Skull Piercing Power Ups!

Bitchee Bitchee (Female) & Ya Ya Ya (Male) are a duo that’s obsessed with being a mystery even more than Crystal Castles does. You can try your best to find out who they are through the internet but I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Basically these two make melodic punk tunes that sounds like they’ve been made with second hand snatched from a junk yard equipments, but if you think the result would be garbage then you’re wrong my friend.

The amazing super high pitched, set to full volume, distorted, & raw result of their psychic products is so appealing, you’ll be willing to have your ear drums busted & suffer from severe migraines for the sake of enjoying their music. Whether they agree or not, this should definitely be linked to the not-many-approve-of Nu-Rave scene. Their music is a combination of sharp videogame-like electronic beeps n bleeps & gargantuan distortion, bass & guitars, all befriending the dirty candy pop words & crystal-like vocals of her bitchiness the bitchee ‘Bitchee’.

DL: Bitchee Bitchee Ya Ya Ya

They have three songs so far “Fuck Friend/Tu Connais Le Chanson/The Anthem”. ‘Fuck Friend’ was released a month ago as their first single through Kitsuné with remixes from “Yuksek & Brodinski, CSS, & Mixhell”.

Download their music & enjoy it while reading the interview below & if you end up liking BBYYY, then give them a visit at their MySpace & slap them with a friend request.

________________________

Interview: Bitchee Bitchee Ya Ya Ya

Hey Hey, Today?

Bitchee: Well, today was cool. We just came back from this crazy Vice party, so I just took it easy...

Let’s get straight to the Q&A, Shall we?

Bitchee: Yeah!

Ya Ya Ya: Cool.

May I have the pleasure of your brief acquaintance?

Bitchee: Bitchee is my real name. My parents have always had a problem with me... I was born in summertime, early 80's. Raised In UK & Paris, Don’t give a damn about talking about my studies/degree because who cares, really? Had a lot of jobs previously, actress, waitress, anything that ends with "ess", like princess & currently the singer of “BBYYY”. Some of my all time favorite artists are (Sly Stone, Beatles, Beach Boys, Bowie, Jackson 5…etc.) & like a lot new artists from the Parisian scene, there are some amazing bands...

Ya Ya Ya: YaYaYa is my real name. Born in summertime, late 70’s & raised in Paris.
I'm stupid so I don't study, never. Previous jobs consisted of anything that ends with "ing" like king & currently a musician & producer. Some of my all time favorite artists are (Prince, Led Zepplin, Marvin Gaye, Blurt, Moondog...etc.)

"Bitchee Bitchee Ya Ya Ya"?

Bitchee: that came straight from our real names, ‘Bitchee’ and ‘Ya Ya Ya’... It's also a tribute to the amazing song of Patie Labelle, ‘Lady Marmalade’.

First eye contact?

Ya Ya Ya: we met at a friend's party about 8 months ago. We had a lot of fun, and our friends are very proud now!

Band at first sight, How long have you been caving a moment like that?

Bitchee: Well, I've always wanted to be in a band, so one correct answer to this question could be forever. The truth is when I met Ya Ya Ya, we've made it happen as fast as we could, so just a few weeks after that party he mentioned.

Ya Ya Ya: I've been playing music forever. Starting a project with her was logical as soon as we tried to make a song...

Either of you Tag-teamed?

Ya Ya Ya: Yeah, I'm still in a bunch of bands - some of them you might know - but that's part of the mystery, ahahah!!!

Where did you learn music production?

Ya Ya Ya: I've learnt production by watching the great people I've had a chance to work with, you know, like a kid who learns how to hold a fork, something like that.

Bitchee: I don't know shit about music production! But Ya Ya Ya is sooooo great that I just relay on his talent.

Equipments/Instruments/Programs?

Ya Ya Ya: My computer, (Ableton live), my instruments, my drum-set, and a bit of magic...

File your music under one word?

Bitchee: I'd love to hear people say Punk music. I would say punk music with Poppy changes and melody. Like "Punkolody”? Is that only a word?

Why did you choose this particular style of music to build your career around?

Ya Ya Ya: What???? Sorry dude, but, do you think people choose a style to build a career? You got the wrong information! That's a pretty low idea of musicians; to answer this question... When Musicians meet, they talk about their tastes, and more important, what they are able to express with their instrument helps to define the style, not the other way. Having to classify someone's music is a pretty nasty thing to do anyway.

Impressing, I’ve done a number of interviews & asked the same question but never got an upfront & angry answer like yours!

Ya Ya Ya: Well, I'm not angry at all, it just seems weird to articulate a career around a style that you chose to make sure it will work, you know? Things happen. We don't have a career plan, and especially not one that we would have started by choosing a style that could possibly work. We picked a style because we liked it. We picked a sound for the bass because we liked it. We picked up chocolate cake for dessert because we liked it. We didn't plan the whole lunch around the fact that we were going to have chocolate cake at the end.

Full frontal image projection?

Bitchee: basically, all about fun. That's the dynamic that helps us when we lack inspiration!

MP3 talk, Your songs details please?

Fuck Friend: Written in 2 minutes. Very basic. A riff, heavy drums, dirty lyrics, big production. Recorded by a punk band in my garage with distant mics. Way to go!!!

The Anthem: Written in 3 minutes. Very basic. A riff, heavy drums, dirty lyrics, big production. Recorded by a disco band in my garage with distant mics. Way to go!!!


Tu Connais Le Chanson: Written in 4 minutes. Very basic. A riff, heavy drums, dirty lyrics, big production. Recorded by an electro band in my garage, with distant mics. Way to go!!!

Asked in less than 1 minute. Very basic question. Short, clean words. Written by a boy from Bahrain in his bedroom with a distant keyboard. Have You Ever Sampled!!!!?

Ya Ya Ya: No, we haven't actually. Maybe one day!

"Fuck Friend" released through ‘Kitsuné’, So is it a single contract or band contract?

Bitchee: For now, we're just doing singles with them. We're preparing an album though. It's a secret, so no detail for the time being.

Expected 'Fuck Friend' to become this big and popular?

Ya Ya Ya: Not at all! I still don't even think it's so popular, because we don't hear it on the radio, but we're very happy to announce that the record is sold out and Kitsuné is now re-pressing new ones.

Why is the distortion in your music so high pitched & loud? Weren't you afraid it would damage club speakers & peoples ear-drums (literally)? I mean seriously... have you tried playing your music on one of those huge 90.000 watts speakers (you can't hear a thing)?

Ya Ya Ya: Well, why should we be played in clubs? Do DJs play the Sex Pistols in clubs? Do they play the Slits in clubs? The way we make music is way more spontaneous than the way to think “maybe that snare drum won't go through the speakers?” We're primarily a live band, with drums, keyboards, and a vocalist.

Will you ever tame your sound?

Ya Ya Ya: Dude, with all due respect, you've got some weird questions! We don't choose the sound of the music before we do it. When we make a song, we mix it the appropriate way, if I may say so, the way the music "calls" it, you know what I mean?

We have recorded a slow one, last year, with our friend Glenn K. Lamar (you probably know him, as he's got 1 hit last year); the production is different from ‘Fuck Friend’ or ‘Tu Connais Le Chanson’, of course. You'll see when we release it. And this is just 1 example among many more to come...

Lyrics by?

Bitchee: I write the lyrics. Nothing much to say about it, very simple, no censorship...

All vocals by ‘Bitchee’, Can't ‘YaYaYa’ sing?

Ya Ya Ya: Yeah I can sing, I do on stage actually.

You've done impressing remixes for (Bonde Do Role, Poney Poney, Dandi Wind, Apache Beat, Au Revoir Simone, The Whip, & Cazals)! Who asks who to make them?

Ya Ya Ya: it depends. Some people asked us to do it, like Bonde do Role, The Whip, Au Revoir Simone, Cazals. We asked Poney Poney to remix him, 'cause his music is the shit!’ We know now a bunch of them in person, yeah, but not so much when we started out.

What about the remixers of "Fuck Friend" (CSS, Brodinski & Yuksek, Mixhell, & Marc Blum) Kitsuné chose them?

Ya Ya Ya: No we did. It all went through Myspace, and we knew some of them. For CSS, Bonde Do Role asked them to listen to the track, and next thing we knew we got an email from Adriano (the drummer) saying he would like to remix it... We like them as artists, and it was cool to have them side by side for the 1st single. On the 2nd one, I don't think we want to have such big names, but instead, some smaller acts that we really like.

Currently remixing/Finished remixing/Soon remixing?

Ya Ya Ya: Yes, we just finished remixing this French band called ‘Cocosuma’. They're really good; their 3rd album is coming out now. We're about to remix the amazing ‘These New Puritans’, and we can't wait!

Any finished tracks beside the 3 we know about?

Bitchee: as I said, we're preparing an album, so yes we do... We play a bunch of them live as well.

Next single?

Bitchee: we're thinking about it now, so it's a bit too early to answer that question.

Ya Ya Ya: yeah man, we'd like to release so many songs... We need time to decide.

Your press release says there's another 'EP' in march!?

Ya Ya Ya: yeah, that'll be the next single.

Rumors say you're working at a famous friend's studio in Paris?

Ya Ya Ya: yeah, the rumor says it, and it is right. No more details, sorry. It doesn't really matter anyway, does it? The point is our music, not what famous guys we know.

