Declan McDermott
By: Dream Chimney
The following interview was conducted on December 2, 2025
Berlin-based Australian musician and producer Declan McDermott steps forward with his debut EP for Delusions Of Grandeur, bringing a raw yet soulful sound that reflects his unique journey through disco, funk, and soul music. Having cut his teeth as a multi-instrumentalist before delving deep into house and club culture, Declan naturally fuses his live musical talents with warm, analogue-driven grooves. Here we ask Declan to take us back to his after the club for a late-night session. This is the playlist.
Crazy you - Prince
One of my favourite Prince tracks. Love the falsetto vocal and soulful guitar ghosting accompanied by the spacey/psychedelic effects and transitions.
Continuum - Jaco Pastorius
Continuum never fails to put me in a deep state of introspective thought. Incredible harmonies that create a hypnotic jazzy trance.
Laranjeiras - Azymüth
Very chill track with some serious organ and clavinet shredding, really into the main melodic hook that repeats throughout the structure.
Wind, Wave & Wineglass - Seaside Lovers
Extremely unique track. Incredible musicianship, recording quality and arrangement. Love the use of odd time signatures in the build/up breakdown.
Brothers on a Hotel Bed - Death Cab for Cutie
Beautiful lyrics and harmonies with a strong rhythmic backbone that keeps the track moving.
San Juan Sunset - Deodato
All round killer track, huge fan of the subtle slide guitar bends and licks that pop out throughout the piece. Laid back, but groovy.
Quik's Groove III - Dj Quik
Another one of Dj Quik's incredible grooves, full of lush flute lines and tight pockets.
Come Live With Me - Dorothy Ashby
Amazing harp playing from Dorothy Ashby, beautiful harmonic transitions that tell a story without words.
Bittersweet - Meshell Ndegeocello
Super funky groove, smooth vocal harmonies, really love the harmonic modulation during the sax break and the breakdown towards the end of the track.
You Understand - Joe Zawinul
Amazing composition from Joe Zawinul, incredible vocoder/vocal part and a wide variety of synthesiser sounds. Quite complex, but easy to listen to.
Check out the latest release from Declan McDermott.