MacD on Music: Year of the Cat

Derry has always been a town that attracts the finest musical talent from across the globe.

In years past, we’ve played host to Fleetwood Mac (the Peter Green version), Jim Reeves and (almost) the Beatles. In more recent years, we’ve had concerts from Chic, Elvis Costello and the Imposters and Pearl Jam.

This Saturday (18th February) continues our trend of drawing in the finest talent from around the world, with the Derry debut of Cozmic Cat, the Toronto-based electronic music DJ and producer, known for dynamic, fun and high-energy performances as well as unique and diverse artist partnerships. 

Recently signed to DaCosta Records (founded by Derry’s own Louise DaCosta, a familiar name to long time readers of this column), Cozmic Cat has released a number of EPs and albums and seen her music “signed, played and licensed worldwide; from Ballantines Whiskey, Indie films and podcasts to iPhone Mobile Apps.”

Her single ‘The Fixer’ (from her 2021 EP ‘Make Love’, released on He.She.They records) has got over 350K streams, appeared on Spotify playlists by Groove Theory and Ministry of Sound and made the top 20 on the Deep House Top 100 chart on Amazon Music.

As well as this, her music has garnered attention from such international DJs as Jamie Jones, Carlo Lio, Tommy Sunshine, Horse Meat Disco, Amy Elle, Just Her and more.

Internationally renowned, Cozmic Cat has lit up dance floors across the world, from Canada to South Africa and, in a few days, Derry, where she hopes to continue her mission to “spread Love , Unity and Diversity in Dancefloor culture worldwide”.

Tell me a bit about how you first got involved with the dance music scene?

I grew up travelling the world as a child and ended up as an adult in Philly  for some time, which had a huge impact on my musical upbringing.

I never understood dance music until one day I was in a club in NYC and just "HEARD" it and felt it in a spiritual way, different than I ever had before.

I became immersed in the world of dance music from the New York, but also from the UK and the scenes that sprung up around the world, around the culture and the music.

How do you find the Canadian DJ scene compares to other places?

From what I gather in comparison we as Canadians have a more global vibe, as we are extremely multicultural at least here in Toronto. Our music and nightlife is influenced by many different sounds, countries and genres.

Afro beat is massive right now, as well as anything Latin. For proper House we are influenced by Europe/UK alot as well.

What would you say have been some of the highlights of your career to date?

As a DJ one of my fav gigs was in Reykjavik Iceland as the crowd was so into it. I love playing at our own Toronto Pride Festival and also the iconic Electric Island festival in Toronto.

As a Producer, my biggest achievement has been releasing music overseas on labels like DaCosta Records (Ireland) and He.She.They (UK).

These releases have brought my music to a whole different audience and formed great relationships with like minded talented folks as well.

Is this your first time in Derry? Are you looking forward to it? 

First time! Cant Wait!!

Have you got anything else coming up you want to talk about?

I am part of a Docuseries called OUTRAVE talking about Queer folks in the dance music scene in Toronto coming out Feb 5th on USA based network RevryTV (@revrytv). I also composed some of the dance music used in the series.

I am working on a new EP, and also excited to attend the Brighton Music Conference this May,  and attend Dream Valley Festival, Defected Malta, and the Orbit DJ retreat in Ibiza this year.

Is there anyone else you think we should be keeping an eye on?

Keep your eye on all things Cozmic on IG @cozmiccatofficial or my website www.djcozmic.com. 

Anything else you want to add?

I am super thrilled to be playing with the legendary producer , DJ and record label boss Louise DaCosta at the Tap House!

Cozmic Cat plays the Tap House this Saturday, the 18th of February for what’s sure to be a great night out.

Also coming up is the release of Louise DaCosta’s new single ‘Fall’ (released on her own DaCosta Records). It’s out on the 24th February and will be available wherever music is sold.

Finally, before we part ways for another week, here come the socials. Cozmic Cat can be found on Instagram @cozmiccatofficial. Her music can also be found on Bandcamp. 

Louise DaCosta can be found @thelouisesacosta