Damon deGraff Shares Studio Insights, Afro-House Soul & More [Interview]

(damon deGraff / Image Credit: Karston ‘Skinny’ Tannis)

From the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean to the global dancefloor, merchant and damon deGraff are crafting a sound that’s as infectious as it is innovative. Their latest release, ‘Down Di Road’, a collaboration with Soca sensation GBM Nutron, is a masterclass in cross-cultural fusion, blending Afro House beats with the vibrant energy of the islands, released on May 16 via Masquerave Records. damon deGraff, a visionary who has already reshaped the music industry through his work with dGi Management, elevating talents like Mark Ronson and DJ Cassidy to stardom, now steps into the spotlight as a DJ/producer, cementing his legacy in Afro-Caribbean electronic music. 

Join us as we sit down with the duo to discuss their inspirations, their creative process, and the story behind ‘Down Di Road’.

How did your early musical influences spark the idea to fuse Afro-Caribbean vibes with electronic beats?

From my earliest memories, music was always a blend of cultures and sounds. Growing up, I was surrounded by Reggae and Calypso but also Adult Contemporary and early House music. I’d hear everything from Frankie Paul and The Mighty Sparrow to Phil Collins and C.C. Peniston.. So the idea of fusing Afro-Caribbean vibes with electronic beats wasn’t a concept I had to chase, it was something I was already living. That foundation rooted itself in me early and naturally shaped the way I approach music today.

What was the moment you knew ‘Down Di Road’ was going to be a summer dancefloor anthem?

Honestly, it started with an early demo Merchant and I were working on that had a Latin vocal sample, but the track itself had a clear Caribbean House energy. I knew right away it needed a Caribbean voice to really bring that to life. GBM was the first person who came to mind, he’s a powerhouse in the soca space, and I felt like he could really do the record justice. It was our first time working together, so I called him to explain the vibe. As soon as he sent the vocal back, I knew it was special. That’s when I realized we had something that could move dancefloors all summer.

How did GBM Nutron’s Soca energy shape the vibe of ‘Down Di Road’ during the collab process?

GBM’s energy was the missing piece. Soca artists have this distinct melodic swag, it stands on its own. There’s a rhythm, a cadence, and a rawness in the way they deliver that you just don’t find anywhere else. GBM brought that, and it gave the track a whole new life. It took the record from a cool vibe to a full-on anthem.

What’s the wildest thing you tried in the studio to get that Caribbean flair just right on this track?

Honestly, the record was always in the pocket—everything flowed pretty naturally. The wildest part wasn’t some crazy studio trick, it was probably just convincing each other that it didn’t need more. As producers, you always want to tweak and add, but sometimes the hardest—and boldest—thing is knowing when to leave it alone.

What’s the big dream driving Masquerave Records that keeps you both fired up?

The big dream behind Masquerave Records is really about creating with friends and giving artists a platform to explore sounds they might not have had the opportunity to before. It’s about building a space where collaboration is organic and experimentation is encouraged. We want to push boundaries, but do it in a way that feels authentic.

damon, what’s one trick you picked up from managing artists that you now sneak into your production game?

One trick I picked up from managing artists is knowing when to trust the vibe and when to push for more. Managing teaches you to balance patience with urgency knowing when to let creativity flow naturally and when to step in and elevate the work. In the studio, that translates to trusting my instincts but also pushing myself to refine tracks until they really hit. It’s about reading the energy.

The industry loves to throw curveballs—how do you keep your sound fresh without losing that Afro-House soul you’re known for?

The industry definitely throws curveballs, but for me, staying fresh means staying true to who I am. My Caribbean roots are the foundation; they’re the soul of everything I create. At the same time, I stay open to new sounds, technology, and collaborations that push me creatively. It’s about evolving without losing that core vibe. When you keep your identity front and center, the music stays authentic and fresh no matter the trends.

What’s the toughest call you’ve had to make to protect your music’s integrity over chasing trends?

The toughest call was saying no to opportunities that could’ve boosted exposure but didn’t align with the authentic sound I’m building. It’s tempting to chase trends, especially when they promise quick hits, but I’ve learned that staying true to my Caribbean-rooted style means more in the long run. Protecting that integrity sometimes means turning down the noise and trusting the journey even if it’s slower, it’s real and sustainable.

How do you push through the grind of the music biz without letting it dim your creative fire?

I push through the grind by taking everything in stride and creating from a genuine place of love and feeling. Operating from a spiritual place keeps my mindset balanced most of the time, so I don’t let the pressure or stress dim my creative fire. When you stay centered, the music flows naturally even when the business side gets intense.

If you could teleport ‘Down Di Road’ to any crowd in history, where’s it dropping and why?

If I could teleport ‘Down Di Road‘ to any crowd in history, it would be opening night of The Paradise Suite at Scorpios Beach Club in Mykonos. Picture that deep Caribbean bounce hitting just as the sun sets over the Aegean, surrounded by a bev of baddies and beautiful energy. Pure, elevated chaos. EPIC. This will happen haha

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