MCBN: Hey guys, thanks for chatting to us… Let’s get straight into things shall we. You have both gained some great DJ’ing experience with your solo acts but how did the Killerwatts project come about?

Tristan: I first heard Leon (Avalon) playing in Tribe of Frog, one of the best nights in UK. I was blown away by his music. We ended up hanging out and somehow arranged to get into the studio and make some tunes together. After we released “Another Planet” and saw the success of this tune on the dance floor, we realised that there was something going on between us musically…

Avalon: It wasn’t until Universo Paralello that we realised we had to do an album together… It’s been an amazing journey so far. We debut our finished tunes at Origin and I can tell you that there was no more fitting place than Cape Town to test out our sound.

MCBN: Having both been here before and experienced our awesome trance scene, this question is aimed more at Tristan. What took you so long to get back to Cape Town????

Tristan: Visas… I base myself in Goa, India and due to the nature of their Embassy… It has been a constant, rough battle. It became a huge problem but finally sorted it out.

MCBN: The beats were pumping, the bass lines were rolling and I can assure you the dance floor thoroughly enjoyed your Killerwatts set at Origin. How did you enjoy your debut Killerwatts set down here in Cape Town?

Tristan: It was brilliant, the best set we have done. I really enjoyed my DJ set, as I felt it was a journey from start to finish. The night time was dark and much harder and when Broken Toy came on and smashed it, I felt I had to come on and deconstruct everything and build it up again over two hours… I felt I built it up nicely for the Killerwatts set.

Avalon: Tristan said to me after our set that it had to go down as the best Killerwatts set so far. It’s my third Origin and this has to have been my favourite one to date. From the production, to the decor, to the vibe, to the venue, everything was amazing!!! They just keep getting better.

Killerwatts: It was absolute pleasure to being playing there together for the first time.

MCBN: There are so many great artists out there, who have been your favourite artist you have collaborated with and who would you most like to work with in the near future?

Killerwatts vs Waio – Wake Up

Killerwatts: Well, as Killerwatts we have only collaborated with Wiao. We form a unique collaboration, it’s a great mix in the studio. We’d like to work with Domestic. He masters all our music and he is one of the most respected people we have worked with when it comes to production. We’ll be in the studio soon, very soon.

MCBN: We were lucky enough to have you both play separate sets in Cape Town as your solo acts. You guys are producing constantly & travelling the world DJ’ing, how do you find time to fit everything in, especially with the Killerwatts act?

Avalon: We do a lot of it on the road while touring, the album was done in hotel rooms, basically our only spare time! Hotel rooms have become our mobile studios. Ableton live has been able to allow us to be produce on the move. We borrow hotel speakers and set up studio in our rooms and produce as often as we can.

Tristan: One thing I do have to say is we graft fucking hard.  Anyone thinking of becoming a trance DJ/Producer, it comes down to one word: dedication… Another thing that becomes hard is fitting everything else in, for instance family life etc, but we manage to do it. I take the family with me a lot. I had my 40^th in L.A last year and had my 4 year old daughter on the dance floor having the time of her life.

MCBN: What do you both enjoy listening to and drawing inspiration from?

Avalon: I listen to lots of bands at moment. I have always been a massive Nirvana fan. When I DJ, I really enjoy Avalon – Distant Future (Dickster remix)

Tristan: I listen to a lot of Neil Young. I draw a lot of inspiration from the early 60’s, 70’s psycadelic rock.

MCBN: What has been your favourite festival to play at to date and why? (We don’t mind if you say Origin hehe)

Trist – The Total Solar Eclipse Party in Kruger National Park 2001 and Samonthraki

Avalon: My favourite party had to be Easter Island Eclipse party which was on an ancient Island in the middle of the ocean with all the local tribe people freaking out hearing trance for the first time. It was an extremely tribal setting with massive statues everywhere, built around 800, 900 years ago. It looked like something from another planet. I felt like I was in a weird Mayan situation, it’s hard to explain but it was mind blowing. Another favourite for me was Universo Paralello with 17,000 jumping up and down with you to something you have created, is an absolutely phenomenal feeling, there is nothing more satisfying.

Killerwatts: Origin has always been a favourite of both of ours.

MCBN: Tristan, someone at Origin mentioned to me that you have Tinnitus which caused you to stop gigging as much? Can you confirm if this is true and has this impacted your musical career at all?

Tristan: The DJ set I did at Origin was a special gift to Origin, so yeah. I only do live sets now to which keeps me more focused on the actual production of the set than anything else. I am getting used to living with it now and will continue producing all the same.

MCBN: The question that has been on my mind since I heard your set, can we expect an album from Killerwatts anytime soon?

Killerwatts: We will be releasing a Killerwatts album in late April, early May.

MCBN: Playing back to back as Killerwatts brings a whole new element to both your sounds. How would you describe the Killerwatts sound to everyone out there?

Killerwatts: It’s a hybrid of an Avalon and Tristan sound… What we have aimed for is a top level production whilst maintaining the authentic psycadelic bedrock sound. So you can really fly with the music but at the same time get down and party. In a nutshell: groovy, ripping, psycadelic funk. We worked really hard at trying to achieve this standard of music and we are really happy with the end product.

MCBN: This question is for Avalon… Being one of the more well known up and coming producers across the world, what was it like when you started working with someone like Tristan who has been in the scene since the Goa days?

Avalon: Basically it was my first party back in 2001… I remembered seeing him (Tristan) playing at the Eclipse party & Samonthraki and I don’t remember any of the DJ’s or anything else but remember someone telling me his name was Tristan. He was my favourite DJ of the party and if you told me that 10 years later I was going to be playing on the same stage as Tristan as my Avalon project, let alone WITH Tristan as Killerwatts at Samonthraki, would have blown my mind. But 10 years later here I am with Tristan and that is one of the reasons why this is a very special project to be working on. It’s also some of the best music I have ever made. We can both agree that…

MCBN: As I mentioned earlier, you guys must travel A LOT, what has been the craziest thing you have seen while DJing across the globe?

Tristan: I always like seeing a naked person, going full primal. There is nothing crazier than seeing a human being going primal. Another insane memory had to be when police stormed in and started beating the shit out of people and smashing the system with bamboo sticks in Goa. Crazy!

MCBN: If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive! Who would it be?

Avalon: Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix & Jim Morrison

Tristan:  Buddha, Jimmy Page & my wife.

MCBN: Thanks for chatting to us & please come back soon than later… I don’t think we can wait another year for Origin again to see you fella’s throwing down those monster tunes for us.

A special note from Killerwatts:

Tristan: I really enjoyed the warmth and welcome of all the Cape Town people. I chatted to countless people on the dance floor… You guys made my party. I am extremely happy to be a part of the extended Nano family. I am extremely proud of how far it has come over the last few years. It is well organised and in a matured state with the best stable of artists and team mates that I have ever worked with. I am so happy to be a part of it.

All in all, I think the scene in Cape Town, has got all the contributing factors in the world to be the leader in the Psytrance scene.  Production, sound, accommodation, weather, artist care, it’s unbelievable, that’s why the scene here is as strong as it is. It is so nice to come back and see how the scene is so much stronger and continually growing since I was last here.

Avalon: I have got the same thing to say. Cape Town is such a lovely place, with such an awesome vibe. Don’t you worry, I will be seeing you guys. Maybe even next season

We got chatting to the uber sexy Plaigarythym and delicious Jakobsnake who make up the bteam in for a little one on one session… Plaigarythym was semi naked half the time, which made the interview tough from time to time but we made it through… I even get a little abuse from Jakobsnake at the end Check this out

Thanks to Tash Montlake for the filming and editting

Download: bteam – We Are All Of Us mix
Download: Jakobsnake – We Are All Of Us Mix
Download: Plaigarythym – We Are All of Us Mix

MCBN: Around the world, you are regarded as a prolific and extremely talented producer. Your Essential mixes on BBC reflect your broad taste and an ear for everything from techno to minimal and house. Where would you say your musical influences come from?

To make it easy and short : Funk & Disco, to make it more precise : a touch of Chicago House, a bit of late 90′s French Touch, some funky Napolitan Techno and a little of groovy German stuff.

MCBN: Production software and technology is so accessible these days with the industry becoming saturated as a result. Is there any advice you would give to aspiring producers in light of this?

Surely you have to be patient, as there is so (too) many “producers” around, and it’s getting really difficult to get noticed as a new comer. But being original/different is a major key to the success or at least to break through. Too many people copying each-other and in the end you can’t see the difference on who did what.

MCBN: If you could have dinner, chowing on some epic beats, with three producers/DJs – who would they be and why?

Format:B, Popof and Super Flu. Just because we are friends and it makes the whole dinner a lot more fun Otherwise - Anyone who shares the same taste of music and doesn’t act like he’s the fucking coolest shit in the world

MCBN: Throughout your insane career, you must have played at some amazing festivals and parties all over the world, what has been your favourite party(s) you have played at and why?

It’s hard to tell, but I always have in my mind that insane festival in France, Astropolis, back in 1998 where I played with Thomas Bangalter (half Daft Punk and unmasked) doing his live show and the next year just before Laurent Garnier as a secret guest. That for the good old memory, but recently I played at Electric Piknic in Montreal and it was the best gig I have done in the last two year. It was a very special moment with amazing crowd, as the blue sky turned from a beautiful sky to a pouring with rain. The euphoria under all the rain was magic

MCBN: Can you remember your very first gig and do you remember how it went?

My first official gig, I guess that was me playing as a resident in a general club. I had to play dance, funk, ballad and hits way back in 1995 I think. I was more worried by the Technics SL 1200 than the rest, as I didnt have such equipment at home to practice.

MCBN: While playing across the globe and with so many top class DJ’s, what sticks out in your mind as the craziest thing you have seen while behind the decks?

This :

Youtube video caption: “This is the most crazy experience i EVER had in my whole 15 years dj career :

I was playing at Creamfields – Main stage, the party was absolutly amazing, the crowd was really nice (thanx to you !!!) and the weather was good !

But in 5 minutes time, that really good party just turned into the worst nightmarre EVER : Apocalypse.

Look at the sky during the video on the left side on the screen, you slowly see appearing a massive BLACK clouds coming thru… At that time i thoug it will be raining, but not as bad as the following things !…

At 3 minute, you can hear a noise and the music stopped, it was a big piece of whatever falling down on the turntable, but then suddenly a MASSIVE wind came and started to pushing everything down see at 3’09; and then the huge speakers wall that was on my leftside just fall down on me !!! I avoid it miraculously, just been hurted on my arm, bit of blood but nothing tooo bad ! Then the camera stopped, but i can tell you the rest was just pure hell, everything started to collapse, i had to catch (save) my records and just run away !! Festival cancelled

Thanx for the people that enjoyed this 45 minutes with such a crazy ending !! (Seb: Check out the other videos I posted there as well, you will see them all)

MCBN: What do you think the future holds for DJ’s and Producers with the rise of the internet and technology?

It’s completly out of control, everything move so fast and totally not predictable, I have no idea to be honnest. Obviously more and more digital things, for the good and the very bad.

MCBN: Who would win in a bar fight? Brittney Spears or Paris Hilton?

I hope Brittney would win, Hiton is such an idiot.

MCBN: Stroobz, our most prized writer & massive techno fan has a few questions he would like to hear from you:

MCBN: Being on the forefront of an ever changing dance scene we have seen you collaborate with many different artists. When you work with some one for the first time, what do you as individual try and bring to the table to make it unmistakeably Leger, while allowing other influence to shine through?

To be honnest, i’m really not feeling confortable working with someone in the studio. It often results in something I don’t really like. Though we did a track with Uto Karem called ‘Danceflood’, only by sending the files to each other via Skype and it ended up as a really great Dj tool that everybody played a part of. So on that I just bring my basslines, hats and swing, little details effect, while he did the arrangement and extra layer drums.  A little something like that.

MCBN: Now for the dreaded MyCityByNight ‘Would You Rather’ Question…

Would you rather only be able to grow hair on your chest in shape of a dollar sign Or never be able to grow hair on any part of your body at all, ever.

Dollar, cause once its grown, I can shave it right off after

For more info on the Sebastien Leger event, CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOADABLE SEBASTIEN LEGER, MYCITYBYNIGHT MIX

MCBN: First of all, we are very excited to have you down in Cape Town on Friday at Trinity and in JHB on Saturday at ESP. How much do you know about the South African psy trance scene and what do you expect from your upcoming events down here.

Well, I always had South Africa in my mind lately as a place that I really wanted to visit someday. I was even thinking about having my vacation here 2 years ago. The last thing that I’ve heard about the psytrance scene down here was maybe 10 years ago when Fabio & Mapusa Mapusa got the opportunity to play in Cape Town. So I appreciate this opportunity a lot and I hope that the crowd gets some kinda insane music experience.

MCBN: When did you begin producing/DJing and how did it all come about?

Starting to produce trance was a pure coincidence. I started to play DJ sets when I was 18 years old and got really disappointed that nobody wanted to book me. A good friend advised me to make my own tunes, so then people would start booking me as a DJ, no matter how good or bad my music will be. Having this in my mind, one evening I installed a music program called Fruity Loops, just being curious to see what the program was all about – 10 years later I’m here …

MCBN: Hailing from Hamburg in Europe where there are massive festivals all the time… What sticks out in your mind as the most memorable, awesome party you have ever played at and why?

It’s difficult to name just one and maybe also unfair. And what a bad world it would be if I could only name one … I love festivals stuffed with a lot of the old spirit (e.g. Antaris Project, Wonderland, Summer Never Ends, Universo Parallelo – to name a few) and I appreciate the huge energy in clubs and outdoors like in Switzerland, Brazil or Greece. And last but not least our legendary parties in Hamburg where this movement begun and still remains as a place where I really have to say that I belong to.

MCBN: What are your top three tracks at the moment?

That’s a difficult question, not that I don’t have any. More like not being a DJ anymore, I’m not that updated as maybe Fabio or Benni Moon or Audiomatic. I could name one of my three evergreens quite easily … but be prepared, there are partly really old … Purple & Lunar – Subtle Thrust, Antix – Hiding Place, Yahel – Revolution Trance … but I could name a lot more.

MCBN: Are there any South African DJ’s that you follow and/or enjoy their music?

Well, to be honest not that much. I enjoyed the music of Protoculture in the past, as it was more like progressive fullon. But nowadays … unfortunately not.

MCBN: The progressive trance genre has been making some massive waves across the globe with DJ’s like yourself, Neelix, Vaishiyas, Symphonix & Perfect Stranger to name a few, what got you into progressive trance scene and producing the tunes you are now.

One sense of human being is looking for something – all the time. In the 90′s after visiting my very first progressive party I felt like having one small step done. It’s a feeling you cannot describe, I just belong in this scene, always.

MCBN: Who would win in a bar fight: Snooki (from Jersey Shore) or Miley Cyrus?

Hmmmm … who the hell are they?

MCBN: Could you walk us through a day in the life of Day.Din and tell us what does your studio look like & what equipment are you using?

