Electro Boogie Encounter: Cyclist's Electro Boogie Encounter Special

This time our special is with the talented Canadian producer Mark Penner (A.K.A. Cyclist). With releases on Homebreakin', Continental Records, Punchout! not mentioning an array of remixes including his winner version of The Rapture’s "How Deep is Your Love", Shindu's ‘Just Go’, Heminghway's "Ace Neptune" and more recently Drop Out Orchestra's "Tough Love" (just to name a few) . Check out our interview and have fun with his new mixtape!

How was the beginning? Why you decided to leave Moses Mayes and move to solo carer? and what are your tips for the beginners?

I spent 10 or 11 years playing guitar in Moses Mayes. We got to do a lot of cool things... Released 3 albums, toured across Canada and the US and opened for people like James Brown, Herbie Hancock and Kool & the Gang. I learned a lot from playing in that band.

I started Cyclist while I was still in the band but it quickly became my priority. In 2011 I moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver so that's when I left the band.

A tip for beginners: learn piano.

Which are the biggest differences in playing in a band and play solo?

When you play solo you don't have to rely on anyone but yourself. There's no band members not showing up for a writing session or disagreeing with you on how a song should sound. But you're on your own and have to do everything! It's a lot of work.

Your sound is obviously influenced by the late 70's/early 80's music (like disco, funk and proto-house) . Which are your biggest influences?

I love synth based music from 80's boogie funk to new wave to 70's jazz fusion. I love four on the floor beats... Disco and house. And I love RnB and soul vocals. Put them all together and you have my favourite music.

How do you think the place you live in has influenced in your music?

Well my interest in funk, disco and dance music definitely happened in spite of growing up in Winnipeg not because of it. Living in Vancouver I got a lot more into house music because disco wasn't as well received when I played out. I'm living in Toronto now and there's a healthy love for disco and nudisco and a bit of a community of producers and DJs too so I've been able to really delve deep into disco.

How does your creative process work?

Usually I'll start jamming to a drum sample... Maybe a disco break, something with a good groove. I'll jam a bassline or synth chords.. Or lately I've been writing parts on guitar and then re-creating them on synth just because I write faster on guitar. It's all just jamming until I have enough ideas down that I can start editing together an arrangement. From there it's getting the mix right and adding the sprinkles.

How do you define your music?

Usually I just say nu-disco or if it's someone who doesn't know what that is I say disco or indie dance.

What are your dreams? Your motivation?

Touring around the world and buying recording gear

What do you use to make your tracks?

At the moment I'm mostly working in the box using ableton... Slowly rebuilding my gear collection.

What is your favourite set-up to make your DJ sets?

I use Serato mainly but I always have a USB ready as back up in case I need to hop on some CDJs. I do the occasional vinyl set at a local gig for fun.

Which are your favourite places to play?

At a monthly disco party I have with A Digital Needle called Beam Me Up here in Toronto... The crowd is very diverse and always ready to get down.

What were the weirdest and the funniest things that ever happened on a gig?

I played a gay bar in Seattle this past summer. There was a full on orgy right next to the DJ booth. It's amazing how quickly a 4 or 5 dude orgy becomes normal with the right surroundings... They had eased me into it with nudie pics on the TVs and then a male stripper, haha.. Wait a sec, not the orgy, they didn't ease me into the orgy, just watching it... Not that I was watching! Maybe I'll shut up now.

I know you already came to Brazil. What do you know about Brazilian music?

I got to see a group of percussionists, I think it was about 30-40 people... Some big drums, some smaller hand drums or tambourines. I can't remember what you call that type of group but it was great.

I also heard a lot of Baile Funk in the clubs but I didn't ever make it to a real Baile Funk party.

When will you come back to Brazil?

As soon as I get booked! ;)

What do you think about the music future?

I'm always optimistic about all things music. The future looks great from where I'm standing.

What's next?

I'm wrapping up a remix for Rogue Vogue, working on a new tune with Maiko Watson and I'm about to launch a new label with Karl Kling of RAC called MANI/PEDI Records.

Booking inquiries:
Sarah Hansson - Europe
sarah@holographicpeople.com

Grant Paley - North America
grant@paquinentertainment.com