Local artists are often overlooked in Saskatoon, Canada as part of my nightlife series I will touch base on one of our local artists. DJ Mama Purl' Halyk Duchess of Dub originally from Northern Manitoba, but has been in Saskatoon over 30 years. Take to Saskatoon street with her unique mix of music that is provided by her from many friends local and internationally. Her own music title derives from Euro Dub, music that comes from the heart of rave. As a local aboriginal artist she is an inspiration to not only aboriginal youth but youth in general. Now back from a personal journey of rediscovery, she is back on stage bringing out the music people have come to love. Here is what she had to say when i recently spoke to her in interview....
GreenRider: Who is all part of Duchess of Dub?
GreenRider: Who is all part of Duchess of Dub?
DJ Purl' Halyk Duchess of Dub: Myself, the music is from great friends made overseas here on FB.
GR: Can you elaborate a little more on that comment, who do you hold credit to?
Duchess: They write the music; I am given some and I buy the rest. I am in a way their messenger. I play their hard work in my mixes, I hold credit to them. I am the "middle-person" sharing the sounds further. Plus, as far as I know... the only native female dj to feature this sound, exclusively.
GR: Who are your musical influences?
Duchess: Well...
GR: Is there anyone that first inspired your music is what I mean ie you heard as an example a catchy tune by Queen or whoever.
Duchess: Influences could be from my past hearing from radio.
Duchess: That is one, other is more personal
GR: Do you care to share that one?
Duchess: Was thinking how to word the second part....
Duchess: Hmmm, ok from the early 90s, Our local CFCR had one show named "New House Culture" show. Hosted by Kevin K. and Techno Tom. I had the pleasure getting to meet them as I had to find a way to find copies of music they were playing. I went to Records On Wheels Much. Ran by Ron Spazerri, along the way I met Mike Babb (Dj Deko-ze).
GR: I am not to familiar with Record on Wheels, can you tell me a little about them?
Duchess: It was a record shop on 2nd Ave no longer around. Exclusive to vinyl and cassettes and cds.
GR: Thats unfortunate but at least they were able to help you on your start.
Duchess: This was where much of the underground music was ordered and purchased. I was friends with all of them.
GR: I am still getting familiar with a lot of musical background in Saskatoon
Duchess: It wasn't much long after Mike invited me to join a private rave club he hosted and played at. That old club was named the Plastic Puppet Motive, I went every weekend.
GR: What age range would you say your music is geared towards
Duchess: Any age.. my grantots fall asleep to some of my mixes that are deep dub and smooth.
GR: If someone was to ask, How would you describe your music to people.
Duchess: Euro dub from the heart of the rave culture. I have wonderful friends from all over Europe and more.
GR: Since some may ask this what exactly is Euro Dub
Duchess: Names of some of the many I know and acquainted with now are: Deepchord, Vytis, Lars Leonhard, Jelly For The Babies, Terry Lee Brown Junior. Only a few of many.
Duchess: I try to keep the flow constant; however some instances I need to "work" the crowd up for next dj, and I switch it up and begin to play some tech dub.
GR: Do you find at least in this province being a proud aboriginal woman hold you back at all, or do you find our roots help your more?
Duchess: I feel for me there is something about what I hear and what I play that "pulls" me to play it. I leave people specifics or heritage at the door. It's about the music and the music only.
GR: Good to hear, sometimes and you hear about it all the time, it can effect people sadly this province as much as I love it is fairly racist. Its getting better though, but lets move on.
Duchess: I just want to share a sound not heard in Canada... especially here. I am the only Dj to play dub aside from others I had heard feature it in Calgary areas or along those lines.
GR: Good to hear.
Duchess: Deko-ze told me he is amazed at what I do...what a doll he is at that.
Duchess: They write the music; I am given some and I buy the rest. I am in a way their messenger. I play their hard work in my mixes, I hold credit to them. I am the "middle-person" sharing the sounds further. Plus, as far as I know... the only native female dj to feature this sound, exclusively.
GR: Who are your musical influences?
Duchess: Well...
GR: Is there anyone that first inspired your music is what I mean ie you heard as an example a catchy tune by Queen or whoever.
Duchess: Influences could be from my past hearing from radio.
Duchess: That is one, other is more personal
GR: Do you care to share that one?
Duchess: Was thinking how to word the second part....
Duchess: Hmmm, ok from the early 90s, Our local CFCR had one show named "New House Culture" show. Hosted by Kevin K. and Techno Tom. I had the pleasure getting to meet them as I had to find a way to find copies of music they were playing. I went to Records On Wheels Much. Ran by Ron Spazerri, along the way I met Mike Babb (Dj Deko-ze).
GR: I am not to familiar with Record on Wheels, can you tell me a little about them?
Duchess: It was a record shop on 2nd Ave no longer around. Exclusive to vinyl and cassettes and cds.
GR: Thats unfortunate but at least they were able to help you on your start.
Duchess: This was where much of the underground music was ordered and purchased. I was friends with all of them.
GR: I am still getting familiar with a lot of musical background in Saskatoon
Duchess: It wasn't much long after Mike invited me to join a private rave club he hosted and played at. That old club was named the Plastic Puppet Motive, I went every weekend.
GR: What age range would you say your music is geared towards
Duchess: Any age.. my grantots fall asleep to some of my mixes that are deep dub and smooth.
GR: If someone was to ask, How would you describe your music to people.
Duchess: Euro dub from the heart of the rave culture. I have wonderful friends from all over Europe and more.
GR: Since some may ask this what exactly is Euro Dub
Duchess: Names of some of the many I know and acquainted with now are: Deepchord, Vytis, Lars Leonhard, Jelly For The Babies, Terry Lee Brown Junior. Only a few of many.
Duchess: I try to keep the flow constant; however some instances I need to "work" the crowd up for next dj, and I switch it up and begin to play some tech dub.
GR: Do you find at least in this province being a proud aboriginal woman hold you back at all, or do you find our roots help your more?
Duchess: I feel for me there is something about what I hear and what I play that "pulls" me to play it. I leave people specifics or heritage at the door. It's about the music and the music only.
GR: Good to hear, sometimes and you hear about it all the time, it can effect people sadly this province as much as I love it is fairly racist. Its getting better though, but lets move on.
Duchess: I just want to share a sound not heard in Canada... especially here. I am the only Dj to play dub aside from others I had heard feature it in Calgary areas or along those lines.
GR: Good to hear.
Duchess: Deko-ze told me he is amazed at what I do...what a doll he is at that.
GR: I can't wait to hear you.
Duchess: I feel humbled by all that has transpired so far. I serve the artists as messanger, I play for those striving for relief of the real world. I am The Duchess Of Dub.
DJ Purl' Halyk, love her or hate her, is is one of us. She continues to be an inspiration to people around her, as said before its not about your background its about bringing the spirit alive. Society is changing, some say its getting worse, I think its evolving. Check out the Duchess on Youtube and make your own own mind up, her offical site can be found at http://artistecard.com/purlgraham. A tre role model and hero is someone who has gone through the trials of life, from the good to the bad, and can keep their head up high...
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