I’d advise you to wait for “Day.Din – A Life Documentary”. You’re gonna find a lot answers for that particular question. Watch out for the project “The Picture Brothers” on Vimeo & Youtube.

MCBN: If you could remix any song from ANY artist/musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Almost any track of my ‘evergreen’ list. Well… I’d like to. If it’s possible, you never know before you try.

MCBN: Playing at festivals across the globe is always an amazing thing, but there are always some insane, wild, crazy things that tend to happen. What do you remember being the craziest thing you have seen while DJing at a party/festival?

There are some unregular things that I have experienced sometime, yes. Well it starts from watching people crying on the dancefloor – you never know if it’s because of you or something else – or taking off their clothers, I mean every fucking piece of it and going nuts. Excepting the clothes thing, Israel is one of the most energetic countries I’ve ever been. The people are enjoying the music like there’s going to be no other morning, believe me. As ironic as it sounds like, for me it’s the land of freedom – like Cosma mentioned in a wonderful track in the past.

MCBN: Lastly, and perhaps more importantly (a question we have yet to fully get a scientific answer for), where do all the socks of the world go? I put two in the wash, and yet only one ever returns! Any insight?

As far as this goes: one returns, the other never looks back!

MCBN: Thanks for chatting to us and we hope you enjoy South Africa.

Event at Trinity: (click here)
Event at ESP: (click here)

The Hennessy Artistry Tour hits Cape Town this weekend with  Slikour, Flash Republic, Crazy White Boy, ProVerb (MC) & guests in the blend…

 This week MyCityByNight caught up with Flash Rebublic and this is what they had to say:

What attracted you to Hennessy Artistry?

We were attracted to this project because Hennessy is a respected brand and we have great respect for the relationship Hennessy has developed with Music and musicians around the world. We were also quite excited to participate in the project when we found out what other artists were on board.

As a South African Artist, how does it feel to be part of campaign which has worked with international artists such as Q-Tip and The Roots?

Well yes. Hennessy has worked with some amazing artists. Its exciting to bring our own unique african style to the Hennessy Artistry campaign.

There’s a unique blend of musical talents, genres and generations – how has it been working with all these artists?

All the local contributors hit it off immediately and we’ve all worked really well together. We all really wanted to deliver a Smasher track.

Have you worked with any of these artists before?

Tamara has shared the stage with Both Slikour and Zonke a couple of times.

How does your unique sound complement the other collaborating artists?

We all really compliment each other. All the different energies jelled beautifully.

What can we expect at your Hennessy Artistry build up event this weekend?

 We wanna rock the party of course?! We are super excited to perform as Flash Republic, to share the stage with all Hennessy’s talented collaborators and of course to have a party ourselves

Have you played in this city before?

Yip, Its always a smasher We’ve been lucky enough to play all over SA.

 What is your idea of a great night out in Cape Town?

Good food, good people, good music

This Weekends Event:

Date:            10 September 2011

Time:            20h30

Venue:         One & Only Hotel, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Line-up:        Slikour, Flash Republic, Crazy White Boy, ProVerb (MC) & guests

Cover:          R100

This weekend Durban and UmLazi get their blend on as the Hennessy Artistry tour continues with events on Saturday and Sunday  respectively…

MyCityByNight caught up with Crazy White Boy and threw a few questions their way to get their point of view:

What attracted you to Hennessy Artistry?

We were lucky enough to be approached by Lauren Terras at Goactive8 but it’s been a campaign we’ve been watching over the years so it’s great to be considered for 2011.

 As a South African Artist, how does it feel to be part of campaign which has worked with international artists such as Q-Tip and The Roots?

To be named in the same sentence as that calibre of artist is an honour in itself, so we feel very privileged.

 There’s a unique blend of musical talents, genres and generations – how has it been working with all these artists?

We’ve been working overseas so we haven’t had a chance to really get involved with the other artists as of yet. But now that we are home we will be getting involved heavily in all the projects. We’re looking forward to working on the track with all the artists and collaborating with them on stage.

Have you worked with any of these artists before?

Can’t say we have

 How does your unique sound complement the other collaborating artists?

Thats a tough question as our sound is every evolving. We come from an Electro and Big room background so when we make a tune even we don’t know how it is going to come out in the end. We spend most of our time on the post production.

What can we expect at your Hennessy Artistry build up event this weekend?

Its going to be loud! We will be experimenting with some of our new records we have been working on while we were in Portugal. To be honest, the UmLazi gig in Durban is what we are looking forward to the most. Our sound is urban and even though we have been producing our ‘ghetto tech’ style for some time, we don’t often get the chance to see how people in the township areas react to our records.

 Where are the Hennessy Artistry build up events happening this weekend?

On Saturday night (3 Sep) we will be playing with Zakes Bantwini and Slikour at FTV on Florida Road and then on Sunday afternoon it’s UmLazi from 16h00.

This weekends events:

 Durban:

Event:           Hennessy Artistry

 Date:            3 September 2011

 Time:            22h00

Venue:         FTV, 153 Florida Rd, Morningside, Durban

Line-up:        Zakes Bantwini, Slikour, Crazy White Boy, ProVerb (MC) & guests

Price: R60.00

 UmLazi:

Date:            4 September 2011

Time:            16h00

Venue:         Max’s Lifestyle, V Section, Umlazi

Line-up:        Crazy White Boy & ProVerb (MC)

Price: R50.00

MyCityByNight: Is there any significance to the Madame Zingara name?

Richard Griffin: The name seemed fitting for a bunch of crazy bohemian type hippies. The name Zingara comes from the Italian word for gypsy and Madame…well that’s me as the confirmed queen!

The Madame Zingara tale started a long, long time ago. In the distant town of Sepia, lived a gypsy maid who was a cook to the Countess of Parma. Her magical culinary skills and her beauty were known throughout Italy but fame alone was not enough for her; she longed for a life of privilege and ease. Every night she would create garments of distinction and practice the airs and graces of the Countess and her posh guests. Eventually, she was satisfied with her transformation; she fled to a place she had only seen in her dreams. The Cape of Good Hope was the perfect place to weave her tapestry of tales. And the glamorous Contessa Zingara was born.

Was the restaurant industry always something that you could see yourself doing as a job?

When I was 13 I managed to find myself a job as a dishwasher. I used to watch the chefs prepare the most delectable meals and completely fell in love with the idea of creating something that will bring joy to other people’s hearts. But more than that, after spending years in the restaurant industry, I developed this deep desire to create something unique; to create a place that guests could walk in to and feel at home – and walk out with the greatest and fondest of memories. I wanted to create a place that boasts an excellent service culture while keeping it fun for staff; allowing them to be themselves. I think that’s where we are now, and it’s been the most rewarding part about this journey.

Do you believe that social media and digital publishing (like MyCityByNight) have a concrete influence on where people decide to chow and what they consume?

Most certainly. The digital world is the new word of mouth – call it the word of the virtual world. Nowadays I can’t recall life without the internet. Between twitter, facebook, blogs, food websites etc, people have instant access to information; and more so to what other people have to say. For instance you no longer have to wait, or rather rely, on a columnist’s opinion from your local newspaper – there is a whole community of people ready to share their views. As a result, if you read a bad comment online about a restaurant you are most likely not going to even think about visiting it. And the same goes for really positive comments. Because of this we always make sure that we treat our guests like they are part of the family; from the moment they walk through the door our staff are ready to make sure that their needs are taken care of while our chefs ensure that your taste buds and stomach are satisfied.

Madame Zingara is just one of the gems in your powerful Zingara group. You probably have immense love for all of them, but is there a particular restaurant that you enjoy eating at more than the others?

Oh, that’s like asking a parent to choose their favourite child! I love each of our stores for their own uniqueness; the gentle Cafe Paradiso, where everything on the menu is made on site, has such rich traditions and family values that always humble me. And then there’s Sidewalk Cafe which is the perfect place to hang out, any time of the day, while taking in the lovely city views. Cafe Mozart, tucked away in the heart of the Church Street antique market, evokes a deep sense of history; here you can relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle as you watch the city go by. And then there’s Bombay Bicycle Club, which is a true reflection of Madame Zingara’s eclectic past; it has this warm and vibrant ambience which is completely hard to resist. And outside of my group, anything 44 Stanley in Johannesburg and I love visiting India. Their culinary circuit blows my mind every single trip.

This particular evening of opulence and excitement, now celebrating 10 years of existence, shares its name with a certain famous English football club’s home ground- Old Trafford,  Manchester, The Theatre of Dreams. Is there any chance that you’re a Manchester United supporter?

No! Barcelona all the way! (a cringe from Ricky as he thinks back to the Champions League)

The last time the Madame Zingara Theatre of Dreams was in Cape Town it was a sell-out. How was the massive tent received in other parts of South Africa?

We were completely blown away by the response we received in Jo’burg. We had to extend the run twice because of the demand. The box office phone was ringing non-stop with people still trying to place their bookings. As for the Durban show, we were sold out two weeks after opening our doors. People love the Theatre Of Dreams because it’s something completely different; it’s not just a show but a whole experience that satisfies all the senses. And now we are preparing for the Cape Town show in celebration our 10 year anniversary which starts on 1 September. Audiences can expect the most epic Theatre of Dreams yet; it’s a completely new show that will be anchored by old favourites with new acts coming out every month. So if you’ve seen it once it does not mean you have seen it all.

What is the most difficult thing about being involved in the restaurant industry?

Consistency. Maintaining that fine balance between good food and great service, which is something we pride ourselves on at Madame Zingara. The competition is tough out there; any place can serve a plate of food but guests are looking for a totally encompassing experience; a place where they feel welcome and part of a family. We have been quite successful at building and maintaining the types of strong bonds with our customers.

How important is it to take things like the environment and using local business into account when offering impeccable service and experiences to customers? (That one was for all the tree-huggers & economists out there).

We certainly do support local businesses and always remain conscious of how our actions affect the environment. For instance, everything that is served on the Cafe Paradiso menu is made on site; which means that nothing processed ever enters our premises. Most of the ingredients used at our other restaurants are sourced from local suppliers. But having said that, we also recognise that looking after your environment is not just about decreasing your carbon footprint; it is also about sustaining the community in which you operate. This is why we created the “I LOVE MY HOOD” project; to encourage people to take pride and responsibility in the communities in which they live and work in. This project has seen us take an active role in creating foundations that encourages others to be instrumental in caring for the environment. This is definitely part and parcel of the service that we offer our guests; and in turn the community.

After the fire gutted the very first Madame Zingara (which I loved almost as much as my own mother), I sobbed into my pillow for weeks. How long did it take before you decided to bring the Spiegel tent to the Motherland?

We were all gutted too! But as it happened I was in Ireland visiting family earlier on that year, and stumbled upon the Spiegeltent at the Cork Festival and fell in love with it right there and then. I had already started negotiations to bring the tent to South Africa when the fire happened. So when it finally arrived, The Theatre of Dreams automatically became the new home for the Madame Zingara family. We have not looked back since.

Your career has already been filled with a number of highlights- if there was one thing that makes you all warm inside when you think of it, what would that be?

I think it’s the sense of a close knit family that’s been created by the crazy Madame Zingara people. We have come a long way together; most of our staff members have been with us for years. Some have left to explore other dreams but often returned to the company bringing with them amazing gifts and talents they collected along the way.

What are some of your favourite websites? (I mean you don’t have to say MCBN or anything)

Ummmm…I’m loving ffffound.com; its inspiration for all things creative and nostalgic; moodsofnorway.com and the new html17 for its brilliance in design. And there’s my daily YouTube addiction where I find new awesome acts from around the globe.

Dogs or Cats?

I’d say dogs, but after losing my old faithful Jackson 4 years ago, I tried to adopt another one but the loss was too devastating that I could not bring myself to doing it again. Now I have a family of 286 kids and they keep me way beyond busy.

Would you serve a cocktail in your restaurant group that was called a MyCityByNight…with the mocktail version being referred to as a Virgin Bynight?

Oh that sounds like a lot of fun! We will use a combination of the freshest ingredients – freshly squeezed seasonal fruits served in an extra large long stemmed martini glass with lemon flavoured sugar on the rim. And just add a good dose of some “happy juice” and you’ll have your very own MyCityByNight cocktail.

Now for our infamous would you rather question:

Would you rather have Cher make an appearance at your next birthday party insisting that she is actually your long lost younger biological sister, in between singing popular hits from the early 1920’s (when she was already 50).

Or

Instead be abducted by aliens and force-fed bland broccoli and “mystery slop” for a year or until you simply died, like that guy almost did in that movie about eating too much fast food.

I’d take Cher for a spin! Not my first choice but seems easier than being abducted by an alien.

Thanks so much for chatting to us Richard, we’ll definitely catch you in The Theatre of Dreams soon!

Thank you. We look forward to seeing you at Century City.

Its been a fairly hectic journey for the very talented Chad Saaiman since overcoming a botched hijacking in Jozi earlier this year. After giving him a bit of time to get back on his feet and fighting fit we thought it best to catch up with this local muso to chat about Idols, Ari Gold and feinting fans.

MCBN: Where were you shot?

Chad Saaiman: I was shot in Glenhazel,Johannesburg and was also shot in the upper right side of my ribcage : )

Did it hurt?

Of course it hurt,the pain of the 5 organs hit by the bullet hurt more than the entry point of the bullet.

Yes,I did.

Well,I’ve actually not been too angry,I was so close to death I chose to focus on life.I’ve been spending lots of time recovering in the best city in the World,Cape Town with family and friends.

Playing a sold-out Cape Town International Jazz Festival,K-Day and Kirstenbosch Summer Concert in one month.

Yes,the bullet was removed from my left side,after it had surfaced,wonderfully.

My favourite song off The Flight is “Thinking About You” as I believe it was made to be timeless and you just don’t find music like that in commercial side of the music industry these days.

It would probably be the girl that fainted just after I hugged her.Not her fault though.

Hahaha (for the 1st part of that sentence),I plan to get back on stage,starting on 2 Sept at Grand Arena (go big or go home) then back to promoting the album nationally during season.Summertime gigs are my favourite in Cape Town.Next year,I plan to take things to a whole different level creatively,compared to what I’ve done before.So be ready.

Dogs

Superette (Daytime) & Rick’s Cafe Americain (Night time)

Movie at the Cinema.Great company (prefer just 1).Then…Great food.Great looking but comfortable attire.Great scenery.Great sleep.

Cape Town

1. Ari Gold (Entourage,Jeremy Piven) because he would make my career flourish and make me laugh at the same time with his ruthless approach to the business.

2. David Beckham because he just seems cool,and he would have a few great stories to tell,and then hopefully get me on trial with LA Galaxy so I can leave this music crap behind haha,just kidding.

