Pretence: Embracing Darkness and the Journey Beyond

Sydney-born, Vancouver-based producer Pretence has spent a decade cultivating a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization. Now at the age of 28, he is on the cusp of what he describes as a significant turning point in his career. His journey began in 2015, when he was captivated by the immersive build-ups and melodic hooks typical of afterdark parties. Over the years, this early fascination has led him deeper into the underground realm of electronic music, ultimately shaping a hybrid style that is designed to unsettle while simultaneously moving the body.

Pretence's evolution has garnered attention from some of the industry's heavyweights, including Rezz, Sara Landry, I Hate Models, Nitti, and Martin Garrix, among others. This impressive list underscores the reach of his unique interpretation of darker electronic sounds. Recently, he released a notable remix on Mau5trap, prompting us to engage with him about his experiences of feeling like an outsider, his creative processes in various settings, and why it is crucial to stay true to one’s artistic vision.

When discussing the influences behind his sound, Pretence identifies it as dark electronic music that straddles house, electro, techno, and industrial genres. He embraces an approach that prioritizes atmosphere, energy, and emotion over rigid genre classifications. The darker influences that pervade his music, from artists such as Daft Punk and Gesaffelstein to Justice and ZHU, have played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic identity. Pretence is driven by the desire to create music that is raw and unpredictable, allowing him the freedom to experiment and develop a sound that embodies his originality.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Pretence expresses that feelings of being an outsider have significantly informed his artistic journey. As a child, he often felt disconnected from his peers, a sentiment that gave rise to his passion for music. It was during his time working at Subway that he channeled his earnings into Ministry of Sound CDs, immersing himself in the vibrant worlds of electronic music. Today, he sees his project as a space where he creates for others who may also feel like outsiders, fostering a sense of belonging through his music and its aesthetic.

His latest release on Mau5trap symbolizes a full-circle moment, bringing to life his childhood aspirations of being part of a label that has influenced him profoundly. For this remix, he challenged himself by taking a lighter, more melodic original track and infusing it with his signature dark and underground energy. It is this commitment to creativity and innovation that underscores Pretence's artistic philosophy, as he continues to navigate his evolving place within the electronic music landscape while encouraging listeners to embrace their own uniqueness.