And if the elevator tries to bring you down, listen to Durkin.
The Boston based DJ & producer disperses himself throughout the city at various venues — a gentleman of the people. You can discover him on the regular at Goodlife for Triple Platinum, or at Central Air at ZuZu with DJ Evaredy, or grab yourself a cider or distinguished cocktail while tuning in at W Boston on Wednesdays for Mix Squared.
Sometimes, the forum gets larger. Seize the unique opportunity to witness the dream clubber during special occasions such as Together Festival, store openings, or tonight, which brings us into the now, when Durkin sets the tone at the House of Blues as he opens for that lad from down under, Flume.
Unfortunately, tonight’s show is sold out; however we’d like to provide a chance to learn a bit about how Durkin embarked on his musical journey & keeps the optimism alive, in hopes you mark your calendar for the next instant-party.
Georgette Moiselle: We’ve spoken before on my zine & I asked you what 3 things we should know about you right off the bat. Your responses included the fact that you’re from the woods of New Hampshire, love Adidas Sambas, & are never bored. How are you able to maintain that last sentiment in the concrete jungle of Boston?
Durkin: I still love living here in Boston. Everyone from clubs to promoters to DJs and artist all go the extra mile to make sure the vibe is intimate and world-class. I wish I had time to go out more these days; every week I have some sort of FOMO to wrestle with.
I also stave off boredom with good food. Living in Somerville helps with that. My latest obsession is a place called Capone Foods. They make one type of sandwich per day, only available at lunch time. Always mind-blowing.
Your interest in electronic music & hip hop started in late middle school with the Fatboy Slim mix CD On the Floor at the Boutique, Daft Punk’s Homework, as well as Native Tongues + Ultramagnetic MCs. Can you speak of any later influences coinciding with adulthood?
I’m always coming across stuff that inspires me… Drake and Jamie xx’s latest tracks have been on constant rotation. I love the minimal approach both of them seem to be going for. I think hip-hop and electronic music in the first half of the 2010s was so over the top and “maximalist” that we’re all trying to take a step back and strip things down again. That’s always good.
Once you procured Gemini turntables & began making beats with Acid Pro + Fruity Loops did you keep your creations hidden or distribute them in some way? When did you start playing for the public?
I started publicly sharing stuff in college via Myspace, but it was never that serious. It really wasn’t until 2012 that I started making a real effort to promote my music in a legitimate way and carve out my own lane as a producer and DJ. I still have lots of music that no one will ever hear though.
Your self-created style #dreamclub really brought a lot of internet buzz two years ago with your tracks “y don’t u” & “dreamer” as well as your “u don’t have to call” remix & more recent reworks. You’ve hosted some nights at Goodlife with the name. What are your thoughts on the rising popularity of the sound?
I created the label “dream club,” but I don’t think I have ownership of that sound. A lot of folks were creating music that was lush and pretty with rhythms that sat somewhere between electronic music and rap. My goal was to create a label that allowed me to experiment so it’s nice not to be stuck with something like “house” or “trap.” My music’s changing, but I am always going for a vibe that’s hopeful and spacey and fun. It’s still dream club in my head.
You told me that you’re releasing some 4-to-the-floor oriented tracks soon. How did that opportunity present itself?
I never really decide to go in any one direction when I sit down to make music. It just happened that the next records to come out are going to be more uptempo and clubby. I listen to just as much house and club music as I do rap, so my music is constantly jumping around rhythm-wise.
While you are no stranger to opening for huge names on the scene such as Ryan Hemsworth & Cyril Hahn, this sold out Flume gig at House of Blues is going to be your largest show to date. Do you feel as though your music would mesh well with his? Or do you foresee any provocation to alter what you would normally play because of his festival attendee crowd vibe?
I love Flume’s music. We actually played together at Middlesex @ Make It New in 2013, so it’s crazy to see his audience has grown so much. I definitely welcome the “festival” crowd because it’s an opportunity to play a different set than what I’d do in a club.
I have some room to be more dramatic and worry less about keeping that constant beat going. I think it’s going to be an amazing crowd and a great show.
DURKIN + FLUME + CHROME SPARKS :: Tuesday, June 23 at the House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St. in Boston, MA :: 7 p.m., 18-plus, $28.50 to $35 :: Advance tickets :: Facebook event page
