Posts from the ‘Mini Interview’ Category
So as usual we’re super lucky to have yet another talented artist stop by The 20 for a chat… Today, we’d like to welcome Sebastian Doering aka ‘Lovebirds’. This is the solo project of a very musical man that spends most of his time in our favorite city Hamburg, Germany. We’re very excited Sebastian, the deep house master has graced us with his presence and we hope you enjoy getting to know him a little bit more too…
Lovebirds – Love & Happiness [Buy It!]
Lovebirds & Vincenzo – M.U.S.I.C. [Buy It!]
Lovebirds feat. Stee Downes – Want You In My Soul (Original Mix) [Buy It!]
Love is a drug / Roxy Music – Lovebirds Edit (Unreleased)
MINI INTERVIEW
How did you come up with your name?
In the early days I went through a couple of names, one of them was Superbird. When I had a release that was a bit more deep than the earlier stuff, I came up with the name Lovebirds. It has also this melancholic moment that my music sometimes has too…
How did you start getting into producing your own music?
Actually the main reason was that a friend of mine, who “stole” my girlfriend at that time, started producing and he didnt really have anything to do with it before where as I had been djing for a few years already. So basically I started because I couldnt take that he would get all the fame.
How would you describe your sound?
Hmm, I think deep and soulful. Two very overused words but when I think about it they describe it very well.
What are you currently working on?
Actually I decided to start working on a follow up single to “Want you in my soul” tomorrow and I have a guitar player coming in. Other than that I’m very excited about a new project with a singer from Tokyo. It will be an album project which will be modern electronic pop music. I totally love all songs so far and I cant wait to finish it and release it.
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
Oh I hate these superlatives – Phoenix – Alphabetical, Marvin Gaye – I want you and Police – Outlandos D’Amour
What’s on your radar right now?
Womans soccer World Cup in Germany.. No I’m joking, I couldnt care less about it! On my radar… Hmm, I think Summer is on my radar, Im really looking forward to it!!
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Not knowing if I put the Dj fee in my suitcase and not being able to check it because KLM lost it!!!
What turns you on?
Kissing.
What advice should you have taken, but did not?
I should have taken the possibility to sign a record that became a huge club track of the year back then …
Any dream remixing collaborations you’d like to take on?
To be honest I think the first half of my career (Kneedeep) was mainly remixes, maybe that’s why I am not really crazy about remixing anymore…
How do you see today’s music scene in Hamburg?
Producer wise I think it’s not too bad. Clubwise I have not had to many occasions that I can go out and see an artist that I care about.
What’s on repeat this week?
Sun screen, pool and beer hopefully!!!
Fave website?
xvideos.com?? ;-)
If you haven’t heard about this New Yorker it’s about time you did. What a fantastic interview! Greg Paulus (half of No Regular Play) was a little worried about his elaborate answers but we loved them! This is a man with a method in his madness and it’s been an absolute pleasure working with such an insightful, talented, passionate, intelligent and multi skilled human. Our friend Christian Hunt is the man responsible for us finding Greg Paulus a few months back when this KILLER TRACK appeared in his mixtape, and from that point on we’ve been fans! We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we have; and dig the two super fresh, unreleased tracks that Greg has given us as a bonus!!! We are so fucking lucky…!
Greg Paulus – We Again | Greg Paulus – Jet Lag
MINI INTERVIEW
What five words best describes you?
Hmmm, I have trouble doing these kinds of things… I try and be as genuine as possible and have pure intentions in everything I do. Humor is extremely important to me, and I’m probably a little too obsessed with having fun.
What are your earliest musical memories as a child? (Any musical family links?)
My earliest memories are listening to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams tapes on my lil tape player when I must have been 4, and also my parents playing Sade records around the same time. My father is a classical composer, and he works from home so there has always been music playing constantly thru my upbringing.
What’s the wildest moment you’ve experienced in your musical career so far?
I’m very fortunate to have had many wild moments. Playing with James Browns drummer Jabo Starks was amazing. The jam sessions in NYC with trumpeter Roy Hargrove will always be very important to me. Every time I walk into a club and they are playing one of my songs I get chills. Playing with Nick as No Regular Play all over the world has been amazing, especially in Sao Paulo. and with Matthew Dear doing a tour opening for Interpol, that was really a thrill to play for such huge audiences. Sorry I can’t pick exactly one moment but those are what I can think of currently as the best.
What are you currently working on?
Currently just finishing up a No Regular Play EP for Guy Gerber’s Supplement Facts label. Trying to finish another EP for wolf + lamb or possibly an album, not sure yet. And my main focus right now is finishing the concerto for small ensemble and orchestra that I’m doing with my father. That will be premiered with the Minnesota Orchestra at the end of September. We also have a record coming out on Cut&Mistake. It’s a new label run by our dear friend Connor Whiriskey. This label is going to be very interesting and we’re honored to mark the first release with one of our fave No Regular Play tracks “Rain (all day)“ which we’ve been playing in the live set for years now, but been waiting to release for Connor’s label.
How would you describe your sound?
I would say my sound is heavily influenced by Slum Village, J dilla, D’angelo, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. I have listened to so many great artists but when I produce, at least currently, I really try and channel these influences. I would say the subtlety in my vocal parts of my songs come from the Slum Village style of laid black, slurred, kind of natually delayed repeated sound, (if that makes any sense). When I make the bass lines and drums, aside from thinking of Dilla’s productions for Slum, I really like to imagine how D’angelo’s band would play. The way his bass player Pino Palladino would drop in and out on the voodoo record is just brillliant. The chord changes Herbie uses on basically everything is what I try to emulate, mainly the songs ‘thrust’ and ‘people music’.
Out of your body of work what is your favorite track and why?
It’s usually the most current track that I’ve made because I always feel my most recent work is my best, but I have to say when I revisit the track “What’s mine is yours” on my first Double Standard release I feel as though I really got it right. The way the drums sound is totally unique, at least for my style and the interplay with the bass is something I strive for. I also feel the vocals and the lyrics are great in the sense that I can listen to them over and over without thinking they are to corny or boring. I just think its my most solid composition. I think I had the most time to work on it, but hopefully I’ll have enough time to finish this new track called “No Wonder” which I think will be even better, fingers crossed.