3. Mila Kunis because…(Is this a family site?) she seems lovely and lots of fun.

I would sing Diana Ross’s “I’m coming out” while covered in chocolate on the main stage at this year’s MCQP

Untouchable by stereotype

While slamming it on the Psy-floor at Ultra fest earlier this year MyCityByNight bumped into the mooiness psy DJ Dre’ama, after a good stomp session we took the opportunity to ask a few questions…

Wowzers! Dre’Ama you are a super hot psy DJ, you play a killer set too! When and how did you get involved in the psy scene?

I lived in Cape Town about 10 years ago and absolutely LIVED for outdoor psy trance parties. I was always on the dancefloor and the thought of being behind the decks was something I craved. So with a little help from a few DJ friends of mine I slowly took on the task of mastering the art of mixing. When I moved back to JHB in 2006 I bought my own equipment so that I could realise my dream of becoming a professional DJ to feature on as many dancefloors as possible – I LOVE being behind the decks and second to being a mom it is the best job in the world!!!

We got a taste of your slamming style at Ultrafest earlier this month, you have an amazing energy behind the decks, what psy tracks/producers are doing it for you at the moment?

Producers I am listening to at the moment are GMS, Xerox  – both always releasing good rocking stuff, also playing Logica, Broken Toy and Commercial Hippies

You work under the label Teknotribe and you play some slamming uplifting psytrance, has the techno had an influence on your style?

Yes Techno definitely has had a huge effect on my style, I absolutely LOVE Hard Techno and play under the name TANK GIRL, not very often though. Being on a Techno dancefloor is amazing – full of bass and sexiness!!! – if the right DJ is behind the decks.  Im not really into the Minimal thing, I like my Techno hard with a dash of groove. So when I look for new tracks to put in my set I always lean more towards the psy that has Techno influences in it.

Cape Town’s outdoor trance scene has taken off in a massive way, would you say the scene has grown here in Jozi over the past few years and how does it compare to Cape Town for you?

The scene in JHB has definitely grown in leaps and bounds, there are a few dedicated promoters in Jhb that have put a lot of effort into growing the scene into what it is today, namely Nick Grater from Teknotribe, Ricky from Fu Cha and Roman from Psychadelic Mansion. In comparison to Cape Town the scene isnt quite to the capacity and magnitude yet, we are getting there though, people in Jhb are still getting used to the idea of partying for more than 1 day, they are learning slowly but surely!! - the parties in the Cape have been going for much longer and the party scene is just naturally bigger there – I have to say it is equally AWESOME to play to both CT and JHB crowds – the experience is unique to each place

Having performed at various parties over the past few years, where was your best?

To date I would have to say BEARTRAP CELESTIAL BEINGS II in February this year, it was an amazing party and I had such amazing feed back from the crowd, IT TOTALLY ROCKED

You bring a sexy touch to psy with the unique outfits you sport when performing, where does the inspiration behind these sexy numbers come from?

Most of the clothes I wear when I play are from the UK - Cyberdog, Hexagon etc. I am also sponsored by Sullen and I often wear Marz Psy Wear (she is from Cape Town and makes the best tye dye in SA) and I pretty much mix and match and hope it looks good!!!

If you could perform a back to back set with any DJ/artist (alive or dead) who would it be?

Mmmmmmmm – do I only get to choose one!!! I would have to say Xerox and Illumination – their stuff is and always has been totally rocking, Sadly so many of the guys I used to play and absolutely loved have gone totally NAFF and cheesy!! but Xerox n Illumination have kept it rocking all the way

Do you prefer performing a day or a night set??

Without a doubt I prefer day time – my style is made for the day –  uplifting, bangin, sexy psy!!!

If you could perform at any party around the world where would it be?

I always wanted to play at BOOM in Portugal, but I hear that it’s not what it used to be, so as a close second I would have to say

THE LOVE PARADE in Germany main stage!!!

Where can we expect to hear your next set?

My next set will be TEKNOTRIBE’S Psychadelica at Juice(Groovebar) in Midrand 15 June  – we are doing an ALL GIRLS line up and we are bringing SWAY and MYZO from Cape Town for the event. 2 dancefloors: Psy Trance and Minimal Techno

And now the dreaded would you rather question…

Would you rather be entered into the world heavy weight mud-wrestling championships with Vernon Koekemoer as your coach?

Or

Be on a reality show where you would be locked in a house for an entire year with Juluis Malema and Steve Hofmeyr?

WITHOUT DOUBT MUD WRESTLING WITH KOEKEMOER AS MY COACH, I think option 2 would lead to insanity or a prison sentence!!!

Awesome, thanks for the chats :) looking forward to a banging PSYCHADELICA party and slamming the psy-floor during your set!

BoooOOooom

Having shared a rather tasty cognac with Top Billing star and local heart-throb Aidan Bennetts we decided to catch up and get a little bit deeper into the serious matters of TV hand-gestures and fan-licking. Here’s what transpired during our chat with one of the coolest guys around…

MCBN: You were born in Jozi, spent a great deal of time living in Cape Town and have travelled the world- what is your favorite city and why?

Aidan Bennetts (AB): It’s a toss up between Milan and Hong Kong, Milan is chic, full of art and I can walk the streets for days, also the Italian woman are something else! You fall in love at every bus stop. Hong Kong is the city of my young teenage dreams, kung fu being taught on rooftops, Chinese junks in the harbor, I am fascinated by oriental culture.

MCBN: You’ve got some pretty bad-ass tattoos, is there any advice you can give to someone who’s thinking about get inked? I was considering getting a massive dolphin on my back with the words “when days are dark friends are dolphins”.

AB: My tjappies are a collection/memory of my past. I wouldn’t change them for anything. One word of advice, call up Derek Baker of Metal Machine Tattoo studio. He’s been in the business nearly two decades and boasts some of the latest most refined tattooing technology.

MCBN: You opened the Aidan Bennetts Design Studio way back in 2005 and have undertaken several projects since then, which include some work done for the Habanas. Do you have one particular project that you’re really proud about or that you enjoyed doing more?

AB: Working with Janine and Bryan Habana was a blessing, such good people!

I did a kick ass project for Levis at the last Rocking The Daisies, we created a pop up retail store for them out of recycled materials, it’s cool to work with S.A. companies that allow you to apply your imagination and think out the box.

MCBN: Dogs or Cats?

AB: I dig all animals

MCBN: What do you think the sexiest car on the planet is?

AB: The Aston Martin V12 Vanquished is a smmmmoker!

MCBN: You’re one of the Top Billing presenters and probably the only one who doesn’t use weird hand gestures when they talk. Do they train you to become more “Top Billing-anised” (yes I just made up that word) when you start there?

AB: Ha-ha that’s funny, Top Billing is South Africa’s most popular and longest running TV show for good reason, they allow you bring your own personality to the table, which I try to do.

MCBN: The girls (and some of the boys) really love you to bits- has there been a fan that has done something weird, like ask for you to sign their face when coming up to say hi?

AB: There have been a few stalkers… oh yeah I was doing this gig at the 15 on Orange in Cape Town and this chick run up out of the blue and licked my face and ran off giggling… she wasn’t bad, if you’re out there you should have stuck around! Generally South Africans are pretty chilled about celebs… thank goodness.

MCBN: If you could have 3 celebs in your entourage, dead or alive, who would they be and why would you want them there?

AB: Bob Marley, Bruce Lee and Ghandi… all for obvious reasons.

MCBN: Having been involved in design and the functional use of materials is there anything in particular that one should keep in mind when using design for everyday environments?

AB: You got it there, look at the environment and then look again; far too many designs are products of the designer’s ego and have not been thought of specifically.

MCBN: We’re bloggers here at MyCity By Night and sometimes I struggle to find inspiration for the more off the cuff pieces of writing that you see gracing these pages. Where do you find inspiration for your work?

AB: I travel a lot, we have so much to learn from other cultures, and sometimes they have the most elegant solutions in the obvious ways. Also I’m an astute follower of bio-mimicry, nature has solved everything already… 

MCBN: Do you think that social media and digital publishing has a role to play in the type of media that we are offered here in South Africa?

AB: Online media is the way of the future… magazines, I’m sorry are on their way out.

MCBN: Smurfs or Gummy bears?

AB: Neither, they both freak me out.

MCBN: You’ve had a fairly stellar career thus far, are there any massive plans in the pipeline for the rest of 2011 that we should know about?

AB: Just completed Safe House, starring Denzyl Washington and Ryan Reynolds.

I am opening “The Bank” a collaborative design centre featuring a retail store stocking my favorite pieces from the world over as well as some of my designs, I am also actively campaigning for Cape Town to win the World Design Capital bid in 2014.

MCBN: When you’re not off being awesome and putting together some really awesome design work, what do you do to relax?

AB: I try get in the water, whether it’s a swim, surf or splash… this chills me out.

MCBN: What are some of your favorite websites, other than My City By Night of course?

AB:   http://www.thecoolhunter.net/

http://newyork-furnitures.com/tag/cool-furniture-design/

http://www.trendhunter.com/

MCBN: Where can the masses find you if they want to find out more about your design work and you as a person?

AB:   www.aidanbennetts.com

Facebook : Aidan Bennetts

Facebook: Aidan Bennetts Design

Twitter: aidanbennetts

MCBN: And now for our infamous MyCityByNight would you rather question:

Would you rather run naked through a field of prickly pears or instead be forced eat only beans on toast for the duration of the time it takes before Blackburn Rovers wins the English Premier League again?

AB: Naked through prickley pears…Blackburn Rovers will never win! (sorry Ryan Nelson)

MCBN: Thanks for chatting to us. You are going into your off season in the North now as we go into our winter. What are your plans for the off season?

Brad Barritt (BB): It’s been a tough demanding and extremely rewarding season. I unfortunately been carrying a hernia injury, which has required surgery. So will be taking it easy. I am spending 10 days in Cyprus. And then bringing some Saracens friends Chris Wyles and Hayden Smith out to South Africa for 10 days! Which will be awesome.

MCBN: How has your time overseas in England been and more specifically playing for Saracens?

BB: I have loved life in London and live in North London, which has great advantages. Saracens is an amazing club to play rugby. With a family atmosphere and great friends. I have loved my opportunities with the England side, having toured Australia and New Zealand last June, and being in the Autumn International Squad before breaking a finger!

MCBN: There are quite a few South African’s playing over in the English league so it should be festive and almost like home, what do you miss the most about Durban ?

BB: Durban will always be home! I love the people and the relaxed way of life. But family and friends is what you miss most! And of course the beach and my jet-ski!

MCBN: With regards to the previous question, do you ever think you will come back and play in South Africa?

BB: I would never rule it out. The Sharks will always be a special place to me! However I am very happy at Saracens. Time will tell.

MCBN: Do you have any pre game superstitions or anything we should know about?

BB: Nothing weird or wonderful! I do enjoy a family recipe of Spagbol the night before a game.

MCBN: If you had any super power, what would yours be?

BB: Haha! Bit random… Maybe ability to always make people smile!!! (shocker)

MCBN: Who would you say your toughest and most respected opponent has been?

BB: Butch James, previously a team mate but been an opponent for 3 seasons! To have bounced back from significant injuries and dominate is an amazing show of character and mental bravery.

MCBN: If you could play against one player before your time, would who it be?

BB: Would have loved to play against Jeremy Guscott, always admired him as a player as a kid. And of course attempting to tackle the big man, Jonah Lomu!

MCBN: Tempers sometimes flare on the field, have you ever had to throw a punch or dodge a punch as we all know – Rugby is a man’s sport after all?

BB: To be honest, No! I don’t see the point in dirty play, as it always comes back to bite you! And there’s always someone bigger and braver than you, haha!

MCBN: Where do you see yourself ideally  in 5 years’ time?

BB: Would love to have played for England in the 2015 World Cup in England, and playing for Saracens and having a property development company! That would be ideal!

MCBN: Playing Premier League Rugby, you must have a hectic training schedule, what do you do when you got some time off?

BB: Love London, Borough Market, Covent Gardens and Primrose Hill, a few favourites! but am studying part time for a Masters Business degree, which keeps me very busy!

MCBN: Thanks for the chat Brad and good luck for the next season!

MCBN: How did you guys come up with the name Double Adapter?

Dan: ha ha, this dreaded question. we are not quite sure. My nick name at high school was adapter for a while so my buddy Danny claims he came up with it. More then likely its the fact that our surname is Apter and there are two of us.
 
MCBN: When did you guys decide, we are going to take this to the next level and become a DJ duo?

Dan: It all kinda started out as a mistake. I was DJ’ing in a group called the Brothers Grimm and my partner in crime, Casioheart, couldn’t make the show. Tim stepped in and we just kinda carried on from there.

Tim: The cool thing is that we’re not really a typical duo because we have different roles in the act. Dan is on visuals/lights/table dancing, and I’m on beats/tequila/jumping!

MCBN: Being brothers – fighting does happen, do you ever fight over who gets the next track? Who stages dives at what gig? Seems like there is some good brotherly loving on stage, besides the head banging etc

Dan: Fighting normally only occurs the next morning when we are both hung over and have to catch a flight. We love the same music but im trying to inforce  a 2 dubstep limit, tim disagrees.

Tim: Haha, yeah I’m trying hard at the moment to include DoubleAdapterDubStep – Dan and I don’t really like Dubstep much to be honest, but when its fused with trashy electro sounds it becomes an awesome weapon! Dan won’t admit it, but he’s being slightly swayed to a bit of half tempo distortion every now and then

MCBN: You guys do a full show, it’s not just DJing when you on the stage. Do you guys rehearse anything prior to a gig?

Dan: We will normally sit down together and figure out a little bit of the stuff we are gonna play and when so we have an idea of whats coming but mostly its alcohol improvised.

Tim: Yeah, we have a pool of tracks that we love and some people associate with our DJ sets, but we mix it up heavily with edits of new tracks, old tracks, and downright strange tracks. I’ll often just yell over to Dan if something specific is coming up… and if he’s in the mood for something, he’ll yell it straight back at me!

MCBN: Would you mind giving us a quick run down of your most recent Adapt or Die European tour you guys just came back from?

Dan: Fuck thats a hard one. id have to say Joburg, Munich, Hilversum, Amsterdam, Hilversum, The Hague, Hilversum, Utrecht, Hilversum, Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Nurmburg, Stuttgart, Munich, Brixen, Chiemsee, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Landshut, Munich, Joburg and watch the doccie!

Tim: Haha, yeah now THERE’S a decent timeline! It was a crazy trip, but I think its best expressed through the documentary – the first half of the long form airs tonight (20 May, MK, 9pm), and the second half on June 3 (MK, 9pm)… But there are short tour vignettes going up all the time – links at the bottom!

MCBN: What are your top three tracks at the moment?

Dan: Ira Atari – Disaster, Shy Child – liquid love, The Toxic Avenger – Saloperie de minimale
Tim: I run through tracks so fast! Damn.

MCBN: Who would win in an arm wrestle?

Dan: Tim
Tim: Unanimous!

MCBN: Can you tell us a little abit about what we can expect from Adapt or Die tour in Italy, the Youtube teasers are mind blowing!

