Mr. Dereloid No Hype, Just Substance - Portland Maine DJ
Meet Dereloid
I often forget Dereloid's name. Is it Darryl or Darrell Tapley? 🤷🏼♀️
To most of us, Mr. Dereloid is a skilled veteran DJ, loyal friend, and talented graphic artist. Portland, Maine is damn lucky to have him.
If Dereloid isn't making you dance your ass off, he's probably making you laugh your ass off. He's hosted Foundation Friday at Flask Lounge for over eight years and has become one of the cornerstones of Portland's underground dance community.
What makes Portland's EDM scene so unique? What chaps his ass? Is substance really greater than hype? What advice does he have for the next generation of DJs?
The Interview
How do you describe Foundation Friday to a stranger?
When I describe my night to people, it usually sounds like this: I say I play underground dance music. No radio stuff. House, techno, and all tasty sub-genres within.
If they don't know what I mean, I say it feels like "a disco for robots."
I play actual disco, nu-disco, electro, breakbeat, afrobeat, synth wave, acid house, acid techno, and on and on. I also tell them the crowd is a nice mix of young and older, open-minded people of all genders and orientations. It is a safe space.
Dance culture has always had roots in a welcoming and safe community.
How does Portland's electronic music scene compare to cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles?
Having a long history with this subculture and being involved in it here in Maine since the '90s, many answers come to mind. I'll try to keep this brief to avoid writing a novella.
The culture has mutated into a strange, tainted animal in larger markets, and even here on some levels.
Up until recently, DJs were not viewed as rock stars standing on brightly lit stages. You had to look around to find the DJ booth. People experienced the music on the dance floor, dancing together instead of staring at the performer.
Since the internet and social media infiltrated everything, that has changed. People gaze at the DJ booth and dance far less.
It's also extremely difficult to make a living simply by being a great DJ. Unless you're producing music and releasing it on labels that generate national or international attention, touring professionally is rare.
The most special aspect of Portland's underground scene is that people truly come out to dance without being influenced by flashy headliners or hype.
We haven't had huge budgets or massive venues, but we've built something better: a genuine grassroots underground community.
Our followers trust that we care about curating quality experiences.
Substance > Hype.
That philosophy still means everything to me.
And if you're reading this and attend my events...
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Over the past few years, what changes have you experienced as both a person and a longtime DJ?
Geeeeez... massive question.
I'll leave the personal growth outside of DJing for another day, but I can say I no longer take gigs I'm not genuinely interested in.
I realized the festival/rave hybrid scene isn't for me. I prefer venues with walls where I can control the vibe alongside people who genuinely want what I bring.
I'm also a late bloomer, but I no longer get drunk while DJing. Ha.
I don't book guest DJs out of pressure anymore either. I'm strict about curating musical experiences through the guests I invite.
What burns your tail feathers?
One thing immediately comes to mind.
Maine's 1:00 AM last call.
It almost 2020 for crap's sake. We can handle 2:00 AM, at least.
People want it. Businesses would benefit from the additional hour. Many people working late don't even make it out until 11:00 PM or midnight.
Then... poof.
It's over.
Lame.
I'd love to join forces with others and start a petition. Maybe the city would finally listen.
Interesting Fact
According to News Center Maine (2016):
"According to stateliquorlaws.com, Maine, Delaware and Utah were the only states listed there that had a strict, statewide cutoff time of 1 a.m. when bars must stop serving alcohol."
When Is Last Call in All 50 States?
Do you see yourself ever producing an album?
Absolutely.
I've periodically focused on studio production over the past decade and continue collaborating with my longtime friend Highkoo.
Creating original music is a major part of my winter plans. We've released music on various labels over the years without ever fully developing our own sound.
That needs to change.
What's one track guaranteed to light up a dance floor?
That's another massive question.
With the overwhelming amount of music I collect, it's impossible to pick just one, but these are a few recent favorites:
- States Of Mind - Elements of Tone (Richie's Dream Mix)
- Frits Wentink - Space Babe
- Jensen Interceptor - The Fontainebleau
- B.A.B.E. - Look Like
Who's your dream B2B partner? What dream venue?
Derrick Carter from Chicago would be at the top of my list. Then Paul Woolford, aka Special Request.
Any venue would do.
They're both true-school DJs. No hype. No laziness. Just raw energy.
That's the approach I believe in.
What advice would you give the next generation of DJs?
Don't half-ass the craft.
Learn beatmatching. Learn creative mixing. Learn to use EQ properly.
Create something instead of relying on lazy transitions.
And most importantly...
DIG FOR MUSIC.
There's so much mediocre music online. Dig through it and find the hidden gems.
Lose the hype machine mentality.
Let your taste, your talent, and your aesthetic speak for themselves.
Oh...
Don't be a jerk.
What's the best way people can connect with you?
Reach out through my Foundation Facebook page. That's where I post everything.
I'm also approachable at events. Community is everything.
If you see me...
Come say hi.
What are your upcoming gigs?
- Foundation Friday every second Friday at Flask Lounge.
- Flask Lounge 12 Year Anniversary on November 9.
- Providence Warehouse Party on November 29.
- Boston All Night Event on November 30 with Jason Hodges and other New England veterans.
Let's do this thing, y'all.
Thanks for the continued love and support.
It takes a village.
About the Author
Blogs are curated by Flask Lounge owner Jessica Lea Nolette.
Jessica is the owner of Flask Lounge in Portland, Maine, and a Drupal software developer. She enjoys spotlighting local artists, building accessible websites, and strengthening community through music, creativity, and technology.