Demarkus Lewis: 2022 has been quite the busy one

Nightsteppaz' Vibe Me To The Moon imprint prepares to round off their 2022 release schedule as they welcome longstanding US artist Dermarkus Lewis to the label. The single, Listen & Understand, sees the Grin Music boss deliver a deep cut in his distinctively warm sound.
We caught up with the man himself to find out more.
— Hello Demarkus, and thanks for taking the time to chat to us. How are you and from where are you talking to us?
— All is well down here in the dirty south aka Dallas Texas.
— How has 2022 been for you so far? Any highlights?
— 2022 has been quite the busy one. Each year holds it's own highlights and this year has been no exception. I've had the pleasure of releasing quite a few floor fillers as well as had the honour of doing some really cool shows around the states. Remixes and original material came full blast out of the studio all leading up to a more productive output on stores like Traxsource and Beatport as well as doubling my Spotify Streaming fans.
— Congratulations on your new singletitled "Listen & Understand"coming on Vibe Me To The Moon! How did you get signed to the label?
— I recall how we met as being a part of an inquiry about doing a release for their sister label Eyedyllic in 2020. We then proceeded to keep the relationship alive when they requested a remix for Vibe Me To The Moon which led to this debut original release on the label.
— Can you talk to us through the release and what fans can expect when it drops?
— This release is a proper underground smasher with heavy vibes on that 90's house tip. Chord stabs and jacked out drums fuel this flame with the help of a sick deep bass line and a catchy vocal hook that demands you to Listen & Understand.
— Who have been your musical influences and idols over the years?
— This is a very common question I get and the answers remain the same with my influences being Kerri Chandler, Jovonn, Glenn Underground and Mr.G just to name a few.
— What are your passions outside of music, and do you think these things inform your musical direction in any way?
— My other passions really are Video Games and Cinema. These really harbour their own space in my heart and don't necessarily bridge any gaps but allow me to step away for relief as I'm always in the studio working on something.
— How's everything going with Grin Music? Any particular goals achieved in 2022?
— Grin Music is going strong. This year we moved things up by signing to a new distribution company and label management which will free us up to sign more amazing artists.
— Finally, as we're approaching NYE – any New Year's resolutions you are willing to share?
— Honestly I try not to do resolutions as I've found they always set you up to fail in the end.
— At last, do you have any other projects coming up soon that you'd like to share with us?
— I have a new venture with my long time friend James Oliver due to drop which is a new label and brand called Tones In Time. We are very excited about this and are looking forward to sharing the new brand.