Dan: Well the doccie spans more then just italy, it stops off in every city we went to. Italy is nuts! The drinking age is 16 so people are mental. Apart from stage dives and a lot of drinking you can expect to see me throwing a tantrum at a train station after half an hours sleep.

Tim: Haha, yeah Dan Apter throws a good tantrum! We’re really proud of the teasers – I think they show the tour and the way we like to party in a pretty honest but cinematic way. You can expect crazy German/Italian/Czech kids throwing down, you can expect interviews with some great international producers and DJ’s, and you can expect some hilarious antics on bicycles in Amsterdam.

MCBN: Could we expect any production in the near future from Double Adapter? I think that would top off the LIVE show perfectly.

Dan: yeah production is coming! we have been so obsessed with the live show and other side projects that its been hard to sit down and get it out but over the next few months you can definitely expect to see something out.

Tim: Yup, incoming. We LOVE being purely DJ’s – at the moment we re-edit and rebuild tracks we love into a big fat evolving sound track to a night – so there is already an element of production to our sets, we ONLY play Double-Adapter edits. But in terms of 100% original material and a few remixes… watch this space.

MCBN: Where do you prefer DJing? Cape Town or JHB? Shitty question I know…

Dan: Yeah I can’t really answer that question without bias – The Assembly and Fiction are great and playing at home in JHB is always a treat but Crux Club in Munich is crazy!

Tim: I hate to admit it, but Assembly is my favourite venue in South Africa. The only reason I hate to admit it is because we’re not from Cape Town, though! I do have a very special place in my heart for Town Hall in Joburg – we’ve had some awesome awesome shows there in the past.

MCBN: If you could play alongside any DJ/Musician – Dead or alive, who would it be?

Dan: 2 Many DJ’s, Night Versions and Soulwax, technically thats one act.

Tim: Agreed, 100%.

MCBN: What are your thoughts on the South African electronic music scene at the moment?

Dan: The SA electronic music is growing in leaps and bounds at the moment and its really great to be a part of it and watch it grow around us. More and more from different backgrounds of musical taste are starting to get into it and its when all these sub cultures clash that things are going to get really interesting. 

Tim: Yeah, we had an absolute mind fuck the other day because we played on 5FM and the response was….. incredible! We’d kinda thought we’d get hate mail with our style on 5, but it just shows that electro, in all its forms, is being embraced by the public. We have this joke that is *kinda* serious these days – when we play at H20, we’ll know that SA audiences have caught up with European trends… and when we catch up… oh man, things are going to get awesome.

MCBN: And finally, the dreaded “would you rather ” question:

Would you rather attend every Kurt Darren/Steve Hofmeyer event for the rest of your live?
 
or
 
Would you grow dreadlocks, turn into a kwaito infused dutch house band and only play gigs at retirement homes?

Dan: shit, tough one. i like your style. think ill go for Hofmeyer and Darren gigs. those guys cant live forever and im sure brandy and coke will flow!
Tim: God I hate dutch house. Kurt and Steve will be our HOMIES!

 Youtube Teasers:

Pictures: Gabbi Harris

South Africa holds a steadfast reputation as the darker scent of evil when it comes to psychedelic trance music. We proudly bang scream and kick our way to the front of an aggressively charged dance floor and are prone to letting the night time horrors overwhelm us. That’s why, when the rumours of a Vaishaiyas set in the midst of the summer sun became truth, the ominous waves of elation were the natural path my stomach followed. Sometimes being happy is better than being angry, and this German trance superstar definitely favours the joyful. The second of April saw Vaishiyas join compatriots Neelix, Flowjob and Perfect Stranger for the very first Light and Love Festival. Brought to us by the most musically connected man in the Southern Tip, Raymond Bloom. We got together with the forefront of this musical extravaganza to find out his flawless recipes for smiles.

 Vaishiyas – Fakes (Turn this up nice and loud and enjoy)

MCBN: In a time where hard and darker trends are dominating our local scene, you have brought a fresh and energetic genre to the fore. How would you describe your sound and why do you think it appeals to such a broad audience?

V: I would describe it as positive driving progressive trance, people are open to music which makes them happy, that makes you wanna dance and have a party together, and thats why I think that its the lighter beats, which are still pumping that are good for dancing

MCBN: Speaking of audiences, where is the most amazing crowd you’ve ever played to?

V: Finally I can say its South Africa! Australia as well, you guys are really into your music though and enjoy the time when everyone is partying on the dance floor together, great vibes!

MCBN: If you could play to any group of people, be it 10 000 persons strong, or 5 random dudes in a bedroom, who and where would it be?

V: Good question, I think its: The Main Programmer from the Ableton Headquarter, Steve Vai, Django Reinhard, Mike Portnoy and Steve Jobs

MCBN: Who or what is your musical inspiration?

V: Almost every kind of music, I am pretty open to almost each and every style of music. There is just Rnb, which I personally dont like ;-P

MCBN: South Africans hear Germany and think Mercedes and Boris Becker. Tell us something interesting about Berlin that most uneducated poorly travelled Saffas don’t know.

V: The Berlin club scene is really heavy, if your a fan of minimal techno and so on, Berlin is for sure a must visit, go to Berghain or Watergate and you will find some of the best clubs in the world. As well you need to go a catch a ”Currywurst” which is a trademark when in Berlin

MCBN: You are privileged to travel the world and do what you love. With this you must get exposed to alot of young up and coming talent. Who is a rising star we haven’t yet heard of but should definitely look out for in the future?

V: For sure, Interactive Noise, he is a young guy from Mexico who suprises me with his production skills, on the floor his DJ sets are monsterous as well, thats the guy for sure. Definitely the guy to look out for in the future :-)

MCBN: If you could bring three famous people back from the dead and take them to dinner who would it be?

V: Grandpa, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson

MCBN: Give us a bit of an idea as to what kind of equipment you use, and make the techies wet by telling us how your live show differs from your in studio productions.

V: In both, I am using live 8. For my studio its the ideal tool to record ideas down in the quickest way. For my live sets,  its arranging new loops effects in to the music, as well to some rearrangement like internal recording on stage.

MCBN: If you went deaf tomorrow…. what would you do for a living instead?

V: More positive thinking, concentrate on the good things, leave the bad!

MCBN: Is there one track all djs should own, and if so, what is it?

V: Yes, Dream Theater – Metropolis, but this is almost impossible to mix, almost

MCBN: Finally the dreaded MyCityByNight “Would you rather…” question. So, would you rather drink a shot of 3 week old milk out German icon David Hasselhoff’s navel, or would you rather have him lick up a day old yogurt off your lower back?

V: Dont Hassel the Hoff

MCBN: Thank you very much sir, your set was one of a kind and was an honour having you on the trance floor!

After making my way through the Hippo Boutique just off Kloof Street, I found myself in the Red Bull Suite interviewing one of the most chilled and laid back people I have ever met. Emerson Todd, originally from New Zealand yet now residing in Berlin, got chatting about the Love Parade incident last year, the cricket and rugby world cups, travelling and only then did we get down to the actual interview…

MCBN: You must have played at some big festivals and parties across the world. What is the largest crowd you have played to?

The Love Parade in Berlin is the largest amount of people but not the largest direct amount of people I have played to. There have been some of the festivals where you play to around 15,000 but it’s not as fun as you think, it’s quite a lonely place up there as it’s not as intimate as the smaller parties. The smaller parties are much more enjoyable as I like to interact with the crowd. It makes the feeling much more personal and that’s what you want as a DJ.

MCBN: You have already played in Durban and next up is Cape Town, then JHB – Is this your first time in South Africa and what are your thoughts on the South African scene at the moment?

No, I was here in February last year and it was really really cool. In Durban especially I noticed a big change; things have become a lot groovier and educated – a more underground sound… It is very nice to come back and see these exciting changes. I cannot wait to see the changes when I come back next year Growth in a scene is always an awesome thing to see, no matter where you are! It’s always nice coming down here, being a kiwi and all, it’s almost like coming home in a way. I mean you guys get my joke. Haha!

MCBN: You have been producing tracks for a while now, who has influenced your sound over the years?

I don’t know if there is one single influence. The one thing I love about producing is that you’re always learning something new and I’m constantly learning and developing my sound. I am always looking for new things and exciting ways to change my sound. If I hear something that excites me, I try incorporating that into a track… I am always searching for new things to inspire me…

MCBN: You have played in venues across the world, where would you say is the most enjoyable destination and why?

As a DJ, you are always trying to look for those special moments with a crowd. It’s always the most surprising venues that have that vibe that makes a particular party special. There have been parties like Sonar and Music Conference that are really cool; all my DJ mates are there, but in terms of most enjoyable parties I would have to say – the smaller gigs – like even a few hundred people compared to 1,000 can sometimes be better. It’s more about the vibe and the feeling that emanates off the crowd, which makes it special for me… So to be honest, it all depends on where I am at that moment…

MCBN: If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

I have been a HUGE Doors fan for a LONG time, so I would love to do something with them. Jim Morrison lyrics are amazing. Stevie Wonder would be fucking amazing… I have never really thought about this question…

MCBN: How long ago did you get into DJ/Production and how did it all come about?

Wow… I was really lucky! My mother ran a record store in Australia which helped me to basically get any music I wanted – I became a collector. As I got older I started going to a few parties, got into dance music, and then started listening to some underground radio a lot – this lead to the next phase, which was vinyl. My record collection started to grow at a rapid pace and continued growing more and more. I slowly got asked to play at a few parties for mates, I never even had decks at the time… it became a natural progression. I started getting into everything, playing on mates’ drum kits, on the synths… whatever I could find. It only properly kick-started in New Zealand when a mate and I produced under the name House of Downtown and got some tracks played on the radio and from there we got picked up by some labels. Since then, I knew I had caught the professional DJ/Producer label and my music has continually evolved from there.

MCBN: If you could have any super power, what would it be?

The self-healing ability is pretty damn good, you could do anything then. Time Travel would be cool… I think that would be the ultimate super power, you can go back in time and fix any mistake (which would also cause a lot of problems, but who cares!).

MCBN: You must have seen some awesome crowds throughout your career, has anything ever stood out in your mind as “one of the craziest moments whilst behind the decks”?

In early 2000, I was playing at a club in New Zealand, and it was packed. There were these two massive guys who wouldn’t move in the front of the dance floor… I couldn’t understand why they were there and why they weren’t moving (while the rest of the crowd was going mental) until my mate came over while I was DJ’ing and told me to pop my head over the front of the DJ box. I look over and see Mini Me (Verne Troy) dancing in front of me. He was going wild and had a bunch of ladies going wild around him. Later on at the bar, we saw him order a tequila and grab it with both hands and knock it back… Needless to say, that was a great evening!

MCBN:  What equipment do you use when producing and DJ’ing?

I use Ableton to produce on my MacBook pro. I also have analogue synths that I use a lot and I have an acoustically treated room… I got my favourite speakers in there

MCBN: Thanks for chatting to us and I hope you are as amped to play for us as we are to see you behind the decks!

No worries mate, nice chatting and see you on the dance floor.

Here is Emerson’s latest EP release and it’s hot!

To keep up to date with Emerson: (Soundcloud)/(Facebook)

If there’s one thing most Capetonians love, it’s a good outdoor party. During the summer months, the city’s inhabitants flock to various outdoor venues to soak up the world class psytrance on offer. With dance floors surrounded by majestic mountains, open fields and flowing rivers, the music is rivaled only by the scenery.

Quickly rising through the ranks is a young up ‘n’ comer by the name of Chemogen. With gigs lined up at the upcoming Groovy Troopers party as well as the infamous Easter Vortex, he’s clearly doing something right. MyCityByNight caught up with the man in an effort to understand what makes him tick…

MCBN: I was always told that the beginning is a good place to start, so let’s begin there. When and how did you get into psytrance and realise it was something you wanted to pursue?

Around late 2007 I was a pretty staunch goth. I’d been DJing at Gandalfs/Mordor/Gotham for around two years at that stage and unfortunately growing a bit bored with the same old routine. I’d heard bits of psy here and there (I even went to Earthdance in 2006 but went to sleep at 22:00 and left when I woke up the next monring) but never really paid attention until some friends and I started attending the weekly Organik nights at Cool Runnings (now Trenchtown).

Pretty soon the sound and aesthetic started growing on me big time, I was listening to less Industrial and more Psy  but it was only at the first MMD  party that I fell totally in love with the culture and realised that this was something I was definitely keen to dive into, headfirst.

MCBN: Your first gig was for New Years in 2007; that’s a massive gig for first off the bat. How long had you been playing for by that stage and how did it go?

Heh, not that massive actually. The party was thrown by MindMelt as an alternative to Rezonance. There were maybe 200 people and about 30 or so on the dancefloor during my set (which helped the nerves ) By that time, I’d been a bedroom DJ/producer for about ten months, I’d played twice at one of Call-A-Pizza’s impromptu parties and had begun my relationship with One Foot Groove but that was what I consider my debut psy set a party.

The set went pretty well, my hands were shaking throughout and I was double-clutching through a pack of twenties. I played just before Parana (Organik) and a few days later Organik asked me to play at one of their Wednesday parties which was a pretty awesome moment, going from in-front of the decks to behind at the place that got me into it all in the first place.

MCBN: The psytrance scene appears to be like a close knit family from the outside, with the older guys taking the youngsters under their wing. Is this true or are there intense rivalries that we, the general public, don’t know about?

I’d say that’s a pretty accurate statement, there’re a lot of enthusiastic veterans eager to mentor the padawans. Ricky (DJ Mad Hatter) and Yolanda of MindMelt definitely springs to mind. A lot of producers/DJs are also happy to share their tips and teach those with an interest – which I think is really neat.

I wouldn’t say there’re any intense rivalries, but like any other scene politics and drama crop up here and there. It’s all pretty covert and it’s never affected me.

MCBN: Playing in Israel must’ve been an amazing experience. How does the scene in South Africa compare?

From what I saw, it’s pretty reminiscent of certain aspects in our scene but with a lot harsher police interference. The guy who drove me to the party couldn’t get his head around the fact that over here we print venue details and GPS co-ordinates on flyers.

The party itself was rad, it was tucked away deep in a forest we had to find by phoning a number with a pre-recorded message. I played after a brother & sister act called Deadly Candy which were pretty sweet.

I played a 100% South African DJ set at sunrise and the dancefloor was digging it. It was a pretty underground party with maybe 150 or so people (also partly due to a police scare a few hours before I played) but the sound and vibe was fat. There’s obviously no place like home though.

MCBN: What has been your favourite party to date? And if you had to put together a Chemogen all stars party, where would you hold the party and what 6 other acts would you pencil in first for the bill (two internationals and four locals)?

Favourite party as a punter would be Vortex Easter 2008 and favourite party as a performer…. Hmmmm, definitely some of the Organik indoors – those were raucous. My favourite outdoor gig would  have to be Remanufacture 2010.

