by Jennifer Finjan
Matt Gracie
Toronto’s own Matt Gracie first appeared on the electronic music scene as a DJ and promoter in 1999. Matt secured residencies at some of the most well-known Toronto clubs such as System Soundbar, Mad-Bar, Roxy Blu, Film Lounge, Byzantium, and Dragonfly. He has also graced the decks at The Guvernment, Afterlife, 5ive, Boa, The Basement, and The Docks. He currently holds a monthly residency at Footwork which is known for its house and techno nights.
Unlike most DJ artists, his sound consists of a fusion of many genres including house, techno, trance, electro, hip hop and R&B. However, he is best known for his tribal and tech-house beats. During his DJ career, he was fortunate to share the bill with international artists Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, Kenneth Thomas, Mark Farina, DJ Demi, DJ Dan, Miss Honey Dijon, Cevin Fisher, Ferry Corsten, Stacey Pullen, Johnny Fiasco, Roy Davis Jr., Danny Howells, Matt C, Mark Oliver, Deko-ze and the list goes on. Matt gave memorable performances at Toronto Pride 2004-2008. He volunteered with Oxfam Canada during the 2006 and 2007 International Aids Conference by organizing and performing at the Music4Change fundraising event.
After years of experience and well-earned respect, Matt has been able to return to his first love, producing music. In 2007, Matt launched his own music label, Unleash Recordings where talented DJ/Producers Nathan Barato, Markus M, Sultan Peppa, The Junkies, Tim Patrick and Matt C have lent remixing talent. Unleash Recordings evolved from Unleash Entertainment, an event promotions and DJ bookings company he runs with Moriah Bacus.
Matt has received accolades from international DJ artists for his first four tribal/tech-house releases “You Just Know When It feels Right”, “I’m Not Good Enough?”, “Favourite Position”, and “Shugga Daddy Thang”. Matt has plans to release at least three more tracks under his label in 2009 which will include remixes by some of Toronto’s biggest producers. Along with his own label releases, Matt is currently working on house remixes for Toronto Hip-Hop artist and 2009 Juno Nominee, Famous, and Detroit’s own Amen Raw.
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How did you first get in the electronic music business?
My first experience with the electronic scene on the business side was in the late 90’s while I was at McMaster University. I threw my and the University’s first “rave style” party on campus at one of the main pubs, The Downstairs John. The party was a success, but almost didn’t happen since the word “rave” only meant trouble back then.
Are there DJ artists you admire and who have had a strong influence on you?
An early inspiration for me came from Judge Jules. Back in 1999, Jules played what I would say is my favourite set, ever. It was a live-to-air broadcast on Radio 1 from the Creamfield’s Festival in England. His ability to mix house, techno and trance in one set while still talking and hosting the show was amazing. A few years later, I had the opportunity to tell him in person how much that set meant to me. Another DJ that I admire is Michael “Deko-ze” Babb – a huge influence on the Toronto electronic scene. He treats Djing as a performance, and his energy as a performer is second to none! Watching Deko-ze behind the decks shed a lot of light on the kind of DJ that I would need to become to be successful.
What are you listening to now?
I’m listening to tech-house and tribal mixed sets by DJ Bliss, Mastiksoul, Joee Cons, Chris Fresque, Robbie Rivera, Pete Tong, Sander van Doorn and Steve Lawler. I’ve just pulled out all my old skool hip-hop. I love to mix with it every once in a while for some inspiration. Right now, it’s artists such as Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Gangstarr, Jay Z, L.L.Cool J and A Tribe Called Quest.
While Most DJs specialize in one genre, you have varied musical sounds. How would you best describe your sound?
The sets that I play tend to be more tech-house with tribal elements to them. When producing, I actually use a lot of hip-hop sounds to build house beats, which give them a different feel from what you typically get with house and tech songs.
Can you recall a particularly memorable set/night?
The first time I played PRIDE in 2004 was an amazing experience for me! I finally got to play like Judge Jules, in front of a huge crowd, on a hot sunny afternoon in June, on the Main Central Stage. The feeling you get playing for that crowd is indescribable.
Where would you like to spin that you haven’t already?
I would love to play in Ibiza, or at Gatecrasher or The Creamfield’s Festivals in the U.K.
How has the scene changed in 10 years? What do you think the future holds for electronic music in Toronto?
The scene has grown up – the raves of the late 90’s disappeared and the music moved into the clubs. I believe there is a still a core community of educated supporters who love electronic music and always will. The DJ’s are better, and the technology has vastly improved. I feel Toronto has grounded itself on the electronic music map by fusing its mix of international cultures and influences to create unique and fresh sounds. I’m a big supporter of Toronto producers, and they are my go-to resource in my mixed sets and when working on remixes.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I’m a big fan of Mastiksoul right now. He has a great tech-house style. His tribal and Latin sounds really give the music depth, soul, and sex appeal. I would love to work with him in the future.
What are your future plans?
My plans are to continue DJing and producing music. I want to keep releasing tracks on my label and eventually start recording vocals with local artists when I have my studio built. I haven’t yet reached all my goals with electronic music, so there’s no stopping now! It’s my passion, and my creative outlet, and it’s ever-changing nature allows me to constantly be learning something new.
Check out Matt Gracie on March 27th for Rehab Fridays at Footwork Bar & Afterhours (425 Adelaide Street West) where he’ll be spinning with Simon Jain, Jeff Button and Andrew McDonell.
You can check out upcoming events, track releases and mixed sets by Matt Gracie at:
and you can find him on Facebook here :
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=540340729&ref=name
Download one of Matt’s house and tribal sets here:
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