Art Department is one of Canada’s most beloved electronic dance music acts (or EDM if you’re in the know). Since the release of their 2010 hit debut single “Without You,” legendary techno and house DJ Kenny Glasgow and No.19 Music label owner Jonny White have been selling out shows abroad, casting a trance over the international crowd with their raw, futuristic and sensual house beats. The Toronto natives make a triumphant return home where they’ll take over the Echo Beach Stage Saturday night at the Digital Dreams Music Festival. The sleep-deprived duo spoke with FLARE about their music and their summer anthems of 2013.
What’s your creative process like when generating a track?
It varies depending on mood, inspiration and state of mind. We’ll usually start with an idea for a vocal and a main melody from Kenny, and then take it from there…[We’re inspired by] other artists we enjoy and the people we surround ourselves with, our travels and our love lives.
Your latest album, Social Experiment 003 is a compilation of collaborative tracks, including Robert Owens and Damian Lazarus. Who would you like to team up with next?
Some upcoming collaborations include records with Cedric from Azari & III, Deniz Kurtel and Tale of Us. [We’ll also be working on] our second full-length studio album.
Which artists are you excited to see perform at the Digital Dreams Music Festival and why?
I heard Richie Hawtin played an incredible set last year. We’d like to hear what he has in store for this year.
What songs will you have on repeat all summer long?
Eric Volta‘s “Love Your Illusion” and Kate Simko‘s “Your Love” — both are due for release at the end of summer.
