The new EP from Divine Interface burns with intimacy, sex, and sweat. The echoed whispers of human touch and understanding that form the atmosphere of Seeking Arrangement may feel worlds away now, but they are more needed than ever. While DJing as Divine Interface, Drew Briggs is granted a unique insight into the petri dish of romance that is the club scene. In this shadow world of lovers, Briggs is a silent observer of blossoming trysts, drunken squabbles, and humans coming to terms with their own desires.
Each track on the EP was inspired by the various ways romance is commodified, and Briggs distills instantaneous human connection into understated bangers. The trepidation, anticipation, confusion, and elation of a night out are translated into Balearic mashups of house, hip-hop, and R&B. Memories that crystalize and seem impregnable in the skin-tingling clarity of the night fade into the hangover haze of the morning. But Divine Interface sees and remembers all.
Despite the fantasy elements of Seeking Arrangement, the record isn’t an escapist adventure. In light of the current protests, the EP works as a strangely prescient, sultry battle cry from a Black artist in a genre that was crafted and birthed by Black artists in Detroit who had to watch as their creation was diluted and dismantled into something palatable for festival bros at Bonnaroo. What had been subversive was now saccharine and subservient to an industry that continues to pay lip service to Black artists without giving them their due.
In that light, each liquid melody and dreamy hook of Seeking Arrangement becomes a nourishing breath that draws the listener back to the roots of house music while remaining focused on the future. Via email, Briggs explained the basis for the album, the inspiration for his songwriting, and his take on the state of electronica in Atlanta.
Did you initially have a strong overarching concept as you wrote Seeking Arrangement or did the tracks just fit this sensual/romantic theme organically?
The songs just really started to fit. The idea is that we are all seeking an arrangement of some sort when it comes to love and romance, whether it be financial, physical, or mental.
How do you get in the headspace for songwriting? Are you pulling these ideas from things you’ve seen at clubs, your personal experiences, or your imagination?
I think it’s all three. I really wanted this project to be a window into my life — DJing, after parties, etc… I also wanted it to feel like a series of audible short films.
How do you keep a unified vision while pulling from so many genres?
I really just try to make house songs at like 125 bpm but I like to play with the bpm and slow the tracks down after I finish. Something about slowing them down just adds this feel to them. I can’t explain it. That’s when I start writing. When I started making music it was around the time everyone was sampling R&B vocals. I would listen to everything old and new. I think it got stuck in my brain.
How did you connect with 2MR? What is attractive to you about the label?
2MR put out projects with my friends around the city (Stefan Ringer, Fit of Body, TWINS). They reached out to me after my EP Precious Cargo came out on CGI. It felt like they really embraced me with this project. It’s a good feeling.
Is there any specific thing about Atlanta that drives you creatively?
Lately, it’s been the radio stations lol. I really love local Atlanta radio. And they have some of the best DJs in the world doing mixes like every day. I also love the fact that Atlanta rap was essentially dance music when it began. I’ve been trying to incorporate those sounds for years now.
Traditionally, there’s an overlap between the underground rave and electronica scene and activism. Does Atlanta do a good job supporting black artists and activists in the scene?
The scene here usually does a good job. Currently, there’s a lot of unity and accountability. Those two things are key in my opinion.
Without opportunities to DJ during the pandemic, how are you paying the bills?
I’ve been blessed enough to still have my day job doing shipping in e-commerce.
Has quarantine affected your creative energy? If so, in a positive or negative way?
I’ve been way more creative. This was an unfortunate pause that I think I needed. I was always on the go before quarantine working full time and DJing every weekend. I’ve been able to actively listen to music which allows me to study and write.
Will the Atlanta club scene recover after the pandemic? Do you see it taking a different form?
Yes! It’s going to be a slow process but it will be back.
What’s next for Divine Interface?
Just writing a lot. Working on some features and different projects. I have a collection of unreleased random stuff I want to put out on my own.
Seeking Arrangement is out today on vinyl and digital via 2MR. Orders are available here.
More Info
Facebook: @DivineInterface
Instagram: @wifi_daddy
SoundCloud: @divineinterface
Twitter: @imdrew