About this item

Blending analogue hardware and live musicianship with deep, groove-driven production, Declan McDermott showcases a confident and colourful voice in contemporary underground house.

Hailing from Sydney and now based in Berlin, Declan McDermott has quietly evolved into one of the most intriguing new names in left-of-centre house music. A lifelong instrumentalist and vintage gear authority he shifted from producer/musician-for-hire, to step into his own spotlight after falling in love with the hypnotic pull of late-night deep house and dub-influenced dance records. His studio work draws on analogue synths, vintage drum machines, field recordings, and his own understated vocal delivery, forming a sound that’s warm, textural, and effortlessly soulful. With his debut release turning heads among selectors who value emotion as much as groove, this EP marks his development as one to watch.

“Why Don’t You Believe Me?” is a slow-mo deep-house meditation wrapped in warmth and weight. Declan and his featured vocalists lay down their spoken and vocodered vocals across minimal, stripped-back house drums, weaving through DX7 and OBX-a melodies with subtle dubby inflections. It’s intimate but floor-friendly - an introspective nocturnal groove that sways rather than shouts.

Next up we have a remix from the revered French luminary I:Cube who lifts the BPM and launches the track straight onto the club floor. Leaning into cosmic-disco and classic filter house, the remix is propelled by a rolling, hypnotic bassline and warm Rhodes chops that drive the groove along. It’s a classy, elevated rework with the signature I:Cube balance of drive and dreaminess.

Flipping over we have the legendary NYC-based DJ Nature (founding member of Bristol’s Wild Bunch crew and sound system) who injects raw soul into the original, keeping things crunchy, real, and deeply felt. Clipped drums, dusty organ textures, and a warm, human touch guide this version - equal parts basement grit and emotive mood. It’s the kind of remix that feels like it could only come from a seasoned hand.

The EP floats to a close on a serene, atmospheric note with “Yara-Kimba (Lindeman Island)”. Echoes of Ron Trent’s spacious, spiritual deep house permeate the arrangement, with gentle percussion, tropical tones, and a calm-breathing groove. As Declan says ‘This track is a tribute to Yara-Kimba, inspired by childhood memories, the island’s natural soundscape, and my vision of a distinctly Australian / Oceanic house sound.’

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Get one up one your local disc jock by bagging this one for the weekend. Causing a fuss amongst the professionals, namely due to the DJ Nature and I:Cube remixes, the originals by Declan are also defo worth checking.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - Why Don’t You Believe Me?
A2 - Why Don’t You Believe Me? (I:Cube ‘Pourquoi’ Remix)
B1 - Why Don’t You Believe Me? (DJ Nature Remix)
B2 - Yara-Kimba (Lindeman Island)