What can you tell us about your studio setup?
The studio lately has had a juno106, a super jupiter, jomox xbase 999 drum machine, mackie mixing desk, micro korg, memory man delay pedal, sm57 microphone and a bunch of random percussion, i.e. castanets, hand drums. We use Ableton to record everything in, sometimes Logic. And its all recorded in as audio, we really don’t record midi, although we might start experimenting with that soon. I just like the old school feel of having to play everything perfectly on the keyboard. Also when I say “we” I mean Nick and me. We do NRP stuff during the day, and then usually late at night I do the music under my own name.
Any dream (remixing) collaborations you’d like to take on?
I would really love to work with Dj Sprinkles (Terre Thaemelitz). Also to work with Jamie Principle would be a dream. We just did a No Regular Play remix of Robert Owens, which was for sure a ‘dream’ remix.
How do you see today’s music scene in New York?
Well it’s a little difficult for me to comment totally on everything in New York right now, because I’ve been gone for most of the last 6-8 months and when I’m back I’m very much focused on my immediate community of musical friends. I have thrown a few parties with my friends Emil, Brandon (smirk), Connor, Aik, Bilal and Nick lately that have truly been the best times of my life. Our guests have been so respectful and that really makes me think that the New York scene has got it down more than ever. Also in NY you have so many great record labels, like DFA for example is really influential and important to the New York scene. It’s very important for me to be based out of New York and to make it my musical home. Oh and Tim Sweeney is in New York, so that right there makes it awesome.
What’s been on repeat lately (what should we look out for)?
I love that Todd Terje Snooze 4 Love, which I was turned on to by you guys actually! There are these really great tracks that Voices of Black just made, they are really really on fire right now, as well as Tanner Ross, all this stuff u can hear on the wolf + lamb / Soul Clap Beats in Space podcast, as well as some new GP and NRP stuff. Also these remixes of Lucky Paul, one I did and one from Gadi (w+l) and Eli from Soul Clap. It’s a collaboration between somethinksounds and w+l.
What new projects are in store for the remainder of this year?
One thing that has been ongoing but not yet debuted is my work with Francis Harris aka Adultnapper. We have worked on a bunch of music together that will be released later this year or early next year I imagine on his new label Scissor and Thread. Actually thats some more stuff thats been on repeat for me, his upcoming releases and the remixes associated with them are absolutely stunning! Also I just finished recording for my good friend Jason Poranski’s new album. He and I met playing in the band Beirut and his new music is really really amazing.
What sound or noise do you love?
I love the sound of a tone slowly rising from low to high, you can hear it in probably 50% of anything I release haha…. I’m sure everyone’s sick of it by now but I never will be!
What is your worst addiction?
Hmmm….. I have way to many to list! Haha, lately maybe Tequila or Campari… But Campari’s not so bad for you. Maybe my worst/best addiction is my addiction to music, in the fact that it comes first in my life and always will. It can cause self-destruction, sleep deprivation, ruin friendships and relationships, cause depression or disillusionment but in the end it will always fill me with more joy than anything else. People and places will come and go but as long as you have music you are never alone.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
People making shit music. Unintelligent music critics. Random punters talking shit on website forum/threads – hey guys go create something! Oh and maybe boring facebook posts. Actually these I love, like when someone buys a Red Bull and posts – “getting amped for tonight” hahah that shits hilarious.
Favorite websites?
cutandmistake.com / beatsinspace.net
++ Check out more Greg Paulus on Juno & Soundcloud
Bonjour beautiful people, its mini Interview time! This time up is the very talented, Kasper Winding. I first discovered Kasper through his remix of Hypnolove´s track Mademoiselle, it was the first track of a Dj mix and it quickly caught my attention. I didn’t get to listen to the rest of the mix as I got so caught up in trying to find the track. I wanted to get my hands on a copy quickly (you know how it is). After some research I found that it wasn’t anywhere to be purchased, but I managed to sort this out by contacting Kasper himself. I later googled his name I quickly realized that this man has been around allot when it comes to music. Kasper Winding is danish and from what I understand quite well known in Denmark. He currently lives in London and Paris. He started composing at the age 12 and at 14 he got his first job writing the score for the danish film The Beach Revolution. The same year he joined the Danish radio orchestra as a drummer. At 16 he became a dad and now has 5 kids (Well done Kasper!). Since then he has released 11 records, produced for a vast array of artist, composed over 20 film scores. And in the recent years remixed for Hypnolove, Kavinsky, Efterklang, Sebastien Tellier and Acid Washed. He has also played the ode triangle or snare drum with people like Phillip Glass, Barry White, Abba, Terry Reily, Entrance, The Rolling Stones, Frank Zapp. Directed a play and 2 music videos, he is also a photographer. Doesn’t seem like there is much this man cant do. And to top this off he has recently released a solo album named Voila! I would describe the album as a time machine of sound, reflecting his 30 years in the music industry. Words that comes to mind when listening to his album : chilled, upbeat, funky, sexy, synthy, old and new school pop in its best form. Nothing less than flawless production accompanied by his wonderful David Bowie like vocals. The impressions I get from Kasper is that he loves music to the core along with all the beautiful things life has to offer. The man is clearly talented and we highly recommend you checking out more of his music.
MINI INTERVIEW
Kasper what are you doing right now?
Cooking fish and new potatoes
What five words best describes you?
Exited-Enthusiastic- Curious-Vain-Talented
What are your earliest musical memories as a child?
My Mother playing Nat King Cole and my Father playing Miles Davis
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
The Beatles” White album”, Kraftwerk “The man machine” Marvin Gaye “What’s going on” Miles Davis Gil Evans “The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings” Maurice Ravel “Complete orchestra works- Underworld “Beaucoup Fish”. Sorry that was 6 .. ohh did i mention Kanye West/Jay Z -Damon Albarn i could go on. :-)
What lead you into producing electronic music?
Kraftwerk
What’s the wildest moment you’ve experienced in your career so far?
The fact that their is still coming interesting sound’s and idea’s out of my imagination is pretty wild. And the fact that i’ have 5 great children is even more crazy.
