Contributing Writer
Tyler Hill has become a mainstay of the Toronto house scene, through his club residency, his work as half of DJ duo +ONE and the label he runs with Takin Nateghi ‘Wiggle Room Records’. As he releases his debut EP on Maceo Plex’s Ellum Audio, we sat down with Tyler Hill to discuss the record, Wiggle Room, Toronto and more.
Hello Tyler Hill and welcome to Music is 4 Lovers! Where are you currently and how is your year going?
It’s been very exciting recently. I’m very busy playing a lot of shows, and keeping busy in the studio with new productions. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and make sure I’m not dreaming because I am doing what I love to do.
Your latest EP ‘Smooth/Move’ is set to come out on Maceo Plex’s Ellum Audio later this month. What can you tell us about the record?
I wanted to make a EP that really showed my new direction in music production, that is also very versatile for DJs. Tracks that could be played at a festival or an underground nightclub.
This is your first release on Ellum Audio. How did you end up collaborating with the label and how was it working with them?
On a random Friday night I received a message from Maceo Plex on one of my social media. He was reaching out and to tell me that he loved Smooth and that it was his favourite track of the year so far. He continued and we talked about my future with his label, Ellum Audio. We also discussed the possibility of collaborating on a project in the future.
Your tracks tend towards darker and moodier sounds, and this EP is no different. What do you think it is that draws you to this style, creatively?
That’s a great question. I have always been drawn to deep electronic music like Techno / Deep-Minimal-Techno from artists like Dubfire, Pan-Pot, Boryana, and Meatrik.
No matter what tracks I sit down to make this is what comes out: dark-driven basslines highlighted with the perfect hi-hats always gets the dance floor moving.
Is there any studio equipment or plugins that you could not live without?
Massive and Komplete by Native Instruments, are two VST’s that are the bread and butter of my production. I couldn’t imagine trying to make music without these two VST’s.
Wiggle Room Records didn’t happen overnight, this has been a labour of love for me and my business partner and manager, Takin. Starting a new imprint is an overwhelming experience to say the least, but it has been a fun and exciting challenge. Our goal from the inception of the label was to release tracks that really highlight and echo the sound of Wiggle Room, the renowned nightclub that has earned the reputation of providing top-quality house music in Toronto. Secondly, we also wanted to provide the opportunity to share great music by Canadian musicians, and to support the amazing musicians that we have right in our own backyard.
Given the connection to the Wiggle Room in Toronto, where you have a residency, how much does the venue and the city feed into the label and your own output?
The label’s sound is definitely influenced by Wiggle Room and the many guest DJs that have played the room. It helps us set a mark into the future on what’s currently moving the room. Wiggle Room Records has also allowed us to meet new local producers and make new relationships with major international artists.
Who is a Toronto-based artist you feel should be more well-known?
That’s a tough question. I really can’t say just one. We have recently signed two highly talented producers that have been grinding it out and worth keeping an eye and ear out for. Dexy and Dustin May: these are two producers that I believe should have a lot more attention and should be blowing up in the near future. Dexy’s recent release Party With Madonna is just pure fire, I can’t stop playing it.
Lastly, what else can we expect from Tyler Hill in the near future?
I’m currently working on some collaboration with label boss Maceo Plex; we’ve finally put the finishing touches on the project, and I’m very excited about that. I also have a new EP coming out in November 2023 on Wiggle Room Records called Mic Check, which is a really dirty single: look out for that.
Buy ‘Smooth/Move’ HERE
