We have been blown away by deep house producer John Daly’s debut long player ‘Sea and Sky’. We caught up with the Irishman a few weeks ago at the Flawless Mansion’s ‘Forward Management’ party in Miami and talked about the new album, getting hooked up with Francois K’s Wave Music label and more.
Who are you, and what do you do?
John Daly, from Cork, Ireland. I make music and play records. I am also a part time cook and occasional florist and gardener.
What is the music scene like back in Ireland?
In Cork, where I come from, we had an amazing scene in the 90s. Back then you could go out Thursday to Sunday and have a choice of 2-3 packed places each and every night. You would hear everything from deep house to modern soul, disco, hip hop. It’s dwindled off somewhat in recent years, cycles I guess, but there’s a nice compact scene in Galway where I live now. A small but dedicated bunch of ravers keep it going.
How did you get into dance and electronic music?
Well I had gotten heavily into disco/boogie, and I knew that certain electronic music was the same sound, same music and a continuation of that style, however i hadn’t really found my doorway. It was within that scene back home which I already mentioned and through great friends who educated me, that I found a way into that music and scene.
How would you describe your own music and sound?
I try to keep things as deep as I can while retaining the groove. Ideally tracks that work both at home and in the club.
How long did ‘Sea and Sky’ take you to compose?
It’s the product of about 4 years of work. Some of the tracks have been previously available on EPs I did for the label [Wave Music] and the rest of the album was made up of tracks some up to 3-4 years old, and some brand new tracks that I felt really fitted in with the feel of the album.
What equipment did you use on the album, and what is in your studio set up?
Some of the tracks were made with my old hardware setup, a sampler and a couple of modules, run off Cubase, but most were done with the setup I am using now, Ableton live and varous other things.
You played a vinyl set for the Wave Music Party at WMC, do you always play vinyl or digital?
Vinyl. It’s what I started on and I prefer the feel of it, which is essential for me. You have to be comfortable with the equipment you are using so you can relax and just let the music flow, concentrating on the selection, the most important part of DJing. I also play some CDs, but when it comes to digital formats I prefer to use WAVs, as 320MP3, while sounding good together - as in only playing MP3s for the night, just don’t sound as strong played next to vinyl, the difference is noticable, but less so with WAV’s.
How did you connect with Francois K and Wave Music?
I was trying to get help with distribution for my label, feel music. I sent some stuff to Brendon Moeller who seemed more interested in signing it to Wave, so of course I was delighted to do that instead.
What did you think to Miami and this years Winter Music Conference?
Miami as a city, was great. It was my first visit and coming from a country where it is winter 365 days a year it was great to swim in the sea and eat outside in the sun, Palm trees etc. As for WMC, it was only short visit, so I didn’t see much apart from our party (Forward Management and Wave Music party). I also went to the Body and Soul party though which was amazing.
You played at Deepspace in NYC right after WMC, what was it like?
yeah, it was great. I felt such an enormous sense of freedom in terms of selection, which you don’t usually get. It’s such an open minded party. And Cielo is a fantastic club, it’s got a great sound system.
What are you doing now that the album is finished?
Taking it easy. I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately to fulfil various commitments I had made, but now that is all done so I’m going to relax and let the music flow naturally for a while.
Sea and Sky is available now from Wave Music on dancetracks.