What are you currently working on?
Just finished remixing French electro outfit Acid Washed. And is producing Danish Punk legend Steen Jørgensen (from the band “Sort Sol”) first solo album. Producing and writing for “Rocket City Jane” with great French singer Lola Zaidline ……And last but not least just started on a new record of my own…Steinway piano-808 drum machine and my voice… quit exited myself.
How would you describe your sound?
I’m trying to combine all the stuff I have grown up with…! Song writing with electronic stuff/ Pop songs with free form stuff …
Any dream collaborations you’d like to take on?
Jay Z and The Berlin Philharmonic
What are you most excited about right now?
The fact that summer is around the corner and everything that I do ..otherwise i would not do it.
What sound or noise do you love?
Children playing on the beach
What is your worst addiction?
Great wine and Food
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Ignorance…. the rest is to shitty to mention
Hypnolove – Mademoiselle (Domestika Remix) by Kaper Widing
Kavinsky – Nightcall (The K Winding St Tropez remix) by Kaper Widing
KASPER´S PLAYLIST:
CLUB SLAMMER SET :
David Bowie : Beauty and the Beast
D.A.F : Gold und Liebe
Arthur Russell : Get Around to It
Gorillaz : Detroit
Beyonce : Get me Bodied
Kanye West : Paranoid
Underworld : Push Upstairs
Prince :Tamborine
Jay-Z : 99 Problems
Daft Punk : High Life
Friendly Fires : Hawaiian Air
CLUB CHILL SET:
Laura Nyro : Timer
Crosby,Stills ,Nash and Young: Carry On
Empire of the Sun : Half Mast
Gorillaz : Revolving Doors
Jay-Z : Thank you
Sebastien Tellier : Kilometer
Todd Rundgren : A Long Time,A Long Way To Go
The Beatles : Rain
Blur : Out of Time
Gorillaz : Bobby in Phoenix
Sebastien Tellier : Elle (Kasper Winding rmx)
Check out more from Kasper on Web, Facebook & Myspace
Check out his newest album Voila!
Ummmmmm excited much…?! Holy shit coz we are! It’s our absolute pleasure this fine Tuesday morning to blog two of our favorite Russians ever Kostya & Vasya otherwise known as Acos CoolKas! We’ve been following these guys for a long time now and then one day… WE FINALLY got the guts to contact them and find out if they would be interested in jumping on board the 20 with us as we really just needed to know mooooore about these two unbelievably musical freaks! Obviously they said YES! Whoooo! :-) So please take the time to read what the guys have to say, they’re super cool, very interesting and they’ve got a great sense of humor! It’s a BIG TIME A+ from us!
Oh and clearly there’s shit loads of goodies on their Soundcloud but if you haven’t heard the Positive Sounds Volume 1 Mixtape they did a while ago it’s a definite Shari & Vari fave! Aaaaaand for fucking ages, because we didn’t have a tracklist, and were not yet in contact with the guys we’ve been wondering what the killer track was at 41.54 minutes and now WE KNOW!!! It’s a remix An-2 did for them and it was also their first release on the Theomatic label! YAY!!!!!!!!!! Awesome track – we looooooooooooove it! Get it here :-))))) Thanks Boys!
MINI INTERVIEW
What’s the story behind your name?
Our project was named by our Internet nicknames, we put them together and it was Acos CoolKAs. We didn’t spend much time to create this name and decided that it will do. We thought we don’t need a name for our first steps in music world. But time showed that it was a proper name. Coincidentally internet browsers don’t suggest any porno links at request : “Acos CoolKas” ;-) and we hope this will not happen in the future unless Kostya decide to participate in a XXX movie one day as he is in a very good shape!
How did this whole Acos CoolKas thing start?
It started 10 years ago in 2001 when internet, daft punk and French disco entered in our homed city Omsk. Dial-up Internet was available only for the “chosen ones”. CD discs with music and different software were passed from hands to hands, from one person to another. We were lucky to get a CD with a simple music editor program and we found out that we can create music with it. It was like a discovery of the universe for us!!!! New realizes of our beloved French music were are available in Omsk. We could never hear these tracks on the radio, DJ’s didn’t want to share. These conditions were creating a vacuum in our souls, we had to create music by ourselves copy in our idols. We took a sample from space and zodiac, made loop for 7-8 minutes, added beat and the track was ready! In a couple of months with such experiments we discovered a secret of cut-off effect from wah-wah effect and we started to desire more. We started to gain experience without knowing the right direction. 7 years passed from this moment until our first EP “Skyline” was born.
What are your earliest musical memories?
Kostya: We had a vinyl record player at our parents home, they loved to listen popular music, Italian pop music and of course Modern Talking. I had to except that parents preferred pop music…
Vasya: The earliest pleasant memories are related with cartoons, I still enjoy listening to the music from “Nu Pogodi” (it’s a cartoon similar to Disney’s “Tom and Jerry”)
Any musical family links?
Label Theomatic is our musical family in Russia. Perfect musicians and our good friends D-Pulse, and Pompeya are cool musicians too. The best bar in the world and our friends at Bar Druzhba (look at just some of their guests)…! And this wonderful blog Raketa.
How would you describe your sound?
Our music is a soundtrack to our child dreams about space trips. In those days the idol of most children was Yuri Gagarin.
What are you currently working on?
During a few months we have preparing our new tracks for release on Theomatic. We don’t make only a music that’s why our processes delay. We are not fast guys in making tracks, we can start strongly but then never finish it…
What new projects are in store for later this year?
We are planning to release EP on Theomatic, we hope we will get it.
Any dream remixing collaborations you’d like to take on?
Our major dream is working with Erlend Oye, we are his big fans!
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
It’s very difficult but this is one of our lists…
Metro Area – Miura
The Whitest Boy Alive – 24K (Morgan Geist cover)
An-2 - Diva (September version)
What’s on your radar right now?
Trujillo – Looking up through you (Original mix)
What sound or noise do you love?
Vasya: I like a woman’s voice pronouncing the name of train stops.
Kostya: I like the information melody on the Paris railway station very much. I had been deliberately standing there and listening to that melody more than one time.
What turns you on?
