Simon Lewis of Amanaska Interview

Austrailia's Amanaska (a Sanskrit term for restfullness) combine electronica with music they have encountered on their travels around the globe. If down-tempo, jazzy Balearic sounds fused with Indian, African and Aboriginal vibes appeal to you then you can't go far wrong with Amanaska.

1) Which artists inspired you most in forming your sound?

With regard to the artists that inspired me. They all have a very strong and prominent acoustic and live element to their music. This is something I am passionate about and don't really dig pure electronica so much. Nitin Sawnhey writes great songs and is the master of understatement and space in his music. Karsh Kale is a bit more edgy and heavier, plus a killer tabla player. Pat Methany is and incredible virtuoso and composer and writes gorgeous melodies. As for Peter Gabriel, what can I say............

2) You utilise a variety of instruments the Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond organ, synths, melodica, didgeridoo, accordian and percussive instruments. What appeals to you about electro-acoustic sounds rather than solely synthetic?

The electro acoustic instruments have a unique personality of their own that inspires ways of playing and writing that may not be possible in the synthetic world. I feel a certain kind of 'soul' when I use them that makes me take up half my house and studio with storing them all.

3) A lot of your tracks have been composed on the road collaborating with artists around the globe. Was this something you had planned from day one? Or an idea formed from a collection of spur of the moment jams?

The 'on the road' collaborations were planned but there were many spontaneous events that lead to other collaborations as well.

4) You were involved with the Buddah Bar Ocean DVD which features several tracks composed by yourself. Could you tell us more about this project?

Dj Ravin used my track 'Sleep' from Circles on Volume IX which lead to the label contacting me about being involved with the DVD project. The brief was very simple. The only gave me single phrases as inspiration to write to. Their view was that they wanted me to write tracks inspired by my imagination rather than images or rough cuts they gave me. They then cut the visuals to my music. I ended up spending a week in Paris fine tuning the final edits and working with Alain. One of the tracks they had wasn't working so they asked me to write one for this scene. I did this in my hotel room on the laptop on a two octave keyboard. Great fun!

4) You’re currently working on a new album when do you anticipate this to be released and will there be an accompanying world tour?

The new one is more than half finished but I haven't had the time to put into it to fine tune everything and finish it. I hope to have it ready by March next year and would love to do a world tour with it. I have some serious planning to do!

5) Which artists are currently exciting you?

As I write this I am listening to Shrift - Lost in a Moment which is superb. I saw Seal live in Melbourne last week which was amazing. I would love to get him to sing on one of my tracks. what a voice! Would also love to get Emiliana Torrini. loving John Scofield and Marcin Wasilewski too

6) For people unfamiliar with your music where can they hear your work?

The best place to start is our web-site (click the title to go there). There is plenty of stuff on youtube too. the "Drift' video will give some background into the Indian recording sessions for Circles

Tatva Kundalini talks about Chill Om

Press the title above for a link to download a mix from Tatva Kundalini

THE IDEA BEHIND CHILL OM:

Chill Om started basically because of the frustration that I was facing a couple of years back to produce, release and promote the sound that I wanted to specialise in. The movement started 8-9 years back when I was producing music and a lot of indian major record labels ruled the music scene in the country and of course there was no space for independent music back then. Also, the majors had absolutely no idea about the global new age independent music industry that had already been existing in the worldwide scenario...the indian majors as I mentioned above were far behind in there strategies to promote new music and were not supporting good music..it seemed their final aim was to only make money...in chill om records perspective, of course money is important but not the most important thing. So basically, there was no outlet back then which could really do justice to the music and the existing labels. They were giving most of the independent artistes a tough time, so I guess as an artiste I took it upon my head to initiate Chill Om records and help support independent talent and here we are today...one of India's top independent record label promoting, producing and releasing music from great global music architects from around the world.

THE JOURNEY:

The journey for sure has been very adventurous. Considering the fact that when we started the only thing we had were lots of positive energy, passion, good music, exactly 100 dollars and a lot of support from fellow artistes who are now exclusive Chill Om records artistes...Over the past couple of years, artistes and all the crew members have made it possible for us to sustain what Chill Om intended to do and be strong and keep it going...its a label for the artistes, by the artistes and of the artistes.

INFLUENCES:

Lots and lots, life, struggle, hardships, my dogs, sepultura, slayer, massive attack, bjork, state of bengal, skazi, aluna, aerospace, vaishyas...the list goes on.....

INITIAL DAYS AND STRUGGLE:

No regrets at all..the struggle as I mentioned was of course there..but all of us have to sometimes realise that we all are born rich... you get successful in real life, when u get successful in your head...its simple...life is beautiful and simple..may god give more power to all the souls...hari om!

