[Freq Magazine] Christopher Lawrence Interview

Motion Notion is ramping up in Golden, BC this weekend, and headliner Christopher Lawrence happens to be one of the worlds most recognizable DJ’s with a career that spans two decades.  With a major hand in crafting American electronic music into what it is today, especially within progressive/trance genres, Lawrence has a unique perspective on music and the industry.  Before he performs Sunday night at Motion Notion, Freq was able to snag a few minutes of his time to ask about the music he loves and what he currently thinks about the state of dance music.

Music these days can seem almost disposable, how have you been able to maintain a career that has spanned over 20 years?

After 20 years, I still firmly believe in the power of music. I think that we are in a very interesting time. There is a glut of music that is labeled “EDM” that is getting a lot of attention in the media and corporate money is falling over itself to be a part of “EDM” but that doesn’t accurately reflect what is happening in dance music. The reality is that most DJs, producers, and fans are into a wide variety of music that would still be considered underground. Techno, proper house, psy trance, progressive house – the kind John Digweed makes – and underground trance are still as popular as ever and are the sounds that passionate music lovers are seeking out. I travel around the world and it’s really only in America that the Las Vegasization of dance music is occurring. Don’t believe the “EDM” hype.

You’ve posted comments on Twitter about Paris Hilton’s residency in Ibiza and the Dahleri Beatport mix, any additional thoughts?

I think these are two examples of how some dance music has been driven to the lowest common denominator. But again, the overwhelming backlash against Paris Hilton’s residency and the absolute genius of the Dahleri Beatport mix demonstrate that there is a very aware and powerful music community that is hip to the Emperor’s New Clothes.

Is the name of your release Faith in the Future a direct commentary about the current state of the music industry?

Faith in the Future is exactly my belief in our music scene. I have faith in the future and I see it all the time when talented DJs like Richie Hawtin, John 00 Fleming and the artists on the lineup for Believe. Now that’s some real talent that is continuing to push the boundaries of dance music and keep it real for true music fans!

How does the music you produce and your label Pharmacy records contribute to keeping that faith?

I am extremely proud of the artists on my label, Pharmacy, and the music they are producing. Guys like Fergie & Sadrian, Jonathan Allyn, Digital Basement, and just signed Anddriqui Nianchini are producing some amazing tracks that range from progressive psy-trance to banging tech-trance. The whole philosophy behind Pharmacy is to discover new talent and release quality underground dance music that is made for the dance floor. I am talking proper heads down music.

Any new projects?

I have been collaborating on some new music with John 00 Fleming under our Fleming and Lawrence name. John and I have been having a lot of fun touring together as Fleming and Lawrence and the response has been phenomenal. We go into a venue and take over the night with extended 6-7 hour sets that really take the audience on a journey. I am also still working with my wife, Sara, on our project Mr & Mrs Smith, which is a tough underground progressive house sound. It is a lot of fun for us to get out and DJ together because it was music that originally brought us together.

What is the best kind of set to craft for an outdoor festival?

The best set for an outdoor festival is a banging set where every track is a winner. There is no room for filler at a festival. I plan on bringing my A game!

By: Jaime Booth Cundy and Donatella Connolly