Future Classic : Project Pablo “Beaubien Dream” (SOBO)

Looks like a pretty impressive year is underway on the Montreal dance music scene. The very first release on the new Arbutus Records related SOBO (Sounds Of Beaubien Ouest) imprint is already a sign that great things are happening right now in Montreal.

Following EP’s on 1080p, Magicwire and Church, Project Pablo (aka Patrick Holland) comes forward with his strongest material yet on Beaubien Dream. The use of live instruments gives the title track a special kind of groove that both pushes toward a kind of Steely Dan finesse as well as vintage house. On first listen, Royal Plus and Closer seem to produce a similar warmth but also an utterly irresistible drive that reminds you that these tracks follow a sense of freedom, intuition and undeniable musicality.

We wanted to know more from the man who also co-runs ASL Singles Club.

Can you give us your perspective on the making and the sound of this new EP coming out on SOBO?

I was aiming for a bit of a live feel, hence the use of live recorded percussion, bass, guitar and keys on the title track. For the other two tunes (Royal Plus & Closer) I used a lot more swing in the rhythmic elements than I usually do. I also aimed for a more HiFi approach to the production, moving away from distortion techniques, over compress elements or filtering out higher frequencies.

How do you feel living in Montreal and it’s musical community has influenced the tracks you’ve been creating lately?

I feel the community is immensely positive. I made these tracks in 2015 just before Mutek, and around that time I was surrounded by many musicians/producers/DJ’s that all made me happy.

This is the first release on this new imprint called SOBO. Can you tell us more about the Arbutus affiliated label?

Yes, it was conjured but by Sebastian from Arbutus, myself, and Mason of Arbutus/Summer Cool. We aim to release records that remind us of the comfortable yet ecstatic vibe of the area we live in. We have releases lined up from folks world wide, crossing different styles and such.

Any upcoming releases you want to share with us?

SOBO002 is on it’s way this year, and I’ve got another 12″ of my own coming out on a label that I am very excited about, details for both coming soon.