CURRENT GIGS:

All over india, dubai next week, then a russian tour in early june...full power full on!

JACK AND JILL:

Jack and Jill is Tatva Kundalini's next full length completely progressive record. The record is up for release in the month of July. There is going to be an all india pre-release tour for the same. I think after all the successful releases on Chill Om such as Azaad-e, the internationally acclaimed Swaraaj, the Indian Electronic Café comps, Jack and Jill for sure comes as a full live dance record that is going to establish the Indian dance movement worldwide...may the revolution keep sinkin deeper and deeper...

Hari om

Tatva Kundalini

http://www.myspace.com/tatvaindia

http://www.myspace.com/chillomrecords

Filthy Kicks Interview

1) Your sound is a mash up of rap, breaks, drum n bass, synths, drums, gypsy violin & alluring female vocals. Collectively do you share a passion for all of these genres? Or are you gelling each others tastes to form the finished product?

I think it’s more of the latter. We all have a hugely varying taste in music. Personally I (Darren – synth / programming) listen to a lot of drum and bass and hip hop, but I grew up on 60s music, studied classical guitar and soak up world music as well. Ibrahim (DJ / MC) DJs a lot of electro and breaks and the Beats Boy is a funk man. Roland has spent years recording film soundtracks and opera, Violeta studies classical violin and Jana is a classically trained vocalist who has a healthy respect for dirty beats and bass. This mix of styles and influences definitely contributes to the varied sound of the band.

2) Considering the multi-cultural society of Britain today and popular music like Reggae initially being brought over in the 60's by the Jamaican immigrants. Are you hoping to open the minds of the younger (or even older generations) who are unfamiliar or have limited knowledge of the Klezmer music sound?

I guess although that’s a part of what we do, we’re really just setting out to make music that people can dance to. Often with bands that set out to update ‘world music’, it seems the traditional aspect of the music comes first, with the modern styles coming almost as an afterthought. For a Filthy Kicks tune to work, we try to really make the styles blend - beats and dirty synths that you’d expect to hear in a club in 2009 as well as modal violin melodies. In many ways if we can make someone who already appreciates folk tunes dance like a maniac to dirty drum and bass, then I’d consider that more of a success.

3) You’re advertising yourselves as live group. So I guess you're using hardware rather than software, as well as many organic instruments. Are any of you classically trained? Or is it more a case of being self-taught on the synthetic/percussion and passed down from parent to sibling on the strings?

We actually combine hardware and software in our live performances. I think we’re up to a count of 3 Macs for the live set-up so far… But essentially we’re combining that sound with the liveness of the drums, violin and vocals. Plus everything is performed by us – there are no loops or samples in the backing. Two-thirds of the band have had formal classical training. I think that comes through most with Violeta (violin) and Jana (vocals) who have both been to music college. Ro and I have also had classical training, but when we’re making dirty squelch noises on a synth, it’s much more about simplicity and filth.

4) Are there any album releases or gigs planned for the near future?

We’re booking gigs all over London at the moment, and will be touring the rest of the country in a few months. The next gig date will be headlining a massive Club Neurotica Valentine’s party somewhere in London. The location is so secret even we don’t know where we’re playing yet… Check our Myspace page for details of tickets for that and future gigs. As regards the album, we’ve spent a few months writing and rehearsing, and yes, now it’s definitely time to get the album ready. No firm date yet, but we have the Crave EP on Myspace as a taster. We’re hoping to have another few tracks soon, and will let you know when the album’s ready to go.

5) Which artists are impressing you recently?

The Apples – crazy hip hop / funk / turntablist crew from NY and Tel Aviv
Mud Sun – UK / Canada hip hop collabo – conscious party music
Low – beautiful down-tempo soundscapes from the US
Chase and Status – D’n’b / dubstep with basslines to die for
SKC – Hungarian euphoric drum and bass producer
K’naan – Somalian rapper now in the US
Edit – Glitch hop with ridiculously filthy basslines
Plus old favourites like Portishead, Reprazent, Prodigy, Cinematic Orchestra, The Roots, and on and on and on

6) Which artists inspired you most in forming your sound?

I think it was people like Nitin Sawhney and Talvin Singh, and also Asian Dub Foundation I guess, who were pushing the boundaries of the Asian sounds. They showed people years ago that it was possible to fuse the old and the new in inspirational and dance-friendly ways. Other bands like Oi Va Voi have been an influence along the way. Really though the major influence has been live dance music – drum and bass, breaks, hip hop. Bands like London Electricity, The Cinematic Orchestra or The Bays, who have taken the dance music template and created something new and exciting in a live context.

