Behind The Sound: Demarkus Lewis
We caught up with house music veteran Demarkus Lewis, a producer whose dedication to the craft has shaped a career covering nearly three decades. From discovering the spirit of house to building an enormous catalogue of releases and running his own label, Demarkus reflects on longevity, creativity, and the philosophy that continues to drive him forward.
Longevity & Staying Relevant
You’ve been releasing music for nearly three decades, what has kept you inspired and creatively driven through every phase of your career?
I think my love for music in general keeps me motivated. I strongly believe that I was given the creative spark at birth cause for as long as I can remember it has been a major part of life. Growing up I recall sleeping to music and having soundtracks in my dreams. I think it's not only a passion but also a creative addiction of sorts.
What do you think has allowed you to be consistent in such a fast-moving industry?
I never stop learning. I try to experiment as much as I can in hopes of one day getting to the impossible goal of being completely satisfied with my production skills. To me its my way of sharing a bit of myself without saying words. The key element here though is to never stop learning. I didn't go to school for this. I mean I took a music theory class in college but I found that doing it (in the practical sense) is how I better digest information.
How has as your relationship with house music changed over the years, or does it feel fundamentally the same as when you started?
Yeah well I could be corny and say I feel the same as I did the first time I heard MK – Always but truthfully I don't. There will never be a feeling like when I discovered 'The Feelin' of House. I can say that now after all these years of experiencing that feelin and sharing my take of it to the world its turned into more of a kindred kind of vibe. It's become a part of my DNA. I eat, sleep and breathe House as before I was just a fan.
“GOD created an artist and this is what I do”
Work Ethic & Prolific Output
Your catalogue is famously extensive, with over 100 singles and remixes. What has allowed you to sustain that level of creativity?
Truth be told that number has grown a bit. I just looked on Traxsource, they have roughly 3000 of my tracks available there for download under my main artist name and alias. This is just digitally as I released a lot of vinyl before the digital boom and still do vinyl releases to this day. I say dedication, passion, hard work and that addiction I stated earlier are the main driving forces behind my output. GOD created an artist and this is what I do. I spend at least 12 – 14 hours a day, 7 days a week (unless I'm out on the road for gigs or with family) in the studio either writing or learning.
“Tracks are like chapters in stories that only depict a specific moment in time. Just one shift in a song as simple as a different hi-hat or bass sound can change the tone of that chapter.”
With such a high output, how do you decide what’s ready for release and what stays in the vault?
Funny thing is everything gets released. I hardly ever leave anything unfinished. I would say 98% of my house and techno gets released. The only things I have in the vault or some D&B, Hip Hop productions that are solely for my ears only. I do release those every once in a while. When I first started to learn how to create this music in 1997 I realized that a track can never truly be finished. Tracks are like chapters in stories that only depict a specific moment in time. Just one shift in a song as simple as a different hi hat or bass sound can change the tone of that chapter. I know too many people that spend hours trying to 'Finish' a song but it will never be truly finished. If so there would be no need for remixes.
Beyond the business and the releases, what does creating music represent in your life today?
One simple word “Freedom”
Philosophy of House Music
What does “real house music” mean to you in 2026?
Well personally I think everyone has their own definition of what “real house music” is. I believe anything that makes you feel is real house music. House should be timeless. Genres change yes but the “feelin” should remain the same.
How do you balance respecting the roots of house music while still pushing your own evolution?
For someone like me its not a hard task as my foundation is based on the roots. Whether i'm doing Deep, Jackin, tech, soulful or afro my inspiration is stemmed from the basic roots of the sound. Again House is a feelin and like my big brother Kerri Chandler says “as long as it feels good and you stay true to the music”, that's House.
As someone who’s been part of house music for decades, do you feel any responsibility to preserve the spirit or foundation that first made it special?
I honestly just do what I do and try to stay away from the politics. I will say that it's an obligation that we all (fans of the music) need to preserve the culture. House is a way of life it's not just the music. It has grown into way more that just a 4/4 kick drum, hi hat and clap. If you say you are house, then you owe it to the culture to share and teach those who aspire to be a part of the movement.
Grin Music
What inspired you to start your own imprint rather than relying only on established labels?
When digital platforms began distributing music I realized I could release whatever I wanted to release whenever I wanted to release it. As an artist is not always about making money. Don't get me wrong though I did realize money is very important to be able to continue doing something so out of the box for a living. The struggles of an independent artist are very real. My output allows me to release on established labels with plenty of music available to determine whether I release my self or license tunes out to other parties.
