Interview: Five Minutes with Greg Gow
Earning the title of the ‘White Sheep of Detroit Techno’ through the years, Greg Gow continues to impress fans with his latest offering, EP Base Jumping via Poker Flat Recordings, which is out at the end of July 2020. Currently based in Canada, the music producer combines the best techno and house sounds of Canada and Detroit into one intoxicating release.
We find out what makes the producer tick in this exclusive.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
I’ve always been into music from an early age.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
The inspiration…Then the rest falls into place.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Not on this project.
What’s on your current playlist?
Of late Delano Smith, K- Hand, Roman Poncet and some unreleased stuff I have been testing out.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I always try to pick several people in the audience and focus on getting them into my groove.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
That is classified lol.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Classified as well.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced running your own imprint, Restructured Recordings?
It’s a business and everything runs through me, so even though I am extremely passionate about it, it is a massive time hog: from finding demos, doing contracts, mastering, and promo etc.
What is the inspiration behind your upcoming three-track EP, “Base Jumping”
The main idea came about at the start of lockdown… I was thinking of crazy things to do… Not saying I would ever do a base jump or parachute cuz I am way too chicken shit..lol. I thought making an idea of a track about base jumping would be a lot better for my health than actually trying it for real.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Moving back to the late 80’s I was a huge hip-hop head, spending all my loot on vinyl I just played for fun. Then in the early 90’s I moved on to house and garage. By the mid 90s I was going to a lot of events both house and techno seeing DJs like Derrick May, Danny Tenaglia, Laurent Garnier, and Carl Cox. I was hooked and that’s when I knew I wanted to put my own touch on it.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
To play from the heart, engage with the people … And always have fun with it..
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Avision from NYC.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Inspiration. Good or bad I do not make music for the purpose of just having tracks. Sometimes I pump out a bunch in a small period of time, then for a period not so much.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
A combination of hardware and software which remains classified… plus a blender for late-night fruit smoothies… lol.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Besides the debut on Poker Flat, I have another debut coming in August on the NYC imprint On Edge Society. Plus in the fall I have two releases from myself planned for Restructured.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I would simply say I am better at pushing my own sound and vision.. and sticking to my take on electronic music
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
July 31 – Base Jumping EP – Poker Flat
August – The Rat EP – On Edge Society
Sept – Tornado Warning 2020 Update – Restructured
Plus a couple of livestreams here and there. Hopefully back in a club late 2020.
Famous last words?
Be true to your sound and soul.
Follow Greg Gow:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud
