Chez Damier

The master of deep, soulful house takes on our quick-fire questionnaire, explaining why dance music has to come from the heart.

Why music?

Music releases frustrations, brings people together, gives them motivation and the inspiration to go for the dreams of their hearts.

IF YOU WEREN’T MAKING MUSIC WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

If I were not making music I would have been a doctor of psychology.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

To listen to my heart.

WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG THING?

I have no idea!

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A TRACK’S FINISHED?

I never really know when a track’s finished. I guess I’m still learning the difference between letting a track be a track and a song be a song. The process is very different – the track requires less, as opposed to a song, which has more melody and some sort of lyrics. All the same, it’s when it just feels right to me.

WHAT’S THE WORST TRACK YOU’VE EVER RELEASED?

I haven’t made it yet. I seem to have enjoyed all my projects with the same love. Now, there may be a remix or something where I didn’t really do my best, but really I can’t remember if I can call it the worst.

RECOMMEND US A FILM.

I happen to be a Turner Classic Movies guy. Any classic black and white movie gets my attention. Seeing as most current movies are re-writes of old black and white gems, I’d rather look at the original. I can’t really recommend just one, because I learn so much from all of them.

RECOMMEND US A BOOK.

For me it’s the Bible.

WHAT ARE YOU ADDICTED TO?

Wow! I have some addictions, but I will only share them when I’ve overcome them.

WHAT DO YOU LUST OVER?

Lust is in our human nature. For me I’m sure there are many things, but again I’ve lived enough to know never to say what your lusts and addictions are. They’re in the book to come. I will be sure of that.

WHEN DID YOU REALISE YOU COULD GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB?

Keep the day job! It’ll provide long-term experience that you can use down the line. In my case I’ve been blessed to be full time in both worlds, allowing me to be able to go back and forth.

WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

I don’t really think that there is an easy way. If there is I have no idea. I believe that if you want to make it in anything in life you must first have a passion and desire, then the motivation or ambition to pursue it.

Chez will play at the second part of Back To Basics’ 21st birthday celebrations at the Garage, Leeds, on Saturday November 24th. Find Chez on Facebook.