What's with the mystery? No info out there... not even on MySpace or your Press Release?

Bitchee: well, like Ya Ya Ya just said, the point is that we want people to like the music, not the hype around figures. Who cares if I dates Pete Doherty or if Phil Collins was my dad, really? Also we like the fact that now, with the internet and Facebook or Myspace, everyone knows everyone, but we can use it also to be unknown. Nice paradox, isn't it?

But wouldn’t Bloggers who come to your live shows be able to identify you & break the mystery?

Ya Ya Ya: Of course, but we've decided that the shows were going to be the only places to spot us. We can' t give people bullshit when we're on stage, you know, this is too important, and we deeply respect anyone who comes and see us play live, so we won't give them something they don't care. We try to play good shows and take the MySpace buzz to another level. In the meantime, we do have a few accessories on stage that make it almost impossible to recognize us. The magic is still operating, ahahah!

On live shows there's an extra member who is he/she?

Bitchee: his name is Ya Ya Ya too. He's a double of the 1st Ya Ya Ya. He's actually here with us now and he wants to say hello!

Ya Ya Ya (2): HELLO!

Ya Ya Ya: There you go!

A secret no one knows?

Ya Ya Ya: I have the double view. I see everything double. The sad part is I'm the only one who can testify...

Bitchee: And I don't believe Ya Ya Ya!

What does the near future look like?

Bitchee: On tour, recording, having fun, recording, on tour, fun, recording...

Ya Ya Ya: Way to go!!!

Way To Go!!! Indeed…

We Dance To Heads We Dance!

After scattering demos on almost all the trustworthy Blogs, the four piece ‘Heads We Dance’ teleported into the studio with Grammy award winner producer ‘Simon Gorgerly’ (New Order, U2, Gwen Stefani) & properly recorded 3 new tracks!

Heavily based on the 80s synth extravagance, & trading ‘almost’ every possible live instrument for analogs, digital machines, battery charged noise makers & plugged into the socket instruments. Yeah, This is a fascinating retrospective band but the sheer-flat-crispness of their sound is a result of a meticulous-futuristic-wires-free-world-&-flying-cars-fresh production that is perfectly tailored for a generation obsessed with no-logic-tech & fast forward trends. Pierre’s distinctive erratic semi-strangled vocals is a plus, driving away from what bands these days consider the-typical-indie-rock-lead-man-voice. These are indie rock tracks disguised in a glamorous & energetic disco-pop suits (make no mistake about that) but they don’t necessarily follow the indie textbook rules of the chapter “How & What do you need to make an indie track.”. There’s still strong guitar presence but made sure to always be accompanied by ones & zeros.

The first digitally-heart-full-charged single ‘Love In The Digital Age’ is set for release this spring & already been refunked by ‘Frankmusik’ & ‘Tepr’ (Purchase Here), the other 2 new tracks are the rock tinged ‘Work It Out’ & ‘You Are Never Alone With Model 21’ which has this skittle-brain-juice-jolting daft-punk-esque faux guitar solo in the middle, delicious enough when played loud to make you swallow your tongue.

DL: Heads We Dance

There’s always a lot going on within the tracks yet the properly constructed nature of them makes the sounds cream smooth & analyzable. The aura is doomful at times but always served in jewel crusted vocoded candy wrappers.

I highly recommended it, specially for the Fans of ‘Dragonette’ & ‘Sohodolls’.

Behold The Mighty Flairs!

(Review + Interview)

‘Flairs’ a french lad who’s been living & working in the world’s electronic music capital ‘Paris’ playing bass for numerous bands/artists including (Hush Puppies, Alex Gopher, & Benjamin Diamond), in 2006 Flairs released his tracks “Better than Prince” & “Trucker’s Delight” on a limited edition 7” through ‘Muddy Trench’ but unfortunately it didn’t get the attention it deserves… later in 2007 ‘roXour’ records boss ‘Alavi’ accidentally heard the track & immediately a fat, hairy clown in his head screamed "FUCK, Sign this record Mr. Alavi", so he did!

‘Alavi’ sent me the 5 tracks promotional disc (2 weeks ago) & I haven’t been able to stop listening to it ever since. Here's a description of the whole package:

01. Better than Prince
A cynical electronica piece disguised in a form of basic indie rock, the quirky music lags like wamdu project's 'king of my castle' on methadone & the unsynchronized too-cool, drowsy vocals compliment the disco drive giving it the authentic drunk-fag strut signature with proportions of bold bass, crisp claps, loud bleeps, xylophone simulated keys & synth hums sprinkled all over it. ‘Better than Prince’ is mixed & co-produced by 'Etienne De Crécy' & 'Alex Gopher'.

02. Better than Prince (Alavi ReroX)
Complete demolition & re-construction borrowing merely a line form the original lyrics with an itsy-bitsy monstrous vocal manipulation of it & a tad of the bass-line but renovating everything else. The bass here is thicker & jitterier & it bounces atop of a chaotic machine gun triggered claps with a tidy progression, a rusty snare & couple new vocals (words) of a guy yelling (C’mon) & a hot chick answering a phone (Hello?) along with a jumpy elasticated beat to give it that futuristic tribal dance feel to it.

03. Better than Prince (25 Hours A Day Remix)
'25 Hours A Day' have found the lost un-identical twin brother to The Teenagers's 'Starlett Johansson', the DNA test results said they both have the same stop-start Pavement-style fuzz guitars & drum machine settings + it doesn’t lack any of the cheese!

04. Better than Prince (Benjamin Remix)
Like the work of an amateur, a professional amateur... Benjamin here doesn’t drift too far from the original; he sticks to the textbook basics of remixing by using effects & adding elements rather than reworking the whole thing. It’s kind of a sleazy alternative version with fewer lyrics, twisted vocals (literally) & audio tricks at every appropriate chance formulating an alter ego to the original.

05. Truckers Delight
Too good to be just a bonus & my personal favorite, An instrumental fuming with faux synths smoothly sliding over shipshaped bass & keys interrupted by fluky wooden clacks & claps; But what boosts it’s characteristic is the delicious live drums played by 'Cosmo Vitelli'. It’s somehow a made-for-the-catwalk cosmic music with a videogame approach; this is probably what 8-bit music sounds like in 3D. You only get the best out of the experience when you play it loud… REALLY LOUD!

I say it mouthful “These are the best & most exciting disco-pop gems I’ve heard so far in 2008”, I’m even going to buy it when its out just for the support.. 'Flairs' is definitely one of the artists to watch for in 2008.

‘Better Than Prince’ is set for Re-Release on the 1st of February as a 12” & Digital Download. The stunning animated psychedelic video is made by award winners ‘Jonas & Francois’ (Justice “D.a.n.c.e.”, Kanye West “Good Life”, Unklejam "Stereo") & will premiere sometimes in January. ‘Flairs’ is currently working with ‘Alex Gopher’ & ‘Etienne De Crécy’ on his awaited debut album due for 2008.

------------------------

Interview : Flairs

I'm very happy to be able to have some of your time to do this interview & I really admire your talent & appreciate your music! I have a lot to talk about, so I hope you're ready!?

Geee, yes sir!

Before getting into all the details of your new music outfit, throw us some bits & details 'Flairs' the bloke from Staines, Middlesex Uk!?

Born somewhere in the 70s…But I'll have to stop you right there, I'm a true French person, despite the name….So, brought up in Paris, one brother, two happy parents and 2 poodles, happy childhood, and first bass guitar owned aged 16.

Sounds that came through your speakers while growing up?

To give you an idea, and name a few… anything between Talking Heads, Sex Pistols, AC/DC, Prince, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, The Cure, Public Enemy, The 80s, Red Hot Chill Peppers, Panthera, NWA, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, The Orb, & then Pavement, which is a huge influence.

What about your studies, do you have a degree?

I won't tell you anything about my degree because… I didn’t take the exam! Instead I escaped to the UK in order to fulfill my craving for British Culture.

I got to admit, I don't get hyped about any artist easily & yet you got me all intrigued & obsessed about you! I think you have what it takes to join the league of the “next big things”!?

You're too good to me, thanks a lot. I don't know much about you, but you're email address tells me you have to be a great person…

(He’s referring to my Hollywhore/Purple Vagina Email) *laughs*

Now my guess, you began your journey by moving to 'Paris', did you like just woke up one day and thought "Hmmm, I'm craving croissants... I should move to Paris permanently"?

Well, no… as I was saying earlier, I was craving for Fish 'n’ Chips. I simply slammed my parent's door and went off to the UK for 3 years, even though I already knew a little about the place, as I went to boarding school there as a teenager from age 11 till sixteen I was going to the same UK Boarding School every summer, in June and mid July. It was great, I made some really good mates there, smoked my first fags, discovered a lot of music I would have never heard of back in France.

I love England since I was really young; I always found the British culture really sexy.

Wait a second, so you actually lived all your life in 'Paris' & then later moved to UK! Not the other way round?

I lived in Paris till I was 22 then moved to the UK to be back in France 3 years later.

How's life there in general & the music scene in Paris compared to the UK?

