Montreal’s underground scene thrives on its notoriously interdisciplinary energy, yet few artists capture its essence with such multifaceted brilliance as Guillaume Michaud. A dancer by training, a DJ by passion, and a producer by evolution, Michaud is a polymath artist redefining what it means to move people—both on the dance floor and through his music. On the heels of the release of his debut EP, Macushla, Michaud crafted an exclusive mix for our On the Decks series, showcasing his infectious sounds, and sat down with us to chat about all things music, Macushla, and Montreal.
“This is my breakthrough,” Michaud says. “Everything I’ve been working toward—it’s all in this EP. It’s my heartbeat. It’s my pulse. It’s what drives me.” The five-track release is more than an entry into electronic music—it’s the culmination of years spent mastering the language of rhythm. From performing as the lead in Cirque du Soleil’s MÜV, and featuring on TVA’s Revolution, to DJing at Montreal’s iconic Stereo nightclub, Michaud’s journey has always been about connection. “Dance taught me structure,” he says. “It’s mathematical for me. In dance, you count in eights. When I’m producing, I still count in eights. It’s how I build my tracks, how I pace the grooves, how I make sure the music breathes and moves.”
For Michaud, Macushla isn’t just a project; it’s an invitation to experience this intimate and studied knowledge of rhythm. “Each track has a different vibe, but they all share the same pulse,” he explains. “‘Macushla’ was the last one I made. I wanted it to feel like an afterhours anthem, something other DJs would want to play in their sets. It’s deep, driving, and hypnotic.”
The EP’s creation was a meticulous process spanning two years, beginning with individual singles to build Michaud’s name in the music industry. Tracks like “Poison,” created in collaboration with Naomi, and “Takeoff,” a collaboration with Napo Lugo, with its minimal yet driving energy, showcase Michaud’s range. “Poison was made with Naomi in mind,” Michaud shares. “She’s my best friend, and I sent her a demo hoping it would resonate. When she got excited about it, everything clicked. It was a dream realized.”
“Each song carries its own identity while maintaining a cohesive thread,” Michaud continues. “I wanted the EP to feel like a journey through a rave—from the initial energy on the dance floor to the introspective moments in the early hours.” Tribal percussion, melodic leads, and a deep, groovy soundscape define the project, tying it together with Michaud’s signature touch. There is a sense of continuity in the E.P, a disparate collection of deep, minimal tracks punctuated by recurring motifs which lend themselves to a front to back listen.
The title track, “Macushla,” holds special significance. “It means ‘my heartbeat’ in Irish Gaelic,” Michaud explains. “It was the last track I made for the EP, designed to be something other DJs would want to play in their sets. It’s deep and hypnotic, with an afterhours energy that resonates perfectly in venues like Stereo.”
Michaud draws inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including fellow artists Christina Lazic, Naomi, and Rosso Modo. “Christina Lazic’s journey is incredibly inspiring to me,” Michaud says. “She left her tech career to focus on music during the pandemic, and now she’s performing worldwide. Her sound—deep, groovy, and layered—has influenced my own approach.”
Closer to home, Naomi and Rosso Modo have been pivotal in shaping Michaud’s artistic vision. “Naomi’s evolution from her first album to her second is incredible. She’s meticulous, always pushing boundaries in her visuals, branding, and sound,” Michaud shares. “Rosso Modo’s avant-garde aesthetic inspires me to elevate my work. We shot all the visuals for ‘Macushla’ in his empty apartment, and I remember thinking, ‘This is exactly what I wanted.’ It felt like a breakthrough moment.”
Montreal’s collaborative creative scene has been instrumental in Michaud’s growth. “It’s not competitive,” he shares. “We elevate each other. I’ll be in your project, and then you’ll be in mine. Everyone’s invested.” This spirit of collaboration allowed Michaud to create visually stunning music videos and ambitious projects with limited resources. “As a dancer, I’ve always relied on community. That same ethos drives my music.”
The EP’s release coincided with Michaud’s performance at Montreal’s renowned Stereo nightclub, known for its unparalleled sound system. “Playing ‘Macushla’ there was a surreal moment,” he recalls. “People were Shazaming it… It was amazing to see the music resonate in real-time.” Michaud tailored his set to build toward the track’s debut, ensuring it hit with maximum impact.
Looking ahead, Michaud will perform at Vision Festival on December 28, where he plans to showcase the full spectrum of his artistry. “It’s a chance to bring everything together—the energy, the heartbeat, the connection,” he says.
Michaud’s visual identity, exemplified in the visuals for the album, reflects his flair for theatricality. “We realized it was giving this creepy, gay fashion clown vibe,” Michaud laughs. “It wasn’t the original idea, but it came together perfectly.” His ability to merge performance art with his identity as a DJ and producer sets him apart, a compelling niche which Michaud says is integral to his artistic ethos.
Looking to the future, Michaud aims to explore collaborations that integrate Francophone vocals and spoken word into his music. “I want to bring some French vocals to my next project,” he reveals. With Macushla, Michaud has set a new standard for himself—blending movement, music, and a sense of performativity into a singular artistic pulse. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “I’m ready for what’s next.”
Cody Rooney is the Editor in Chief and senior contributor at liminul.
He is a PhD candidate, digital content specialist, writer, editor, multi-media artist, and photographer.