Don Peyote Interview

1. When did you start to take an interest in making music and who were your biggest influences?

I started making music in the late seventies, played guitar in funk/avant-guarde band in Sydney, Australia. I was also involved in the production side of the studio recordings.....in those days big analog desks and great hardware Fx....
my biggest influence at the time :Bill Laswell, Brian Eno, Steve Roach, King Tubby, Pink Floyd & Miles Davis......
"my life in the bush of ghost" album by David Byrne & Brian Eno had a profound effect on me, it was the first time i heard ethnic sampling mixed with funky beats. Still a favourite!

2. Which approach do you prefer when composing a track. Organic? Synthetic? Or a fusion of the two?

It often starts with a simple synthetic kind of back drop, drums & bass lines and then add live elements. I play guitar, bass and live percussion on my recordings and often enlist the help of maestro multi instrumentalist friend of mine Dan Richardson who plays all sorts of flutes (metal & bamboo) and also sax and trumpet. This gives the music a 'live' feel, a good blend of natural and synthetic mix and the unquantized human factor....

3. Do you find your music more popular in Australia or world-wide?

I would say world wide. I have sold a good amount of cd's overseas because the market for down tempo/ethno beats lovers is bigger abroad than here. Chill space at festivals is a relatively new thing at festivals here. So for a chilled music producer the opportunities to get exposure are a bit limited here....The aussies liked their music quite wild and banging...

4. You have worked in film and television soundtracks do you find this allows you to explore your tastes fully or is it more restrictive than making your own albums?

In producing your own album ,you are the decision maker ,you call the shots .you can be as indulgent as you like and explore to satisfy your heart content. With films and documentary your are dealing with the "director’, the film industry producers and directors can sometimes be very pedendic,difficult and cryptic individuals. A few years ago this 'nature/documentary' director hired me to do a soundtrack; the 'brief' was nature sounds and acoustic instruments,
I plugged away for days and was happy with the result, sent a dat tape away.....A phone call later. The director was not too impressed with the result of my 3 days recording sessions and kept saying i want the music 'big and spacious' but was not able describe his vision further....
this process went on for weeks me sending him stuff and him still not happy and feeling just lukewarm about my musical offerings....An awkward situation..
So i said, can you play me some music, what you have in mind. He then managed to play me an extract from “river dance' the Irish musical over the phone....So i hired a fiddle player and a guitar picker and anything i sent to him from then on was approved with a big yes...So working for films & doco's is trial and error, a bit restrictive at times and can be an exercise in dealing with quite eccentric characters....
but it's all good. I feel blessed spending my time following my musical passion and getting hired & paid for it!

5. Which venues/festivals would you recommend to others?

In australia I'd recommend the 'Rainbow serpent" in rugged country Victoria and 'Exodus' in the lush sub-tropical settings of northern New South Wales. I did a small tour of Canada this year and 'Diversity' on texada island and 'Lasqueti escape' on lasqueti island were very friendly and much fun!!

6. Where can people hear and purchase your music?

my latest cd 'Peyote dreaming' is available to purchase on my web sites and my space:
http://www.donpeyote.com/goods.php
http://www.myspace.com/peyotesoundsystem

Alternatively just type 'Peyote dreaming' in a Google search and you will find numerous online stores who stock the cd.

Liquid Stranger Interview

1.Which artists or clubs inspired you to work in the dub genre?

To me, dub is more a way of manipulating and reshaping recordings than it is a certain style of music. I do enjoy the roots dub from Augustus Pablo, and King Tubby. However, I also find inspiration from all kinds of different music, and life in general. Funny enough, the music from vintage computer games has been a great influence. Then again, most of the time a melody or rhythm usually pops up in my head when I am driving, working out, or making food...

2. Is your music entirely synthetic or do you add live instrumentation at gigs?

Whether I use acoustic (live) elements depends on the track. If I am after something organic, I might add live percussion, guitar, flutes, etc. Since I am mostly playing gritty dubstep when I am performing live nowadays, I do not normally add acoustic instrumentation. I bring my analogue modular system to every gig, creating bass lines and fx as I go. It is a very flexible and creative way of performing live.

3. You seem to be quite experimental in fusing genres and the use of sound fx. Do you try and push the musical boundaries of dub or does it just come out unconsciously?

It is not something I think about.

4. Which artists are impressing you recently?

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I do not search for music much nowadays, and I am not keeping up to date with what is being released. A lot of people send me music, so most of the music I listen to is either made by my friends, or something I hear when I am out playing. Dorothy's Magic Bag and Goto80 always impresses (amuses) me, I like the hard dubstep/techstep from Rottun recordings, and yeah, I heard this great marimba band when I was touring Canada. They were brilliant!