So, life in Paris, uh? I think it's pretty cool nowadays… Ok, it's way cheaper than London, so it allows to do lot's of things you couldn't afford as a Londoner; The music scene's pretty vivid, not as much as London, but it's very busy and creative, compared to what it was back in the 90's I think Paris is a great place to live in!

You sir, have played bass for a buttload of great bands including (Ben's Symphonic, Orchestra, Mellow, Axe RiverBoy, Arnaud Fleurent-Didier, Hush Puppies, Fabio Viscogliosi, Bless, Alex Gopher, Benjamin Diamond, Travis Burki, Notre-Dame, Bel-Air, Purple Helmets, Morning-Star, & Liquid Architecture)… Didn't you realize you could've used the time to yourself, I mean why haven't you already started a solo career instead of jumping from band to band?

Gosh, I needed €€€€€ (Money)… & also playing for other bands is pretty natural for me, it's a great way to make new friends, improve my musical knowledge, and meet tons of people on the road.

Well, Did it contribute in enriching your experience & improve your talent & taste in your music??

Definitely! Playing lots of gigs, squatting studios, & rehearsing for hours enabled me to learn a lot, play better, & feel like it's very natural to be on stage.

Guess what, my favorite indie band instrument is the bass guitar! Unfortunately, most of the time the bassist gets overshadowed by the lead guitarist (Sigh)… anyhow, what made you embraced it as your key instrument?

I just love the fat sound of the bass, and the fact that you build a sound Highway with the drummer, playing with good drummers makes me cum!

Now that you're focusing on your own project, are you going to be toying with any other instruments beside bass guitar?

Actually, Apart from the drums I can play most instruments… not very well, but good enough for the music of Flairs. I mostly play guitar, synths, percussions, & the flute. I also love vintage sequencers or crappy old organs or synthesizers that go through a cool effect pedal called the ‘Electro Harmonix Bass Micro Synthetizer’, basically this pedal can make anything sound like a Moog.

So, does this mean you actually produce your own songs?

Yes, I do everything by myself and when I think something would sound better with somebody else, I'll give Him/Her a call to get a better take.

Impressing, though where did you learn music production?

I self-taught myself, living in the basement of a studio for 4 months, like a freak… I got dumped by my girlfriend at the time, I was very sad and lonely; perfect time to start writing songs and learn how to record & mix them.

Gosh, if that was one of the main reasons that resulted in you making your own brilliant music, then you should consider getting dumped more often! *laughs* (Joking, you know what I mean)

Yeah, getting dumped is a shit feeling but sadness and loneliness is a state that improves creativity; let’s call my missus so she dumps me right now!

Serious business time, let’s talk about your brainy music… you originally released 'Better Than Prince/Truckers Delight' in 2005 on limited 7" through 'Muddy Trench' even though I really don't recall hearing it back then! Was it badly promoted or it just wasn't the right time for it? What’s the reason?

I produced this 7" a year and a half ago, sold a few copies at Paris, and a lot more in London… I didn't promote it too much, and pretty soon after it's release and was on MySpace, Alavi proposed a license deal.

Ohh so the line on your MySpace "Sweaty Armpits, Muddy Trench Geezer" is not a taunting insult to 'Muddy Trench’?

It’s just cockney Rhyming slang nonsense.

*laughs* were the 2005 versions any different form the RoXour re-release?

Same, but the RoXour version includes 3 remixes on top!

I'm glad you're re-releasing it through 'RoXour'. Alavi is a great man; he knows what’s good when he sees/hears it! How did you receive the offer?

Alavi found me via MySpace, sent me a message and hey presto! I received a contract and a royalties advance! I was very happy, thank god MySpace exists, it changed a lot of things for indie bands !

(Amen To That)

But is this a deal to just re-release 'Better Than Prince' or you're sticking with RoXour for the album too?

It's a possibility! Hope he likes the album!

"Flairs" is a one man band consisting of you & it’s named after your last name?

Yes.

What about your live shows? Do you get any extra sets of hands, anyone famous?

We’re three on stage, Jacques on Guitar, Danny on Synth and Synthetic Drums, and Flairs on Bass & Vocals. The two of them are called ‘Housse de Racket’, they have a really cool band that's getting more and more famous in France, we met when we played with ‘Benjamin Diamond’ while traveling the world… really cool guys. They also play with Darkel (one of the ‘Air’ guys), Phoenix, Fugu, and lots of other cool French bands.

Listening to your music I can sense pop, disco, electro & indie rock, what can we file it under?

Oops, hate to say Electropop, but I guess I can file my music under this field.

As Patrick Alavi says, my music has a real balance between classic pop and electronic music… I like both styles; I love guitars, fat basses, and electronic sounds. That's the color of the album, one can jump from very different colors, but always find a link between every song, and I'd say the voice and the use of very few instruments helps creating this link. When I started producing on my computer, I had so many plug-ins and applications, it was nonsense… So, I decided to use very few of them, mostly always the same presets or sounds, and my good old Juno 60 (80s synth) that has a very particular sound, I also mostly always use the same bass drum sound, snare, Hi hat…etc. The mixture of all these ingredients creates great sound unity!

That's what I'd say to people who want to start music and find it hard to create their own sound: “Impose yourself limits, pick the sounds you like, just a few of them, in order to create your identity!”

Do you listen to other artists for inspiration or influence when in the process of making music?
I tend to listen to a limited amount of music in order not to spoil my ears, but I guess the three main influences would be Prince, Kraftwerk & Pavement.

Talk to me about ‘Better Than Prince’, how it came to life?

Generally when I create a track, I start by composing drum with my MPC 2000, then bass, then synths and then guitar and various arrangements, Lyrics always come in the end and pretty quick. I hate to spend weeks writing lyrics, That day, I had this thing with Prince (As I was saying earlier) he's a very big influence for me, 'Dirty mind' or the Black albums are goldmines...The thing is he nowadays makes music that's pretty lame, So the song's a bit of a "Hey Prince, hear this vintage Juno 60 synthesizer… haven't heard this in a while, huh?", "Hey, Prince, dig that bass!"

It's a non-sense track! Of course I can't make love, scream, and play bass better than him… It's a call for him to come back to his old sound! Enough of this Rap Jazz cheesy crap!

Alavi told me it's mixed by the golden fingers of 'Alex Gopher' & 'Etienne De Crécy'! But weren't you afraid Alex Gopher's style would un-intentionally dominate yours?

The idea of Mixing with Alex was just to make the tracks better, after listening to the songs, he said they did not need add production, so I just exported every track onto his Pro-tools, and then mix the whole lot in his vintage Trident 80s desk which sounds amazing. Alex has diamond ears, and I feel more than confident when he mixes my songs, he also brought structure changes but didn't add any of his own production.

Why them though?

Basically, my girlfriend was sharing a studio (she's an illustrator) with ‘Marie De Crécy’, wife of Etienne De Crécy (she's a photographer and a film/video director)…That's how we met. Then Etienne offered to mix one of my tracks, I was very honored since my stuff at the time sounded a bit crap. He mixed ‘Football What a Waste Of Time’ (available on iTunes), part of my First EP, white vinyl ‘Non PC EP’ (through microbe records)… Then Alex Gopher, whom I didn't hang out with, offered me to play bass for his pop band. It was a great experience; we became really good friends… I then asked him if he's been interested to mix "Better than Prince" and "truckers Delight", he was very excited about it (he's a huge ‘Truckers Delight’ fan) & I think he did an amazing job!

Remixes of ‘Better Than Prince’… It makes sense to get a 'ReroX' by Alavi since it's being released under his label, but what about "25 Hours A Day" & "Benjamin Theves" what made you choose them to remix it, & Who's ‘25 hours A Day’, there isn't really much info about him on MySpace?

Benjamin is Alavi's best friend, and I really love his sound, so I was really happy when Patrick told me he was eager to remix the track & I think he did an amazing job!

‘25 Hours a Day’ is a really good friend of mine, we met playing for Alex Gopher. He's the former assistant of ‘Julien Delfaud’ (Sound engineered for Cazals, Phoenix, Herman Dune…etc.) and did some great tracks and remixes for bands such as Phoenix, Alex Gopher. He's also a very talented guitar player, what a booming sound, you should see him!

"Truckers Delight" which btw I'm absolutely in love with, It's the best instrumental track I've heard so far in 2008! Tell us a little bit about it?

Thanks! It's a great reward to hear you love it. It's a pretty special song because I don't really do instrumental tracks. There are lyrics to this song, but they were not helping it, and I much preferred the instrumental, I thought there was already enough matter!

Lyrics! Damn it why did you tell me that, now I’m curious to hear the vocal version! Is it ever going to be available for everyone to hear?

Possibly, but that will happen after I pass away, *laughs*! Honestly, these vocals sound too crappy; I’d be very ashamed to let people hear this!

Ohh, I read in your press release that the live drums on 'Truckers Delight' are by 'Cosmo Vitelli'! It gives the track even more edge & originality!

Actually, he only recorded the drums… the actual drummer is called Bogus, a brilliant Scottish friend of mine, who works with Cosmo Vitelli on his album!

It actually works; will there be more instrumental tracks in the future?

No, it's a bit of an accident… I usually like to stick lyrics to my songs!

Damn it… Ok, let’s go a bit back to your 'Non Pc EP’ which I didn’t know about till you mentioned it! Details please, Is it good?

