DJ Hyperactive at Interface 4, Los Angeles - 12-20-03
| The Somoan Stomper has been banging out proper techno and acid for years, from both the studio and the turntables. As a world renowned DJ he has played all over Europe, North America, and Asia. His lethal releases on Drop Bass, Communique, Missile, Hybrid, Plus 8, and more have kept crowds losing control since the mid 90's. Droid presents his December Interface set for both those who came out and those who will regret that they didn't. |
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What initially drew your interest to techno/house music, and how did you get into mixing and producing?
Growing up in Chicago you were either into house or you weren't. It was all over two of the city's best stations in the early eighties (WBMX & WGCI) and they threw down their mix shows Friday and Sat nights 8 until about 3 or 4 in the monring if I recall correctly. My interest in djing was primarily influenced by the radio shows and countless house parties we used to go to all over the city. How did you go about releasing your first records, and how might that process be different today? My circle of friends consisted of several musicians and studio engineers. We collaborated in the late 80's and just found it practical to release it ourselves. I've always had equipment and studio to my access so I was always around music for the most part. Similarly, how did you promote yourself as a DJ, and do you think these methods would still be successful? When I still lived in Chicago the combination of mix-tapes and record releases is what I used to promote myself. Right now I am only really focusing on writing and releasing music on outside labels. What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your music career? What have been the most difficult? First I would say that the amount of respect and admiration I received when I was coming up in Chicago and internationally is the most rewarding aspect for me. Secondly I would say that the numerous releases I have done on the various labels here in the US and Europe have been rewarding as well. Lastly, being ble to play at some of the highly revered clubs and parties in Europe and Asia would top it off for me. The most difficult aspect of all this is the wear and tear that travelling put on me. I find it surprising that the producer of such titles as "Don't Fuck with Chicago" and "Recorded in Chicago" would leave for Los Angeles. Why did you make this move? I knew I could adapt anywhere, not to say that LA is a step above or below Chicago. At the time I felt that taking a gamble would be fulfilling and that I could contribute to the overall well being of music here in the states. From what you've seen, how might you compare LA's electronic music scene with Chicago's? LA's scene is much broader in regards to electronic music in general, however the House and Techno scene I believe is a bit stronger in Chicago. In speaking of your set at Interface 4 (featured here), how did you decide which records to bring? I try to pick records that serve to purposes. I try to pick some that I can work and freak and then pick some that do the job itself. I try to have a balance of new and old and pick a few that provide an emotional edge to my set. I try to please the heads and the party people. As a DJ, how do you resolve the tension between what you feel like playing, what you think the crowd wants, and what you want the crowd to hear? Does your answer/approach depend on the particular event? I am a risk taker but if where I want to go looks dismal I'll change direction quick. I think I can read the crowd pretty well and based on what city and what type of venue I'm playing in it will help me know what to bring. Were you able to hear any of the sets at Interface 4, and how would you say that techno has changed/developed in the past 10 years? I think the harder, purer style of techno that Europe fancies was prevalent the night I played. I was pretty shocked. I think that techno is always trying to keep and aggressive edge but I would say there is a safe path that many are choosing now to keep their records in dj's boxes. The techno scene has shrunk a bit in the larger scope but is still concentrated in the right places for those who are down with it. Do you have any desire to produce more records, or are you in a permanent retirement? Although I've been laying low, I have no plans to retire. Me and Woody McBride just had a 12" come out on Plus 8 this past year and I have a project coming out on Bush and Uppercut this year. What kind of role does techno/house still play in your everyday life? It's every bit as relevent today as it was from day 1. It's simply a part of me. Are you goiing to see Mills on the 13th, or too much money for too many flashy shirts? I've played with Jeff so I know what to expect. I know how he plays and what he plays. I'm not going but I'll continue to support him in other ways. My impression when I first heard he was coming was that it would be a techier crowd for lack of a better word. I wouldn't expect to see too many glowsticks there for Jeff. I would expect him to draw a much more sophisticated and dedicated crowd. interview by bijan for droid (email) march 2, 2004 |