In terms of an all-stars party, I’d have it at the now defunct Enchanted Forest in Scarborough. Internationals would be Mad Maxx and Speedball with SwiTcHcaChe, Archive, Gandalf and Biorhythm on the local front.

MCBN: MCBN loves the fact that your sets are live – much respect! What made you decide to play live and how daunting was it making the transition?

When I first got into it all, I started with production and took up DJing as something   to make a name for myself while I honed my production skills. Most of my sets have been DJ sets, but I like to employ a lot of on-the-fly mixing to spice things up.

With my live set, I try to make it different each time. Thanks to the power of software like Ableton Live, the sky’s the limit when it comes to live performance and I definitely enjoy exploring ways to constantly keep my live set fresh. Expect to see a lot more live appearences soon!

In my opinion, DJing (with CDs) is a lot more daunting than a live performance. I’ve honestly had nightmares about bad mixes and faulty CDJs.

MCBN: What can we expect from your upcoming gigs at Groovy Troopers and Easter Vortex? Could you describe your style for the uninitiated? 

My live set at Groovy is in between Biorhythm and Xeuno – I think that placement sums up my production style. It teeters somewhere on the line between dark, night-time psy and melodic morning sounds. There’s definitely an influence in there from my Goth/Metal days.

What I play during my DJ sets definitely depends on the crowd’s vibe. I like setting a starting point and seeing which direction to take it in from there. I really enjoy long mixes and throwing elements from one track into another.

MCBN: Where can we catch you when you’re not ripping up outdoor parties?

Either with a video camera in hand putting together the next Twilight Industries video or locked in my room writing tracks that’ll hopefully be the new dancefloor killers.

MCBN: Have you heard Rebecca Black’s ‘Friday’? As a fan of good music, as I know you are too, this sort of thing really grinds my gears. Any plans to do the (good) music world a favour and remix it into something altogether better? If not,  perhaps you could make us feel better by telling us your favourite track of the moment?

I closed the Youtube window about thirty seconds into the video. Too much Autotune. Definiely got no plans to remix it, although if I do it’s gonna have to be in the form of darkpsy at 190bpm.

I don’t think there’s one single favourite track I can mention. Some all-time favourites are going to have to be:

Psy:

Zen Mechanics – Modified

Cosma – Freedom

Digital Talk – The Ultimate

Biorhythm – Grab & Rip

Rubix Qube – Event Horizon

Not Psy:

Opeth – Bleak

Anything by Katatonia

The Cure – Cold

Ulver – Porn Pieces Or The Scars Of Cold Kisses

Cradle Of Filth – A Gothic Romance

MCBN: Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, where do all the socks of the world go? I put two in the wash, and yet only one ever returns! Any insight?

They get eaten.

Thanks for taking the time to chat to MCBN. We’re sure we’re going to be seeing plenty more of you in the future and we wish you the best of luck!

Shot a lot guys! Much appreciated

Check out my stuff at:

Soundcloud: (click here)
Facebook Fanpage: (click here) and
follow me on Twitter: (click here)

Neelix Interview

MCBN: How long have you been an unbelievably awesome and totally gifted dj for?

Neelix: I started DJing in 1996 but honestly only for two gigs… then I decided already to produce my own music. I started seriously to produce music in 2001, I bought my own computer and my first keyboard. Since then I try to produce every day. It’s a kind of a drug for me. I really can relax best when I produce music.

MCBN: We’ve heard you play a blend of sounds that we struggle to put a label on. How would you describe the style of music that play?

Neelix: I think the music I do has until now no real name. It’s a mix of progressive trance, pop and elektro. In my case it’s a bit strange because I cannot plan where and when the track is gonna end.

It’s always different. Some producer can plan what they want to create, when I do my own music I cant do that, but I sometimes produce tracks for others, and then I can do what ever they want

MCBN: You’ve played in some amazing places around the world- to date, where have you enjoyed yourself the most?

Neelix: For sure in Australia where I am right now. The people here are really nice and different to all over the world. I just love it here, especially the Maitreya Festival which is super funny. For example they started a group on Facebook two years ago “pants-off for Neelix” the idea is that when I start to perform everyone has to be in underwear, me aswell – but it was funny, almost 300 people did it. That can happen only in Australia! 

MCBN: As a fairly chilled out German guy, did you ever think you’d be slamming a set to a couple thousand very “up for it” South Africans at the tip of the Mother Continent of Africa?

Neelix: No, not really. It was honestly not my plan to become a musician. I started only because my flat mate had a computer with logic on it and I don’t like to watch television all day. I never thought that this would be possible. Thanks to everyone out there who has supportted me because now I know what I wanna do with my life

MCBN: Electronic music is becoming more and more mainstream every year, do you ever think its going to get to the stage where every show on normal national around the World has at least two straight up electronica (Neelix preferably) tracks in every hour?

Neelix: I think not. What we listen to and what I do is still underground music. I had once a track called “voices” which was really successful, they played this song on the German radio and on the television in some daily soaps but only because this track was in a famous german movie and the soundtrack of this movie includes this track. I would love to hear some progressive trance tracks on radio but in the near future but it will not happen.

MCBN:If you could have 3 people in your entourage dead or alive, who would they be and why would they be there? 

Neelix: Charlie Sheen, Britney spears and Lindsey Lohan for sure… NOT!
Johnie Depp, Bill Murray and J Hunter Thomson … maybe

I would travel with Shereen Shabana from UK, because she is the new voice in some tracks of mine and I would love to know her personally.

Jim Morrison, because I wanna know the truth about his whole life and the experience he made.

And Albert Einstein – for sure. I am a huge fan of his work… Not that I really understand what he was talking about but it still fascinate me!

But when these both crazy guys bother me I would go for a drink with Shereen

MCBN: Do you prefer playing at outdoor festivals or at indoor venues?

Neelix: Outdoor! Most of the times the heavy flashing lights in clubs make me feel bad. I love open air parties that you can go around and see all the nice people and talk to them. In a club it’s too loud and too dark.

MCBN: If you were forced to choose one- would you play during the day or… at night?

Neelix: Day time

MCBN: Would you ever collaborate with Justin Bieber?

Neelix: No, never. I don’t like these crazy new television products. There are 1.200.000.209.320 singers out there that deserve it more, he is nothing special…

MCBN: We absolutely love the way you incorporate samples into your set, ensuring that when you play it feels like an authentic “live” experience. Do you plan your set out before hand or does it pretty much just flow out through your fingertips based on the crowd and setting?

Neelix: To be honest, I arrange the set before the party. When I do the arrangement, I can’t change it any more. It’s not like a lot of people think. I can’t change that much when I do my live set. I can throw in some extra add ons and put some loops in. The real live sets I do in the aircraft for example, there I can change the break or completely re arrange the tracks. When I start at this stage I just hope that the things I do sound good

MCBN: Do you prefer dogs or cats?

Neelix: Dogs, I love dogs… I had some when I was a child

MCBN: Do you have anything that you’re particularly afraid of or dislike? I don’t like birds- I’m convinced one day they’re going to kill us all.

Neelix: No, not really. I don’t believe in superstitious because if you do believe this -things can turn bad very easy.

MCBN: What is your favourite track right now?

Neelix: Peter gabriel “the book of love”

MCBN: Thanks so much for chatting to us Neelix and we are really looking forward to your set at the Love and Light festival.

Perfect Stranger is gracing our shores and will be dominating the stage alongside Neelix and Vaishiyas and a host of Cape Town’s finest at the Love and Light festival in early April. Perfect Stranger began his trade in the early 90’s and has been in the game for a long time, travelling the globe, playing at the biggest festivals. Hailing from Israel and growing up with a trance background he was destined for big things. His sound is a rare blend of psycadelic progressive trance and groovy techno tunes that I find very hard to master, we got lucky enough to chat to Perfect Stranger about his up-coming tour of Cape Town and what we can expect.

MCBN: Lets get right into things – How did you get involved in trance DJing/Producing and how did you come up with your name?

Perfect Stranger (PS):I started producing back in 1997 but then it was under the name of BLT and the style was faster and psy trance orientated. Later on around 2004 I quit the project, and a year later started the Perfect Stranger project that was marginally slower at it’s tempo, and had a proggy techy approach to it. The name of Perfect Stranger was influenced by a Psy song called “Perfect Strangers” by Sandman from last Millennium, who was on his turn influenced by Deep Purple band that named one of their songs this way.

MCBN: This is your first time you will be playing in Cape Town, what are you expecting from Cape Town and the trance scene down here?

PS: I really believe that expectations are as some say mothers of all fuckups I just prefer to come and feel it. I have heard that normally SA public like it’s Trance music fast and furious, but we here in Perfect Stranger labs believe we have the formulae that consists of sounds and presentation that work also on slower bpm.

MCBN: You have played in many countries across the globe, what sticks out for you in your mind as your favourite country to play at and why?

PS: I believe I can safely say that Australia should be my favourite for performing around the globe, and that is because ofcourse they really like my sound, but especially because they are really inspiring, vibey and funny party animals J

MCBN: With travelling and playing in so many countries, this must have led to seeing some crazy things. What is the wildest thing you have seen while behind the decks?

PS: While behind the decks normally you don’t see too many wild things, or at least not wild things that you can talk about in an interview… And you are mostly busy mixing, or turning knobs, or being concerned why the CD is stuck in the CD player… But it’s wild and inspirational also when our nature is getting a bit hardcore on us, and we react in making the party even more crazy than it was before… Check the following link:

It was super hardcore cold rain coming in, and instead of ruining the party for everyone, it made that day one of the best party moments I ever witnessed

MCBN: If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

PS: Ludvig Van Beethoven?

MCBN: What are your top three tracks at the moment?

PS: As you didn’t specify if it’s my music or collabs or in general so I give you my three most preferred Perfect Stranger tracks for the moment:

Antix – Box Of Birds ( Perfect Stranger remix )
Perfect Stranger – A Mosquito Bit My Leg ( A Balter & Eitan Reiter remix )
Juno Reactor – RotorBlade ( Perfect Stranger remix )

MCBN: You create a sound we like to call down here “Psy-tech”. As I said in the intro, you cross a blend of psycadelic progressive trance with groovy techno. Do you see this cross genre growing, artists like yourself, Neelix, Vaishiyas, Flowjob and Ace Ventura have all perfected it and I think it suites that Sunday morning into afternoon Sunday perfectly.

PS: Actually I think this genre has grown pretty outstandingly for last 2 or 3 years already. And the fact that shows it more than anything else are the schedules of the artists you just mentioned. It’s definitely passed the stage of being a “second stage” music or something of the likes. All the major festivals and events today, on every continent, boast with impressive line up of progressive artists playing during the noon time sessions, and some even go further – for example Rainbow Serpent in Australia, has more progressive and techno acts than the traditional psy trance acts and it happens for few years now this way.

MCBN: Do you prefer DJing during the day or night, why?

PS: Definitely during the day. I like the day I also think my music simply doesn’t fit the night time, as it hasn’t sufficient aggression needed to work out night time dancefloor

MCBN: Who has influenced your production over the years into the sound we hear today?

PS: There are so many… I guess it’s a blend of the time I been doing this, and the ppl I meet on daily basis if it’s in my own country and while touring… And of course artists that I hear their sound and admire their wizardry behind the studio mixers and synths. So there are plenty and the list is pretty endless…

MCBN: What equipment do you use when producing your tracks and how long does it take you to complete a track?

PS: I have Moog Voyager and Virus TI in the studio but I don’t use them at all… I use software and Cubase 5.2 in the studio, and sometimes I make a track in 1 week total, and sometimes it takes me more than a month… Depends on many variables such as touring, passion, stuff that happen around me etc..

MCBN: Thanks for chatting to us, we look forward to seeing you in Cape Town!

PS: And I look forward for coming over!!! Its great to visit a new country and especially one that I heard so much about!! See you soon!!!

MIX N BLEND

MCBN: How did you guys meet up and create the end product we see today, Mix n Blend?

MnB: Kev n I basically blew up a chem lab together in standard 7. We knew Ross from school and when we got to Cape Town just got into messing around with music,joined  up with the African Dope guys who took us in and taught us a lot, and then yeah just basically accumulated samplers and more music and made more beats until almost 10 years later here we are, still pulling silly dance moves on stage.

MCBN: Explain what “a day in the life” of Mix n Blend entails?

MnB: Weelll..this morning for instance was for me (Jon) a six o clock surf at Llands, knocking the shit out of my ribs there so I can  barely move without moaning like a bitch, then getting back, doing a lot of web work and booking admin, facebook page updates, answering interviews and stuff and then hopefully getting some music made before the obligatory day end drink.

Kevin if I had to guess is probably creating the 70^th version of a sound effect for an ad at his work ,sound design and composition at Resonate Audio at the brewery. He’ll probably only be back around 8 I guess.

MCBN: You have just released your latest EP’s, would you mind telling us about it?

MnB: Well they’re drum n bass, it’s a genre we’d never really tackled before and we like taking on new genres, it has some amazing musicians on it, Bosko from the Beams on a track called Narona, Sindi Dondolo who did the vocals on ‘Shall we Swing’ on a track called ‘Lost’ which is super soulful, and then a track with Crosby called Joy which is a reggae , roller kind of vibe. You can grab them off shop.africandope.co.za for about 40.00 rand for the whole pack I think.

Mix n Blend – Joy feat. Crosby by mixnblend

MCBN: Your sets at both Rocking The Daisies and Synergy were both very memorable for the guys at MyCityByNight, what parties stick out in your mind as favourites for you?

MnB: Wow, um Sakifo festival in Reunion was insane last year, French people going crazy in the rain and an all round magical experience with our full 6 piece band, our First Oppikoppi we ever played live, definitely when we had to play after Q-bert a couple of years ago at Assembly and um, the two launches, our album, and the new ep launch at Homegrown in December. That night rinsed.

MCBN: Where are you favourite spots in Cape Town to chill out?

MnB: We’re lazy so Narona which is just round the corner from our house, Rafiki’s sometimes I guess, Julep off Long has a pretty nice vibe for a quiet drink, Neighbourhood, um yeah I don’t know, wherever we can get a drink I spose.

Mix n Blend – Narona feat. Boško Popovac by mixnblend

MCBN: You have played at a few major festivals in and around South Africa, where too from here? Could we see Mix n Blend taking their trade overseas?

MnB: Well that’s where we want to get to now… Europe or America or wherever. We just need a new album and to then hit up as many of our contacts over there as we can. It’s a bit late for this year. We also need some way to get around having a green passport, it really is not conducive to travelling overseas in the EU.

MCBN: Who would win in an arm wrestle battle between you guys?

MnB: Kevin for definite, the guy is built like a brick shithouse. 10 years of subscriptions to Mens Health and reading their monthly ‘how to get better abs in five days’ pays off after a while. He call’s it ‘fitness through osmosis’.

MCBN: Who has influenced your sound throughout your time producing? Local and international acts?

MnB: Wow man, so many people. We like so many different genres and things we can’t really say one or two people. We play everything from James Brown to Max Romeo to Caspa to Camo & Crooked. Locally I’d say, Honey B, Fletcher Roach and that whole crew were definitely the people we looked up to.