‘Non PC EP’ was released in late 2003, by a French label called ‘Microbe’, really good friends of mine. ‘Non PC Song’ was some kind of a minor French hit, and we released it in White Vinyl (very beautiful). It was my first EP, I was still trying to find my musical identity, so when I listen to it Nowadays, I think to myself "Oops, OK… I was pretty young then..."! I think I have a much better sound nowadays But it was great, very fresh and surprising and that's what matters.

I know it’s on iTunes but for those of us who don't have it in our region, where can we find it?

You can ear it and buy it from

www.microberecords.com.

Is it a serious matter to you to sound BETTER, rather than just GOOD?

Making a track is like inviting friends for dinner and trying to serve the best food ever. I think trying to reach the best sound possible is really important to me.

Video talk time, as if having 2 gems released with a bunch of amazing remixes wasn't enough, you have no idea how crazy I became when I realized 'Jonas & Francois' are doing the ‘Better Than Prince’ video! Whose idea was it to hire them? What's the concept?

I was lucky enough to meet Jonas & Francois a few weeks before they started working on the Justice D.A.N.C.E. video with SoMe (the Headabnger's official graphic Designer). Basically, I tend to think that throwing a vinyl EP is cool, but the help of an efficient video (nowadays), is a must, thanks to YouTube and DailyMotion!

I contacted Greg Panteix, J&F’s producer (who's an old friend), asking him if he knew young directors that would be interested in my very indie project. He replied within 5 minutes, telling me he knew the guys I was looking for, and that he was extremely keen on giving me a hand. I met J&F three days after our mail exchanges; they already had their idea in mind & were very excited about it… We organized the shooting shortly after this.

The idea was to make a psychedelically animated film, 12 images per second, For 'Better Than Prince' they would film me doing various actions like singing, playing bass, dancing, and lots of little secret things you'll discover when you see the video - after this they imported the film into a PC, drew the rough effects straight onto the images, then printed about 2500 images in black and white. Then turn the pages and re-draw on the back of them (in black & white), once it's all done they have a special scanner that imports 1 image per second, re-import the images, and there you go, you have yourself a video!

I was so glad to do this with them, instead of a classic ‘band that plays and tries to look cool’ video. I was already very impressed with their work on Kavinsky's 'Testarossa Autodrive' video and I was even more impressed during the following months by the Justice & Kanye West videos.

I'm a very lucky boy! And I'm very proud because my girlfriend also worked on the opening of the videos, doing about 500 drawings for it!

That sounds so original! But… Wait a second, you just said fishy things like "FOR Better Than Prince” & then said "my girlfriend also worked on the opening of the videoS", Is there another video beside 'Better Than Prince"???

Sorry it was a mistake! Only one video!

When to expect it?

Very soon I hope… They're very busy guys.

Have you chosen an artist/illustrator to do your artwork?

My girlfriend, Sophie Bouxom! She did an amazing work on my first EP, "The Non PC EP".

Is this the same girlfriend who years ago dumped you?

No, we've been dating for 5 years now, and always together!

I know 'Alex Gopher' is also helping out with your album! How's the progress?

I've just finished mixing 90% of the album (9 tracks out of eleven), all mixed by Alex Gopher, it sounds fantastic. I'm really proud of it; it's a real cross over between electronic music & indie pop… Can't wait to have it released!

I have a few options for the title so far, but nothing definite!

Ooh, like what?

Some Cockney Rhyming Slang and French mixture… See, my label's called Muddy Trench (French in CRS), and my name is Lionel Flairs, which is also a CRS joke. When I lived in Staines, I was so in love with the accent and the language "Awe Rrooight Me Ol' China, Les Gan the Rubadub for a Pint of Oh!", so in proper English, this nonsense means “Ok, My Friend, Let's Go To the Pub for a Pint of Beer!”.

In the end of my stay in the UK I had a very good west Landan accent!

Approximate album release date?

June I hope, if not September.

There is a set of photos from a Photo-shoot session on your MySpace where you look pretty beat up & all sweaty... What’s with that? I'm just curious.

These photos were shot by Marie de Crécy, Etienne's wife… I'm a big fan of her ‘Superdiscount’ Videos. She's nowadays a lot more into photography, and this was the first shooting for this concept (she then shot a lot of famous people using the same idea).

Basically the concept is to shoot in the dark with the subject's chosen track, very loud… One doesn't know when she's going to shoot, so the result is very raw and natural, no retouching at all! She's a great artist.

How able are you in the 'Remixing' department?

I've already done a few remixes, the last one I've done (with a friend called Ramshackle) was for (singer of Tahiti 80) Axe Riverboy’s ‘Roundabout’ for a Japanese remix album. Hopefully I'll be remixing more stuff in the future.

What about producing, would you consider it if asked? What if it was a mainstream artist like… let's say 'Britney Spears'?

I'd love to produce albums. Britney, my god that would be fun, wouldn't it? No seriously, the good thing about albums nowadays, even though the CD sales are falling down big time, is that they can turn into business cards: "I can do this and this and that with my small studio, and if we go to Mixing studio, this is the sound we can get if you work with me."

The indie scene is being swamped with new artists (not necessarily good) growing in numbers everyday, Name a few of your favorite new artists & tell us why you like them?

At the moment I listen Troy Von Balthazar's album, I really like the way he writes. Otherwise, Soulwax, I love their ideas and booming sound, the last LCD Soundsystem album ‘Sound Of Silver’… Fabio Viscogliosi, a great Italian artist I used to play with, and my brother's band Ben's symphonic Orchestra, for which I play the bass on stage.

Are you still going to be playing with other bands during this year when you have aot of work to do for your own project?

I'm still playing for other bands, but I guess a bit less so I can spare sometime for myself!

What's next for 'Flairs'?

Very quick second album, made with friends in two weeks in a country house!

Also, we're having a few gigs by the end of February, showing the video and selling the artwork (we've got thousands to sell), that’s going to be very exciting! Also I'm going to Thailand with a band called Fugu in April, can't wait for this!

Hope I can throw out a new EP in April or May, I can't say much, it's pretty secret so far…

Then You better watch out, because I decided to become your newest stalker!

YEAH?! Can I be your stalker too??

Bye Bye 2007 Brilliantine!

These were 'SOME' of the best albums released in 2007, as you can see the brilliantine panel on the right has been cleared out for the new '2008' brilliantine album!

Cheers,
Faisal J. <3

Kylie you’re Wow!

Who would've thought a super popular mainstream artist would have such a clever indie strategic... just look at the list of producers on 'X'! As if that didn’t impress enough, then she goes and hires one of the most brilliant Nu-Disco acts 'Studio' to versionize her ‘2 Hearts’ resulting in something more avant-garde than the original! Now she’s releasing a double A side singles ‘Wow/In My Arms’ (in different regions).

‘Wow’ (which btw was written in Ibiza) will be released on Feb 15 (AUS) & Feb 18 (UK), & will include three new B-sides ‘Do It Again’, ‘Carried Away’, & ‘Cherry Bomb’! The Single/Radio version of ‘Wow’ has boosted music, more emphasis on bass, additional electro elements, & a stronger reworked beat, though the best thing about the release are the remixes!

Wow (MSTRKRFT Remix) Starts with wooden cowbell tonks & claps similar to the ones from their ‘Easy Love’ & carries on by shamelessly channeling Justice ‘Phantom Pt.II’ distortion bassline. (Death Metal Disco Scene Mix) A shoegazing super acid disco routine with cymbals & rough rust oomph ala japonaise cheerleading style vocal arrangement to be danced to wearing a huge wig & massive faux eyelashes. (CSS ‘Cansei De Ser Sexy’ Remix) Aggrandizes the electro credibility of the original with boosted Sewer-pipes-effect beeps & bleeps, groovy disco bass, cowbells, & naïve synths all the way in & out of it. (Fuck Me I'm Famous Remix By David Guetta & Joachim Garraud) The least likeable, nice as an addition but doesn't make any difference with the other remixes around. Not bad, no very good either… repeats & lags, *Yawn*!

While 'Wow' is being released as the second single in (Australia/United Kingdom) the 'Calvin Harris' production 'In My Arms' will be also released as the second single in (Europe/Canada) & will include the same B-Sides as ‘Wow’ plus remixes by 'Spitzer', 'Chris Lake', & 'Sebastien Leger'!

Both videos to 'Wow' & 'In My Arms' were filmed back to back on Jan 15th by music video director 'Melina Matsoukas' who directed ('JLo - Hold It Don't Drop It', 'Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love', 'Beyonce - Green Light/Kitty Kat/Suga Mama/Upgrade You', & most recently 'Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction’).

With great remixes like these, 'X' could become my favorite Kylie Era!

Funky Etienne De Crécy!

I’ve been delaying writing about this since November, because I was busy with a shitload of stuff (plus few awesome interviews ‘Coming Soon’), plus it was already posted on most of the top Blogs. Anyhow, yesterday I was playing it again & I realized it is too good to not write about… at least for the sake of those who haven’t heard it yet. After all, this guy has his producing fingers in (my latest obsession) ‘Flairs’ music, plus he was a co-producer in AIR’s ‘Premiers Symptômes’ era!