Alcohol on Friday evening :) But seriously, when 2-3 simple melodies are compiled and we can’t keep calm and stand up to dance.
What advice should you have taken, but did not?
It was Andrey Zakharov’s advice about good sound. He told us that we should think about music much more than for making perfect sound.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Vasya: Pa PanAmericano was very popular in Russia last year. It was playing everywhere and annoying me. One day I was seating in café, waiting for my supper and I was forced to listen to a freaky DJ set. It was composed of many Pan PaAmericano parody tracks. It was the most terrible hours in my life!!!
What are you most excited about right now?
Kostya: I’m getting ready to visit Sonar festival in Barcelona.
Vasya: I stopped smoking yesterday and it’s pressuring me now…
How do you see today’s music scene in Russia?
There are a lot of Russian music projects, many young musicians releasing cool tracks. Some Russian musicians have their own style and its great!
Favorite website?
Facebook – it has EVERYTHING!
Check out more of Acos CoolKas on Juno, Blog & Soundcloud
Canadian Edward Currelly aka Eddie C has been so kind to donate some of his precious time to do this interview for us. I got very inspired to interview Eddie as I met him a few weeks ago at club Jaeger in Oslo. The funny thing was as he just walked in the door, my friend Ø. Morken was playing one of his tracks… What a cool welcome! Eddie and his wife just happened to be in Oslo after gigging in Bergen. Derrick May and Diskjokke was playing that night so I guess he knew where to go for a drink.
We first heard of Eddies music in 2009 and we fell in love with his sound straight away. His music is simply beautiful and he is clearly musically gifted. Eddie has become a household name, and since 2009 released one good release after the other. And not to mention all of his remixes for names such as : Worst Friends, Duff Disco, Sean Brosnan & 9dw.
Eddie just doesn’t seem to disappoint. Saying this his newest album is out now. 11 tracks filled with deep disco grooves and soulful house, accompanied by beautiful vocal samples. We give it 10/10 with no hesitation. Its released as 12″ EP of which all three part make up the album “Parts Unknown”. The whole album can be purchased here. Part 1 you can get here & Part 2 here. Part 3 will be out on April 12th.
We have picked out some of our favorite Dj mixes from Eddie C, enjoy!
Eddie C – Technique 015
Eddie C – Keep It Deep Guest Mix
Eddie C – Cool In The Pool Mix
MINI INTERVIEW
Hey Eddie what are you doing right now?
Hi! I just finished scooping the litter box. Brought in some wood. Made some coffee. Watching Fish TV… regular day to day stuff.
What five words best describes you?
What five words describe me?
What are your earliest musical memories as a child? (Any Musical family links?)
My grandmother was a violinist in a symphony orchestra. Other than that, my mom is Swedish and was heavily into ABBA for the first few years of my life. I can’t remember if I liked it much but we used to dance a lot in my house. It makes me feel weird every time I hear an ABBA tune though. Reminds me of the farm. I loved the turntable that was in our house. I wish I could remember the make. It was one where you could stack like 10 records on top of each other and it would play them in sequence. It had it’s own EQ and Volume control.
What’s the wildest moment you’ve experienced in your career so far?
Geez… where to begin… finding records and record stores in Toronto in the late 80s after hearing about them on the radio. Throwing a rave at my high school in ’93. Winning the battle for East Toronto Supremacy in ’98 with my best friend Dry. Getting booked to play a club in Kitchener we had to drive 250 km to get to, only to find it was under construction, so we kept driving to Detroit instead for a Richie Hawtin party. Showing up to a regular gig here in Banff only to find out it was a stag party with strippers and still doing the party. Bitchslapping a guy in the face for stealing a couple of my records he claimed he thought were ‘menus’ and then members of the Calgary Flames throwing him out of the club. Paying a guy in beer for a full year to hang out in the booth with me to deal with girls requesting nonsense – it was his dream job! Watching my friend DJ in a lounge where a fight broke out and turned into a complete brawl. One guy reached up to hold onto the DJ stand which was just a table up high on a stage. The entire DJ stand came crashing down onto the dance floor everything smashing to pieces… amazing! The day I had my first international gig outside of North America was the day that volcano in Iceland blew up… all my flights were cancelled. My wife and I took trains for the entire tour for a month all over Europe and made it to every gig! It was like “The Amazing Race”. I’m sure there are many more. I really should start writing this stuff down.
What are you currently working on?
Relaxing. A few remixes and some new material always on the go. Constant organizing and reorganizing of records.
How would you describe your sound?
How would you describe it?
Out of your body of work what is your favorite track and why?
I used to do a lot of “field recording” if that is a term? Whenever my wife and I would go traveling I would bring my recorder with me. I’ve made full length albums from the recordings of each trip. My favorites are from Belize, Turkey and Haiti. I love that sort of thing because it is so personal. Kind of like when a smell reminds you of a certain thing or a certain time in your life.
What can you tell us about your studio setup? What made you choose the instruments/plugins/ hardware /software you have now?
Choose!? Whatever is lying around really… it’s all so outdated it’s embarrassing! I don’t really know what a plug-in is. Should I admit that? I have a nice set of turntables and lots of nice records, lots of cheap percussion tools and a few analogue things kicking around. I have family in Haiti. I use a not-very-good program I got from a guy in Port-Au-Prince in ’02. He was using it to put Eminem vocals over Cutty Ranks beats or something.
Any dream (remixing) collaborations you’d like to take on?
Something super mainstream like Gaga or T-Pain. Then I could just buy a van and drive to Mexico. That’s completely sarcastic of course, sort of.
How do you see today’s music scene in Canada?
It’s excellent in very small pockets across the country. Honestly, probably close to the best but on such a small scale.
What’s been on repeat lately (what should we look out for)?
I’ve been watching a lot of Kids In The Hall lately. A Canadian sketch comedy troop from the early 90s. I got a record in Bergen from Knut Skodvin which is crazy! I’m really enjoying all the International Feel releases. The Gatto Fritto album is sounding dope. That new Soft Rocks album is great. Mark E’s new album sounds superb.
I have been listening to two radio shows regularly recently: Beats In Space from New York and African Rhythms Radio from Vancouver.
