Regularfantasy Mix
Hitting up Tapes #67 is Regularfantasy, a multidisciplinary visual and musical artist, producer, DJ and event organiser who’s been steadily crafting her signature sound since her first record, Slow Release (2013).
As a trailblazer for women and non-binary DJs in the Vancouver dance music scene, Regularfantasy has made a name for herself at the dawn of the so-called ‘Canadian Riviera,’ delivering a steady progression of instantly recognisable and lush vocal house productions.
Tracklist
Tony Carrasco - Transparenza
DJ Sensé - Hypnotic House Heroes 2
Livin’ Joy - Deep in You
?
Oxia - Smooth
Two Lone Swordsmen - Gay Spunk
The Spirit of Gipsy - Homo Sapiens
Laj and Quakerman - Hot Cake
Ian Pooley - Picture Palace
Freak Force - Future Music
Hey Liv - welcome to the Origins Tapes series! Can you start by introducing yourself?
Hi, my name is Liv, also known as Regularfantasy. I’m half of Plush Managements Inc. with D.Tiffany, also Ciao with DJ Robbie. I produce events under DYOR (Dig Your Own Rave) and run an artist space called Le Chateau in Montreal, QC.
Tell us about this mix - is there a particular genre or mood you were going for?
Laidback, tech-ey house to do household chores or get sexy.
From your band Ciao to your label Plush Managements with D. Tiffany, you seem to wear many different hats in your musical output. How would you compare your experiences in each of these projects and how do they tie into your sound?
I find I create ideas from my friendships and relationships with people, and the reality that I make with them. I like working with different people because different sides/tastes that are enhanced by these connections.
Your productions have a very unique aesthetic, which you often describe as ‘sentimental’ - where does this concept come from and what are some of your main influences?
I like to make music that is hard to place in a time - a combination of different eras old and new. I like songs that bring up fond memories of singing along to the radio, but not the full on memory of being 8 years old and ugly. I’m inspired by house producers that remixed pop songs in the 90’s (like Masters at Work, Todd Edwards, Kerri Chandler etc), whitelabel productions, bootlegs.. things like that.
You also ran your own DIY parties in Vancouver - tell us more about the scene there and what it’s like as a promoter?
I threw parties/events in Vancouver from roughly 2011 - 2019. I think I threw my first dance party called “Dance or Die” with DJ Lisa Frank at 151 East Hastings, when there used to be many art space lofts back in the day… Lots of people doing things in their lofts - which is hard to come by now (because of you-know-what). For the underground scene in Vancouver, I’d say it’s very “pro” and high quality. People take it seriously - it’s community oriented. After DJing for a while and being part of the scene, it was good as a promoter, there were lots of opportunities and support. Great friendships were formed and many of my event collaborators/fellow DJs consider throwing parties as an art practice.
Your solo productions and releases on Plush Managements sample some iconic pop songs - what was your sample selection/thought process behind choosing those tracks?
My process.. in ‘Love U Down’ - I used an acapella of a record that I had sampled. Often I hear remixes from past and present and they’re just not quite right for my taste, or there’s an awful breakdown or it sounds too “new”. I started making remixes just because I wanted to play certain songs but the “mix” didn’t exist. My approach is more like if I want to play something, I try to make it myself.
I know you’re playing in London this weekend! Where can we expect to see you in the foreseeable future?
July 30 2022: London - Origins at Night Tales
Aug 6 2022: Tbilisi - with Plush Managements Inc.
Aug 11 2022: Berlin - HÖR Radio w/ D. Tiffany
Aug 13 2022: Amsterdam - Kraft und Licht Festival with Plush Managements Inc.
And me and Soph (D.Tiffany) might have another gig lined up in Lithuania.
Thanks for being a part of the Tapes series!
Interview by: Isha Kewlani