Interview with My Favorite Robot
We had the opportunity to interview Toronto electronic duo My Favorite Robot and get some insight into their upcoming plans and what drove them to where they are today. MFR have been nominated for Ibiza’s DJAwards under ‘Best Label’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ and will be playing Toronto this Labour Day Weekend for Electric Island.
My Favorite Robot consists of Canadian DJs/Producers Jared Simms and Voytek Korab. What brought the two of you together?
We met in Montreal at a loft party Jared was throwing and just hit it off and since we were both playing a similar style of music we ended up starting the duo which later became MFR.
MFR has played some of the world’s best clubs and festivals. Which are a few of your favourite places to play?
Circoloco at DC10, Rex in Paris, Hive in Zurich, Uberhaus/Garten in Beirut, Piknic Electronik in Montreal and of course Electric Island in Toronto. Always fun to play at home.
Having played your music in many countries, how does Canada’s electronic scene compare to those around the world?
Canada’s scene has grown so much in the last 10 years. The scene has always been strong here but in the last few years we have definitely caught up to our European friends. It’s been a great thing to witness.
You quote that your “vision is simple. Ignore the norm and broaden the definition of electronic music in order to deliver it to as many music lovers as possible.” What drives you to push those boundaries and create something that didn’t exist before in the genre?
The thing that drives us most is our influences. Since we don’t come from the funk and disco side of things, our sound has always been a bit of a nod to the shoegaze days and that darker sound of the 80’s and 90’s. That kind of directs our sound since the beginning and we’ve always made it a point to stick to what we believe in and not sway from our roots.
In your opinion, what are a few of the best venues in Toronto?
Coda is definitely a great venue to play and Parlour is also one of our favorites for a homey vibe.
Who are some of your favourite Canadian electronic artists right now?
Fairmont, SidLeRock, Drugface, Stefan Z
You formed the My Favorite Robot Records label in 2008, shortly after Jared moved from Toronto to Montreal. What drove you to take this farther than just making your own music?
Meeting Jonny White and Nitin was the catalyst for that. Both Jared and I knew that our taste in electronic music was slightly different than most and when we met those guys they underlined that fact and suggested we start pushing the style and artists we like as nobody at the time was really doing that on this side of the pond. Ten years later we can definitely say we’re glad we listened.
What do you find are the differences between the Toronto/Montreal scenes?
In the 90’s and early 2000’s the two scenes were like night and day really. These days the connection between the two cities is quite strong with lots of back and forth from artists and promoters. It’s become quite the harmonious family which you couldn’t say back in the day and it has helped the scene become that much bigger and more successful.
You guys are on episode 9 of the MFR Crossing Wires podcast, how did the podcast come about and what are your future plans for it?
We’ve been doing the Crossing Wires brand for a few years now starting with the compilations which we are still doing. We also used the name for our label showcases around the world and so it was a no brainer to carry on with that for the podcasts. Lots more to come and we’re happy the podcast series has been such a success while showcasing some of our amazing group of artists on the label.
Can you tell us about your upcoming tour in September?
We’re very excited to start the month at Electric Island as it’s always a family reunion of sorts. Then we’re off to the other side of the pond to play in Paris, Secret Garden in Barcelona with Christian Loffler, DC10 in Ibiza, Helsinki with Jori Hulkkonen and Oasis festival in Morocco with our pal Kenny Glasgow and Solomun. A pretty incredible way to end the summer and we simply can’t wait!
What does My Favorite Robot have planned for the rest of 2017?
More touring as always for the act as well as some new music in the pipeline that we hope to release before the end of the year. The label continues to release some great artists with some amazing music coming from the likes of Rodion, Jori Hulkkonen, Stefan Z and Villanova among others. We’re certain you won’t be disappointed!
You can see My Favorite Robot live at Electric Island this long weekend! Tickets are available at http://electricisland.to/