What new projects are in store for 2011?
My album should be out by the time this article is out. My friends and I here are working on a few offshoot labels that are picking up where 7 Inches of Love left off. It’s pretty exciting to make your own records. I have a number of other things to work on for various labels I’ve already recorded for… we’ll see what I can finish! Working on sorting out a brief tour of the US around the DEMF.
What sound or noise do you love?
Good ones or absolute silence. Smells are better, like campfire, fresh cut grass, coffee, diesel fumes in a hot crowded place, street food at night, new records, old records, record stores.
What is your worst addiction?
waking up early… not really an addiction I suppose. But I really should sleep more. It’s the farmer in me I suppose.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
As in shit I can’t stand? Probably sarcasm in music. I’m not interested in people having a good time because they think something sucks. It happens a lot around here.
Check out more of Eddie C on Juno, Facebook & Soundcloud
Today our friend the supremely talented Mr Patrick Wood aka DJ Woody has dropped in for a digital coffee, handed over a mixtape that he made especially for us aaaand to top it off, he even took the time to answer some Number 20 questions! YAY! So for all of you that are not familiar with DJ Woody well, not only is he a super cool guy, and an awesome DJ but he’s also a member of a seriously fucking cool band from Lower Manhattan that you 100% know and LOVE called The Phenomenal Handclap Band. We hope you enjoy this mixtape as much as we are, it’s been on repeat in both Paris & Oslo this fine Saturday. Thanks Pat, you’re a legend! :-)
!! DOWNLOAD TOGETHER MIXED BY DJ WOODY !!
The Revenge – Unfinished edits are out of my hands
Super Value #1 – Track 2
Motor City Drum Ensemble – Raw Cuts #2
Unknown Artist – Framing Hot
Bibi Tanga & The Selenites – Be Africa (Tim Goldsworthy Remix)
Social Disco Club – I’m good for you
Black Van – Yearning
OTB Party Breaks #2 – Miranda (Jacques Renault Edit)
The Doobie Brothers – Long Train Runnin’ (sure is pure 12” mix)
Bubble Club – Violet Morning Moon
MINI INTERVIEW
Who is DJ Woody? Don’t be shy now…
He’s a walking contradiction, partly true and partly fiction (bonus points if you can name that a songwriter)…!
What happened today? We want details!
Well, so far, coffee has been made. Oh, and now I’m drinking it… I also put on a record (John Fahey – Old Fashioned Love)
What’s on your iPhone? Like… What are you listening to at the moment? Can we have a pic that you took with you iPhone for this post?
Still digging on that Tame Impala record from last year. Also the newest mix by Lexx entitled ‘Pressure’, very nice as per usual. The Miss Cheesecake ‘Get off the floor’ EP which is dropping any moment now on Faze action Records (FAR) aaaand how about this pic…?? (see blog post pic above) plus super duper mega bonus points if you can name where this was taken!
What’s in store for you (personally) and the band in the next few months?
Personally, I will continue to adjust to my new neighborhood. As for the band, we will be releasing Phenomenal Handclap Band 2 (not the actual title) sometime in the coming months. There are no release details as of yet but let’s just say that we are all very excited.
What’s your favorite word?
Dennehy (don’t ask).
What sound or noise do you love?
My new speakers.
What advice should you have taken, but did not?
Um, stay in school? Or stay out of the music business. yeah, that was it.
What’s your vital daily ritual?
Making coffee and putting on a record.
What’s your worst addiction?
Coffee.
What’s your favorite website?
Look who jumped on board The Number 20 for a quick chat… Get Drop Out Orchestra on our yacht! School might not have been a priority but what a result! We’ve been following Drop Out Orchestra for quite awhile now and the talent that oozes out never ceases to amaze us. We are super happy to have had the opportunity to find out a little bit more, we hope you enjoy it too!
Craig David – Walking Away (Get Craig David off my yacht! Rework by Drop Out Orchestra)
MINI INTERVIEW
What’s the story behind your name?
There is no real story. I’m a dropout, I have my own orchestra.
How did you start getting into producing your own music?
I started making industrial stuff and synth pop in the 80s and have naturally progressed from there to here.
How would you describe your sound?
Dubby party music.
What are you currently working on?
Oh we’re always working on edits, remixes and originals. Right now we’re remixing Swedish pop band The Ark.
Name three of your favorite records old or new?
Bill Evans Trio – Waltz For Debby (album)
The Pale Fountains – Thank You (single)
Loose Joints – Tell You Today (maxi single)
What’s on your radar right now?
Tv series and whiskey.
What’s at the top of your shit list?
Dumb, formulaic big-room house music. That and nuclear power.
What turns you on?
A quiet lunch.
What advice should you have taken, but did not?
“Finish school.”
Any dream remixing collaborations you’d like to take on?
Oh… too many to mention. It would be real nice if some big shot pop star asked – and paid us to remix something for them.
How do you see today’s music scene in Sweden?
We were lucky last year, we got a couple of cool gigs in Sweden, we got to meet a crowd I didn’t think existed in this country.
What’s on repeat this week?
The Soul Clap essential mix.
Fave website?
SoundCloud. Gotta love it.
CHECK OUT MORE FROM DROP OUT ORCHESTRA:
It’s always a pleasure catching up with my pal Walter Merlin Jones and as usual he’s busy doing what he does exceptionally well! :-) Sooooo have a read, check out the demo they ever so kindly provided ONLY us with and get up to speed on what’s been happening lately! Very nice stuff. We’re excited and we want more!!!
MINI INTERVIEW
Who is Graceful Exit?
Walter Jones and Tate Masimore (AKA Chas Bronz).
What’s the story behind your name?
Walt – Well, we were coming up with names and one of us came up with Death cab for Cutie, but we thought what a STUPID name. But, for real, we were thinking about “Happy Endings” which could mean a few other things, but that one was taken as well so Graceful Exit came to mind as an alternative. A grim thought is we all will eventually pass on to the other world, hopefully we can make a Graceful Exit. It sounds very dramatic, anyway.
What five words best describe you guys?
Walt – Succulent, tangy, crisp, refreshing and delicious!
How did this collaboration come about?