“Just because you aren’t up on that wall it doesn’t mean your music won’t touch someone.”
How has running Grin Music changed your perspective on the industry?
The most beneficial thing is being able to see behind the curtain. As a business owner and an artist multiple hats are worn. Being able to monitor trends such as sales reports and marketing techniques helps when it comes to developing an alias or a sound. There are several levels in the 'industry' of dance music.
When you’re looking for music from other producers to release, what immediately captures your attention?
They have to be in the same lane as to what I'm doing. I don't look at image or social media content, I solely listen to the music. To me it has and always will be about the music point blank. I has to be something that inspires me and something I would play out myself in a set.
What have you learned about the business side of house music that less experienced artists often overlook?
Things are not always as they seem. People should realize that hype charts (not sales charts) are strictly up the the discretion of the stores that post them. It's like if you were to walk into a record store in the 90's and saw the records that the employees displayed on the wall. Just because you aren't up on that wall it doesn't mean your music won't touch someone.
Industry Evolution & Streaming Era
You started in a vinyl-dominated era, how has the shift to streaming and digital distribution reshaped the culture of house music in your opinion?
The biggest difference are the amount of people able to share their art to the masses. Before you needed a huge budget to release music. Now anyone with an idea can become a label owner. This has had it's positive and negative effects on the industry. It's allowed talented people an outlet, but also allowed people who just crave fame and mediocre music a seat at the table.
How has the culture around branding and online presence changed house music and the way artists build careers today?
It seems today the major shift from good art to good social media has become the focal point. Before I went years without knowing what my favorite looked like or sounded like when they spoke. Now it seems you can't have one without the other (audible/visual). Which I mean is cool and all, but it is what it is.
What concerns you about where dance music is heading, and what excites you?
I'm excited for the future. I've watched it grow from completely underground to being played in burger king. Some would say that it becoming mainstream is a bad thing. I say there has to be an above ground for there to be an underground … the underground will never die.
DJ vs Producer Identity
How does DJing influence your production, and vice versa?
Djing helps me to tap into that feelin when I'm producing. I tell you what … That first session in the studio after coming home from the road is undeniably amazing. Production helps me with arrangements and imagination while I DJ. They both feed each other.
How has the dancefloor changed over the years and has that change influenced how you produce?
Depends on the event. The underground shows show no major change. People still go out to dance at these events. The bigger “Main Stage” events are more like performance gigs where you see more spectators with phones out capturing the performance than sweaty floor jackers. Obviously if I'm doing a more Tech joint then I'm leaning on a more big room sound with bigger breaks and drops. Every track has it's lane and its avenue to explore.
Building Outside the Mainstream
You’ve built a highly respected career without chasing mainstream appeal. How important has it been for you to stay true to your sound, even as the wider scene has shifted around you?
I simply just do me. I like most of everything, but trance. I never go into a session with a certain intention. I just let it flow and age into whatever it's meant to become. So to me its quite simple just let it do what it do.
In an era obsessed with virality, how do you stay focused on longevity?
By not focusing on virality
“There has to be an above ground for there to be an underground … the underground will never die.”
Reflection & Forward Vision
After everything you’ve built so far, do you feel satisfied or feel like there’s more accomplish?
I'm proud with all I have accomplished for sure. I mean I never would have imaged at a young age that I would have had the chance to travel the globe, move to London for a stint or even touch so many people's lives, but rest assured I firmly believe there is so much more to do. When I stop learning only then will I stop creating.
If someone is discovering Demarkus Lewis for the first time today, what do you hope they feel or understand about your music?
I hope they understand that what I do is from my heart. I would hope that they know I don't expect them to like all of it but it would be amazing if even for just one second they could enter my orbit and leave with the feeling of a bit more peace and insight to the vibe of House. I believe I was created by GOD to share this light with the world.
When your career is looked at in hindsight years from now, what do you hope it represents?
Dedication, Hard Work & HOUSE!
“When I stop learning only then will I stop creating.”
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A huge thank you to Demarkus Lewis for taking the time to speak with us. With a career built over nearly three decades and thousands of releases to his name, his journey reflects a deep dedication to house music, constant learning, and a passion for the culture that continues to drive him forward.
Stay connected with Demarkus, keep an eye out for his upcoming projects.