Detroit selector Drivetrain talks about his forthcoming return to his own Soiree Records imprint, releasing a brand new VA which includes music from DJ Cent, DistantLover, Marshall Applewhite – and Drivetrain himself.
We spoke to him about the new release, how his native Detroit has changed over time, and more.
How is life for Drivetrain in 2025?
Things are going pretty well so far. I’ve just returned from a three country mini-tour. It was alot fun and inspiring. I’ve played a lot more gigs this year and have plenty more to come. Soiree Records is on its second release of 2025, the Resilient EP. As always this will be available on vinyl, digital and streaming formats. I’m also working on new material which will be released on other labels. So I’ve been pretty busy.
You’re about to release a new VA project on your own Soiree Records, how would you describe the sound of the four tracks on this one?
Resilience is the name of the EP. Side A is for the house heads. It has those soulful, deep elements to captivate the listener, coupled with a rhythm track that says, “I will not be denied.” Both tracks have been tried and tested as 100% floor fillers.
While Side B takes a slightly different approach. Track one has that disco feel that instantly gets your body moving with its quaking 4/4 pulse. The closer on the B side takes it up a notch with a multi-purpose banger. Rock the house floor or the techno floor, dealer’s choice. All-in-all, Resilience has something to move anyone with a pulse.
And it includes all Detroit artists, is that a focus that’s important to you?
When selecting tracks for this particular release, that was not the goal. It just kind of happened that way. As a Detroiter, it has always been my ambition to push artists from Detroit. In my DJ sets I make it a point to include tracks made by Detroit producers. As a label owner, I’m surrounded by an unlimited amount talent in Detroit. So it’s inevitable that many releases will include their music which I proudly champion. I’m very fortunate to have a platform and the resources to support these phenomenal artists.
You’ve been releasing music for over three decades now, what are some of the less obvious changes you’ve noticed in how the music industry operates?
Promotional strategies have changed with the advent of the Internet and Social Media. Years ago it was all about the physical magazine, or printed material. Now, promotion is mostly done online. It may be somewhat easier to have music online, but with so much music available the challenge is getting your promotions seen and your music heard. Since the digital revolution, music in general is not profitable like it once was. This has impacted business workflow, how labels attract artists, etc.
And what’s one of your favourite memories of the Detroit club scene over that time?
There have been so many great memories. The Music Institute and Motor Lounge were huge in earlier years. Then came the festivals: DEMF now Movement, Tec-Troit, Charivari. I’ve played them all. I also remember performing live with two keyboard players, singers, dancers, flamethrowers; a whole production. We performed in several cities. But the most memorable performances were headlining at two large concert venues in Detroit. It has been quite a thrilling ride.
What else might we hear coming soon from both yourself and Soiree Records?
I have music coming out later this year on 4 (or more) European labels. I’ll be playing some summer festivals in the US. This will lead to another UK/European tour later this year. As for Soiree Records, after the Resilience EP, we have another four track compilation to feature artists from 3 countries. That will be followed by a long anticipated remix EP of a vocal track from another label.
Anything else you want to mention before we finish up?
First I’d like to invite all to checkout our newly designed website. Our site designer Dealan has done an amazing job making our content available and easy to access. And there is more expansion in the works. Also, I want to briefly talk about the rise in vinyl record sales. I was recently educated about a new consumer group of young vinyl buyers. Many of these vinyl junkies don’t have anything to play records on. However, they love the tangible element. If you are not a vinyl junky, or you do not own any vinyl records, I would encourage you to try it out. If not for the pleasure of holding music in your hand (and listening to it if you have something to play it on), try it for the entertaining and inspiring experience of “crate digging”. Going to a record shop, listening to a variety of music. The staff is making recommendations and you’re drilling through the bins. Meeting like-minded people and making lasting relationships all through the magic of music. It’s always worth the trip!
Drivetrain – Resilience is out May 26th on Soiree Records.