In this collaboration episode of Poducer with NSW, we sit down with Detroit-based producer DÊTRE (pronounced “Detra”) an artist whose path runs from guitars and rap vocals to intricate bass design, blending grit, groove, and raw self-expression.
He grows weed by day (as an irrigation manager) to building bass-heavy tracks rooted in emotion and precision, DÊTRE opens up about his creative evolution, mental health, and the balance between passion and stability. We explore the meaning behind his name, how Vital and additive distortion shaped his sound, and why he sometimes records his own vocal hooks instead of relying on samples.
We dive into Detroit’s warehouse scene, Movement Festival, and the “homie fest” culture that keeps underground music alive. Along the way, DÊTRE shares unfiltered thoughts on panic attacks, moderation, and staying grounded while navigating the modern music industry from corporate festivals to small, community-built events.
📲 Follow DÊTRE: https://linktr.ee/detrebeats?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacLYvf57T6mdjiybQWbGOWeEzhpKSANYlABzHC1JLo5hEjARFVH6P-MSWFIBQ_aem__Tf82tMrHP8JgfUHa6d9JA
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast
Chapters:
00:00 Cold open (ZYNs, Electric Forest)
03:14 Intro & name—what “DÊTRE” means
03:38 Day job: growing weed (irrigation manager)
05:46 Panic attacks, Apple Watch chaos, and coping
10:41 Healthcare costs & hot takes
11:06 From trim tables to iPad-run grow ops
12:36 Michigan vs. Chicago weed reality
15:54 Moderation, mushrooms, and festival culture
19:23 Music without substances & set-night nerves
22:55 Icebreaker → first concert (Eminem/G-Unit)
24:47 Family roots, college crew, and starting to produce
30:51 Play: “10 Bands” (vocal hooks + identity)
36:13 Sound design: Vital, harmonic distortion, additive layers
38:18 “James Cameron,” Titanic jokes, and advisors from hell
40:14 DIY Detroit warehouse parties
42:46 Movement Festival & why it matters
49:16 Is bass music “up”? Pockets, Denver, and $18 drinks
55:36 Why small festivals slap (Infrasound energy)
57:02 Growth, money, and keeping your values
1:07:17 Ignore the negativity, build what you love
1:12:48 Play: “Quarter Hook” (quarter-note concept)
1:20:37 Play: “Wind” (Wubaholics)
1:23:55 Following the signs + choosing your people
1:29:29 Favorite live memory: ZHU at Burning Man
1:33:53 Shoutouts & where to find DÊTRE