MF Quinn keeps things simple but effective on Your Number One, his new single for Toronto’s Play Records. It’s a warm, groove-driven cut with a classic feel, drawing from deep house traditions without leaning too heavily on nostalgia.
As part of the label’s Ibiza 2025 series, it signals a confident, refined direction in Quinn’s sound. We caught up with him to talk about the track’s origins, the influence of Janet Jackson, and why restraint is becoming a key part of his production process.
Your Number One has this immediate, feel-good energy to it. What inspired the mood of the track, and what do you hope people take away from it when they hear it?
I wanted Your Number One to feel like a shot of good energy — rooted in classic house but with a modern, tight mix. I hope people feel lighter when they hear it, like it lifts their mood or reminds them of someone they love dancing with, or of those moments when you’re out with friends and everything just clicks.
The vocal on the track is really catchy — was there a story behind how that hook came together?
Thanks! The vocal hit me right away and it felt like something I could build a great track around. It had an intimate feel but also a universal tone, like something anyone could connect to. It really sparked the whole vibe of the track. From there, I just tried to build something that would do it justice.
You’ve been making music for a while now. How do you feel your sound has evolved, especially with this new single?
I’ve definitely become more intentional. Early on, I was experimenting a lot — trying different genres, overproducing at times. Now I focus on clarity: making fewer elements work harder. Your Number One reflects that. It’s confident in its simplicity.
Play Records has a long history in electronic music. What does it mean to you to be part of their Ibiza 2025 release?
It’s surreal… Play Records has such a deep legacy in the electronic scene, and being part of their Ibiza series feels amazing. I really appreciate the opportunity for broader global exposure. As an independent artist, those moments of recognition really mean something.
When you’re working on a new track, what usually comes first — the groove, a melody, a sample, or something else entirely?
The groove almost always leads the way. I’ll spend hours trying different ideas and shaping the rhythm until it moves right — then the rest flows. It’s like building the skeleton first so the track can stand on its own.
What’s something about your creative process that might surprise people?
People might be surprised how little House Music I listen to when I’m in the ideation phase. A lot of inspiration comes from other genres like R&B, Jazz, and Pop. For example, I recently caught Janet Jackson’s AMA performance and was blown away by how the groove of “All For You” still feels timeless and inspiring.
The name Your Number One carries a bit of a nostalgic or romantic feel. Was that intentional, or did the title emerge naturally from the production?
I think it was naturally intentional. I like to bring in nostalgic elements and love old-school grooves. One thing I often do is select sounds from earlier eras — like keys and synths from Juno synthesizers. As I worked on this track, it started to feel like a memory — something half-remembered from a great summer night.
Looking ahead, are there any collaborations or upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
Definitely. I’ve got another single dropping two weeks after Your Number One. It has a darker, more hypnotic vibe — something for those late-night sets. I’m also sketching ideas for future tracks, especially with vocalists. I want to keep building momentum and keep surprising people.
Your Number One is out now on Play Records