‘Funk’ from ‘Commercial EP 2’ the latest release by French producer ‘Etienne De Crécy’ is a dusky electro house crawler that snarls with a tidy Godzilla-footsteps-on-wet-leaves-like claps & constant radioactive radar bleep that gives the track it’s distinctive almost bass-less-bass-line with a grim vibe… ‘Funk’ Progresses cautiously while adding more elements as it proceeds & opts a manipulated-soft-siren synth to accompany its strut that no better fits for anything but a villain fashion show. ‘Funk’ comes with a b-side ‘Punk’ which is more like a ‘Funk Pt.II’ with more electronic microwave power, marshmallow dial-tones, private jet engine hum pitches & robust dim volume plus faux daft punk-ish guitar simulations which earns it an extra star or two. The mysterious ‘Bloody Beetroots’ remix doesn’t suffer from any shortage either, with its obvious ‘Distortion’ driven electro form... if you like ‘Danger’ & ‘Justice’ then you’ll fall for this too, & I love the cliché ping-pong speaker swapping audio output effect in the beginning.

Tracklist:
01. Funk
02. Punk
03. Funk (The Bloody Beetroots Remix)

File under ‘Distortion’ & ‘Electrohouse’! I absolutely & insistently recommend this.

Herr Styler.

Herr Styler (‘Hair Styler’ I'm Gussing?) are F & G, a possessed duo... you know, badly pitched-down voices, ’80 ethereal choirs, horns, nimbus, & all that stuff. A few weeks ago, F has been possessed by a nice and curious celestial being and started speaking Latin. Just 3 days later, G got possessed by an egomaniac Demon who was hiding in a Tequila Sunrise, reading a book with some Lenny Bruce quotes. And now he’s hearing Nine Inch Nails-style voices in his head 24\7.

Fortunately it only affected their looks & personality but didn't mess up their musical style, so relax… you won't be hearing any death metal guitars or hardcore hellish beats! Actually their music is disco driven & maybe even italo/eurodance related (minimaly)... Their newest post possession song "Stuck In Between" drops with a 4 to the floor beat, 60s style disco synths, start & stop melody, electronic modulations & a great groovy distorted bassline... but to get to the best part you'd have to hold your breath until the chorus because that's where the track shows off its real power & shines the most!

DL: Herr Styler - Stuck In Between (ft. Gabriele Aprile)

A wicked heroic song, encouraging & uplifting! Something you wouldn't expect with a demon involved... I guess good & bad works side by side in this music outfit & that's why they're stuck in between. Hopefully F won’t get allured to sin with G around, because he might like it.

MySpace

Kenneth Bager Steals A Gorillaz Song.

Incase you don't know, Damon Albarn creator of Gorillaz called the animated band quits few months back (it's devastating news to me since I’m a fan).. anyhow, 'Kenneth Bager' new ingle ‘Fragment One (& I Kept Hearing)’is an unreleased track form the Gorillaz "Gorillaz" era (ehh, no not literally Dumbo) but the track seriously sounds like it was made for it, its not even funny!

'Fragment One' is an innocent electronic based lo-fi track with a mellow vibe, life-is-alright whistles, easy breezy version of a Snoop-Dogg-like vocals & a sensual harmonica solo, it makes me imagine a mid spring cloudy day in the park with soft breeze making young lolitas silk skirts gently fly while the friend of the family sits on the bench discreetly working his fantasy.

DL: Kenneth Bager - Fragment One (& I Kept Hearing) (ft. Gisli)

You'll be whistling to it everytime you hear it.

Official MySpace

Tocadiscosolo!

“Tocadiso” is the moniker you probably distinguished ahead of the word “Remix” on releases by some of the notably praised artists such as “Moby, Tiga, Mylo, Bob Sinclar, New order, Axwell & Ingrosso, The Egg, Sono, M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Booka Shade, Deep Dish, Pet Shop Boys, Linus Love, Etienne Daho (in cooperation with Fisherspooner), Flatpack, Boosta, Radio Workshop, Enigma, Sharam (of Deep Dish), A`Studio, ATB, Hi-Track, Philippe B, Tommie Sunshine, Amo & Navas, DY10, Mighty Dub Katz (Fatboy Slim),Culcha Candela, Junkie XL, Nicolette & Sebastian Heerhorst” & the name that reminds you of those nights at the club when that body moving beat came through the speakers & made you go “Who’s this by, I love it!”. His sound at times put DJs like Sander Kleinenberg to shame & even exposed David Guetta’s greed when he hogged a whole instrumental for his ‘Love Don’t Let Me Go’ bootleg re-release, & through all the parasite-promotions we, the audio junkies have pre-set a sound that we called the ‘Tocadisco Electro House Signature’! A decade later ‘Tocadisco’ have put his head together & finished his first solo album. Now, you probably are predicting an upbeat record with tracks that sounds like what he’s been making for the past 12 years but I’m thrilled to say “You’re Wrong!”. Tocadisco’s first album “Solo” is far from the mono style album routine; With “Solo” he visits new territories & shows more sides to himself than the Electro-House DJ. Yes, it’s still based on electronic music but at the same time embraces other genres like Minimal, Contemporary Pop, Breakbeat, D&B, Cabaret, Jazz, Brazilian, Downtempo & best of all Indie Rock… there’s even a track that sounds like it’s been snatched out of a ‘Buddha Bar’ Comp. Somehow “Tocadisco” wanted to pay a tribute to all the musical styles that influenced and flourished his life & career, It strongly comes across as a compilation disc rather than an album… more like a CD you’d probably make for a friend with all your favorite new songs by different artists! It’s an album that represents him as the person behind the music & proves that he isn’t a ‘One Trick Pony’ & will definitely earn him the respect he deserves.

Tracklist:
01. Earthchild
02. Emilios Message
03. Better Begin
04. Rocksteady DJ
05. Streetgirls
06. Musique Electronique
07. Just Say No
08. Spooky 808
09. Shrine
10. Waterproof
11. Chaos In The Streets
12. Juicy Woman
13. Fasten Your Seatbelts
14. Lets Get Down

I still don’t know who are the vocal guests on the album & I couldn’t find info anywhere on the net either but I know “Shrine” features “Chelonis R. Jones” (He’s the co-writer and vocalist of the ‘Royksopp’ single ’49 Percent’).

Best tracks are ‘Better Again [my favourite!]’, ‘Shrine’, ‘Just Say No’, ‘Chaos In The Streets’ & ‘Let’s Get Down [you’ll love this one if you like “AIR”]’ . The worst is ‘Juicy Woman’ which has the most horrible vocals I’ve heard in a while & the lyrics are as cheesy as cheesy cheese, sadly this track ruins the whole album for me.

It’s scary how versatile ‘Solo’ is, it makes you wonder how much of his musical powers are still hidden! This should have been said a decade ago but I’m saying it now "Watch out for him, he's better than we think"!

Official Site/MySpace

My Writings in CO-EDS Magazine!

If you were wondering why I stopped updating the Blog in the last few weeks of December, It’s because I was writing Reviews & Bios to be published in “CO-EDS” Magazine in the Jan Issue. Unfortunately they didn’t publish everything since there’s a limit to how many pages each section has (Music Section in my case), they even went over the limit and gave me 10 pages & featured my interviewed artist “The Black Ghosts” on the cover!

They did a lousy job though with the font choice on the front cover & first page of cover story. The layout to the “Top Albums Of 2007” is a mess too… I did mention that to the editor & she agrees.

My Articles In This Issue:
* ‘The Black Ghosts’ Interview.
* Top 10 albums of 2007. (They only published the top 7 though)
* 21 Hot Singles & New Songs.

Articles Pushed for ‘February’ Issue:
* Ali Love
* Crystal Castles
* Danger
* Frankmusik
* The Teenagers
* Uffie
* Van She
* Radiohead – In Rainbows (Extended Review)

Ps. If you’re wondering why my last name in the magazine is “Jehan” rather than “Janahi”, it’s because my dad changed it few years back before we moved to Dubai after a huge feud with my uncles, didn’t bother to tell every person I know since it raises the question “What Happened?” & I’m not up for story telling.

Hopefully the next issue will be better, anyhow if you like to read my pages from this issue, click here to download the articles.

Cheers,
Faisal J.

Accident & Emergency!

A&E (short for “Accident & Emergency”) the lead single from Goldfrapp’s fourth album ‘Seventh Tree’ is your fast-forward cheat to spring. In contrast to the oversexed electro compressions of ‘Supernature’ comes ‘A&E’ a downtempo homage to their Folk & Acoustic roots treating us to another ‘Felt Mountain’ moment, The electronic elements are still present but the live instruments & guitar are overpowering over it while Alison’s glistening, soaring, Goosebumps-generating voice crowns the piece vividly. ‘A&E’ talks about a personal experience in Alison’s life where she sings about a bright blue Saturday after an accident & emergency, though she’s still feeling blue thinking back about it but slowly the pain starts to slip away when the pills start to work.

It’s so beautiful & sense awakening, you’ll be ejaculating warmth by the time it reaches the bridge. Organic & glamorously magnetic.

A&E (February, 11) comes with remixes by “Maps, Gui Boratto, & Hercules and Love Affair”. ‘Seventh Tree’ (February 20th Japan, 25th UK, 26th US), The deluxe CD set will include 4 art cards, a large foldout poster, a lyric book (including reproductions of Alison's handwritten lyrics) and a bonus DVD including a short film about the making of the album and the video for "A&E".