Walt – There is a debate going among Tate and I about who approached whom first. We admired each others music and we emailed each other to start talking and eventually start work on music.
What are you listening to now?
Tate – I’m listening to “Lust” by Rinder and Lewis, simply amazing work!
What’s in store for you guys for what’s left of this year?
Walt – We played a few shows in Brooklyn, New York and Boston, Massachusetts so far, which were all a success. We have a date confirmed with Austin, Texas for New Years Eve. Past that we are wide open as far as touring. We are in a transition period right now. We are fine tuning our group as far as our outside collaborations and labels we are working with. Our songs are very strong and our new album is coming out.
What’s your favorite word?
Walt – LOL, what’s yours?
What sound or noise do you love?
Walt – The voice of a loved one.
Tate – Waves crashing on a beach…
What advice should you have taken, but did not?
Walt – Never get old.
What’s your vital daily ritual?
Walt – Other than morning activities to wake up, not to have a daily ritual.
Tate – To be as productive as possible, and stay positive.
What’s your worst addiction?
Walt – My daily ritual.
Tate – Music
What’s your favorite website?
Walt – I used to check out the Deep House Page regularly a few years ago, but being a visual entertainment geek, I have stuck with YouTube for now.
// LISTEN!
Graceful Exit – Let It Ride (Demo Version)
This time we have chosen the mysterious Rocco Raimundo he is young talented and full of hope. He has a great sound going for him self we are digging it, signed to Gazeebo & Pollo Erotic. This dude is climbing music mountains. Get to know him better and be sure to download the exclusive mix he has done for us.
MINI INTERVIEW
What five words best describe Rocco Raimundo?
R – Robust
O – Oscillators
C – ‘Cool Beans’
C – Cow-a-bunga
O – Oarsome
What’s the story behind your name?
After leaving home at an early age in Monaco, I found myself in Bordeaux where an elderly couple who owned a Vineyard, placed a roof over my head and decided to call me….Rocco Raimundo. Since then, it’s just stuck.
Where are you originally from and where were you born
Born & bred in Monaco/Monte-Carlo.
Any musical family links
There aren’t really any musicians within my family, more so music enthusiasts….but who isn’t a music enthusiast, right?
When did your interest in music begin ?
I think my interest in music began when my father would have Cerrone records on repeat whilst cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Where do you get your influences from? What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
The genre of my stuff so far is definitely Disco & Re-Edits….as for influences, mainly any old school disco artists from the 70′s to the 90′s. My major influences are guys like Greg Wilson and Maurice Fulton. I’ve actually been in touch with Greg Wilson recently as he’s touched up my edit of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’.
Out of your body of work what is your favorite track and why?
My favorite’s so far would definitely still be my edit of Fleetwood Mac, and also ‘Ready Or Not’ which will be out soon (hopefully). My Fleetwood Mac edit is my favorite because it was my first edit and also because of how amazing the original is…..It’s good to hear it in clubs etc.
What can you tell us about your studio setup? What made you choose the instruments/ plug-ins/ hardware /software you have now?
My studio set up is rather simple at the moment, currently saving up some cash to invest in some cool gear….It currently consists of a desktop mac, midi equipment, soft synths and a microkorg. Will be branching out and making some nice little purchases in the very near future.
What are are you listening to at the moment? Who should we look out for?
Right now, my itunes is playing Crazy P’s remix of Nelue’s ‘Deconstructed’. We should definitely look out for some new releases coming out on Future Classic, Flight Facilities‘ new single, the digital release of Das Moth’s ‘Moon/Wrong’ which features remixes by Jacques Renault, Kink & Neville Watson and Sidwho?. Also, can’t wait to hear Cut Copy’s new album.
What’s in store for you this year next year, touring, remixing an album maybe?
Well considering this years nearly over (2010 has flown by…), will hopefully have my second EP out on Gazeebo Records sometime in the new year & will also be doing a few DJ sets here & there…. I’ll also be starting on my first remix in the next couple of weeks.
What is your worst addiction?
Smoking!!
Who would you have liked to be?
Good question…..even though no one really is, I’m pretty content with who I am. In saying that, it would be pretty cool to spend a day (or two) in the shoes of David Attenborough
Any last words?
Shall we dance?
DOWNLOAD
Rocco Raimundo – THE NUMBER 20 MIX
1. Fernando Pulichino – Beat Is Yet To Come
2. Kathy Diamond – All Woman (Instrumental)
3. The Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer In The City (Peter Visti Edit)
4. Gazeebo – Rub It Till It’s Wet
5. Hot Toddy – Mind Trip
6. Benjamin Diamond – Fit Your Heart (Krikor’s Extended Edit)
7. Holy Ghost! – Say My Name (The Revenge Remix Dub)
8. Nick Chacona & Anthony Mansfield – Oh Snap (Greg Wilson Version)
9. Rocco Raimundo – Ready Or Not
10. Ray Mang – Number One
11. Prince Language – I Washed You
12. Gay Marvine – Lost In Music
CHECK OUT MORE FROM ROCCO RAIMUNDO:
Soundcloud, Blog & Juno Releases
Yep it’s that time again, please welcome Monsieur Malcolm Dakeyo aka Kelton Prima on board The Number 20. For those of you that need an introduction Malcolm is a super talented musician living in Paris, and well to put it simply he’s just one of those dudes that was born funky, he can’t help it and we love him for it! ;-) Soooo read, listen and most of all enjoy Welcome To My Keltonic World (exclusive 20 mix)…! YAY! Merci Monsieur!
MINI INTERVIEW
What five words best describe you?
It’s better if you ask this question to my cat, I think it’ll miaow five times in letting you know I’m a good guy ;-)
What are your earliest musical memories?
When I discovered records like “Trans Europe Express“ from Kraftwerk or Space Art in my parents vinyl collection. My father collected vinyl so I was lucky to be able to listen to many different types of music. There was always music playing at home so naturally it became a part of me from an early age and from these experiences my passion begun.
What’s the strangest moment you’ve experienced in your career so far?