MCBN: What equipment do you use when producing beats?

MnB: Well either Ableton or Cubase as a Sequencer, some softsynths, a Virus A, juno 60, a Korg stage echo and some decent monitors. Good monitors and treatment are the most important thing you can spend on as a producer I think.

MCBN: What are your top three tracks at the moment?

MnB: My Itunes at the moment seems to say:

-          Billy Caldwell – what you won’t do for love

-          DJ Fresh – lassitude

-          Dank – The game needs me

MCBN: Let’s say that for some unknown and HIGHLY unlikely reason, music was wiped off the face of the earth. What would you do?

MnB: Get seriously seriously drunk I spose

MCBN: If you could get drunk with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

MnB: Well cos I seem to have been listening  to a Lot of their stuff this week, I’m going to go with Jimmy Page.

MCBN: Now for the infamous “Would You Rather” question? Would you rather be a Friday night Resident DJ at Tin Roof for the next 12 months?

Or

Would you rather open up at the next five of your outdoor festival gigs with an un-remixed version of YCMA?

MnB: Definitely YMCA.  YMCA is one of Kevin’s favourite songs of all time, so yeah I don’t think that would really be a problem.

MCBN: Thanks very much Jon and Kev, we are looking forward to getting messy and losing it on a dance floor with you guys again soon!

While trying not to embarrass ourselves on national television on the likes of Expresso, we managed to meet the scrumptious and unbelievably talented Liezel van der Westhuizen. We asked if she’d mind answering a couple of questions that were not about her lady bits… naturally she agreed.

MCBN: First of all, thanks for not getting a restraining order against us, that was very nice of you. You are one of the most down to earth girls we’ve ever met, which is pretty refreshing in an industry where at least 90% of celebrities think that they pee Champagne and crap Smarties. Do you find some of the people you deal with to be a little bit two faced, or does everyone get along. I think everyone in this industry gets on.

Liezel: I haven’t seen any cat fights, but wouldn’t mind seeing some mud fighting with some of the hot girls in our entertainment industry

MCBN: You’ve completed the South African Iron Man Challenge… and you’re a girl. I mean its a 3.8 km sea swim, 180km cycle and then a 42 km run- we get tired just walking to the shops. How did you prepare yourself for such a mammoth task?

Liezel: This takes a lot of dedciation, for 3months leading up to the Ironman, I had no social life and I was in bed every night by 8, so that I could be up at 3:30 to train. Now I just get up at 3:30 to go to work at Expresso. (Wonder if I can get the boys from MCBN to take part in a triathlon with me? We could do a team entry?)

MCBN: If you could have 3 celebs in your entourage, dead or alive, who would they be and why would you want them there?

Liezel: I’d want Chrissie Wellington(triple World Ironman Champion) ; Rynard Tissink(South Africa’s Ironman Champ) and Lance Armstrong. I’d want them there so I can enjoy a dinner chatting about Triathlons and Ironman.

MCBN: You started out in radio all those years, gosh we’re making you sound like you’re 90 there, and now have progressed to being a young TV starlet with the world as your oyster. Is there one particular medium that you prefer, or has it always just been a love for the limelight?

Liezel: I love both mediums as they are such different communications platforms, and both equally different to work in.

MCBN: We were on SABC 3’s Expresso show a couple of months back and we all had a newfound respect for you and what you do on live TV. Do you have a process to psyche yourself up before going live and exposing yourself to hundreds of thousands of rather critical listeners and viewers?

Liezel: You’ve been on set, and you’ve seen what I get up too :) I normally run around chatting to everyone on set and to all the guests

MCBN: Speaking of expresso- when we were there, there wasn’t any available. What’s up with that?

Liezel: I also want to know?? Good Question, will ask my boss-lady

MCBN: Presenters, actors and actresses are often critiqued on just about everything that they do, how do you deal with some of the negative things that people have to say about you?

Liezel: My family are great when it comes to that, they normally just make me laugh at the negative things, because they interperate it in another way

MCBN: You were voted number 18 the last edition of FHM’s sexiest women in the world. That’s a pretty massive achievement as far as being an uber mooiness goes. Do you think that girls should read guy magazines and vice-versa in the hope of learning something?

Liezel: Yes, I think so, you can learn alot from a guys mag. I learnt how to change my bikes tyre from a men’s magazine

MCBN: You were only the 2nd woman in the world to host Idols. Do you feel that women are being given a large enough chance to host big TV shows etc in industry?

Liezel: I think more and more women are playing bigger roles as presenters in the world of Television and South Africa has a good platform for female presenters to get an opportunity to present

MCBN: We’ve heard that you’re fairly tight with the pink giraffe celeb spotter. Any chance we could get her to come around to MCBN headquarters for a drink?

Liezel: The Pink giraffe is a big fan of the boys from MCBN, so pink-drinks anytime.

MCBN: You are originally from Pretoria, which probably means you are a Blue Bulls fan *sigh*. Do you enjoy watching sport? And if so, which boys receive a bit of a sneaky perve?

Liezel: I love Sport, and often perv at the Titans; Bulls and Sundowns squad. (Typicall PTA Girl)

MCBN: While at Pretoria Girls High, you never missed a day of school. Either you are superhuman or just really liked school. If you could tell us one spicy story about your school days, what would that be?

Liezel: Yes, its true, I never missed a day of school in 12 years, however I was always getting up to mischief at school. One day I dyed my hair orange and then told the headmistress it was my natural colour, I had detention the following week for that.

MCBN: You are really passionate about charity. Do you think that it is important for celebs to give back considering that so many people idolize you?

Liezel: I think its very important for celebs to give back as celebs are in the position to make a difference, and showcase the needs of many charities in South Africa

MCBN: Apart from being able to handle the spotlight better than most you have degrees in Human Resource Management and Communication Management. Do you think it’s a good idea to get some education behind you before plunging head-first into showbiz?

Liezel: My mothers advice to me when I wanted to become a presenter was to first study and get a qualification in something other than presenting. It was the best advice ever because I have something other than presenting behind my name.

MCBN: You had such an amazing year in 2010, where to from here? Are there any massive plans in the pipeline for 2011 that we should know about?

Liezel: 2011 is another big year for me. I call it the year of the legs, (my sister would always joke when we were kids that 11 looked like legs, and everyone always calls me the girl with the longest legs)

MCBN: Now for our infamous MyCityByNight would you rather question:

Would you rather be forced to grow your armpit hair for the benefit of World Peace, having to lift your arms up to the sky to show off your handiwork every time someone said the word “tall” in your presence

Or Alternatively

Teach English to a class of Grade 7’s at an all boys school for an entire day wearing only hot-pants and a boob-tube?

Liezel: Can’t I do both? Teach English WITH my long armpit hair

Thanks again for hanging out with us and not handing us over to the Police for excessive stalking, you really rock… We see even bigger things in your future (our MyCityByNight crystal ball told us so)

For more info about the gorgeous Liezel van der Westhuizen check out www.liezel.net

MCBN: How did you guys join forces and become the breaks producing machines we have grown to love here in Cape Town?

EW- We hooked up about 4 years ago when I returned from overseas. I was really into my breaks while over there and when I got back introduced the genre to Stuart.  We discussed it and decided to try our hand at making our own. Originally we were really keen to get into the whole “Psy- Breaks” side of things, and our earlier tracks reflect that a little more than our current productions. Over the years we progressed away from the original ideas, as we looked for our current sound. That being said there is still quite a strong “Psy” influence in our music.

MCBN: You both come from different musical backgrounds, does that influence production when you are working on a track together?

EW- Most definitely! Both of us have a very wide and very different spectrum of music which has influenced us over the years. Usually what happens when we putting some stuff down, the opposite influences clash and create something that’s very different to what we had in mind and perhaps might not even have thought of.  We often like to use production techniques used in different genres and incorporate it into breaks. We prefer this way instead of using the standard formulas currently used when making breaks.  Mashing up genres and techniques is a great way to obtain an original sound. Something that is very important to us.

MCBN: Which artists have influenced your sound along the way? Local or international artists?

EW- Big influences early on were made up of acts like Stanton Warriors, Plump Dj’s, Bassbin Twins, Chemical Brothers, Elite Force and Daft Punk. As our sound evolved we started listening more to artists like Justice, Feed Me, Bloody Beetroots, Noisia and Far Too Loud (To get that really heavy dirty bass sound). Recently we have been getting into more of the up and coming artists around the world. Guys like Freerange Dj’s and Lethalness. Both these acts are writing killer music right now and taking the breaks world by storm. They are among the newest influencers of breaks currently. It is great to see what they are writing and which direction they are taking the scene. Being one of a very small bunch of producers making breaks in SA, there hasn’t really been too much influence from local producers. But one producer in Cape Town we really like is Soundproof (the beat maker for local act Jam Jarr) He has got some skills and is one talented producer. There has certainly been some stuff he has done which we have really enjoyed. That being said Mix n Blend is another local act we have a lot of respect for. Awesome tracks and amazing production! If we ever decided to make dubstep we would be looking in their direction.

MCBN: You have just released your latest EP – Walking On Water which has some HUGE remixes from artists all over the world, could we expect an album any time soon or are you going to stick to EP’s for now?

EW- Yeah “Walking On Water” was a great release for us, especially with all the remixes from some excellent international as well as local producers. To be honest at this stage I don’t see an Enough Weapons album coming out anytime soon. The digital age of music is very different to how things used to be before the whole “online” music revolution. Music seems to have a much shorter “shelf life” these days and before you realize it something new is released. It’s the beauty and curse of online music sales I guess. We love the fact that we can write a 3 or 4 track EP and release it with relative ease. The labels who are all in such competition with each other, promote every release as if it was an album anyway so its win win. Labels have a constant supply of music and we can release music more frequently to stay fresh. For now our plan is continue releasing EP’s and work on remixes. Once we feel our name is established enough to warrant an album, then we will think about taking that on. At some point last year we had an offer from a label to put out an album, but we felt it wasn’t the right time for us, so decided to wait.

MCBN: Who would win in an arm wrestle between you two guys?

EW- I think Stuart would. You may not think so, but he will take you out, or rather me out!

MCBN: What are your thoughts on the breaks scene in Cape Town?

EW- To say that breaks is a “dirty word” in Cape Town is quite an understatement. Over the last few years’ breaks has had a very difficult time surviving, especially with the increased popularity of genres like Electro House and Dubstep. That being said we have definitely noticed an increased awareness recently, especially in 2010. It has been great. Clubs and promoters have started booking more breaks orientated acts and DJ’s and there is no question about the increase in support from them for breakbeat. You just have to have a look at this last New Years’ Rezonance party. They had General Midi, one of the biggest icons in breakbeat playing the prime slot on the Technodubfest Floor. If that isn’t saying something I don’t know what is. Even more importantly, there seems to be a lot more new DJ’s interested in breaks and a lot of these guys are doing their own events. This is how you grow a genre and there are quite a few people getting involved. All of this makes us excited about the future of the breaks scene in Cape Town.

MCBN: If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be and why?

EW- Right now I think the biggest wish for us would be to work with Far Too Loud. He has been such an influence in what we do, and one of the best producers writing breaks and electro right now. Collaborating with him would be killer.

MCBN: We saw you guys destroy Rezonance with General Midi then again at Assembly then most recently at the i LOVE bass event. Where else can we see you guys in the near future?

EW- Right now our next big gig will be at this years Ramfest . We played there a couple of years ago, and are really excited to be back. We are currently waiting for confirmation on another gig coming soon. So check out our fan page to be kept up to date.

MCBN: What are your top three tracks at the moment?

EW-

1-      The Boomzers – Rowentah (Far Too Loud Remix)

2-      Odissi, D. Ramirez, Meat Kaite- Stop The Revolution (Bassbin Twins Remix)

3-      Lethalness- Dem Tings

MCBN: When you are not DJ’ing and producing sick breaks, what do your days consist of?

EW- Usually when not writing beats working on our label On a Break Records. That keeps me pretty busy, otherwise working on our other label that we are part of, Disasterpeace Records. Both take up a large amount of time between writing. Stuart is usually working on his other 2 acts that he is involved in. In fact I don’t think he does anything besides write music?

MCBN: Now for the infamous “Would You Rather” question:

Would you rather wear rollerblades every time you left the house, where ever you went, night and day?

Or

Would you rather shave your head before each gig and play remixes of Justin Bieber classics?

EW- I think the rollerblades option wins. I don’t think we could handle having anything to do with Justin Bieber! Besides it might be fun to DJ wearing rollerblades.

Thanks for chatting to us guys. To keep up to date with Enough Weapons, follow their Facebook and Twitter pages:

Facebook fanpage: (click here)

Soundcloud page: (click here)

MCBN: Let’s just start off with a big shout for all your sets over the 3 days at Rezonance. Super Evil was mind blowing, Nesono was out of control and Broken Toy was, well Broken Toy! How else can we put it, Sunday bliss. How did you find your three sets, Super Evil, Broken Toy and Nesono?

BT: Well , let me start off talking about the work behind the scenes for Rezonance and then get into how the sets turned out. With such a massive workload, I had to have a serious game plan to keep ahead of it all, and that basically meant that almost all of the effort went into perfecting the midnight NYE Super evil set.

Arno and I pulled 3 sessions a week for a month and a half before the time and wrote about 4 new tracks in search of the perfect NYE opener. Amazingly enough , this ran perfectly smoothly with us finishing 3 days ahead of schedule even after me having to take one of the weeks off after a certain alien safari melted my brain! hahaha

Nesono was next in line, and I was literally clueless about what I was going to do. If you know Nesono , you know that it’s a completely scattered-ass project going in every direction possible. A week before the time, I found out I was playing after Jam jarr and realised that I was about to get upstaged by 2 mother fuckers on top form doing more of a performance thing than me! I asked one of my good mates JP vogel AKA Hednod AKA Woofdawg to do some turntablism/scratching during my set to even the odds and he agreed – even though we didn’t have time to rehearse anything!

He also really helped out a lot in pre-production as we focused on tracks we`d worked on together with more of a  Miami ghetto tech/dancehall and dub step /breaks vibe. I took a few old Nesono 4/4 tracks and gave em breaks remixes and within 2 days, I had a whole collection of fresh tracks to debut that were blowing ME away! I couldn’t believe it!  

And then Broken Toy took the hit as I`d laid the groundwork for my BT sets well before season started and I`ve been keeping all those tracks exclusive so they can’t get old before their time. Never mind that with BT, I get in trouble from punters if I don’t play certain classics, so that set could run on its own steam no problems.  

So – my impressions. Arrived at party, walked to technodubfest arena, and was shocked! Hands in the air, chicks on dudes shoulders and whoop whoop craziness all round! Jam Jarr had the place frothing as I knew they would, and we took over and smashed the place with all manner of silly bass and grooves ranging from 87bpm to 130bpm. I’ve never played a set with such crazy variety before and the crowd was eating it! Such a pleasure, and to have my homie JP on stage representing took things to a whole new level. On sheer exceeded expectations, this set was my favourite of the weekend and hopefully a vision of good things to come for us. I can’t wait for more!  

