Art Department

Art Department is a Toronto, Canada-based house group made up of Kenny Glasgow and Jonny White. The project develops from the pair’s work as individual producers and from their long-standing presence in the Toronto electronic music scene.

Background

Kenny Glasgow’s production history reaches back to the late 1980s, with releases on Narcotic, Jinxx, his own Method 11/11 label and Turbo. Jonny White builds his reputation through a fast-growing discography and through his role as owner of No.19 Music. Both are described as internationally respected underground producers with a focus on techno and house.

Formation and early work

Glasgow and White know each other for years before working together in the studio. They first collaborate in 2009, when Damian Lazarus asks them to remix Riz MC for the Crosstown Rebels label. That session leads to the formation of Art Department and to a sound that combines elements from both artists: raw, futuristic, synth-led underground electronic music.

The project is conceived as a live DJ and vocal act, with Kenny Glasgow’s vocals forming a central part of the performance. Glasgow’s voice has previously appeared on records such as “Pressing On”.

Releases and performances

Crosstown Rebels offers the group a deal covering singles, remixes and a full-length album planned for release in 2011. Art Department’s first live performance takes place at the Crosstown Rebels Get Lost event during the 2010 Winter Music Conference, where the group appears alongside other label artists. The following night, the duo performs a DJ set at Jamie Jones and Lee Foss’ Hot Natured party, after which they become residents for the Hot Natured brand.

Collaborations and scene position

The group’s work is presented as part of a broader network of underground house and techno artists, with further releases and collaborations associated with Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones and Soul Clap. Art Department is tied closely to Crosstown Rebels and to the Toronto scene that shapes both members’ careers.