INTERVIEW: Demsky shares brand new track “Continuum”

Originally hailing from Toronto and now making an impact in Tokyo, Demsky is a Canadian beatmaker who’s become a prominent figure in the ambient and downtempo scenes in Japan and Europe. With a penchant for creating captivating soundscapes, Demsky has played festivals such as Asagiri Jam, Zizkovska Noc, Unkai Natural Camp and Come Together Music Festival, leaving his mark with his innovative approach and unique live sets.

Since his debut EP, The Man with the Kite, released in 2010, Demsky has steered clear of predictable patterns. His sound, a fusion of ambient, post rock and downtempo influences, draws inspiration from a myriad of sources, including notable artists like Lemon Jelly and Tycho. However, the most significant influence on Demsky’s work stems from his environment.

As a resident of Tokyo, Demsky has immersed himself in the city’s chill instrumental and beat scene, a move that’s shaped his sonic identity. Beyond the music itself, Demsky’s compositions reflect the social dynamics surrounding him. Themes of adaptation, compassion, and the intricacies of human relationships weave through his music, creating intricate layers of synth-driven soundscapes that explore the ephemeral aspects of our lives.

Having embarked on tours across Canada, Europe, and Japan, Demsky finds his truest expression in live performances. Whether gracing intimate venues in Tokyo or commanding larger stages at festivals, his approach to beat making comes alive, engaging audiences with his dynamic and ever-evolving sound.

As a precursor to his upcoming EP, As Your Heart Beats, set to drop early next year, Demsky unveils his latest single, “Continuum,” a track that offers a glimpse into the more club-focused side of his sound. Driven by a 4/4 rhythm and a pulsating bassline, “Continuum” is stunning ambient techno cut.

The song opens with soft mechanical bleeps, slowly fluttering to craft a playful and airy soudnscape before the laid back rhythm of a kick enters. Building with a droning sonic texture and rhythmic shots, “Continuum” gradually swells with the snap of snare and rising floor of gentle atmosphere. Joined by spacey synth timbres, he delivers a transportive audio journey that’s mesmeric and subtly danceable throughout.

We caught up with Demsky to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Continuum” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Demsky below.

Hey Demsky, how’s things?

Doing well. Loving this warm fall here in Tokyo.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Getting my first ever bass from my parents and learning how to play “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer from my Uncle, and grabbing some CD’s from my older brother’s massive collection of hip-hop and rock.

Which artists do you draw the most inspiration from today?

I’ve been really digging everything Sault and King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard have been releasing. On the beat side of things, Nate Mercereau and Tems have released some fantastic albums as of late.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

It really just comes from the surroundings I’m in. I tour a lot and meet a lot of interesting people who share their aspirations, desires, and even fears. I also get to see the climate the cities I go to are in and how they adapt to the situations. I know that shapes a lot of my music. Sometimes I just escape the city and head to the woods in Nagano to write in order to clear my head. All these things inspire me.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

This year, I was able to play in 4 countries and a lot of new cities. The smaller cities like Onomichi and Fujimi really left a mark on me. They seem like ghost towns, but have young thriving scenes that support every individual involved in it whether it be in music, film or even starting your own catering company. It was really inspiring.

What do you love about the Tokyo music scene?

I love that I can still keep learning about it. I have been here for over 12 years and I feel I’ve only scratched the surface and haven’t even been able to keep up in the ones I know. It keeps pushing you to pay attention.

How does it compare to Canada?

Japanese musicians are very technical and can pretty much play anything, which can also be their downfall. I’ve played with a lot of artists that feel that in order to play a certain genre, they have to follow a certain pattern or structure exactly. It sometimes comes across as contrived and lackluster. When you do find those artists here that break the mould though, watch them produce some serious magic. Canadian musicians might not be as technical sometimes, but they have the feel and creativity to propel them forward. I miss that about home sometimes. Not caring about fitting into a certain sound or scene. Just creating what’s truly you.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I work very hard on my live performances. I try to make every show special with a different set each time decided on stage so that I can match the ambiance of the event in front of me. It’s crucial to listen to your audience and create sets in the moment.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

After getting more involved in the ambient, beatmaker and noise scenes, I have learnt how to play more with my sounds. I let certain notes ring out when necessary so that they can breathe and embrace chaos to create uncontrollable energy at times. It makes every show unique and special for the people and myself.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

I would love to sit down with Daniel Lanois and write something with him. His last few albums have been these ambient masterpieces with his pedal steel and some old beat making machines. After working on albums with artists like U2 and stepping into the complete opposite realm, I am curious to sit down with him and just listen to how he shifted his mind there.

How did you find making your new single ‘Continuum’?

It was quick. I was learning how to use this new instrument watching various tutorials on Youtube and producers I enjoy. I took what I’ve learnt and applied it to sounds that were suitable to my ears and the musical layers kept coming out of me. I wanted this 808 kind of beat and this continuous loop that mimicked what I love about songs like Daft Punk’s “Crescendolls”. I wanted Continuum to sound like the turning of gears in a clock or the flipping of pages in a book like you were always going to the next chapter.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I guess Continuum represents the neverending movement for going after what you seek in life.

What can we expect from your upcoming EP?

I think the world is in a big transitional phase right now and it’s just too hard to keep up with all of it. The amount of information being thrown at us is just too much for any human to take in. I wanted to make an album that looks at the nature of all things. It just grows and changes by itself. It’s not forced and you don’t have to do anything about it. It all happens as your heart beats just like all the changes happening in the world around us. I wanted to make people aware of that.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I hope that they can sit back with it and let whatever emotion their feeling out so that they can reflect on it and move towards something bigger for themselves.

You’ve played all over the world, what’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Playing to attentive audiences at Cry Room in Kuala Lumpur, Punctum in Prague and Half Moon Hall in Tokyo are all up there for sure. 3 different parts in the world, but all with audiences that gave me everything to hear me out.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival?

I’d love to put Explosions in the Sky, Bonobo and Sault together. 3 great artists that play 3 completely different genres. I want to show everyone that it can work and I’m sure people would be seeking more of that afterwards.

Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?

I’m starting off the year with my most ambitious show to date, Za-Koenji in Tokyo for my EP Release Party. It’s a theatre with some of my closest friends in the city. After that, I’m going to take a small break and start planning a run in Europe. There is always something lined up next 🙂

Listen to Continuum below