By the time this set finished, I was a crazed madman and just wanted to run over to the main stage and bust out yet again. Mega-ampedness!  

Artifakt played a flawless set before us with an epic selection of tracks to lead up to the countdown which he synchronised from the 60 second mark. I got to say that this was all a complete blur for me!  Game face had taken over and I think my memory of this and the first few tracks have been deleted due to brain-stimulus overload! Such a massive crowd in front of you hyped up to that level is pure insanity!

Mad respect to Arno for playing a flawless set – how good is that mofo? He’s a born performer so he just ate up that massive crowd and spat that energy right back at them. I know it was a big moment for him and he`s still walking on air about it. All in all it was a magic moment and a true honour to be asked to play a set like that. Unless we get the chance to do it again sometime, I doubt we`ll get a dance floor experience to match that in a while.

Two days later, with the weather looking dodgy, imagine my surprise to arrive back at the party after a brief trip home to freshen up and discover that the dance floor was packed yet again with the kind of crowd that has worked themselves in and are at cruising altitude – ready to go on forever. I myself was cruising and totally relaxed having smashed out two epic sets already so i can only describe my BT set as pure, absolute fun. No trace of nerves or second guessing – just smashing it. Magic!

I feel sorry for the rest of 2011 , because by the 2nd of Jan, I think I’ve already played my best sets of the year! 

MCBN: You are fairly well travelled. Where in the world have you been to DJ?

BT:  Meh- Been to around 25 different countries if you`re counting- all the usual places. It`d be more interesting to say that I’ve never played in the States or china. Done pretty much all the rest broadly speaking.

MCBN: You have been in the scene for a while now, how did you first discover trance?

BT: I went to my first psy party back in 98. Friends of mine had told me that it was dance music but different to the rest of the rubbish that was considered such. I was getting into making music with computers and moving away from playing in bands etc , so i was curious. One bite and most people are hooked I think. Same here. (Editors note: We definitely agree)

MCBN: When did you begin DJ’ing and was it a slow progression into production or did you dive head first immediately with Broken Toy?

BT: Interestingly enough, I’ve never DJed before. I`m a bit of a snob in that regard because I always felt I was on a different mission to everybody else and nobody made music that I wanted to play – especially back when I got going around 2002. Now things are a lot more generic and acceptable, but back then most of the tunes I heard didn’t have the right balance of funk, power and intrigue to entertain me, so I had to make it myself. Also seeing as I’ve come from a background of playing musical instruments that take a lot of practice, I went straight for maximum results. To this day I can’t justify the time it would take to play one tune after another well – I’d rather sit there and write new tunes or learn a new instrument. By the same token, I hardly do anything else with my free time. I dont understand people who play computer games etc, because making tunes is the ultimate video game – a game that when you`ve clocked it, you get to take the result and rock parties with it. Booyah!

I`ve pretty much learnt on my own how to make tunes over the years with not much help so its been a slow process. I strongly advise against doing it my way though! Get as much help as you can along the way! Its much harder to un-learn the wrong things than it is to learn the right things.

MCBN: If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, dead or alive? Who would it be and why?

BT:  Oh dear – I’m not really one for collaborating , but just for the fun of it I’d say:

Broken Toy VS James Brown , Bootsy Collins and the rest of the band. You know some good shit would go down there.  

Super Evil VS Tool. Nuff said.

Nesono VS 2Live Crew – The filthy phatness would be off the chain!

James Copeland VS Cymande – a lesser known funk band from the 70s with an amazing subtlety to them. Deep complex funky shit. They`ve been sampled to death over the years by everybody from the fugees to the beastie boys because everything they chucked out was gold  – from expressive conga breaks to solo bass lines etc – magic stuff in those tracks.

MCBN: MyCityByNight has a big love for Skrillex, your remix of his “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” track is absolutely brilliant. How long did it take you to throw that remix together?

BT: I did that in half a day , but it gets a reworking after every gig until I’m happy with it. That’s similar for most of the good tunes I write. Tunes that don’t stand have their own personality and direction after a day are pretty much a waste of time. I`m not saying I havent had epic battles with tracks that spanned 6 months to a year , but I always ended up hating those tracks and hardly playing them. 

MCBN: Who has influenced your sound over the years, local and international?

BT: Well , initially in psytrance back around 2000, it was all about Psychaos aka Joti Sidhu ( coming to SA this year!), Dino Psaras aka Tortured Brain , and Delta/Xdream. All of these guys knew how to make serious music that was unique and banging without having to resort to today’s formulas of lasers VS chicken sounds.  

This was all before the term “Full on Psy” was invented, so it was good times. Total freedom with the music and every artist sounded completely different to the next. You can’t say that about psy now!  

Locally, I was involved with Timecode in the early stages of its Creation (back around 2002) and being in that small community of pioneers was hugely inspirational. To this day I consider Artifakt to make some of the best music coming from SA as it ticks the right boxes – unique, awesomely produced and still pushing the boundaries and exploring new ideas all the time.

MCBN: The countries you named above must have had some awesome crowds to play to, how does Cape Town compare to parties overseas? I have said this in previous interview’s that I feel Cape Town has one of the biggest and most powerful trance scenes in the world.

BT: Without a doubt – Cape Town is back on the map as one of the top trance destinations. Psy was trendy in some countries for a while and the trend has moved on, whereas in SA , its only slowly grown stronger and stronger. This season so far, it’s been a big surprise for me to see how much the scene here has progressed. The quality AND quantity of events has increased by about double, and it’s a thriving situation.

Punters have nothing to complain about. This is it.  

MCBN: If you could sit down and get drunk with three people, again, dead or alive! Who would it be?

BT: I definitely prefer getting rat-arsed with good mates around than trangers because on the 50/50 chance that my full-of-shit streak comes out, my mates tolerate me. I`d dig to get hammered with Sinatra and the Ratpack , but they`d probably end up beating my ass in an alley by the end of the night. I`d be even worse off with Al Capone and his crew.

So in the interest of actually giving you something interesting to read, I’ll give you 3 peeps in the psy scene who I’ve regularly had some epic sessions with. Arno, my Super Evil buddy, who is the most pleasant drunk ever. Just gets happier and happier the more he drinks until them T-rex hands come out! Matt Artifakt, the ass-spanker of any unfortunate honey walking by after a few whiskeys and a great appreciator of fine quality beverages. And then the maddest self-proclaimed booze-aholic-drink-to-get-fucked international hell-raising loveable badass Mikael aka Emok from Iboga records. Dude knows how to party.  

MCBN: Could we expect a Broken Toy album or are you focussing more on your other projects at the moment?

BT: It’s hard to juggle all the projects at once and at the moment I`d really like to get a Super Evil album out to firmly establish that, but I have a concept for the BT album which I have already started on and that ball is already rolling fast. Its a top priority to get a 3rd BT album out.

The main problem is just that record labels aren’t interested in pressing cds anymore because the costs are high and nobody buys them. It makes more sense to do digital releases more often. The problem is, that the disposable nature of the digital releases fails to get into people’s imaginations and all form of concept or flow that you get from an album is lost.

I`m a big fan of artwork and all of this forming a massive part of the image that the album is trying to push and how that all comes together, but unfortunately this all costs money and there isn’t any in releasing albums anymore. What to do? Suck it up and try your best to do all of this on zero budget just for the love of it and hope a handful of people actually appreciate it.  

MCBN: Can you give us a little break down of your other projects you are working on at the moment? We get the feeling you’re quite the musically talented guy!  

BT: I`m happy with all the different projects I have now because they all fulfil different musical needs for me. When I started Broken Toy, it was my only project and I threw the kitchen sink at it. I tried to get every possible influence and style that I liked into the one thing and the results were often too weird for any dance floor. Testament to that is that only 10% of the tracks that I started actually made it to the dance floor. Far too much wasted effort with no reward!  

Now all the new projects take the pressure off trying to do the wrong things with BT. For example , if I want to do  something harder or tougher, I’ve got Super Evil for that now. BT can just be its twisted , groovy little self. Super Evil is where we whip out the big guns. I mentioned earlier that I’m not big into collaborations, but I’ve known Arno since I was 5 years old and we bought our first electric guitars when we were 12.  We`ve been writing tunes together since then, so we totally understand and trust each others` melodies and judgement. That’s why we started the project – not to try and do some psy/guitar cliché. I wanted to see what would happen if we made some tunes together and this is how it turned out – awesome. It feels like we`re finally continuing what we started almost 20 years ago.

This brings us to Nesono. Sigh – The problem child. For the longest time this was my whipping boy that I took out all my musical frustrations and weird ideas on. The result has been about 2 years of genre mixing to the point that nobody has a clue what I’m trying to do. Australia was the only place that got it in a big way and thanks to that its still going.  

However, I identified the problem and am very excited about the future of Nesono. A lot of people thought that I was making breaks/urban style tunes trapped by a 4/4 beat , and they were totally right. I started Nesono to be a minimal or techno project , but the wobble bass and dirtiness that ensued didn’t work in those genres. It was too trippy for electro in general, but it just happens to be perfect for glitch and break beat stuff where it’s acceptable to be more abstract.

So the solution was to throw the tempo rules out the window and make it’s a simple, massive bass project. So that’s what it is – No rules other than its got to have ridiculous bass. This means that its going everywhere from dub step to electro-breaks and so far it’s got me AMPED! I`m very excited about this finally going the way it should.

And then last to arrive on the scene is the new James Copeland project. So sick of trying to find pretend names, I just went OG on it. Why not ? If people like Digweed or Lutzenkirchen can get away with their surnames, I think I can! hahaha.

Anyway – the point of this was to do something totally different to the rest of my projects in terms of sonic texture and vibe. All of the other projects have something in common – they all sound like they were made in a space ship. Lots of synthesiser and futuristic sounds -  pushing technology to the limit sort of vibe. JC is an attempt to only use “real” sounds to get a vintage or live tone with less cleanliness and more depth. I`m forbidden to use anything futuristic on it – only jazz and laidback tones in the same realm. The nearest genres to it would be tech house, electro-swing, or even Balkan beats , so you can see the different doors this has opened up for me.

I also have to say that within the first 3 months of writing a tune in this style, I already had a release out on a label not related to anything or any contact that I had before, so that was a sure sign that something exciting was going on. The amount of momentum behind it that was created all on its own without me pushing it is crazy! Its such a relief because I’ve tried so hard with all my other projects and this one is just rocking on its own! I`ve already got Brazilian tour management for it sorted, a label in Germany and the UK sussed, as well as some super cool remixes done and approved – all within half a year. Wow – such a bright future for this one.  

James Copeland Presents – 30min Showcase mix by James Copeland

MCBN:  Now for the famous MyCityByNight “Would you rather” question?

Would you rather only make music for Britney Spears for the rest of  your life and not make any money off of it?

Or

Would you rather walk home from a trance party at Nekkies after being there for 3 days only to realise that when you get home you have left your house keys there and have to walk back?

BT: Whoa! That’s a tough one, I doubt that I would walk all the way back to Nekkies again – I’d smash a window to get inside my house or at the very least organise a ride back – but if it was the only way to avoid getting “Speared” , bring it on!

MCBN: Thanks very much for chatting to us Jimmy. Looking forward to some Super Evil this weekend at MMD and then Broken Toy and Nesono at Origin. I tried to throw some comments to get Super Evil on that line up as well, it would have been awesome to see all three, but Nesono and Broken Toy will do just fine. Take it easy bro!

Shane and Piers make up the deadly tech duo of Deadbeat FM. We were lucky enough to chat to them about how they started Deadbeat FM, winning record deals as well as what we can expect in terms of future work including some huge collaboratiobs, life in the city of JHB and who would in an arm wrestle?

MCBN: How did you guys meet and come up with the final product of Deadbeat FM?

DeadbeatFM: We’ve been friends since school, and when Shane moved back to Joburg we discovered tech house music together. We both love sharing good music and playing it to the masses, so we decided to put together our own act, which eventually developed into Deadbeat FM.

MCBN: You both come from different musical backgrounds, Shane from the psychedelic scene and Piers – the breaks scene. Do you both combine those elements when producing a track or how does it work?

DeadbeatFM: We definitely have our own preferences of sounds and styles that we like, as well as a mutual feel for the elements that we enjoy from tech house.  Whether its breaky, techy or trancey, if we both agree that it works in the track and sounds cool, we’ll lay it down.

MCBN: You guys have produced a fair amount of sick tracks/remixes already, what equipment are using??

DeadbeatFM: We use PC, with Cubase SX 5, a MIDI controller, a couple of VSTs and a Virus TI Desktop.

MCBN: You two live on the tough streets of JHB, which of you two would win in an arm wrestle?

DeadbeatFM: Shane would definitely win – since he moved to Joburg he klaps gym 2 – 3 times a day. Boet!

MCBN: You guys have got a very darker, high energy, techno sound, I like to call it – psy tech! Who are your favourite local acts and international acts, and who would you say has influenced your sound?

DeadbeatFM: Psy tech is definitely the sort of style we’re going for, we’re hoping the big trance festivals in Cape Town will eventually recognise us as an act that could fit in sometime during the day. We love the Iboga Records stuff.. Ace Ventura, Quantize, Perfect Stranger, Astronivo, and the more techy stuff like Riktam & Bansi, Weekend Heroes, Spartaque, Khainz, D-Nox & Beckers etc.. The list goes on, but those are some of our biggest influences when we produce.

MCBN: When you are not out DJ’ing or working on Deadbeat FM tracks, what are you guys doing with yourselves?

DeadbeatFM: We both work during the day, so that keeps us pretty busy. Other than that, gymming 3 times a day, snorting creatine, causing fights at under-18 clubs and wearing shitloads of vests.

MCBN: What are your three favourite tracks at the moment?

DeadbeatFM: Meat Katie – Sutter

Weekend Heroes – Fear Factor

Worakls – Purple Sunset (Andrea Bertolini Remix)

MCBN: You guys have been signed to LOT49 (by winning a remix competition) and have just completed another remix competition for D-Nox & Beckers. Can you tell us a little bit about the competition and in terms of releases, what we can expect from Deadbeat FM in the future?

DeadbeatFM: The competition gave producers the opportunity to remix one of D-Nox & Beckers’ latest tracks ‘Call me’, and seeing that they’re two of our favourite artists, we quickly got involved. We ended up placing third in the competition, and our remix has since been released on Baroque Records. It was an honour to have been chosen by them, and we hope to do some more work with them in the future. In terms of releases, we have quite a lot of stuff planned. We’re doing a remix for Nick Grater (Teknotribe), we’re doing a track with Odissi, a  LOT49 vocalist, plus a few collaborations with the likes of Artech (Brazil) and the huge Pascal & Pearce, which we’re amped about! We’re hoping to have a track on a LOT49 anniversary compilation next year as well.  

