saintwoods

A Montreal O.G. and Canadian legend, DJ Grandtheft (one half of the infamous Team Canada duo) has been doing this thing for almost a decade now: starting out DJing at the Bluedog Motel with partner D.R. One, the two have grinded hard for the last four or so years, gaining international acclaim and eventually buying the very establishment from whence they started their ascent. The Blue Dog Motel is now pumping like never before, Team Canada is getting ready to release a spanking new CD, ‘Canadian Club,’ Grandtheezy himself is releasing his very first EP, “The Big Dirty,” and the boys are getting ready to embark on a two month 35 date Odyssey across the great white north. We got a chance to catch up before he heads out on tour to get the lowdown on the new albums, some advice for up-and-comers, and how they survive their 200 date a year schedule…

SW.COM: You guys have a new CD coming out…tell us about the music on it, the process of making it, and where we can get it…

GT: Like our Classic Material series, our new Team Canada CD “Canadian Club”, features all our own remixes. Its been awhile since we put out a CD though. So anyone who knows our music and our live shows, knows that our sound has developed and changed over time. Canadian Club represents our live show in 2009 and has alot of our exclusive remixes made for the club. Its hosted by our friend Kardinal Offishall and its a total party mix. Its got alot of club remixes of classic rock songs that havent been remixed before from Canadian artists like Neil Young, Tragically Hip, The Guess Who as well as other legends like David Bowie and the Kinks. Its got Major-label remixes weve done for Kardi, Drake, Maroon 5 and also some MJ and Belinda Carlisle for flavour haha. It will be out in two weeks and can be intially bought at our shows on our 35 date Canadian Club Tour in Sept/Oct.

SW.COM: You have an all indie remix EP coming out at the same time. Who is remixed on there and why did you choose their tracks?

GT: My first Grandtheft solo EP “The Big Dirty” is coming out at the same time. Its got alot of the official indie and disco remixes I’ve done for artists like The Juan MacLean (DFA), Chester French (Star Trak), Thunderheist (Big Dada) and more that havent been released to retail- or not yet. Also, Ive got bootlegs, some of which have hit big on the interweb like my remixes of Santogold and Lykke Li. Its even got a couple originals of mine on there. I think this release represents where I am at in terms of writing good songs and producing stuff that is a little deeper, and not just straight club music. Im proud of it as my first solo effort.

SW.COM: It seems like even though you and D.R. One are a team you always find time to do your own thing. What roles do each of you take on within the partnership and moving forward should we look out for more solo music from Grandtheezy?

GT: We’ll always be homies and a team! But I have always written music and made beats by myself since I was a little kid – long before DJing. I always will. So, in partnership with Last Gang, I started Tremendous Records and started a new band with awesome singer/mc Curtis Santiago called Pop Pop. These projects are creative and rewarding in a different way than Team Canada is for me. I LOVE DJing our insane Team Canada shows. These are just parallel projects that keep me satisfied creatively.

SW.COM: 35 tour dates across Canada in 2 months!?!? That’s a hectic schedule! What are your secrets to dealing with the grind of touring?

GT: Our secrets are that we have traveled so much. 200 dates a year the last 4-5 years. So we can sleep like babies on the plane. We also dont have to crash on floors/couches anymore. 2 nice hotel rooms in every city kicks ass. Air Canada Elite status from so much flying too – airport lounges FTW.

SW.COM: It seems like you guys are coming strong into the fall. With all that work on music how do you maintain your business (The beloved Blue Dog Motel) in Montreal? How’s everything going with The Dog?

GT: Everything is great with the Blue Dog. We have all underground music and sick dance parties. We are open Wed-Sun. After one year, we have learned alot and its become the staple indie dance spot on St Laurent. Our partner Wes does an awesome job of holdin it down while we are away. Like everything we do, Blue Dog is a product of our passion for music and good parties. We love our little dance club!

SW.COM: You guys are MTL O.G.’s, Canadian legends, and internationally renowned…but it definitely did not happen overnight. What advice do you have for young DJs and producers starting out?

GT: First, be yourself – be original. Eff the internet and trends. Second, work harder than the next guy. Dont just talk about “grindin” and “hustlin” in the game. Actually stay HOME and practice your craft. Write good songs, learn how to DJ. Learn where this music came from. Third, treat people in the business with respect. Being cool with people goes a long way in a game full of mean people!

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By_The_Way_Grandtheft_Remix.mp3
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SHE_LOVES_EVERYBODY_GRANDTHEFT_7INCH_CLUB_RMX.mp3