Interview with DRIVETRAIN
We caught up with Derrick Thompson, AKA “Drivetrain,” founder of Detroit house and techno label Soirée Records, for this exclusive interview
Tell us about your new album, “I Am Not From Detroit (Remixes).”
This release is the second from Andy Vaz on Soirée Records. The original track was released on Andy’s imprint, Yore Records in 2013. Andy wanted to release the track with remixes on a Detroit label. As a big supporter of Soirée Records, he approached us with the idea. The original track has a sound that works very well with what we’re releasing at the moment. So we were happy to oblige.
This release is the second from Andy Vaz on Soirée Records. The original track was released on Andy’s imprint, Yore Records in 2013. Andy wanted to release the track with remixes on a Detroit label. As a big supporter of Soirée Records, he approached us with the idea. The original track has a sound that works very well with what we’re releasing at the moment. So we were happy to oblige.
You ARE from Detroit :), describe what the musical vibe is like there these days. What would you say are some of the main characteristics of “the Detroit sound??” And how has it changed or evolved over the years, do you think?
The sound of Detroit is very diverse now. I think it would be very difficult to say there is a particular “Detroit” sound. Presently, Detroit has several thriving musical communities, from techno to electro to house to ghettotech to jungle and we could go on. But the one thing that is undeniable is the soul of Detroit. Our music is not mechanical or cookie-cutter. There is always a purity about the music that keeps it real and authentic.
In your opinion, how has Detroit, particularly with regard to techno, influenced the modern electronic music scene in Europe, South America, Asia, and the rest of the world?
As the home of techno music, Detroit is the one place where you can always return to and find what techno music REALLY is. There are many who profess to create “techno” music, but is it really techno? A good way to find out is to listen to it side-by-side with true Detroit techno. Those who genuinely want to produce techno understand this.
What is the story behind your artist name, “Drivetrain?”
The name Drivetrain has many stories behind it. But for the sake of time, let’s keep it simple and just define the term “drivetrain.” A drivetrain is the system in an automobile that transfers power from the engine to the wheels to make the car move. In like manner, I make music to make bodies move.
How would you say being from Detroit has influenced you as an artist, your label Soirée Records, and your music?
Growing up in Detroit has many challenges that contribute to its uniqueness. The climate, very cold and snowy winters. Most of us stay indoors during that time of the year. There isn’t a lot of sunshine either. For some people this isn’t a happy time of year. Also over time, Detroit has faced many struggles including financial, crime, corruption to name a few. For many artists, myself included, depression, desperation and defiance (the 3 “D’s”) are incredible stimulants for creativity. Detroit is presently on an amazing upswing. The city has comeback to become an acclaimed and desired international destination once again. All of these things have driven me not only artistically, but in many other personal aspects of life as well.
Tell us about your label, Soirée Records.
Soirée Records is, has been and will always be a label, who’s focus is on music that shares our vision of sound. This is not only what is heard by ears, but also and more importantly, what is heard inside. That’s what’s important…the feeling. Soirée Records will never be about what’s popular, not about trends, etc. And the music can come from anywhere on the planet (or beyond). Our mission is to pursue the boundless expanse of rhythm, melody and technology.
What are some things you look for when signing a new artist to the label?
I look at the things that I’ve described above. It’s also important to work with people who are like-minded and professional. We don’t have time for politics, haters or trouble-makers.
How do you feel about the idea of “genre” in electronic music and its importance? (Or lack thereof)
Marketeers will always box things into genres and categories. It’s how they make their money. However, for me, genre doesn’t exist. When I make music, that’s just it…I’m making music. I don’t have a goal of producing a track of a particular genre. What you hear is what it is. If you want to try to categorize it, that’s up to you.
Anything else you’d like to say to our Electrofans audience?
I’d like to thank Electrofans for supporting Soirée Records. And to the Electrofans audience, if you haven’t explored Soirée Records, our crates run deep. There’s so much music and so many styles to enjoy. I promise that anyone searching through our music will find something that they love. Start your underground music expedition here: https://soireerecords.com
FOLLOW DRIVETRAIN
https://soundcloud.com/drivetrain
https://instagram.com/derricktrain
FOLLOW SOIREE RECORDS
https://soundcloud.com/soireerecords
https://www.facebook.com/soireerecords/
https://www.youtube.com/user/sripromotions
https://x.com/sripromotions
https://open.spotify.com/user/6yy2xpdbv7lctjb16ia7imcyz