When I played with Carl Cox in Toulouse (south of France) at the end of the 90′s. It was really quite stressful because obviously the public paid to listen to a superstar DJ and weren’t really up for listening to the rest of the line up. I basically played for one and a half hours in front of an audience of zombies who only moved their head and feet on the rhythm but they didn’t really dance! So when Carl came on stage to take over the decks all the public instantly woke up and became hysteric whereas all the other artists played good sets prior. Sometimes I don’t understand why people don’t make an effort to open their ears but I guess it’s like that from time to time. This experience stands out and was quite punishing for me unfortunately, of course I have some other strange/nightmarish experiences but generally I prefer to forget them and get focus on the good ones.
What’s in the future for you?
Well to talk about the future we must see the past and present. I’ve worked a lot this last year… After “The Arrival EP“ was released on Disco Praline I got a lot of positive feedback and propositions but unfortunately because of the global economic situation or artistic choices some releases and remixes (Hard Ton on Gigolo, Thomas Ray from Starlight Boyz on Black Leather and Thieves Like Us on Debonton) were canceled or are on stand-by. Many labels have had some trouble selling records for a few years now and it’s been even harder these last few months. So I’ve been hanging in there but now things are starting to move in the right direction and I have confirmed releases for the end of this year and for the start of 2011. If all is OK in December a remix for a French girl called :MARR will be released on White Glove Productions, then one EP with remixes from Ytre Ryndem Dansskola and Johnny Paguro on Pizzico Records and another EP for Need Want records with the great Hard Ton featuring and also a guest remix. I’m also preparing another project with more tracks for Tonite Records and thinking about a new collaboration with Jamal Moss, Mathematics label. But apart from that I’m having a little break to refresh my mind, I feel I need to take this time to be able to restart my work with a good feeling.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve listened to different kinds of music at different periods of my life like all music lovers I guess… So the list is long and could be boring but to try to be concrete when I was young in the 80′s I was intrigued by music from machines so I mainly listened to synth pop, new wave, hip-hop and italo disco. The only exception was for hard rock shit (heavy till death metal)… At the end of the 80′s I was touched by early house, new beat, techno, ambient, drum’n bass, abstract & experimental, noise, industrial, electronica and pop. In fact that’s fun because I discovered jazz, soul, latin, disco and funk all thanks to house music in the 90′s. But this passion for music is an endless quest…
Do you collect anything?
Music, horror and SF films. Sometimes comics like a famous series called “The Walking Dead”.
What is your worst addiction?
I’m a food addict so I love to eat diverse food, smoke, drink Coke (like a kid) and drink good wine.
Favorite website?
This is the main problem with the internet there are so many good, specialized websites or blogs when you’re into cinema, music, contemporary art etc; so I’m sorry I can’t give you any specific names but I can definitely say your blog is really amazing.
So what about this special mix you’ve put together especially for us?
You’ll find it to be a funky feel selection of oldies and newies representing a part of my musical universe. I hope you’ll enjoy this trip into my Keltonic World!
DOWNLOAD
Kelton Prima – Welcome To My Keltonic World
1- The Popular Peoples Front – Tee Cut
2- 2030 – Cli-N-Tel
3- Love Club – Hot Summer Nights
4- David Astri – Dancing Digits (Todd Terje Mix)
5- Mark E – Rnb Drunkie
6- Tiger & Woods – Deflowered
7- Detroit Experiment – Think Twice
8- Motor City Drum Ensemble - Raw Cut 3
9- Earl Flint – People Hold On (Instrumental Version)
10- Con Funk Shun – Burnin’ Love (Dub Version)
11- The Glimmers – Whomp That Sucker
12- Dinky – Twelve To Four
13- Kelton Prima – Vacuum Phenomenum (Ytre Rymden Dansskola Remix)
14- Woolfy – Oh Missy (In Flagranti Xenon Mix)
15- Funky Instruments – Luv Me Right
16-Thomas Ray from Starlight Boyz – Flight 404 (Kelton Prima Keltonized Version)
17- Yasmin Gate & People Theater – Waiting For You (Heko Remix)
CHECK OUT MORE FROM KELTON PRIMA:
This time up we have had a very nice chat with the multi talented New York DJ/producer Eli Escobar. Signed to Plant Records and Money Studies. Eli is very well known for his many amazing remixes for about every big name out there. His production we can only describe as eclectic and brilliant. He has also been so kind to give us a never released edit (thank you!!) and the newly recorded live mix from his club night Work! (with DJ Lloydski). The live mixes from Work! are raw, dirrrty and makes you feel like you are right there on the dance floor.
MINI INTERVIEW
What five words best describe Eli Escobar?
This is really difficult. I have no idea! How about Fast Times At Ridgemont High.
What are your earliest musical memories as a child?
Mostly listening to the radio, and watching MTV very early on in its existence with my awesome baby sitters who got me into Culture Club, Duran Duran and groups like that. Also seeing dudes with huge boom boxes in the subway and the street playing early rap and electro stuff always mesmerized me.
What’s the wildest moment you’ve experienced in your career so far?
Ok one thing that comes to mind is DJing Tracy Morgan’s (from 30 Rock) birthday party at some point in the mid 2000′s. It started at 5am and was in some huge fancy loft in Battery Park City. There were stripper poles everywhere and all the strippers were really overweight and unattractive! The sound guy starts telling me where to set up, how to use the system, etc. and then I notice he’s Grandmaster Caz (who is an iconic New York rapper, famous for writing the lyrics to “Rapper’s Delight” and his group the Cold Crush Brothers)! Suddenly a little star struck, I think I said something nerdy like “I know who you are by the way” and he was SO grateful and friendly towards me after that. Anyways, the party was madness and went on ’til way late into Sunday morning and past the time I was contracted to play. By 10 am or something, Tracy has his shirt off and starts offering me money and liquor and coming up with crazy requests and I was literally falling asleep while he was talking to me. I also remember there being no one left at the party except him and one other dude. Even the fat strippers had gone. I was with my wife and we were both so tired, we decided to plot an escape. Grandmaster Caz told us about a secret elevator or something and somehow, with his help, we managed to sneak out with 4 crates of records without Tracy noticing. Is that wild enough? I’m not that wild of a guy sorry!
What’s in the future for you?