I know the album already leaked but I’m going to resist the temptation & wait till its release date & go buy it. ‘Seventh Tree’ is one of those albums you know before-hand is going to be brilliant & so worth waiting for to enjoy it in the best quality possible.

First Monster Mixtape Of 2008!
Here's a bunch of remixes I've been rocking to recently, knock yourself out unconscious.


DL: Britney Spears - Piece of Me (Tiesto Dub Mix)
DL: Junkie XL - More More (Kraak And Smaak More Or Less Mix - Explicit)
DL: Robyn - Be Mine (Ocelot Mthrfckrs Remx)
DL: Dave Gahan - Kingdom (Digitalism Dub)
DL: Late Of The Pier - Broken (Fairy Lights Mix)
DL: Buy Now - For Sale (Henrik B & Plec Remix)
DL: The Black Ghosts - Face (Kissy Sell Out remix)
DL: September - Cry For You (Spencer & Hill Remix)
DL: Chicken Lips - He Not in (Vandalism Vocal Mix)
DL: Splittr - All Alone (Alex Metric Vocal Mix)
DL: Lindstrom - Another Station (Todd Terje Remix)
DL: Space Cowboy - That's What Dreams Are Made Of (Alan Braxe Remix)
DL: Chromeo - Bonafied Lovin (Riot In Belgium Remix)
DL: T2 - Heartbroken (ft. Jodie Aysha) (Wawa Club Mix)
DL: Daft Punk - Technologic (Basement Jaxx Kontrol Mixx)
DL: The Gossip - Yr Mangled Heart (Guns N Bombs Trashbags Remix)


Can I Hear w00t w00t?

CLASSIXX

.ne
L.A. duo Tyler Blake & Michael formerly known as “Young Americans” were forced to change their name “thank god” to the more appealing “Classixx” due to legal issues & now signed to “So Sweet Records”! With the new name comes a digital release this month with 2 tracks “Dial 1” & “Cold Act Ill” plus remixes & a physical EP early next year!

“Dial 1” a you-can-count-on-me advertising dance crunch gimmick with embedded dial tones & enough electro glitch to crack your collar bones will be your perfect I-have-someone-to-rely on anthem & (my favorite out of the 2) “Cold Act Ill” is an absolute proof of their brilliance, the squelching electro bleeps & echoed Roxanne Shante sampled vocals plus the motor cycle engine generated bass that kicks a minute & a half in just makes the combination sound like a suburb marriage between Simian Mobile Disco’s “Hustler” & Justice’s “Newjack”!

DL: Dial 1
DL: Cold Act Ill**

Ohh & they will be playing Hard New Year's Eve in Los Angeles with Justice, Peaches, Steve Aoki, etc.

**Super Recommended, already on my Route Replay playlist.

----------------------

Interview: CLASSIXX

* So… how’s life treating you?

Right now I am actually drinking a Mojito on a chaise lounge chair on my roof overlooking the L.A. Skyline. That’s winter for us here in L.A., Life is so hard right?

* Are you ready for some Q&A therapy?

LET’S DO IT! Can I have a massage after?

* Ok, start by introducing yourselves with a short description!

We are ‘Tyler Blake’ 22 (3/8/85) born in ‘Boston’ & raised in ‘L.A’, Studied music at ‘Berklee College of Music’ & dropped out to make music. Some of all time favorite artists (Bowie, Prince, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Bjork), favorite bands (Raidohead, The Smiths, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode), favorite new artists (Simian Mobile Disco, The Chromatics).

‘Michael David’ 22 (3/27/85) born & raised in ‘Johannesburg, South Africa’, Studied Classical Guitar & Palmistry. Previously worked at a books on tape store called ‘Talking Book World’ & currently turning knobs. In ‘Classixx’ he makes it rain when it needs to. All time favorite artist (Fela Kuti) & favorite new artist (Digitalism).

* How did you guys meet? Why did you decide to make music together?

We have been friends since we were kids. We played in bands together and apart since we were in middle school. The last bands we were in before this were pop bands and when they ended we got together to make the music we both wanted to hear.

* Bands Huh!

Yeah, but we don't have much interest in talking about our old projects to be honest. If we did we would probably still be doing them.

* Well, how long have you been making music?

We have been making music since as long as I can remember. I think us both got ProTools rigs about 6 years ago to make demos for our bands. At that time I think we were just sort of figuring it out ourselves. Later, playing in bands we were lucky enough to work with some great engineers and producers and watch and learn from them.

* Producers like who?

Mike's old band's got mixed by ‘Mike Shippley’. He mixed all Mutt Lange's shit. If you type his name into Wikipedia it will blow you away how many hit records he has produced or mixed.

* Do you limit yourselves to using selected Equipments/Instruments/Programs when creating your music?

We use pro-tools and a bunch of analog synths and soft synths. Guitars, basses, drum machines. Whatever is lying around, cap guns, bike chains, these sorts of things.

* I’m thinking about getting a keyboard or a Keytar but I’m really no expert on what’s good to start with?

Well for kids getting into this type of music I would just say to get a good midi controller and a bunch of cool software. Like ‘Reason’, ‘Ableton’, anything by Arturia… that should be a good start. I have always thought keytars were cheesy but, on the other hand, ‘Snoop Dogg’ plays one in his new video.

* Yeah I saw the video the other day & I thought it was cool (even though I really don’t like him)… Anyhow, let’s talk a little bit about your past as “Young Americans”. You were legally forced to change it, why, who did & what’s the whole story?

Um, basically there was an organization with the same name and when we were playing a show in San Francisco we got served with a lawsuit right before our set by 2 huge guys. I thought the club had gotten a fax and it was the bouncers giving us the papers but later I found out they were their cronies. It was bullshit but it’s over now so that’s good. As for the "whole story" I think we'd like to keep the past in the past and just focus on moving forward. It’s boring anyway.

* But you already have official remixes under that name, what will happen to them? Did they allow you to keep them? Did you have to pay?

The only official remixes we did that were going to be released under that name had already been released & the money we got paid for them has probably been spent & it’s all over now. We were lucky actually. Pretty much the only thing we lost was our old name and our old MySpace page.

* Why ‘Classixx’?

I guess it was just the first thing we came up with that we weren't sick of a few minutes later. I feel like there are a lot of electronic acts out right now trying to replicate whatever sound is popular RIGHT now. We don't just want to be another flash in the pan electro act. Classics seemed like a fitting name and it just looks better on a flyer or CD spelled CLASSIXX. (Laughs)

* Oh yeah, I couldn’t agree more… believe it or not some people thought it stood for “Class Six” or “Class Ixx (X)”!

Ha, yeah we had a joke that if we ever got sued again we would just say that we were called CLASSI XX like "Classy 20" but with roman numerals.

* Did you deliberately choose this style of music to build your career around?

I think it sort of chose us. We were asked to do a remix by a band mike had toured with his old band. I think we ended up liking the results more than a lot of the music we were making with our bands at the time. We have always wanted to make forward thinking music and I think electronic music is the most forward thinking music there is.

We just want to make relevant, important music. We are not trying to appeal to any one scene. We are making the music we would want to hear so hopefully the people that will be interested will reflect ourselves.

* Who are you talking about?

Kill Hannah & Shiny Toy Guns.

* What influences your music though?

We're really into early analog electronic music like ‘Kraftwerk’ and then bands like ‘Depeche Mode’. I think one of the first people that really brought us to dance music was ‘Stuart Price’ (aka Jaques Lu Cont, Paper Faces, Man With Guitar, Thin White Duke, Les Rhythmes Digitales…etc.) that was one of the first artists that made me realize not all dance music was cheesy & the ‘DFA’ too. Right now we are really into ‘Simian Mobile Disco’ because their sound seems a lot more timeless than a lot of the other producers right now. That’s what we're striving for.

* Ohh, I definitely caught the ‘SMD’ influence, especially in ‘Cold Act Ill’… I even called it in my review “a suburb marriage between Simian Mobile Disco’s ‘Hustler’ & Justice’s ‘Newjack’”!

Ha yeah it’s funny if you have a girl rapping on an electro track now it automatically gets compared to SMD. We are still happy with the comparison though as long as people aren't saying "this sounds like a shitty version of SMD." (Laughs)

* There’s really no shame about being compared to another artist, especially if it’s a successful one! But why do most artists RESENT being compared to another publicly when they actually admitted they’re influenced by!? Conceited maybe?

I think it’s the whole "sounds like" thing. People don't want to "sound like" someone else. They want to "sound like" themselves and have OTHER people "sound like" them. And if they DO sound like someone else they want them to be old artists rather than current artists. My friends and I were actually just joking about that last night because it’s funny when people say "we sound like Joy Division" instead of saying "we sound like Interpol." because either way its the same description but somehow one is more acceptable. For me, if we are being compared to Simian Mobile Disco, I think that is great because their sound is so timeless. They could have come out with "Attack Sustain Release Decay" ten years ago or ten years from now and I think it would still be a great fucking dance record. I don't think that can be said for everyone who is blowing up right now. I think it might bum me out if we were compared to something that limited us.

* New name & new music! So far I’ve heard 2 tracks, tell us about them in detail please?

Yeah, those 2 songs are being released properly by inStereo on Jan 18.

