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Dirty Disco 600: Celebrating 600 Episodes of Deep House, Disco Grooves & Soulful Soundscapes. Kono Vidovic
If you’ve been following Dirty Disco for a while, you know we love timeless house grooves, the kind that whisper to your soul instead of shouting for attention. And this week, we’ve got something special from a true master of that craft.
With over 25 years in the game and more than 2400 tracks and remixes to his name, Demarkus Lewis is a certified legend in the house scene. From the early vinyl days to the digital boom, from Dallas to London and back again, he’s stayed true to the raw essence of house music. You may know his releases on Large Music, King Street, Nervous, or his own labels Grin Music, Grin Traxx, and Grin & Bass. But now, he brings a trio of deep, romantic heaters to the ever-evolving Vibe Me To The Moon label, curated by Nightsteppaz and label head Kev O’Brien.
On this new release, you’ll hear buttery, late-night deep house cuts like Cold Heart, the sensual Touch My Love, and the beautifully crafted Love Still Live, a standout track that truly represents who Demarkus is as an artist. It’s silky, soulful, and filled with quiet power. And that title? It’s a message we all need right now.
We caught up with Demarkus in the studio, where he was multitasking like a pro, mixing for clients and lining up remixes, all while reflecting on a career rooted in passion, not hype. His thoughts on the current scene, his musical heroes (from Kerri Chandler to Mood II Swing), and what drives him creatively… this is one for the real heads.
…..I’ve been releasing House jams since 1999. To date I have over 2400 tracks/remixes published digitally and many vinyl releases before and after the big digital boom. Many think I’m from Chicago due to my sound but in fact I’m a native of Dallas, Tx.
Today I’m in the studio and currently multitasking which is what most of days consists of. I am finishing a mix/mastering session for a client of mine then I will start a few remixes for a couple of artists.
I live in Dallas, Tx.
Dallas is my city. I grew up here and moved back here after spending about 3 years in London between the years of 2008-2011. I would have to say the growth of Dallas has to be my favorite attraction. I have many friends and family here
Music scene is strong here. But with that said it seems more of a “changing of the guard”. It’s great to see the younger generation stepping up and doing their own thing by bringing their energy and outlook on things. I will say that the majority seem to gravitate more towards the tech house side of things but trust there are a few crews and artists here that do solid underground parties that cater to the deeper side of things.
Ok so I could go on for days on this one but I’ll keep it short. The overall scene has changed dramatically in my opinion. It’s gone very commercial. It’s really hardly about the craft and more geared towards social media than raw talent. Huge crowds with minimum dancing and too many phones recording the events. This takes away from the in the moment magic that happens on dancefloors. Too many people trying to go viral on posts of events instead of relying on the feeling the music gave them in the moment. It’s become far too disposable. Most songs only live for a season and are not timeless pieces of art.
I’m all about that raw house vibe with a touch of polish like Kerri Chandler, Mike Delgado, Glenn Underground, MK (early 90’s MK), Chez Damier, Louie Vega, DJ Sneak, Mood 2 Swing and the likes. I’m about the Raw feeling of house. If you listen closely you will be able to hear their influence in my music and this fact I will never deny.
Bob Marley – Legend is by far my most favorite album of all time. The production level is second to none. The recordings are flawless and the vibe of each tune touches my soul more than anything else I’ve ever heard. A true musical masterpiece.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Vibe Me To The Moon for a few years now so I can’t really remember how we were connected. I believe it was a connection through an old manager I had at the time but it could have been when Vibe’s label manager Kev O’brien reached out. It’s all a bit foggy to be honest but even still they are great and fully support my offerings. I would wish every artist out there could find a label that believes in their vibe the way they believe and support mine.
Because it’s 100% my vibe. It’s a raw true representation of what I do on the deeper side of things and they have always supported me for being me.
Love Still Lives is everything I’m about. It’s a raw soulfully deep journey with a moody chord progression that locks you in as it flows around a deep submerging bassline. The vocal sits right on top to give the listener the affirmation that although things may seem hectic, Love Still Lives!
Strangely enough it all came together within a matter of about 2 hours. It was a total flow and seemed to just fall into place. Ok so to clarify the foundation took about 2 hours but the full tune from start to finish was roughly a 7 hour affair. I had originally recorded a different vocal for it but it never seemed to sit right on it so I scrapped the original vocal I wrote for it and replaced it with ‘Love Still Lives’. It usually only takes me 5-8 hours from start to finish to craft a tune. I like to let tracks build themselves and never fight the direction my children go.
All music was written by me with the exception of a few sampled chord hits like on Love Still Lives. All the vocals were performed under strict contractual agreements that don’t allow me to give written credit. But I can say all vocals were written and recorded by me before being replaced by female voicings.
It really depends on the tune but If I do it’s never longer than a week’s time. I like to keep things moving because in my past experience one could get caught up in trying to make something too polished and by doing so they lose the plot and the vibe grows thin.
Yes and No. I believe that it’s cool to get feedback from my peers but by that time the track is done and out the door ready for the world. I believe an artist should just let the work do its job. Too much input from outside sources can water down your own vibe and make it sound more like what someone else would do rather than be what came from your own soul.
For someone starting out I’d say getting heard may seem to be challenging. But I tell a lot of people to just do you. Someone will vibe with you if you just be yourself and enjoy the creative process. Do music because you enjoy doing music and never do it for the shine, fame or wealth. Those who do it for those reasons rarely get to where they want to be as an artist. They may find quick success but in the long term they will not stand the test of time.
Simply put, it’s what I do. It’s almost like an addiction for me and many artists will tell you the same. Music saved me from a bleak future. It’s my safe space. When I’m writing nothing else matters. There is no fear, doubt, worry or anything negative in my space when I’m creating. I write for me and if anyone else vibes with me then we roll together in the journey.
The short list for deepness here would be Crackazat, N.W.N, Jimpster, Saison, Intr0beatz, Ralph Session, Ross Couch and JT Donaldson
I have no idea … I haven’t bought a record in over 20 years!
Being able to celebrate my 25th year of releasing music in this industry. I truly feel blessed to have been able to do what I love day in and day out for such a long period of time.
You can expect more deep things from me on my label Grin Music, Vibe me To The Moon as well as jackin’ bits and tech house outings on other labels such as Farris Wheel, Art Funk, Guesthouse and others. In short you can expect me to keep it moving onward and upward!
Massive thanks to Demarkus Lewis for keeping it raw, soulful, and always real. Love Still Lives isn’t just a title, it’s a reminder that deep house is alive and well, especially in the hands of a veteran who still treats the craft with love and care.
Be sure to check out the full Vibe Me To The Moon release featuring Cold Heart, Touch My Love, and the title track Love Still Lives, out now and ready to wrap around your speakers like a warm late-night hug.
Catch it in Dirty Disco 605, and as always: keep it deep, keep it disco, and keep showing love, because yes, it still lives.
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DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER Professional online interpreneur. Coffee practitioner. Electronic music culture maven. Total music guru. Infuriatingly humble problem solver. Food & sports fanatic.
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