Q&A: Pomo

Moving to Montreal is probably one of the best jumps Pomo ever made because that’s where the Vancouver native hooked up with Kaytranada. It was only three years ago but the multi-instrumentalist musician, DJ and producer has made such an impression on the music scene there that he was quickly picked up by HW&W and kept on climbing the ranks until Thump called him the best breakthrough producer in Canada. Now he’s living a musicians dream, making a shit ton of music (he cites his influences as J Dilla, Prince and Disclosure – and that’s exactly what he sounds like) and hustling around the world – while remaining ultimately proud to be Canadian. We asked Pomo a few questions about himself ahead of his tour of the Far East.

What did you do before you were a DJ?

I was going to school for television broadcasting, then audio engineering while playing in bands as well. I was always involved with music in some way and eventually that turned into DJing.

What’s the best thing about Canada?

That’s a hard question, there are so many factors that add up to make it such a great country to live in. There’s lots of support for artists in Canada, which is great.

What’s the worst thing about Canada?

The worst thing musically is that it is hard for some artists to break into the US market from Canada.

Your career really took of after you moved to Montreal, but how did Vancouver contribute to your development as a DJ and producer?

In Vancouver, I really learned all the skills I needed. I learned how to DJ, play live, and produce. When I moved to Montreal, I really just put those skills to work in a more competitive music scene.

Today, everyone is a DJ. How are you different?

It’s definitely hard to stay unique in the world of DJing today, but I think what makes me/everyone unique is musical taste. I like to play a lot of different styles when I DJ, and I also like to get across everything I’m into at the time. So I hope that makes it unique.

What’s been the most mind-blowing and insane day you’ve had in your career thus far?

Playing and partying in Vegas with Disclosure.

What do you do to relax?

I like to go out and eat a really nice dinner with some nice wine, go out to a movie, go for a walk, cooking, and stuff like that.

Many dance music DJs today have no formal music training. How important do you think it is to creating and playing music? Do you think you’d be able to make the music you do without it?

I think its very important. I don’t think I could have made the music I make without training but there are some really talented people out there that just have an amazing ear and don’t need any formal training.

It’s a lot of work to incorporate instruments into a live show, especially when you’re on the move. Why is it important to you?

I love watching artists perform live with instruments. I think the audience connects more and it’s captivating to watch. There is more risk involved too, which is exciting.

What song can always revive a dance floor?

Something that people know and can sing along to. It’s fun to try to find that track that everyone knows but is not expected at all.

Tell us about HW&W – why do you fit in and what makes it the perfect home for you?

HW&W is the label I’m part of, they’re a great group of people and we’re all good friends. I fit in because I feel like they understand and support their artists to do whatever they want creatively. I don’t feel pressured at all to try to make a certain style.

How does music you make under Pomo differ from Nouvel Age?

The music I make under Pomo is more loose and free to kinda be whatever I want at that moment. Nouvel Age is more focused and song orientated. It’s refreshing to work on both and they feel completely different to work on.

What’s the last great movie you watched?

I saw Mad Max in the theatre and it was incredible. I loved the original movies and the new one felt the same but brought into 2015.

Montreal’s music scene is unarguably the best in Canada. What is it about Montreal that fosters such a vivacious scene?

Montreal just feels like a creative city. You feel immersed in art when you’re there. The central area of the city isn’t that big so it feels very alive with artists and musicians. You meet everyone and it feels competitive but also everyone works together.

What’s the most fun you’ve had with Kaytranada?

We did a few UK shows together which was super fun. It’s great playing shows with him because our sets work well together and the audience connects. We ended up at some fun parties together as well.

What’s one song defines POMO?

I’d say So Fine because it’s the first song that got me signed and I think it encapsulates my sound pretty well.

What are your musical dreams, something you still want to accomplish but haven’t done yet?

To be producing for singers, rappers and song writers. I love that world of music, the creating part and the producing and mixing. My dream is to be in LA working more in that part of music.

Who are your top five Canadian musicians (any genre) that the world should know about?

In no particular order:

Mac Demarco
AstroLogical
Potatohead People
Tennyson
TOPS

What’s the second half of 2015 looking like for you?

Taking some time to write my album and working on implementing the live set for later on in the year.

What’s on your Asian bucket list for this upcoming tour?

Eat as much great local food as I possibly can.