Dial 1: Is basically a punk rock song to me. The distorted guitars have just been replaced with distorted synths. Its one if the first original tracks we ever made and I think we were still trying to figure out how we wanted to sound.

Cold Act Ill: I found this a capella sample of ‘Roxanne Shante’ from a track called "Def Fresh Crew" that she did with ‘Biz Markie’. She is known as "the first female rapper of all time" and is something of a legend. The vocal inspired us to build a track around it. The track took us a while to finish because I think we sort of realized our sound making it.

* Now the first kind of goes down the line with the rest of the vocoded vocal, geek electro rock likes of Hellogoodbye!, while the other is a brilliant piece of distortion disco that is an immediate dancefloor killer? I’m curious, which style between the two should we expect more in the future?

Ha well like I said I think if you are into "Cold Act Ill" you will be into the stuff that will come out in the future although we aren't limiting ourselves just to "dancefloor killers" or electro bangers. We want to be able to do tracks that are deep and emotionally rich, tracks that are more groove based...along with more "dancefloor killers." (Laughs)

* Sounds like you know where “CLASSIXX” is heading even though it’s still early! Oooh, you should totally rework “Sade - No Ordinary Love” & make it all glitchy & super electro with massive amounts of compressed synths! (Laughs)

You should tell her to hit us up (Laughs). Mike loves Sade. R. Kelly pronounces her name phonetically.

* Last year you were talking about an EP to be released in the first quarter of 2008! How’s that coming?

Well that is still in the works but you can probably expect to see "Cold Act Ill" on it and some of the new tracks we are working on that no one has heard yet! It will most likely be put out by ‘So Sweet’ and there will probably be 5 or 6 tracks on it. The artwork is going to be dope. I don't know if a remix will be on there or if those will be put out separately. We’ll see. There are some good remixes though. I can't really say by whom just yet.

* Great! Who’s doing the artwork? & Are there any plans for a video?

We have some ideas and we have a lot of friends here in L.A. that are great graphic artists that will probably help us realize them. We actually are planning on making a music video for ‘Cold Act Ill’ quite soon. I don't want to say too much about the concept except that its dope and I don't think anyone has done it before.

* What about remixes? Are you remixing any track at the moment (officially or un-officially) under the new name?

We have been turning down some remix work lately to focus on making our own tracks but there will be more soon. Right now the only one we can talk about is an official remix for this hip-hop track called ‘Buzzin'’ by ‘Shwayze’ for Suretone Records… that should probably be done in February I think. We're pretty happy with it.

* I heard you played New Year’s Eve with Justice & Peaches, How was it?

It was a blast. I think we started with ‘Discopolis’ by ‘Lifelike & Kris Menace’. ‘Surkin’ just sent me some of the new ‘Institubes’ stuff so I think we probably played some of that. I don't know... good shit (laughs). We closed with ‘New Year’s Day’ by ‘U2’ which was actually totally unplanned.

* Did you get to hangout with Justice?

Not for New Year’s Eve because they played on a different stage and the whole festival was really hectic. But we hung out with them and everyone else who was in town the night before at Steve Aoki and DJ AM's club ‘LAX’. Our paths have crossed a few times and we are friendly.

* Hush Hush, tell me everything about it!?

We started ‘Hush Hush’ as a DIY house party. I went to school in Boston where the scene was a lot of basement parties. we don't really have that out here on the west coast so since I live in a basement loft I thought it would be cool to bring that vibe to L.A., we got ‘Royal Rumble’ to play one and we became really good friends with them. After a few of those we got shut down because of an eviction notice and even a death threat from a gang member that lived up stairs because of the noise and all the people causing a disturbance. Since then we have been throwing them once a month. We have done them in mainstream clubs like ‘Cinespace’ all the way down to seedy downtown warehouses. its fun because there are no rules except to throw a dope party every time and I think all the kids that come seem to know that no matter where it is it will be good because its HUSH HUSH. We are actually planning a Hush Hush Tour with Royal Rumble and The Cobrasnake. It’s called "THE THE THE HUSH HUSH COBRASNAKE TOUR TOUR" (Laughs).

* Ahh, wish I lived in L.A., we never get any good parties here (except for G.Unit) which suxxballs… anyways, I realized you don’t really have Any cool press photos after the name change… Isn’t it a good time for a fresh Photoshoot?

Yeah, actually, we have a few coming up. We'll see what develops.

* Finally, could you briefly sum up Classixx future in 2008?

Well all that stuff I talked about... the release of ‘Cold Act Ill/Dial 1’ with InStereo on Jan, 18th and then the EP soon after. We have some scattered shows, a couple parties at ‘Sundance Film Festival’ then the "THE THE THE HUSH HUSH COBRASNAKE TOUR TOUR" which is in March and will be down the west coast probably starting in Vancouver and ending in Mexico. After that we will be playing the ‘Beatport Showcase’ at ‘WMC’ in Miami. From there I don't know, we'll see. World domination?

Futurecop! To The Rescue!

While other artists embracing the originality of the 80s are trying hard to bring the past to the future, Fututrecop! teleports you back to the 80s & right in-front of the TV screen where under-handedly your personality was being programmed and nourished through what was considered to be futuristic Sci-Fi culture, cartoons & movies! Fututrecop! Preserved it all through the millennium & now they are ready to share the reminiscing energy with the world through time capsules in a form of music tracks. I sat down with ‘Manzur Iqbal’ the founder & creator of Fututrecop! For an extensive interview & pretty much we covered everything you’d ever want to know about them + Manzur was cool enough to let me share all of their songs in HQ (except for 'Transformers' since they're releasing their EP it on the "Big City, Bright Lights.. EP" on BamBamMuzik) soon! I Hope you enjoy it.

--------------------------------------------

Hello Officer, Let's Start by explaining the name 'Futurecop!' & the exclamation point after it?

Well, getting a name took a long time – at one point I was even wondering around on holiday taking pictures of random things just for inspiration/ideas, but then 'Futurecop!' Came out of nowhere. Because I'm into the whole futuristic thing a lot of people assumed it has to do with 'Robocop' and the ' Terminator' (which I don't mind!), but honestly I didn't think of it like that when I decided to go with 'Futurecop!'.

As for the '!' thats just for effect.

Now your name 'Manzur Iqbal' it sounds oriental! What's your ethnicity? Tell us a little bit about you? Are You Studying?

Yep, my parents are from Bangladesh! I'm a 25 years old British Muslim, Born and raised in Oldham, Manchester & I've finished studying.

Ohh, What major? Did your degree help you in any ways with Futurecop!?

I did 'Computer Science' rather dull, and it didn't help – I learnt music production from scratch, by trial and error…etc.

You started 'Futurecop!' alone & then 'Peter' joined in! Tell us about him?

'Peter Carrol' is 25, Born and raised in London, finished studying too. He's a sometime writer, & currently writing a book about something (he wont tell anyone about it!)

How did you meet? How did you decide to make music together?

We met at Uni . I was at that time in a punk band playing bass (we were very shit!). Peter became my best friend because we liked the same stuff. I asked Pete to join 'Futurecop!' about a year ago - mainly because it would be more fun.

So 'Futurecop!' is a duo, period.?

No No, 'Futurecop!' Isn't me or a person it's just a project encapsulating how I think certain people looked at life and future in the 80s. One of the main reasons I'm doing this is to have fun.

Earlier you said you learned music production from scratch! How did you achieve that?

Gosh! When I started I knew no one into music production and no one in the music industry but ever since I was a little child I've been really into electronic warm synth sounds and always said to myself "Id love to make this sound one day". I was determined to learn how to recreate it by myself, so… I got a copy of 'Reason' and messed around with it. Then I just took it from there. Now I am getting close to making the type of music I wanted… So I'm happy.

Beside 'Reason' what programs, equipments, instruments do you use to create your music?

I only use ' Reason' and 'Ableton' to produce, But live Peter uses a ' Korg Electribe'. I use 'Reason' to the max & there's always something new to learn from that program – I love 'Reason'!

Where do you usually make music?

Everywhere… In my bedroom, train, even once on the plane!

What made you choose this style of music to build your career around? What made you think it was going to be successful?

When I was a little kid I was addicted to TV, I watched a lot of 80s cartoons and movies & I used to love it, so I wanted to make music as if I was in the 80s making a tune for a cartoon or a Sci-Fi movie!

80s Cartoons & Movies like what?

Stuff like Brat Pack movies, Transformers, Thundercats , Rocky 4, Akira, & even My Little Pony!

I was in love with my Amiga and Mega Drive !

Oooh! Since we're talking about this already, there's a picture on your MySpace of some old cartoon with an Aztec temple made of gold! I used to watch it when I was a kid & when I saw the picture all sorts of memories and feelings came back! What's it called?

The cartoon is 'Mysterious Cities of Gold '!

So that's what influences you?

It's that & the different aspects of how people looked at the future and pop culture in the 80s in a fun way; I'm quite obsessed with the 80s… I even love those 80s rock ballads (I think they influenced me a lot). There is also an aspect of Geekyness I think, at school I was bit of a geek and listened to 'Weezer', ' Superchunk', 'Pavement', ' Nada Surf', & stuff like that! New York's styles and sounds are a big influence to me too.

