Canada’s roster of musical talent goes well beyond Bieber, Drake and Celine Dion. Hailing from the magical Nelson in British Columbia comes Vs. (Matty),JJ Watts (Jamie) who make up the musical duo DEFIED and Prophet (Isaiah) a fellow westcoast producer who has had a hand in some of the duo’s music. I sat down to chat with the trio about their inspirations, their west-coast tour, debut single and more in this week’s interview.

1. How has the city of Nelson inspired your work?

JJ: The scene in Nelson has been so refreshing and revelatory. I don’t think I realized how much negativity I got used to tolerating as an artist in Toronto. I got used to feeling apologetic for being an artist first and used to the underlying competition within the artist community. In Nelson, I feel like I’m constantly meeting folks who want to collaborate and make things. Small talk in the Kootenays is about what you do – not what you do for money. It was kind of a mindf*ck at first, but I’ve come to trust it. After 2+ years here, I am starting to value my own work more.

Vs.: Nelson and the community, in general, have been ingrained in how and why I write since the early 2000s. Why; because of the inspiration of the awe-inspiring natural surroundings plus all the incredibly talented people uniquely exploring a variety of artistic mediums. How; In allowing me to have the space and freedom to write from my perspective without the traditional confines of competition or jealousy. It’s presented itself in several unlikely collaborations and one-of-a-kind events. 

P: Nelson breathes creativity. Coming from Central Alberta, it has been incredibly inspiring to see so many people pursuing their craft, and how much support the community brings. Individuality is so ingrained in the culture here, it’s been really great to be able to sink into that. Since moving to the Kootenays, the opportunity to collaborate has been amazing, which is something new for me. I’ve learned so much closing in on two years here, excited to keep working on projects. 

2. If you could describe DEFIED and it’s music with 3 words what would they be?

JJ: collaborative, vibey, hype

Vs.: Syrupy, Smokey, Hitting 

P: independent, captivating, fresh

3. Describe your process when you come together to collab on a track.

JJ: It’s been just about a year of us making music together. Watching Isaiah develop his sound-making beats has been so cool. Non-stop bangers, as I say. And Matty and I have a constant back-and-forth creating beats as well. Matty is the wordsmith. I’ve never had lyrics come to me naturally but I do hear melodies in everything. It’s been awesome combining Matty’s skills with mine. 

Vs.: Our process is evolving all the time. All 3 of us make beats and often we’ll all contribute to each production, either tangibly or a sharing of ideas. I write the words but JJ and I will go back and forth with the melody and phrasing. Order changes, instrumentation is incorporated and we really try to find new rhythms and tones in each song that are not only out of our comfort zones but out of the norm as well. 

4. Can you tell me about the name DEFIED? 

We actually brainstormed for quite a while. Besides wanting something that felt aligned with our vibe, we really wanted something easy to read and spell (it had to be Googleable!) We also liked the subtle symmetry of the word “defied” – it’s visually a pleasing word. It’s a word that resonates with people. It does with us at least! 

5. Can you tell me something about your life outside of DEFIED?

JJ: I’m part of a team that brings art cars to burning man. I am a freelance video editor. I love thrift shopping. Matty and I are planning to open up an online vintage clothing shop soon. Mostly, I’m hyper-focused on music production 🙂 

Vs.: Ya, I’m pretty into old clothes. A bit of an issue. We need to start selling some of it but finding it is the part I like. 

6. Who, or what inspires your sounds?

JJ: I have deep roots in musical theatre, so for me, I always lean into the story-telling of a song and I’m usually trying to embody the emotions behind the lyrics. 

Vs.: James Blake, Andre 3000, Clams Casino 

P: Oh man, too many people. Keep it short; Kaytranada, Leotrix, Ye

7. Since today is #TMITuesday can you tell the readers something about you that they may not know? 

JJ: I eat a lot of Nutella. I keep a jar at Matty’s house. 

Vs.: I help Jamie hide her Nutella. 

P: I was in the top 0.1% of Kanye listeners on Spotify Wrapped. Yeesh.

8. Who is your musical collaboration DREAM? (who would you want to work most with)

JJ: Rihanna, Danger Mouse, Lin Manuel Miranda

Vs.: James Blake, Andre 3000, Clams Casino

P: Medasin, deatonchrisanthony, pluko

9. What about a dream performance venue?

JJ: My dream venue isn’t a specific place, but anywhere with beautiful sound engineering that is filled with all my friends and family.

Vs: Not really. As long as it sounds good and people are into it, anywhere can be a dope venue. 

10. What is next for y’all? 

Shows! Lots of shows. We love to perform. Book us!! (bookings@defied.ca)

We’ll be performing at Shambhala Music Festival in Salmo, BC on July 23rd

Opening for Souls of Mischief at Bloom Nightclub in Nelson, BC on July 29th.

We’ll have lots of new music released by then, so follow DEFIED on Spotify.

You can also sign up for our (not spammy) mailing list at https://defied.ca

Spotify “DEFIED” – artist page

New single is called “Can’t stop” 

Instagram @defied.music

JJ Watts @jamiejwatts

Vs @gearbyvs

Prophet @pppprophet