Demarkus Lewis has built his name on consistency. Across decades in house music, he’s maintained a clear vision—groove above all else. His latest release, Move It Baby, reinforces that approach, stripping things back to the essentials while keeping the energy locked in. With crisp drum programming, a rolling bassline, and vocal elements that fit naturally into the mix, the track serves as a reminder that function and feeling don’t need excess to be effective.
In this interview, Lewis reflects on what defines his sound, why originality matters, and how he balances quality with output in an industry that demands both. He shares insights on artistic integrity, emphasizing that trends can inspire but shouldn’t dictate an artist’s approach. Instead, he focuses on what feels right—an outlook shaped in part by advice from Kerri Chandler, who once told him that if a track feels good to him, that’s all that matters.
Beyond production, Lewis speaks on the reality of being a working artist today. Long hours, constant learning, and finding financial sustainability all play a role in sustaining a music career. From running labels to engineering and DJing, he treats creation as an addiction, balancing passion with the practicality of making it a full-time pursuit. With Move It Baby now out on Brook Gee Records, Lewis continues to do what he’s always done—keep the groove moving forward.
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What’s the one sound or technique that you think defines your signature style in ‘Move It Baby’?
I think it’s the groove. Everything I touch has to have that one solid groove element. Solid drums laced with a proper vibe drives this tune. It’s all due to simple but effective sampling and finding the lane that compliments the moments captured.
Why do you think it’s important for artists to focus on developing their own sound rather than chasing trends?
Well to me the answer lies within the question with just that one word “Artist”.Artists are meant to chase trends in their art. Now it’s ok to be inspired by our peers but I don’t believe a true artist can call themselves an artist and fully mimic someone else’s vibe.
What do you think makes an artist’s music stand out in today’s crowded music industry?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think nothing is a given these days. It used to be quality over quantity but that way of thinking can assure your message will be overseen or drowned out in the endless sea of material these days. I think these days it’s Quality plus Quantity.
Some will argue that too much output is too much. I answer that by saying I am an artist and what I do is create music.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from another artist or producer and how did you implement that advice in ‘Move It Baby’?
Years ago I sent a remix I was doing of an Arnold Jarvis tune for Shelter Records. They sent it back saying that the vocal sounded out of key to them. I sent it over to Kerri Chandler to give me his take on it. He asked me “How does it Feel To You?” I replied It feels great to me. ” He then tells me “well that’s all that matters”.
Every track I’ve done since I’ve taken this outlook on it. If it feels good to me then that’s all that matters. Move It Baby feels great to me.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about the challenges of being a producer today?
It’s not all glamour.
There is a lot of hard work and long hours that go into creating this music. I spend at least 12 hours a day in the studio. There is a mixture of learning, experimenting and application within those 12 hours. Dedication and checking your ego at the door is a must. It’s hard for someone to only do music these days but it is possible if you are dedicated to your craft. You have to be selfish in this way of thinking and really manage your time wisely.
Education in finding monetary outlets within the industry is a must if you want to only do music full time. Creating singles and remixes is only a part of what I do in the studio. I do engineering work, consult, DJ and manage multiple labels. People call me a machine but I see it more as creation is an addiction.
The post Demarkus Lewis on Move It Baby, Artistic Integrity, and Navigating Today’s Music Industry—An Exclusive Interview appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.