While going through your list of influences I was glad to see "Cut Copy" in there, but what happened to "Mylo" & "Linus Loves"?

I like 'Mylo' and few songs of ' Linus Loves'! They are not my main influences though, mainly eighties synthes, in every form. Cut Copy are wicked, I just love the sounds they use.

Ok, let's talk about your tunes… tell us a little bit about each one?

As Seen On TV : I had the most fun making this song, it reminds me of 'Thundercats' and TV shows I watched when I was a kid… so that explains the name.

Class of 1984: This is actually the 1st proper song I made where the chorus sounds perfect, even the drums. It's inspired by the ' Breakfast Club'; I created it watching the movie.

Hey Heartthrob: It took me only 30mins to make it! I love this song and it's Pete's favorite, just pure fun and random. I wanted it to have a weird song structure as you keep listening. Oh & it samples a song by 'kenny Loggins' from the wicked movie ' Over The Top'!

N.A.S.A.: I was purely aiming for something Sci-Fi & Space related yet euphoric and even Trancey. I wanted to use power chords and just be dramatic.

Starworshipper: Did this few days ago, again Sci-Fi look into the 80s but in a more comedy direction – no hi hats, just future-pop all the way.

Super Saiyan: Manipulated with distortion and euphoric sounds to give a robotic feel to it. There's a lot of noise based music out there and it's getting annoying because it looks like everyone's doing it now – so I tried to make this a bit complicated!

Transformers: Everyone's favorite song! Guess what influenced me to make this!? The beginning part of the original ' Transformers: The Movie', when 'Optimus Prime ' starts to fight the 'Decepticons' with ' Stan Bush' playing in the background!

OMG, "You've got the touch (PAPPA PARRAPPAAA), you've got the power (PAPPA PARRAP-PAAAA)!?

Yep, Stan Bush's 'The Touch'!

So, Which songs did you create before Peter joined in, and which ones after?

I do most of the production, but after a while you just need someone elses opinion. Thats where Peter comes in. The tunes have been mainly made in the past year.

Who else helped in the process of making the tracks?

My sister 'Nahid' – I'm constantly going to her to ask if this sounds good and I always go with her opinion on everything I've made. Actually, she should get all the credit!

So far, your music is strictly instrumental… Have you thought about involving vocals in the future?

'Futurecop!' is instrumental and less words as possible – it's a soundtrack - I want the listener to create his/her own ideas. I don't mind vocals however, I would go for it under another project name… you want to sing for us?? *Whats your robot voice like?! I'd go for whatever sounds right to that tune, there isn't too many rules.

Undeniably, there is a hidden realm within your music that the listener can travel to, what does it look like?

Colorful, fun, euphoric, free, just how you felt when you were a kid!

Have you received any offers from labels yet?

Quite a few but waiting for the right one. I don't really care about labels, you don't really need them nowadays you just need hard work, that's it! I'd sign if they promised me every single person in the world will get to hear my songs. If they could do that they can have the money.

Any famous labels?

Can't tell you that till everything's confirmed, sorry!

Are you planning to officially release anything?

We are releasing an EP in the beginning of February. Also doing 2 T-shirt designs and believe me when I say "They are the best T-shirts you've ever seen"!

EP huh! Tell?

There will be very cool remixes but I can't reveal to you right now all the details, will let you know in due time (keep checking MySpace y'all)! But I can tell you this; I'm currently talking to a record company about a possibility to release a single before hand with mad remixes!

What about the T-shirts, Who designed them?

1 by 'Tobias Warwick Jones ' and the other by 'Akutou' – Sincerely, They are the best Tees you'll see this year. I'm more excited about the tees than the releases!

I saw a photo on your MySpace with futuristic gloves and a logo of 'Futurecop!' is that graphics official or did you find it on the net?

It's Officially made for me by the graphic designers ' The Zonders'.

I love your remix of 'Alice Practice' but have you remixed for anyone else beside 'Crystal Castles'? Were you asked to remix for anyone? Are you remixing any track at the moment (officially or un-officially)?

I don't want to be looked at as a remixer, I want to do music… but I remixed ' Alice Practise' because I love it! Maybe I'll do few more, I'll see…. but I do get lots of offers, still I only want to do it if I knew the artist/adored their song; I'd do it for free for those reasons… I don't care! 'Futurecop!' is not really about remixing, I prefer original tunes.

It seems like everyone are immediately liking your music but do you ever receive any negative comments or reviews?

None yet, that's probably because I'm new!?... Give it a year I'm sure there will be some. The worst thing I hate is comparisons though – I hope no one does that to me.

Before we call it a 'Wrap'… I'm curious, how do you perform in your shows? Because your music is purely synth made & I'm guessing all you need to do at a live show is connect the speakers to your laptop & equipments and hit play!? Is that correct?

I know what u mean it is weird… when we were asked to do a live show we were like "shit we need about 10 people and must buy loads laptops…etc", but what I do is play keyboards on the main hooks of a song (that's it).. The other parts I trigger it like samples, and then Pete just adds more drum samples and effects. We also have a video projecting through us (last time it was transformers). The thing is I grew up watching bands play live, so its weird for me to do such minimal amounts of work and get praised for it; but if there's a demand for it by fans then I'm up for it!

But really, I still think it's a bit odd.

Finally, What's next on the 'Futurecop!' itinerary?

Touring America in March, massive tour in Australia in May and more gigs in Europe! Maybe do remixes… First EP out early Feb & the 2 T-shirts will be available for purchase in a few weeks.

But who knows what the future holds!!!!!

Thank you so much for your time, it's a pleasure interviewing you!

Anytime, See Ya!

Das Pop Were Things To Come!

A lot of the times you can tell whether a band is good or not from just looking at who remixed their singles or even helped them produce it & that’s the case here! ‘Das Pop’ is a Belgian electro/indie-pop band (formerly known as ‘Things To Come’)! The first single ‘Fool For Love’ (21, Jan) starts with a bass-line reminiscing Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ while over all sounding like a much younger version of ‘Rooney’ or ‘Franz Ferdinand’!

DL: Das Pop – Fool For Love

The single is backed up with top notch remixes by SebastiAn, Yuksek, Brodinski, & Aeroplane… the guys are currently working on their upcoming album which is being produced by David and Stephen Dewaele from Soulwax!

You can preview the remixes here!

Sebastien Tellier + ½ Daft Punk!

DJ, Producer & Visionary ‘Sebastien Tellier’ returns with an 8 minutes tester to pave the way for his upcoming full length ‘Sexuality’ (Expected Feb, 08), the new single ‘Sexual Sportswear’ is produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (1/2 Daft Punk “not the better half though, that’s [Thomas Bangalter]”)… You’d expect something to blow your mind from the first listen but unfortunately that’s not the case here, ‘Sexual Sportswear’ gives the first impression of a looping snippet & seems a bit directionless at times.

DL: Sebastien Tellier - Sexual Sportswear
DL: Sebastien Tellier - Sexual Sportswear (SebastiAn Remix) - links removed upon request of label.

"Sexual Sportswear" is like a creepier cousin to Daft Punk instrumentals "Night Vision" and "Make Love." It's not exactly the strongest track to release as a teaser three months in advance, but nonetheless It's spooky, electronic, & atmospheric (but you’ll have to play it a lot and let it grow on you to really like it). Let’s just hope Tellier doesn’t get over shadowed by Guy-Mannuel on the rest of the album.

Sebastien Tellier Myspace

Feadz Is Bangin!

You know Feadz, he's from the 'Ed Banger Crew' & he's Uffie's boyfriend/producer.. anyhow, in the new issue of 'Trax' magazine there's a brilliant track by him (not sure if it's new or not) but either ways it's a must have!

DL: Feadz - Numanoïd (Edit)

If you like this then i urge you to check out his track "Edwrecker 20", I love his sound, can't wait to see what he's done to Uffie's upcoming album!

Lorraine Have Been Saved!

I was all mental about them when they first released ‘I Feel It’ EP in 2005 with ‘Saved’ as a B-side to it & I thought they were going to be my favorite artists of that year by the time they release their album… but ‘Columbia Records’ released a few singles randomly including an edit of ‘I Feel It’ & kept pushing the album release date over & over until everyone got bored of following their news anymore..

Three years later with a new label (Waterfall Records UK) the guys have decided to turn that B-side into a single & they’ve seeked help from producer ‘Dave Bascombe’ to refresh it for them since the older version was only a demo! ‘Saved’ is an uplifting slice of high-grade electro pop with empowering vocals & ultra catchy verses & a new beginning for the underrated band!

DL: Lorraine - Saved (Demo)
DL: Lorraine - Saved (Dave Bascombe Mix)

The single comes with a recently recorded new track ‘The Mess That We Are’ but don’t bother purchasing any of the remixes coz they suck. Their long awaited album will drop sometimes early this year (Hopefully!).

Lorraine Myspace

We Are Terrorists Blasting Blogs On New Year's Eve!

If you still don't knwo who they are then go here & checkout my interview with the guys.. anyhow on new year's eve they gave out a new song, now we're used to recieving crappy songs for free (since they don't know what to do with it anyways) but this one is better than some of the tracks on their EP! Vocoded Vocals & Faux Guitar to the maximum, you're going to love this (i promise).

DL: We Are Terrorists - Blast Mon Blog