One of Toronto's most respected and best known mic talents, Mic Perri aka MC Flipside, has been busily promoting his 2008 offerings - some of his strongest party-floor-thumping tracks so far.

I recently had a chance to chat him up a little about Toronto's 'scene' and some of his thoughts on Vfest (my favourite performance this year) where he and Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) - a heavy weight electro-house contender also from Toronto - wound up the Blive tent. Here's a little of what he had to say about our music scene...

Coming out of Toronto, what have you got to say about our music scene?

Toronto has a solid scene. It's evident by the undeniable talent emerging from our community. Whether it be electro, pop, reggae, techno, hip hop... the t-dot is providing the globe with musical titans.

How does Toronto sit on the world stage, given that big names (yourself included) are coming out of our city and blowing up around the globe?

Unfortunately for many of us the reality is that we get acknowledged internationally before we do in our own respective scenes.

Totally agree, even though 'Toronto scenes' are hugely influential. I recall you being particularly vocal back in 2001-2002 about 'the scene' but it doesn't really seem like anyone talks about it anymore. What's the deal?

I am an opinionated person by nature. I am still vocal about our scene. I am assuming you are referring to the... dare I say... RAVE scene? Headlining dj's are playing in Toronto on an almost daily basis, so clearly the club scene is solid and thriving. Toronto is home to some of these international headliners as well. I just recently toured as the headliner with Ministry of Sound UK to packed shows all over Western Canada.

So then is the RAVE scene dead? Or just merged into mainstream?

The scene is nowhere near dead. It isn't mainstream... it's like it is in Europe. You need to go to select clubs to hear the type of music and/or DJ you are into. Rave promoters (not all) became club promoters in order to accommodate their maturing crowd. It's understandable. At the end of the day it really is partly up to the crowd to make the vibe of a party and to continue supporting the "scene". Regarding our music scene....just look at Beatport. How many Toronto-based artists (Deadmau5, myself, Hatiras, Matteo DiMarr, Adam K, Sydney Blu) have topped their charts?

So true. Deadmau5's CD is one of my favourite 'recent' releases - loved seeing you both at Vfest - what should we know about your work with him?

In my opinion Joel is one of the most naturally gifted producers I have ever worked with. I heard "Hi Friend" via Sydney Blu and fell in love with the track! Joel is not into the majority of vocalists out there and luckily for me, I am one of the few he respects. He believed I would do justice to his tune... and one day he called me up. I headed over to his studio and the rest they say is history. I also feel it helps that we get along outside of the studio... we are both very sarcastic. We had some good laughs during the session. Rap Battle ;)

Yeah you clearly had a blast at Vfest. How was the rock festival experience for you in Toronto (vs clubs?) and what's the best venue you've ever played in Toronto vs. abroad?

Virgin Fest was pretty amazing. From boarding our artist boat to our fully stocked bar/ outdoor dressing room the build-up to our performance had me very excited! Joel and I made light out of the fact that a CERTAIN airline lost his mousehead and we proceeded to smash em' with "Hi Friend!".

The best venue I have ever played in is Aurora in Banff. I have never felt a vibe like that in years... unreal. Locally I'd have to say Footwork. That room is meant for electronic music. Abroad, I would have to say Disco Beach, Acapulco.

Finally, what's one song you'd love to take and mix up or re-engineer that people would NOT expect to hear from you?

Depeche Mode - People are People.

Though MC Flipside has no officially scheduled Toronto dates in line, he will be in Peterborough at the end of January and hopefully back in TO with fresh tracks this spring. Can't wait for him and his crew of resonant soul shaking electro producers to get back to the Toronto scene!

Photo courtesy of photosapience