We have the pleasure of speaking with Canadian tastemaker and Griffintown Records mainstay Paskal Daze. We find out more about his hobbies, his sound and his relationship with the label…

 

Right! Tell us bit about yourself and where you come from?

I’m from Montreal, Canada. I’m a huge hockey fan. It’s also one of my passion, I was a very good hockey player when I was a kid but unfortunately too short to make it pro. I’m fascinated with astronomy and history. I’m also a really great cook. When I was younger, I thought about becoming a Chef until I discovered electronic dance music. And oh: I’m obsessed with shoes 


What’s the scene like in Canada right now? Would you say it’s changed? 

Yes definitely, Canada now have their own Festivals now and venues. People are now considering DJs as artists and musicians and I think this is amazing.

If so, for better or worse?

Yes I think for the industry in general it’s better. If we are talking about more specific genres of music this would be a different conversation.

What’s your relationship with Griffintown? How did you come to be a part of the label?

I’ve been working with them for a long time now. Our relationship started when it was called Mile End Record at the time. One of my first records was releases on Mile End. Since them we never stopped working together. I’m really proud of what Kirk has accomplished and wanted to get more involved with the project so I’m now acting as A&R with plenty of ideas and projects in mind.


How would you describe your sound?
Tech House. I have to say, when I’m in studio I don’t think about the style. I start with an idea and the journey starts there. Sometimes it brings me somewhere I don’t expect or the result is totally different from what I had in mind. I have released tech house, techno and prog tracks. Underground music is not about following the trends or following a genre. It’s about beats, rhythm, touching people’s soul. I would say follow your heart and you can’t go wrong.


Were you always musical growing up? What drove you towards this sound?

As far as I can remember I’ve always loved music. All kinds of music. I was 14 years old when I attended my first DJ event in Montreal. From this moment, all I was thinking about was becoming a DJ. It was my new dream. 


How did you get involved with elrow and toolroom? Tell us bit about that?

I had the chance to play a few times with Mark Knight in the past. I was in studio once and I started working on a project no idea where it would lead me. When I finished the track I thought it would be the perfect fit for the label. I sent it to Mark’s team and they loved it. About Elrow, I was asked by a friend to do a remix which I did. They sent the tracks to Elrow and they signed it. I love the brand and I’m honor to be part of it.  I’m really looking forward to work with them again,

Where do you draw inspiration from before you get in the studio?

Right now, I’m feeling really inspired by the 80s. I could come from a movie, on the radio or fashion. The 80s are for me the best period of music in the history.

What artists have you always looked up to and drawn influence from?

There are so many artists who had inspired me it would be a  very long list.  Josh Wink, Danny Tenaglia and Marco Carola would be at the top of that list. I’m a real “Music On” fan. Nathan Barato, Cuartero, Darius, Max Chapman, Detlef, Solardo are also artists that I find really inspiring. I have to mention Hanz Zimmer. In my opinion, he’s the most mind-blowing artist and musician of all time. If you have to chance to go see his show it will take your breath away.


What are your five favourite records right now?

Party Non Stop Shaf Huse Remix by Pirupa

Fresh by Reelow

Feeling by James Dexter and Chris Stussy

Puffy by 95 North and Mason Maynard

Here to Come the Drums by GW Harrison


Where would you say has been your favourite place to travel with your music? Without a doubt, Ibiza and Berlin

What do you like to do to unwind outside of Djing and producing?

When I’m traveling, I always try to take time to read about the country. I love history. When I’m home, I would watch hockey or football with my friends. 

What does the rest of the year hold for you? Any more releases or gigs to be excited about?

A lot of new projects! I have a lot of releases coming out this year. I’m also I’m moving to Ibiza for the Summer then Barcelona. It is a lot of work to move country but it will definitely be the best thing to do for my career. I’m really excited about my release “Don’t you want me’”. It came out on April 30th on Griffintown Records with remixes of Kokks & Lein and Lee Jeffrey. The reviews were amazing and I got a major support from Steve Lawler, Latmun, Pirupa, Joseph Capriati, Lauren Lane, De la Swing, Gene Farris and many more 

Don’t you want me is out now! Buy it here: https://www.beatport.com/release/dont-you-want-me/2270829