Prince Club, a Montreal based duo bringing classic techno and house vibes to the scene, has been on my as well as many others’ (from house heads to house legends) radar since late in 2010, where tunes like “Love Jackson” and “La Charma” hit the blogosphere and the crate rotation to massive effect. Everyone from Brodinski to Riva Starr to Mowgli and others the world over were playing out their tracks and sharing the tunes on the internet, and it’s not hard to see why; their delectable tech house style is easily added to anything from a boozy day party on the beach in Miami or to sunrise hours at a dark warehouse in Berlin.

Originally MadKids (until Riva Starr gave them a sharp but respectable nudge to change their name), Max and Zach have been working together as musicians since their teenage years. After coursing from hardcore bands to dubstep to what is now a salacious blend of techno and house, I think they’ve definitely found their niche. Frequently blending latin-inspired claps with cheeky vocal edits and vintage house drums, Prince Club has consistently released solid dance tunes since their first EP on Discobelle. I’m not surprised record labels like Riva Starr’s Snatch! and Jesse Rose’s Made To Play have followed suit in pursuit of the young Canadian music makers for a release (or two) as well. With their releases and remixes often hitting the tops of the house charts and front pages of Beatport, and sets in the bag at some of the most legendary venues and festivals across the world (Ministry of Sound, Nuits Sonores, Razzmatazz, etc), I see very big things in Prince Club’s future. Keep an eye out for these kids in 2012, check their lively sets wherever you can, and get to know them a little better with the interview I had with Max (on the left in pictures) below. Their track made just for us at Media Contender, Detroit, is a good little testament to the city of techno with a bit of an edgier, darker vibe than what Prince Club may be used to. Bladerunner techno.

Sup dudes? Where are you guys now, what are you doing, and most importantly, what did you do last night?

HEYYY guys! Thanks for having us! We are both in the cold city we call home: Montreal. I stayed in last night making music because it’s cold! hahahaha

Can you tell us a bit about your progression in the scene? Where’d you start, how’d you meet, etc.

Well, We started off in a band; Zach was the lead singer and I played drums. We had a good run until we broke up and everybody went their separate ways. At that time I was into making electronic music and with the help of one of my friends, I started making beats on Abelton; Dubstep mostly because at the time my friends were into Benga, Skream, DMZ, etc. Coming from a “hardcore” band it was kind of similar in energy and rhythm so it came pretty naturally. Simultaneously, Zach had started DJing and had bought all the right equipment (CDJs, mixer, etc).
A year later, we re-united at a school for sound engineering here in Montreal. One day, Zach showed me a bootleg remix of “3 Is A Crowd” that had a great bass but was missing a few elements. So I took it home, worked on it all night, came back and played it for him in one of the school studios. I will never forget that day, jumping around the studio together after the first drop.
After making music together, and having a working relationship of our old band, it was only natural that we team up. That same day we chose a name over lunch (MadKids) and just started churning out tunes. And here we are now!

You guys have noted that the efforts are mostly split into Max on the production tip and Zach on the DJ tip. Do you think you’ve been able to help each other or respect what the other does in different ways?

Yes we both bring our strengths to the table, which makes us a great team. Zach has proven himself as the talented DJ and I continue to show my strengths as a producer. However, we continue to help each other improve in order to be great at both. I’ve purchased CDJs and a mixer and practice daily, and Zach has produced some great stuff under his alter-ego “Forrest”. Keep an eye out for it.

You guys are both from abroad, with a sound that’s largely Berlin based… with that said, what’s your favorite part, musical and otherwise, about the states? Least favorite part?

It’s great to come down and play in the States! Such a wide and varied demographic to cater to. The supporters are great too; if people like your sound, you blow up! Also Americans party hard so it makes you play harder and we love that. Especially when we get to play in places like Avalon in Los Angeles; you feel the energy, the response is instant, it makes you go that extra mile.
Our least favourite part is the long, drawn out customs process. I know it’s necessary but Canada is your younger brother from the north! Let us in your beautiful country!

In a similar light, with modern technology music can instantly be shared all over the word instantaneously. With that, why do you think there’s such a strong variety in tastes amongst countries and even cities?

THE BLOGOSPHERE! It’s pretty crazy how the internet has changed music and created fanbases for artists/genres in areas no one thought possible. A couple months ago in Montreal ”footwork” was super popular. Most of the people didn’t really care what name it had or who played it; if they liked it, they liked it. There’s something great about that. If you put out good music people will catch on to it. At the same time some trends are made to be followed for a short period of time because it’s fun. It’s a science really why some sounds are massive in a city and somewhere else not. Best example, I met this singer who was in a pop girl group that was very successful in Canada but their “fame” didn’t transfer to the states.

What’s one piece of equipment or software you wish existed for DJing? for producing?

OMG there’s so much!!! It would be great if there was a way to produce the music that you hear in your head instantly. Imagine the moments when you hear a song in your head you could have it all instantly on your computer!

Favorite non-electronic albums/artists/tracks at the moment?

I’ve been listening to that ”old” Jhene Aiko mixtape. That stuff gets me; slow, emotional music.
Also there’s this track i found on a vinyl, white label. It’s like 80 bpm experimental drums only music. It’s insane!!! Maybe its 160 bpm but I play it on 33rpm and it’s slow and perfect.

Dream festival or gig you’d like to play?

There’s so many! The parties in Palm Springs during Coachella would be a lot of fun, also Love Family Park in Germany or Timewarp. Immediately, we’d like to do a proper US tour, get a chance to play some venues across the States.

Finally, tell us a little bit about the track you’ve made for us:

It’s a deeper, darker vibe then what people is use to hearing from us, but sometimes that’s what the winter does to a man. A true anthem to the winter blues.