Following a successful Atlanta debut in 2011, the internationally-acclaimed, UK-based duo Freemasons will be returning to Atlanta on July 6.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Freemasons’ work, the duo has made a name for themselves in the pop world as master remixers, as well as producers of original content. Their work was featured prominently in Beyoncé’s remix arsenal for her B’Day album, with their mix of “Déjà Vu” garnering the duo a Grammy nomination. They’ve also worked with Kylie Minogue, co-producing her single “The One” from X. Other artists they’ve worked with include Kelly Rowland, Solange Knowles, and Wynter Gordon.

Before his return to Atlanta, Freemasons member Russell Small spoke with me about what the duo plans to do in the future, what to expect in Atlanta, and the rising trend of dance music infiltrating the mainstream in the States.

The Freemasons have produced a number of original songs and remixes for pop artists over the past several years. Are there any major productions that are coming out in the near future?

We are just about to sign a new deal with Ministry of Sound, which is very exciting. We feel they are a label that can really move us forward, they have a great team working behind the scenes. Our new single “Tears” should be ready to promo in the next few weeks and all being well, we should have an album out early next year.

American radio is increasingly embracing dance music. What has this done for Freemasons professionally? What is your opinion on this trend in America?

We have sort of sat back whilst this has all been going on, as its pretty much what we were doing before, combining R&B with house. We were not too sure where we should go musically, as we needed to evolve, but not sound the same as every other producer. At the end of the day you can never be totally original, but we have been working hard on sound design, so hopefully we should sound a little different from David Guetta and Avicii. As for radio now embracing dance music in the US, it’s got to be great for everyone involved in the scene, but I do think the quality of song has been lost a little in places.

This is your second time playing at the Heretic in Atlanta. How does it feel to return to Atlanta? What can attendees expect this time around? What are you looking forward to during your time in Atlanta?

I really enjoyed my last experience at the Heretic; I met some great people and the whole club had such a great vibe. This time around I am looking forward to being shown a few sights by Lydia Prim; she has told me she’s out to corrupt me, which should be fun! Obviously I will be playing a different set this time, a few new mixes, slightly tougher in places, but still mixed in with a few Freemasons classics.

Like their previous engagement, the Freemasons will be playing at Heretic in an event that benefits Joining Hearts. DJ Lydia Prim serves as the night’s opening act. Tickets are available now. For more information, visit www.hereticatlanta.com.