I have enough material completed to put out an album but for now I will put out another E.P. because it seems dance music translates better in that format. So my next E.P. will be out soon and has a few deep instrumental cuts on it and a feel good dance song with Nomi Ruiz singing on it called “Desire”. After this release I think an album will happen.
What are you listening to now?
I’m really into the Tazz record called “World Of Techno” especially the track “Unrestrained”. The new Morgan Geist project “Storm Queen” is an instant classic. Kyle Hall’s “Sun Goddess” record is great. Those are a few off the top of my head. As far as non-dance stuff goes it’s usually the same old people like Siouxsie, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen. Not so interesting I guess! I did really like the Memory Tapes album.
What is your favorite word?
Probably “Duh”. I seem to use it a lot.
What do you fear most?
Probably my grandmother passing away. That’s a bit personal, but it’s inconceivable to me that it will ever happen.
Do you collect anything?
Um, yes. Records, for the last 30 years of my life. Comics, sneakers and toys here and there, but the records remain.
What is your worst addiction?
Nostalgia.
Please tell us more about your club night Work! .
Work! is a monthly night I do with my friend DJ Lloydski the first Thursday of every month at Submercer. It’s a cozy little club in Soho with a great sound system and so far it’s been the most fun party ever. We play lots of house and techno and some disco and new wave stuff also.
DOWNLOAD
Womack & Womack – M.P.B. (Eli Escobar Re-Edit)
Eli Escobar & DJ Lloydski – WORK ( 11/4-10)
Eli Escobar & DJ Lloydski – WORK (30/9 -10)
CHECK OUT MORE FROM ELI ESCOBAR:
Its about time we bring you another interview and certainly about time to introduce you to the very talented Kid Who. You might have already noticed his name and music by now. He is fairly new to the game, but we have been following him for a while. We started off by noticing his blog which was and still is full of really good music and his own edits. Its also really cool to see that his name and music has been spreading since then. The kid totally deserves this and we are really looking forward to hearing more good music from him. Now sit down relax and get to know him. Ps. Make sure you download his mix that he did exclusively for the number20. Lucky us and lucky you :)
MINI INTERVIEW
Who is Kid Who?
That would be me! Louis Jaquet, a 24-year old producer/DJ living in South London.
What five words best describe you?
I’d have to ask other people but then they would probably all give different answers… who knows…
What is the story behind your name?
That was my first gig in London, which must have been in 2005. I was booked through a friend to play at a b-boy party (I was mixing funk and hip-hop at the time). They called me up at the last minute to get details for the flyer, but I didn’t have a name so had to think of one on the spot. I sat down for two minutes with my then-flatmate and we came up with this one. I’ve never bothered to change it, so here we are!
How did this whole music thing start for you?
I guess the first proper release was the Mindless Boogie EP at the beginning of the year. It’s a funny story actually. I was making loads of edits at the time, and thought I’d try my luck at getting a release out. I emailed Dirk from Mindless Boogie with a link to some edits and asked straight-up if he wanted to do a twelve. He actually declined initially, but then about a week later he sent over 5 tracks and told me to pick three and see what I could do with them. A few months on and the record came out, and things just progressed from there. Now there are a handful of remixes and an EP out and I’m getting plays from people like Aeroplane and Tim Sweeney. It’s really been a dream-come-true. Hopefully 2011 will be even more exciting than 2010!
Weirdest gig?
Playing to a room full of deaf people at a bar in King’s Cross. I did get them dancing though!
What are you listening to now? Who should we look out for?
I’m really loving The Backwoods album on Ene right now. There’s a track from there in the 20mix, I thoroughly recommend grabbing the whole album. Mushrooms Project are amazing too, also in the 20mix. At this very moment I’m listening to Brainticket – Celestial Ocean.
What’s in store for you this year?
Lots of stuff coming up… I’ve just finished a remix for Enzo Ponzio that I’m really pleased with, which will be out soon on Pizzico. There’s also a remix for Space Ranger which should hopefully be out before the end of the year on Lightspeed. I’ve also just won a Chicken Lips remix competition run by DJHistory, that will be available soon as well. Aside from remixes I’m putting together original material for Pizzico and also starting my own digital label, Bravura, along with a producer who I’ve been working with over the past few years. We’ve already got some tracks nearing completion for the first release, and a few exciting people have expressed an interest in getting on board in the future, so keep an eye out for that! No album on the horizon just yet… after a few more EPs perhaps…
What is your favorite word?
Too many great ones to choose from.
What sound or noise do you love?
Anything through a tape delay. That’s probably a boring answer! How about that crunching sound when you’re walking on snow? I’ve always liked that. Through a tape delay perhaps?
What advice should you have taken, but did not?
I guess I try and live with as few regrets as possible. I’ll leave it at that :)
What is your vital daily ritual?
Every day has to start with a cup of tea.
Do you collect anything?
I’ve got a weakness for 70s/80s throwaway spy novels. Sad but true.
What is your worst addiction?
Tobacco. And pasta. I could eat it every day. I even make my own sometimes. I’ve got the rolling machine and everything! I’ll be enormous in the future…
Whats your favorite website?
Lovefingers was pretty mind blowing. Soundcloud is great too. But the crown has to go to Youtube. People are uploading so much incredible obscure old music these days, I can spend hours skipping through the ‘related videos’ lists, finding plenty of gems. It’s amazing for laughs too. Search for ‘binocular football’.
DOWNLOAD
Kid Who – The Number20 Mix
1. Mushrooms Project – Tropikal Mushrooms (Original Mix)
2. Pollyester – German Love Letter (Permanent Vacation Mix)
3. Jonathan Kusuma – Preparation
4. Pional – The Onset
5. DPlay – Schroule
6. Enzo Ponzio – A New Way (Golden Bug Mix)
7. 2020 Soundsystem – Ocean (Ray Mang Dub)
8. Johnny Paguro – Igadadadoo
9. The Backwoods – Breakthrough
10. Moscow – Deep Heat
11. Barfly – Street Talk
12. The Horses – Galactic Radio
13. The Sjukt – Ghost in the Machine
CHECK OUT MORE FROM KID WHO:
Myspace, Soundcloud, Juno Relases & Facebook
