A NorCal Night with DENM

Over the weekend, DENM brought his sun kissed SoCal surfer reggae vibes from San Diego to Cornerstone in Berkeley, and the energy was unmistakable.

Before the January 25th show, I sat down with the man himself, Mac Montgomery, for an in-depth chat about his creative process, life on the road, and how his music has evolved. The conversation gave a glimpse into his grounded perspective on success, his eclectic sound, and his excitement for what’s next.

California Dreamin’ and Life on the Road

Growing up in Southern California, DENM is no stranger to the laid-back energy of coastal living, and he’s quick to recognize the differences when heading north. “It’s a different culture, but it’s pretty cool. A little chillier…” he said with a smile. He emphasized the universal thread of “California love” that unites the northern and southern poles of California.

Touring has given him the chance to witness these differences firsthand. “Everywhere you go, people are different, but music brings everyone together. That’s what makes it so tight,” he said. Playing in Berkeley was a homecoming of sorts, having performed at Cornerstone multiple times before. “This is our fourth time here,” he shared, adding, “I think this will be our best one. The band’s operating on a pretty cool level right now.”

Exploring DENM’s Catalog

DENM’s latest single, “I’ll Be Gone,” featuring Slightly Stoopid, is a standout track with a nostalgic blend of boom-bap and 90s-inspired grooves. The collaboration with Kyle McDonald came naturally, as the two had worked together previously on Slum Beach Posse. “When I produced it and wrote it, I was like, ‘Kyle would sound sick on this.’ He sent back his verse, and it was perfect,” Montgomery recalled.

The song’s themes of transience and appreciating the present hit close to home.

“It’s about enjoying where you’re at.
The rise is slow, but the fall is so fast,” he explained.
“If you can’t learn to enjoy it,
you’ll be miserable the whole time.”

This blend of reflective lyrics with upbeat production captures the duality of DENM’s sound – both grounded and deep while staying lighthearted and fun.

One of his earliest singles, “Lit,” introduced his unique style to the world. Reflecting on how his sound has evolved since then, he said, “That was more of a side project. But when I decided to take this seriously, I wanted it to be who I really am.” This authenticity shines in tracks like “My Wave,” an anthem about staying true to yourself and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

DENM also opened up about his creative process and his journey into producing. Picking up production at 22, he’s now well past the 10,000-hour mark, turning what began as a hobby into second nature. “Music is music,” he said. “My expression of it is just a blend of everything I love – hip-hop, reggae, 90s acoustic vibes – it all comes together.”

The Cornerstone Experience

We kicked off the interview over a cold beer, talking life on the road and the evolution of DENM’s sound. By the time we wrapped it up with bong rips outside the venue, it was clear – this dude is as laid-back and genuine as the music he makes.

When the lights dimmed and the first notes were played at the sold out show, DENM and his band proved why they’ve built such a loyal following. The crowd was a perfect blend of old-school reggae heads and fresh-faced fans, all swaying together in unison. But this wasn’t just a set – it was an experience. The live versions of his tracks took on new life, with the band stretching out into extended jams, building grooves that pulsed through the room.

Songs like the unreleased “Wild West California” and “Wild Trip” hit the hardest, sending waves of energy through the crowd. But what stood out the most was DENM’s own excitement – he wasn’t just performing; he was feeding off the moment.

“It’s crazy to see my fanbase growing.
People knowing the songs –
it’s such a special feeling,” he had said earlier.

And he wasn’t lying. You could feel that connection in the air as the audience belted out lyrics, turning the night into one massive singalong.

By the end of the show, the room was filled with irie vibes. Whether you came as a die-hard fan or came along with a friend, you left feeling like you were part of something bigger. That’s the magic of DENM – laidback, chill, and the real deal.

What’s Next for DENM?

With a new album, Hot and Glassy, on the horizon DENM is looking ahead to an exciting year. “It’s a blend of everything I love – emotional like Lynyrd Skynyrd but with that 90s boom-bap production,” he teased.

For DENM, it’s all about staying grounded while keeping the creative wheels turning. Whether he’s sampling classic surf tunes like “Endless Summer” or improvising with his band on stage, his sound is unmistakably his own. And after witnessing his live show, one thing is clear: DENM’s rise may have been slow, but he’s here to stay.