5. What direction do you see electronica heading in the future?

Well, ten years ago the genres were more easily defined. Lately there has been so much fusing of genres, so I do not even know what electronica is anymore. I like that evolution. No style, no boundaries, just good vibrations!

6. Do you have any new releases in store and where can people hear your music?

Yep, I have a bunch of dubstep releases coming up, for example on Rottun Recordings and Adversion Records. Planning a new album that might come out on Interchill next year. Where can people hear your music? Ha ha, just Google Liquid Stranger. There are tons of sites/stores with my music out there. It is so easy to get hold of music today. “underground” does not really exist anymore.

7. Any advice for people getting started with electronic music?

Start simple - do not buy too much gear, you do not need it. Get productive - Do not focus too much on tiny production details. Make more songs instead.Have fun - Experiment, do not take it too seriously.

For a more up-to-date interview here's one I did for Chillbase http://www.chillbase.org/interviews/172-liquid-stranger-interview.html

Whirl-Y-Gig's Monkey Pilot interview

Exclusive D.J. Interview - Richard Sutcliffe (Whirl-Y-Gig's "Monkey Pilot")


1) What does the Chinese symbol on the Whirl-y-Gig flyer mean?
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It comes from the I Ching (Book of Changes) and represents "Disillusion", or the moment when illusion falls away, usually brief and often associated with song and dance. I interpret this as an experience of ordinary ecstacy, for example when we hear that special tune for the first time, and we are completely captivated and suspended in the song! Or that moment when our dance just happens at one with the music! I think we seek these experiences, and Whirl-y-Gig is an environment in which they become possible!

2) Where did the name Monkey Pilot come from?
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Monkey Pilot was the title of a song by the Comsat Angels, from their first and classic album called "Waiting for a Miracle".

3) After all these years d.j.’ing where do you store all your music?
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For many years we lived in a tiny one bedroom flat, and my vinyl occupied a wall in the living room which was stacked high with record boxes. For the last ten years we have lived in a small house in which I have a whole room the size of a large box room. I disappear into my "studio" for at least five long days every month to prepare my eight hour set. I have a four speaker system at eye and ear level, shelves of vinyl and drawers of CDs all up to the ceiling, and views out of a west facing window across Harrow cricket pitch towards the hills of Pinner and Grimsdyke.

4) Do you make or produce any music of your own?
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There was a time when I completed a music technology course with Jose Gross, and subsequently remixed several tracks with Jose and also with Swordfish from Astralasia. Although it was very exciting to be part of the creative process, I found it required me to listen to music in an analytical way which was at odds with my more subjective dj ear, as was the huge amount of time and creative energy that music making requires, once again in competition with my dj self. I concluded that Monkey Pilot should stick to doing what he does best…..whirly dj!

5) Do you have an all time favourite track?
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As a dj music enthusiast, I tend to be most excited by my latest discoveries, but in recent times I would probably choose "Tango ‘n’ Bass" by Emunah as most expressive of the amazing possibilities of whirl-y-music.

6) What would be your ultimate venue to hold Whirl-y-Gig at?
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It was always my dream to take Whirl-y-Gig to the Roundhouse, as it was the original Roundhouse Implosions which provided the bedrock of inspiration that would ultimately manifest at Whirl-y-Gig. However, now that the Roundhouse has been so beautifully refurbished, I suspect this will remain just a dream!

Lexus Task Interview

Interview with Kash of Canadian Electronica act Lexus Task

1. Who are the main influences in your music and why?

The main 'known' influences that people might recognize are actually Boards of Canada, some Autechre's earlier stuff, Roni Size, Saint Germain (in the house department), Thievery Corp and a few lesser known acts like Auditory Canvas.

2. Your a collective of musicians are any of you classically trained?

We are a Duo Group Collective meaning two of us. The Classical training part will be kept secret for now.

3. Where can people hear your music and are you doing any live dates?

For now myspace, in the future Beatport and Blipp.

5. Which direction do you see down-tempo/chillout music heading in the future?

I see it going in two directions - either more organic with live instrumentation, OR becoming more technical.

6. What are your favourite clubs or festivals and why?

We really enjoy the Toronto, CA scene. Lots of great clubs down there, one being the Guvernment and Blue Moon Lounge (however we havne't been there in years).

Thanks for the interview. We have privacy issues to deal with and are just starting out however in the future we will be open to a "Greater INterview".

Kash
Lexic Task
www.myspace.com/lexictask
Toronto, Canada