Ep. #010: Featuring Montaze

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Hey there! Welcome to Guildie, where you get actionable advice from first-rate DJs fueling the GTA’s flourishing electronic dance music scene. (This newsletter is sent out every Wednesday, but we’re trying Thursday morning this week!)

Today, we’re happy to feature Montaze, a DJ, producer, and newcomer to Toronto’s rave scene. If you haven’t caught up with him at a local event just yet, now’s your opportunity to get the scoop on an emerging producer in the area.

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What to Expect 

• Like Father, Like Son

• Utilizing Social Media’s Trending Tracks

• Working as an Independent Artist

• Making Connections Through Local Events

• Forming a ‘Digital Resume’

Note: Guildie is still in its early stages of development. If any changes or additions could be implemented to improve your reading experience, please message me at [email protected]. I’ll be working to refine the newsletter each week! :)

–Merchant (@ohmymerchant)

Introducing Montaze

Name: Montaze (he/him)
Place of Origin: Toronto, Ontario
Genres: Big Room // Electro House // Hard Techno
Affiliations: Independent
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Socials: Instagram // SoundCloud // Spotify
Bookings: Via DM

Overview

“DJ Montaze aka ‘Montaze’ is a Toronto-based DJ and producer known for his energetic Big Room tracks and electrifying Electro House club sounds.”

Q&A

Q: When did you begin your journey as a DJ? Why did you decide to start?

A: “At home, I would be in the living room playing Mario Kart and hear my father, who also happens to be a DJ, blasting his music from the basement. One day, I was curious about what he was doing and went to check out what the whole commotion was, and that’s when I learned the basics of djing—all while playing on this small Numark DJ2GO2 controller.”

Q: How do you go about building a set that keeps the crowd engaged? Does this differ depending on the type of gig?

A: “Once you know the sound or genre that you’ve been assigned to DJ, usually you start to create a set of tracks catered to exactly that. I would say it’s fine to play whatever it is that you have in your kit, but if you’re opening or closing, it’s good to know how to set or maintain the tone for bigger DJs on the lineup."

Q: How do you manage to stay current with music trends and discover new tracks?

A: “I’ve found that when looking for new tracks that you might wanna play for an upcoming event, Instagram & TikTok have many of the sounds that are trending at the moment. But if you’re looking for newer tracks in a specific niche or genre, Soundcloud, Spotify, or YouTube Music is the way to go.”

Q: What were the most significant challenges you faced early in your career? How did you overcome them?

A: “Overcoming the feeling of playing in front of people for the first time & figuring out what kind of DJ I wanted to be whether, it was a casual, club, wedding, etc.”

Q: What strategies have you found effective for building a personal brand as a DJ and establishing a fan base?

A: “As an independent artist, knowing how to promote your music through Instagram specifically, and I think finding that visual aesthetic for your profile has been a huge help. In today’s modern age as a DJ, it can also be seen as your resume/portfolio.”

Q: Can you share a memorable gig experience where something unexpected happened? How did you handle it?

A: “A memorable gig that I did was my high school dance in grade 10. Thankfully, it went just as planned. But, had it not been for my father being there to lend me his equipment, there might have been a lot of unexpected difficulties that could’ve delayed the event.”

Q: What do you love most about the current scene? Is there anything you hope to see improve over the next few years?

A: “I recently got into the Techno scene by discovering new Techno collectives based in Toronto such as Takeover 6ix, The Industry, House of Summons, and more. I’ve always been more of a festival guy but going to these smaller shows and seeing more local DJs recently has been beneficial and a great experience!”

Q: What role has mentorship played in your journey as a DJ? How can new DJs find mentors or guidance in the industry?

A: “I think building connections through small local events as a new DJ is a big help. Also, since you’re most likely advocating for yourself, it’s good to also reach out for any sort of opportunities you might find on social media or in person, whether it’s a gig to showcase your talent or even a workshop to sharpen your skills.”

Insights

Start Small and Work Your Way Up. Begin with smaller gear and gigs build your confidence and refine your skills. Progressing gradually allows you to learn without the pressure of large crowds, helping you master the basics and grow your audience naturally.

Know the Event’s Sound and Stick to it. Every event has its vibe—whether it’s a chill lounge, a club night, or a wedding. Understand the crowd's expectations and match your set to the tone, ensuring you deliver the right energy and keep the dance floor alive.

Use Social Media to Find Trending Sounds. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and SoundCloud are goldmines for discovering what’s hot. Stay ahead by incorporating trending tracks or genres into your mixes, helping you stay relevant and connect with your audiences.

Identify the Type of DJ You Want to Be. From club DJing to mobile events, or becoming a producer-DJ hybrid, knowing your niche helps shape your brand and career path. Explore different styles and genres to see what resonates with you the most.

Get Familiar With Local Collectives. Local DJ collectives or communities can open doors to gigs, collaborations, and mentorship. Attend meetups, open decks, or networking events to immerse yourself in the scene and build meaningful connections.

Mixes & Productions

Here’s a list of Montaze’s most popular productions on Spotify:
Montaze - Genjutsu
Montaze - Notification
Montaze - Enter
Montaze - To be continued

Recommendations

Recently Played

ISOxo - how2fly // Released October 20th, 2023.
Control Freak - EYES ON ME (Sped Up) // Released October 7th, 2024.
No Mana, Vowl. & Leyla Diamond! - Falling In Love // Released March 21st, 2024.
nuphory - Leave The World Behind // Released January 31st, 2024.
Haywyre - Chromatically // Released January 25th, 2024.
Alan Walker - Lifeline (feat. LOVA) // Released August 7th, 2024.

Favourite Artists

No Mana // For electrifying and nostalgic House productions.
Hardwell // For legendary, timeless EDM staples.
DURDENHAUER // For synth-heavy Hard Techno and radio remixes.
Funk Tribu // For high-energy, soulful grooves.

Top Organizations

INK Events // For “memorable, exclusive events with world-class DJs, musical talent, and entertainment at grand venues across North America.”
Takeover 6ix // For anti-commercial Techno events based in Toronto.

Learning Materials

Numark DJ2GO2 Overview // Video by Crossfader.
How to Organize a Rekordbox Crate // Short by @createhackers.
Finding Trending Tracks on Instagram // Blog by Buffer.
The Different Types of DJs // Blog by Pirate Studios.
How to Promote Your Music in 2024 // Blog by LANDR.

And a final note from Montaze: “To be an independent artist/DJ/producer at the beginning can be overwhelming. Trust the process, focus on being consistent, and engage with your supporters through socials.”

As always, if any improvements could be made to the newsletter, let me know about them at [email protected]. I greatly value your time and readership.