Jeremy P. Caulfield On: Dumb-Unit, Berlin And Hearing Aids...

There aren't many artists that have a history with as many varied chapters and stories as Jeremy P. Caulfield. One of Toronto's most revered 4/4 exports, the Berlin-based visionary's excellent Dumb-Unit label is home to some of the most intricate and modern sounds across the spectrum. Beyond creating polished, edgy tracks and touring the globe over, Jeremy's latest adventure was a hiking trip to the Alps, with Alex from Vakant, after a weekend playing at his residency at Watergate. He's agreed to share his tales and photos with us on this here blog next week - but let's first check in with the man himself...

Mr. P. Caulfield, you have the floor…for anyone not familiar with you - how would you describe your sound?
Well, my sound has been previously described as TIGHT...but I think that has changed a bit, I'm more organic now than ever, yet at the same time I'm cautious of any decoration that might take away from the essence of a track. So even when I'm playing a more natural and organic sound, there is a strict sense of control and a (mechanical) frame I like to stay within. It's a modernist's approach to being organic I guess...

You have been cited (many times over) as being a key player in developing Toronto’s techno scene in late 90s - what made you decide to re-locate to Berlin?  Did you feel that you had reached an artistic plateau in Canada?
Yes, as I always said, that while I loved Toronto and it was good to me (and miss it) it was a DJ's city, not a producer's city. It's a bit localized and a little bit insular. I simply wanted to focus on the bigger picture: tour distant places and be more connected to the nuisances of the scene. The thing I like about Berlin is that everyone and everything is moving so fast that there's no time to figure out who's more successful or busier. There's more of a focus on simply being a contributing citizen to the electronic music community - seeing the organism develop as whole. And while of course you still have to focus on your own shit there's just such a network in place that it all feels very natural.

What is it you enjoy most about Berlin? What do you miss most from Toronto?
Berlin: Big apartments with wood floors and high ceilings, cheap rent, my bicycle, the galleries, a city that evolves by the day, being close to the source - software, hardware, producers, media, suppliers. My friends and the feeling you're in the middle of something historic.
Toronto: My parents family and friends, the excellent book shops, chicken wings and hockey, film matinees (the ultimate luxury of working for yourself!).

After almost 15 years DJing, what motivated you to take the big leap and start up Dumb-Unit?
I need something tangible to feel like I'm moving forward in life. Just putting music out on other people's labels, getting 5 promo copies and a pat on the back is not enough for me. I need to feel that there is a system that I am in control of: the sound, the brand. I am, and have always been, a creative director. I also enjoy the alternative avenues that having your own label and brand - separate from yourself - allows. First off, there is strength in numbers -  having many artists allows us to promote each individually, which adds to the Dumb-Unit feeling. Also I have a great logo and when I get too old for all of this, my hearing aid company will already have its foot in the door brand wise.

What are you working on with Dumb-Unit at the moment?
Right now we are focusing on a continuous flow of strong EPs. We've signed a lot of new artists yet still have a roster that is manageable. Ahmet Sisman, From Karaoke to Stardom are two new guys we've brought on. Additionally we're working on an album fromSeph - and him and I are completing some new tracks together. I've also been touring a lot, last year was relentless. This year I have had a bit more time to sit in the studio and work on my own things. We are also doing a lot of label nights, which is a great way for all of us to travel and hang out together. This is a really important part of Dumb-Unit. And finally I also have my two residencies in Berlin at Watergate and Weekend - and again, we always have our DU crew coming down to play!

Indeed - you’re set to be joining us along with your Dumb-Unit crew on 21st November - what should the fabric faithful be expecting in Room Two?
Well, since Cesare is from London he'll have a good crew in the house. Just like how it is when he visits me in Berlin. This is really important, as your friends and dedicated fans are very much a part of the energy of a room. They know your style and sound and demand the best...so I'm really looking forward to being able to build off this energy and connect with a town that is not my own.

What would you say was the highlight of your career so far?
After doing this for this long, highlights to me are simply when things are running smooth and everyone is happy, playing, busy, healthy etc. We have a new energy this year and working with better people than ever. So I would say the synergy that exists right now is a real highlight. Alex and Tanja, my bookers at Harry Klein, Mino and Ingo - who are my partners with me at the label - we are all pushing to ride out this tougher economy, and I find weathering the storm to be fun...

What are your plans for the future?
For me personally, I'm writing a lot and doing features on some of my adventures while on the road. So I would like this to continue and possibly reach a wider audience. I meet so many interesting people on the road that it has become natural to write about them and their escapades. Additionally my girlfriend and her partner opened up a cafe in Berlin last year. It's a great place and they really did it right. So now I'm jealous and want to be part of this scene, so together we are in very, very, very early discussions about doing something of - perhaps  - a bar in the future. I would like to be able to be be ready to contribute to this in a few years...and I have a logo idea too...