Berlin-based Australian musician and producer Declan McDermott steps forward with his debut EP for Delusions Of Grandeur, bringing a raw yet soulful sound that reflects his unique journey through disco, funk, and soul music. Having cut his teeth as a multi-instrumentalist before delving deep into house and club culture, Declan naturally fuses his live musical talents with warm, analog-driven grooves.  The result is a record that feels equally at home on the dance floor and in the living room, carrying both emotional depth and undeniable energy.

We caught up with him to discuss the ‘Doin It All 4 U’ EP, house music in Berlin, biggest inspirations,  and more!

WWD: Welcome to When We Dip! What are you up to today?

Thank you for having me! I’m currently in Berlin, today I’ll be spending some time in my studio working on some new music with my friend and collaborator Joel Holmes.

WWD: Where are you from and where are you based now?

I was born in Sydney, Australia. I’m currently based in Berlin, Germany.

WWD: What do you love the most about where you live?

There is something about Berlin that gives me a sense of freedom, it feels like I am in the right place at the right time and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else at this stage of my life.

WWD: How’s the house music scene in Berlin?

Berlin is obviously known for techno, but there is a solid house scene that maintains a strong presence here. My personal favourite is Heidiglühen.

WWD: You’ve had a long career in music but for those who don’t know you, can you tell us what you’ve been up to musically?

I have worked on a wide range of projects as a session musician/producer/composer. Some highlights for me would be working with Blackloops on his ‘Always Moving’ LP for Freerange Records and working with Redpigflower on her ‘Practice Love’ LP.

WWD: You’ve been featured on some Lovebirds stuff. Have you done a lot of work with Basti?

Basti and I have been friends for some time now, and over the years we have done many sessions together and we have a large catalogue of music that we’ve created. We’ve also done some amazing studio sessions with musicians such as Derrick Mckenzie, Uri Gincel and Thomas Steiger.

WWD: We’d love to hear about the initial idea for your latest Freerange release ‘Doin It All 4 U.’ When did you first approach this concept and what was your original intention with this record?

‘Doin It All 4 U’ was composed and recorded around 2022, although the song has a pretty uplifting feel, it came from a very dark place of heartbreak and sorrow. I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of the intense, selfless love that I had just lost, and that I was still longing for.

WWD: Do you feel that you were able to accomplish all of your intentions on this release?

Absolutely, I am always trying to make productions with a sense of musicality that include various elements of live performance. I think that ‘Doin’ It All 4 U’ showcases that nicely.

WWD: Did the track flow easily or did it take some time to perfect?

I would say this one came together very quickly. I tried to keep everything as live/improvised as possible to create a consistent groove that didn’t feel too static or looped.

WWD: How much tweaking do you allow yourself before a track is finished? Do you set yourself limits or is it just as long as it takes?

It really depends on the track and how it is recorded and produced. I often find that if the track contains more live elements that I am actively playing that I tend to want to continually tweak things less than when I am programming drum machines/synthesisers. I’ve had some great moments where I’ve opened up productions that I haven’t worked on in ages and suddenly had this huge burst of ideas, so I try to go with the flow.

WWD: What are you most proud of with ‘Doin It All 4 U’?

I’m proud that I was able to showcase so many aspects of what I’m able to do as a musician/composer and a producer while also retaining a sense of meaning in the track. 

WWD: What was the most challenging part of bringing this release together?

Letting go and accepting that it’s ready for release. Luckily I’m working with a great label that I respect, so I can always trust their feedback. 

WWD: The Tom Trago remix is pretty dope! How do you feel about it?

Really into the Tom Trago remix. I love that it brings something completely different to the original, can’t wait to hear this in the club!

WWD: You’re also releasing on Delusions of Grandeur. How did you link up with the guys initially and why did you feel this was the right place for your music?

I was fortunate enough to get in contact with the guys at Delusions through Lovebirds. I would often ask Basti for feedback and new stuff I was coming up with. After listening to one of my new playlists he suggested that Delusions might be a good fit and was kind enough to send some stuff through to them. I had a great experience working with the team at delusions/Freerange during the making of the Blackloops ‘Always Moving’ EP, had always heard great things about them through respected colleagues and was very impressed with their releases over the years, so I was confident it was a great label to work with.


WWD: What drives you to create music?

I have had music in my life for as long as I can remember, it is my sole purpose and the only way I can truly express myself. My music is directly driven by my life experience.  

WWD: Who are the artists and icons that inspire the music you make? 

There are so many, but to name a few: Prince, Parliament Funkadelic/George Clinton, Underground Resistance/Mike Banks, The Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, James Brown, Chic, Jamiroquai, Joe Zawinul.

WWD: What is your ideal setting for creating music?

It doesn’t matter where I am, what setting I’m in or what equipment I have access to, it’s about the moment in my life, how I’m feeling and what I’m trying to express.

WWD: Where do you find the most inspiration when it comes to discovering new sounds?

I find that I am often looking into the past for inspiration. I try to listen to music that is rich in harmony, well recorded and has a point of differentiation. But I also think it’s good to explore as much music as possible regardless of when/how it was made.

WWD: Who do you think is making great music right now?

To name a few: Joel Holmes, Ghost-Note, Thomas Steiger, ZFEX, and Matt Johnson.

WWD: What has been one of your favourite moments from the past year?

Would have to be a tie between studio sessions with Lovebirds, Derrick Mckenzie, Uri Gincel and Thomas Steiger or performing with Blackloops at the ‘Always moving’ release party at Prince Charles in Berlin.

WWD: What else is cooking for Declan McDermott?

I am often producing and composing music alone, so I want to start exploring music in a band format with musicians who bring something new to the table. In some ways moving forward, in many ways going back to where it all started… the rehearsal room. 

WWD: Sounds amazing! Thanks for the chat 🙂

Thanks!

‘Doin It All 4 U’ is available here.