folder since the early 2000s, so to be able to host him in Ottawa and spend some time with him was awesome. That led to him producing a remix for the label, which was a big success for us as well. He’s an amazing producer and great guy all around.

In your opinion, what was the one track or EP that made you go wow in 2015?

Dustin Nantais’ “Marching Through The Universe”, which was released on Wide Angle Recordings in September. The track has this grandiose orchestral vibe to it and a killer melody. There aren’t many tracks that sound like it, and it goes down really well on the dance floor.

One thing we need to know about Ottawa?

There’s a lot of really fun and interesting things going on in this city, sometimes it just takes a bit of digging.

Your three essential hang-outs in the city?

Chez Loucien for beers and the best burger around.
Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs for tasty drinks and good vibes.
Strathcona Park in the summer for everything.

One Canadian Artist that’s going to a make a break in 2016?

You mean aside from Blake Sutherland, right? I’m cheating here but I would love to see Philip James de Vries, Van Did, Dustin Nantais, Tim Penner, and Beat Syndrome all take off this year. They’re all lovely, talented, hard-working guys and as it stands, they’re all poised for big things.

It’s been a pleasure chatting with you today Blake and I wish both you and the label all the success this year.