Irish producer Glenn Davis sits down with us in the aftermath of his new EP ”Space And Time” on Ascension on Wax.
For over a decade now Dubliner Glenn Davis has been striving to make his mark with his music productions. Supported by the likes of Laurant Garnier, DJ Moxie, Joey Negro, Dj Cosmo, Dj Nature and Francois K, his cuts have found their way onto labels such as Ele Records, F*CLR Music, Deeper Groove Recordings, YORE Records , Wolf Music, Ascension On Wax, Local Talk and Midnight Riot. This new EP see’s Davis delve into his deep Jazz influences and comes up with three tasty pieces that gave us a Joe Claussell/Francois K kinda vibe.
We caught up with Glenn recently for a sit down chat about all things Glenn Davis, check out the EP here and make sure you give Glenn a follow here.
Hey Glenn, congratulations on releasing ‘Space And Time EP’. How does it feel?
Yes it’s great to get a new record out and have dj’s and producers you love supporting it. It’s taken nearly two years for this project to come to fruition so the good feedback makes it even more worthwhile.
Talk us through the release, are there any standout tracks you’re particularly excited about?
Yes the Ep has three original cuts and a remix from the very talented Mark Hand . Space & Time is very much influenced by USG ( Ron Trent & Anthony Nicholson ). ‘Party With Me’ is definitely the track I envisaged younger heads to dig , but a lot older heads are liking it also. ‘Girl you Gotta’ samples the great Aretha Franklin, this is the track Mark has remixed. Mark takes it to the next level on a deep jazz house vibe . I love that Mark used my bass, keys and vocal samples .. and adds his magic , he takes you on a journey with it.
The EP is out on the new Ascension on Wax label, how did you guys meet?
The guys contacted me on line. I met them in Berlin for the launch of the EP and then in for Dublin my launch party. Max & Matt are genuine guys who are very passionate about music and the scene, we’ve definitely become friends through this project.
The EP features a remix from Mark Hand, how did that collaboration come about?
It was an easy choice for the label and myself to get Mark to do the remix . The label had already chatted to Mark previously unbeknownst to me. So when I suggested Mark it was a no brainer.
Can you describe the connection between your music and your Dublin roots, and how they continue to influence your music today?
People tell me my music sounds very 90’s but with a new vibe. I definitely take inspiration from the 90’s American and UK house sounds. My Dublin roots go back to hearing Dj’s like Mark Dixon & Billy Scurry most weekends playing amazing house , techno & disco records. I still play a lot of the records I heard back then. That black American House sound still inspires me today . And of course the UK’s house sound with producers like Ashley Beedle , Faze Action , Phil Asher, East-west Connection and many more. I feel this soulful sound has always been niche in my hometown Dublin and not appreciated as much as it is in other Irish cities like Cork & Limerick.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Can you talk about a specific moment or accomplishment that stands out as particularly meaningful to you?
Having producers like Franck Roger & Ashley Beedle remixing me have been major highlights . I make music part time so my biggest accomplishment would be putting out nine records and five remixes since 2018 . Music doesn’t pay the bills so it’s a labour of love for sure.
Which other artists have had a big influence on your sound?
So many artists have influenced me in some way. Here’s 6
Ron Trent
I would have more Ron Trent records in my collection than any other house producer.
This 12 from 1998 is a killer tune and one I still play today. It was produced by Ron and Anthony Nicholson, another Chicago legend.
Alton Miller
Love Alton Miller’s music. Deep, soulful and jazzy house music.
Mad Mike
The main man behind Underground Resistance. So many of his productions and projects have had an impact on me.
Ashley Beedle .
UK house music legend Ashley Beedle has had a huge influence on me. So many great records he’s produced under many different names. Honor to have worked with Ashley on four records.
Glenn Underground
Chi Towns finest . I’ve been buying Glenn’s records since the mid nineties. Big influence for sure. Got to warm up for him when he played in Dublin a few years ago which was amazing.
Rainer Trubey
Rainer’s djing and productions have had an influence on me for many years now.
Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired?
I work on music most days. I have a lot of sketches of tracks that need work .
Over time certain tracks will come together. I suppose I don’t like the unpredictability of creating but you push through.
I generally just play around and see what comes together.
It’s always good to do physical exercise as It definitely helps in the creative process.
For me when I’m working on music it’s pure escapism, I’m in the music .
Can you tell us about any challenges you have faced in your career and how you overcame them? Have there been any specific obstacles or difficulties you’ve had to navigate as an electronic musician?
My biggest challenge has been learning how to produce my own music.
It’s takes a lot of time and you have to be dedicated and patient.
Seeing the art of music being devalued over the past few years has been difficult for me to comprehend.
Something that takes so long to make and master and then it gets streamed for literally free. It’s crazy .
I think it can be harder now to be noticed as there are so many dj’s and producers out there. I’m lucky in the sense that anything that I’ve done has happened organically. I’ve worked hard but I haven’t tried too hard to be noticed.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to make it in the industry? Are there any particular tips or strategies you’ve found to be particularly effective in building a career as an electronic musician?
Work hard.
Believe in yourself.
Don’t rely on anyone.
Ask for help, people can be surprisely generous if you ask.
Be patient as it’s gonna be a long journey. Don’t compare yourself to anyone.
Work hard .
What’s one artist we should be listening to right now?
Cleo Sol
What’s next for you?
I have a remix coming out on Irish label Deeper Groove Records and a remix for Toronto label Selections that also includes a remix from Jon Dixon .
Also im excited about a few projects but don’t wanna say too much right now.
I’m also djing a bit more now too which is great because I feel I’m reaching more people with my sound.
