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Call & Response: A.D/D.


Like most late 90's rave kids who never stopped loving the music but grew tired of the scene, I've been waiting for the next wave to crest. Well, that time is now. Dance music is back with a vengeance!

The top promoters in town right now have to be A.D/D. They consistently bring top international DJs, producers and performers to the great clubs/venues that play host to this new scene. For those that didn't already know, one half of this dynamic duo is Mario J, the former resident DJ at the legendary Toronto nightclub Industry (R.I.P.).

I had a chance to speak to Mario about this Sunday's big A.D/D. event at The Mod Club. They're hosting the after party for the Daft Punk show, which takes place at Arrow Hall in Mississauga.

Continue reading for the interview.

blogTO: How long has A.D/D. been around for?

Mario J: We have been doing A.D/D. now for 2 1/2 years and have been fortunate enough to work with some truly great people. Working with [Return To New York promoter] Arthur Baker has to be one of the biggest honours as he is one person who has worked in so many different genres of music in his career and produced some of the most inspiring music. His approach to producing is very much what's happening now where people are into so many types of sounds that you can't really put into any category. His R2NY parties that started in 2002 were a big inspiration for us as promoters.

What was the first A.D/D. event and how are you able to consistently book such amazing nights?

The first A.D/D. party was an invite-only Christmas party. We put it on at The Mod Club with Junior Sanchez on December 21st, 2004. We had no idea if anyone would show up and we were pleasantly surprised by the turnout and it was a fantastic night. It was also the beginning of a long and successful relationship at The Mod Club. The next few shows we reached out to our immediate friends to play i.e. Arthur Baker, DJs are not Rockstars, and Junior Sanchez. After a run of successful shows we started to form relationships with agencies that worked with the artists we really like.

Why do you think the club scene in Toronto is on the rise this year?

It's on the rise everywhere not only in Toronto, due partly to the fact there is so much amazing new creative music that has broken through a new barrier and is connecting with people on new levels, and its a lot easier to find the new acts and information about shows online.

How did you get the call to host the Daft Punk after party?

Pedro Winter (aka Busy P - DJ, Ed Banger Records founder and Daft Punk's manager) asked us to work with him on it back in March after the crazy Ed Banger show with Justice, Sebastian and Mehdi. Pedro is a long time friend who I booked Daft Punk with to DJ at Industry Nightclub in '97. It is an honour to work with such magical people.

The after party is listed as free before midnight but you decided to sell advanced tickets. Why?

After we announced the show we received a lot of requests from people that wanted a ticket to guarantee entrance as the demand for the show is high, so we decided to make a limited amount available.

For those (like me) going to the Daft Punk show near the airport, what is the likelihood of us getting into the Mod Club?

Without a ticket it's still good as only a couple hundred are for sale so there is still plenty of room to get down there.

What are your favourite tracks of the year so far?

Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
Digitalism - Pogo
Does It Offend You Yeah? - We Are Rockstars (Kissy Sell out mix)
Mr. Oizo - Patrick 122
Armand Van Heldon - NYC Beat (MSTRKRFT Mix)
datA - J'aime pas l'art remix 2007
Kanye West - Stronger

What else is coming up for A.D/D. this year?

Jesse Rose - Sept 13th
Switch & Diplo - Sept 14th
Simian Mobile Disco Live - Sept 17th
Bond Do Role - Sept 19th
Digitalism Live - Oct 17th
Justice Live - Oct 18th
+ more TBA

Call & Response is a weekly series of Q&A's with bands/artists from or playing in Toronto.


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