D-Nox & Beckers – Call Me (Deadbeat FM Remix) by DeadbeatFM

MCBN: Where do you prefer DJing? Cape Town or Joburg? What is the main difference for you?

DeadbeatFM: They’re both very different cities, but tech house seems to be enjoyed by both, so we’re happy wherever we play. Cape Town is more student life, hippy, trance-ish vibes, and Joburg is more commercial with a slightly older crowd at the parties. As long as they’re enjoying our music, we’re happy, but if we had to choose – Cape Town.

MCBN: The dreaded would you rather question:

Would you rather be blind and have no legs?

Or

Would you rather be deaf and have no arms?

DeadbeatFM: Piers spends the majority of his life coming up with ridiculous would you rather situations, so instead of answering that, we’ll return the favour: Would you rather have feathers for pubes, or have your cheeks the same texture as your balls?

MCBN: Hmmm… That is a tough one. I think I might have to go with the feathers, chicks dig feathers… Don’t they?

Goldfish have to be one of South Africa’s finest exports and having played across all corners of the globe it’s understandable that they hold a residency at Pacha in Ibiza. We were lucky enough to chat to them and pick their brains on all things Cape Town, partying, DJ’ing in Ibiza and whether they have themselves some decent groupies overseas?

MCBN: First of all, thanks for chatting to us. You guys are back in Cape Town for now, how long are you back here for and will we be seeing you DJ’ing anytime soon?

Goldfish: We are back for Summer! It’s a great little scam we have going on of book-ending summer seasons between the northern and southern hemisphere. We have a massive tour schedule lined up around SA for our new album Get Busy Living and we’re looking forward to playing some shows to the home team.

MCBN: Your new album “Get Busy Living” has 8 tracks with that very unique Goldfish sound, with a mix of vocals, instruments and the very funky beat. How long did it take you to finish this album considering you have been overseas while making it?

Goldfish: 10 tracks actually. We recorded and mixed everything during the 1^st part of 2010, it took us about 5 months in the studio to finish it. We had to have it done before we left for Ibiza as our studio is too big to fly hand luggage…

MCBN: Your video for “Get Busy Living” is awesome, do you guys come up with the concepts or do you have a team working on it for you?

Goldfish: We come up with the concepts with our close collaborator Mike Scott. We have made 3 videos with him now and he is just an amazingly talented animator and story teller with a classic and quirky sense of humour. We travel so much and our gear is constantly getting lost – so one day we thought how about making a video about the adventures your luggage goes on whilst you are on the plane…Make it a bit more fun.

MCBN: What are your thoughts on the evolution of the Cape Town music/party scene since those early days when we used to catch you every Thursday at Baraza (now Sapphire)?

Goldfish: We miss those days! I actually went to Baraza(Now Sapphire) the other night and caught Anthea and Killer Robot doing their thing. Brought back a lot of good memories. Otherwise we are looking forward to taking our Submerged Sundays concept to St Yves this summer. La Med unfortunately has new noise laws which prohibit us doing our parties there anymore. The Club scene in SA is super tricky!

MCBN: What in your opinion separates the international party scene from that in S.A.?

Goldfish: Money. Simple as that. Our market is tiny and our spending power is nowhere near what it is overseas. People drop massive $$$ to go out to clubs and party overseas, and they are prepared to do it. There is a culture of ‘guestlist’ in SA and people moan about R100 cover charge to go to a club… That won’t even buy you a beer at Pacha Ibiza. And it’s 800 bucks to get in. Actually make it R1000 if you want to watch Swedish house mafia at Pacha this Summer coming…before drinks. And its packed every Monday of the Summer!

MCBN: You guys are both from musical backgrounds, is that how you guys are able to develop that distinctive sound we have become accustomed too?

Goldfish: I suppose so. We try to bring the instrumental side back into electronic music. Rub a little dirt in, Electronic stuff can sound so sterile otherwise.

MCBN: You have played some mad gigs whilst in Ibiza that must have lead to seeing some crazy things. What is the craziest thing you guys have seen while on stage?

Goldfish: Having Dr Dre come up and buy a CD while we were playing was pretty surreal. Actually another thing that just springs to mind is a girl who crowdsurfed at our gig at Melkweg Amsterdam a couple of weeks back…sold out show, crowd going mental and she climbs up on stage and dives off headfirst into the concrete floor. 1500 people collectively went oooooh! Was I think she was OK but it looked really bad. It’s up on youtube somewhere…

MCBN: Where in the world would you say has the best party, crowd and why?

Goldfish: Brazil! Consistently the most up for it crowd and the latin blood is genetically engineered for dancing.

MCBN: This isn’t really a question but; tell us that you missed Cape Town while you were away?

Goldfish: Definitely Surfing. Ibiza is in the Med and it’s literally a lake in Summer. We got into cliff jumping the 1^st year just to scratch the itch.

MCBN: You guys must have encountered some awesome groupies, anything out of the ordinary that you are brave enough to let us know about?

Goldfish: Simon le Bon coming up and telling us he was a fan in his speedo was pretty awesome.

MCBN: How would you guys feel about a remix of one of your tracks done by the… I use this term very loosely… legendary- Flo Rider. I mean he would rap and sing… at the same time making your amazingly produced tune sound nice- as nice as a mushy custard pie in your faaasch.

Goldfish: No thanks…

MCBN: What artists, local or international, would you most like to collaborate with?

Goldfish: We collaborate with such amazing artists in SA and you can hear them all on our albums…but internationally would have to say Feist for her voice, Trentemoller for his production.

Thanks for chatting to us guys, we look forward to seeing you in Cape Town soon soon!

MCBN: This is your first time in Cape Town, I can speak for a lot of Capetonians when I say we have been looking forward to this for a long time. What are your expectation of Cape Town and South Africa?

 Orca: I’ve been waiting for this one myself… the feedback I have been getting lately from  Capetonians is super cool and makes me want to come over even more and kill the dance floor. I really see in my imagination a lot of colourful people and high energy all over the place, which I’m sure, will be amazing too  

 MCBN: How long have you been involved in the trance scene and when did you produce your first track?

 Orca: from around 2000, I started collecting music and went to parties. I started making music in 2004 but it took time until the first release which was in 2006-The Magic Medicine. (Editors note: This is one of the best songs ever)

 MCBN: How did you come up with the name Orca?

 Orca: I saw this TV show about the world’s 10 most killer animals. Orca came first and they announced it with a big red letters… ”The Great Orca” and I thought to myself – That is pretty cool –and it stuck ever since

a-Its killer

B-It’s not hard to remember

c-I have a lot of dreams about whales.

So I wrote it down and the next day- Orca was born hehehe.

 MCBN: Which artists inspire you and have influenced your sound over the years?

 Orca: In my early days of Psy, I was into the darker PSY and I really liked Penta’s first album, Digital Talk, Highko, Fungus funk…

Things changed for me when I first saw damage in Israel, it completely changed my way of thinking and I looked for more funky more raw artists. Today the artists that I like are Damage, Digital Talk, Phatmatix, Mindcore, Absolum, Lost and Found and basically the 3D Vision style… These are my biggest influences today.

 MCBN: What are your thoughts on the South Africa psy-trance producers?

 Orca: I have nothing but big respect for SA psy trance. A lot of big names came out of SA and pretty much changed the scene for the better, so I can’t imagine psy today without SA psy.

 MCBN: You must have played in many different countries, what is the biggest party you have played at?

Orca: Doof festival in Israel is my favourite places to play- it was also the biggest party I played at, the biggest crowd and the best energies I have seen in my life!! 

After that I’ll have to say Japan. They sure do know how to party

MCBN: What’s the craziest thing you have seen while you have been DJ’ing?

Orca: In Japan. I saw the craziest things there. It was just so intense- people there really pushed boundaries and after the party ended I literally saw people on the dance floor, laying still, not moving- super crushed…

For me – crazy is a crowd that works on the dance floor… I really like to see everybody stomping in the same rhythm; it’s amazing to see that from where I stand.

 MCBN: What equipment do you use when producing your music?

 Orca: I use Cubase software and RME Fireface400 sound card.

For instruments, I use Virus TI and Roland V-synth (older  version), I have added Powercore plug-in and love Reactor and Kontakt to complete the production.

 MCBN: I did a little research and found out you are currently working on a techno act. Can you tell us a little bit more about this? It would be awesome to hear you drop a few tech tracks at some of the MMD/Beartrap event.

 Orca: Yeah, I have a techno/prog/whatever you will call it act It’s called: Fish n Zone.

In my first days in the trance scene, little bit after the GOA/infected phase and before the full power phase I got more and more into minimal and prog. Now I’m returning to my sources and producing some techy stuff…I really don’t know what style it is yet since I like a lot of things/sounds in techno. I like the proggy feeling but I also like the roughness of techno. So I’m still working on defining my sound. My biggest struggle now is to let go from what I know about producing psy because psy is not minimal (at least not the psy I like)so I really need to focus on 1-2 ideas per track and not go all over the place hehe but that will happen in time I guess. I still don’t know if I can play these tracks yet, it’s only the beginning and it’s coming slower now that I am working on the Orca album. You can hear it Fish and Zone on soundcloud.com

Click here: www.soundcloud.com/fishnzone

MCBN: Do you prefer playing at night or during the day? Why?

Orca: I like playing at sunrise- It’s just a great time of the party, all the faces clear up and everybody see who was digging near them all night and the weather is perfect for stomping.i don’t mind playing during daytime also, as long as I got crowd.

MCBN: What can we expect from your set? We are hoping for a full on psychedelic powerful sunset rise set.

Orca: You can expect a lot of humour, funny samples and a lot of heavy psychedelia…

I’m bringing a lot of new tracks, all the tracks from my next album. They will all be included in my Cape Town set along with some great collaboration I made with Technodrome and Damage. I don’t know if I’ll put tracks from F.O.F (Fist of Fury album) though. I have a lot to put in 2 hours and I want to give the crowd things they don’t know yet, along with some tracks they do know. It’s going to be a mix up of my newest tracks and the most recent ones before those tracks.

One thing I can say- It’s going to be hard work for you guys on the dance floor

For those of you that were following the MyCityByNight interview on Thursday late afternoon, may have noticed no replies. This was due to a technical difficulty in London Town!
Never the less, the legendary trio of Above & Beyond replied to our questions we asked, and this is what they had to say:

@aboveandbeyond: What is your choice of songs at the moment and what do you enjoy?

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT … Some very interesting techno, Kruder & dorfmeister, Air… So many! I like a wide variety of stuff really #ABtourSA

@aboveandbeyond: Do u c it as a compliment/insult when someone remixes one of your tunes? #ABTOURSA

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT always a compliment if someone remixes something, but you can’t always like the results sadly! #ABtourSA

@aboveandbeyond: where did above & beyond name come from? Other than the obvious reference 2 ur uplifting progressive trance tunes? #ABTOURSA

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT I’m going to be an arse here and say that “google is your friend” (that is a hint in more ways than one!) #ABtourSA

@aboveandbeyond: What is the best & biggest crowd you have played to? #ABTOURSA

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT …and the biggest was Barra beach in Rio, Brazil to a million people-hard to get a send of how a gig is going!#ABtourSA

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT the best crowds aren’t always the biggest-BED in Miami a few years ago was packed&vibey but it’s a tiny venue..#ABtourSA

@aboveandbeyond: Who are your favourite/most respected djs? #ABTOURSA

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT tend to follow producers over DJs. Where to start!Well right now I think @andrewbayer is amazing/one to watch #ABtourSA

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT on a housey tip Axwell is very talented, Arty a great newcomer, ulrich schnauss is great to relax to, stimming makes

@aboveandbeyond: Do you plan ur sets- track by track prior or feed off the crowd to decide what to play next? #ABTOURSA

Above & Beyond: @MyCityByNite_CT some planning and some improvising the set. We certainly have a rough idea of the key songs most of the time #ABtourSA

As you know Smirnoff Experience and Godskitchen are bringing the legends that are Above & Beyond to SA in November!

MyCityByNight have been asked by Smirnoff to do the most awesomeness of interviews with them!

A twitter conference/interview! Wow the world is so amazingly techno!

What we thought though, was to ask you, our readers to ask what you wanted to ask.

So if you had 2 or 3 questions that you could ask them, what would they be?

Just post your quetions here in the comments and the best 3 questions we get, we will ask!

You can see the answers by following us on twitter (just click the little tweety below and he’ll take you to our twitter page where you can follow us).

The conference/interview details are as follows:

Date: Thursday 21st October 2010
Time: 16h00 – 17h00 UK time

So get those questions to us ASAP!

To stand a chance of winning tickets to either the Cape Town or Jozi Smirnoff Experience click HERE

They say that ‘change is as good as a holiday’ and that ‘variety is the spice of life’. Here at MCBN, we like both holidays and spice (don’t even get us started on spicy holidays), but I somehow don’t think that’s quite what these little pearls of wisdom are trying to get at. What they mean is that it does us folk a world of good to experience new things; that is, new places, new people and new music. Basement Radio combines all of the above.

Monotony sucks. You know it, I know it. Basement Radio represents something fresh and different – a chance for Capetonians to break from their party routines and hear something other than what’s played at weekly nights around the Mother City. If you’ve ever twirled like a mad gypsy at a Balkanology party, or danced euphorically at the Circuswing Stage at Rocking the Daisies, then Basement Radio is for you. MCBN caught up with the man behind the party, a young up’and’comer who goes by the name of Kim Mono (facebook fan page: click here) to find out a bit more.

MCBN: So first and foremost, as a founding member of Basement Radio, tell us a bit about yourself – how long have you been playing for; how did you start and what’s your favourite cereal?

Kim Mono (KM): My first gig was in Grade 8 when my friend Max and I played rave music at this small house party. We thought we were super cool; we used to change songs about once a minute and all the dudes doing rave battles would stop dancing and shout at us. That rocked. Since then I’ve re-orientated a bit and stopped being such a rookie. I focus on world music now: funk, afrobeat, gypsy-swing, reggae, dub and a whole lot of other tasty snacks. Speaking of snacks, my favourite breakfast cereal is raw oats soaked in water – with nuts, seeds, banana, honey and grated carrot please.

MCBN: How did Basement Radio come about and what can one expect from it (musically and otherwise) that differentiates it from other nights on the Cape Town scene?

KM: I used to DJ these parties, weddings and private functions and stuff, and whenever I dropped a very exciting afro-funk or reggae track or something, half the dancefloor would leave. Next thing, some shifty looking best man would come over and whisper: “I used to DJ, trust me, what you need to play now is Summer of Sixty-Nine.”[MCBN: the horror!] And the saddest thing of all is that it always worked! Eventually it got a bit much for me, so I decided to throw my own party, with my own selection of music, and wait for some more exciting people to rock up. Basement Radio is about music you haven’t heard before, about dancing wildly, and about having fun.

MCBN: Word on the street is that you have close personal ties with the master of world beats himself, Toby2Shoes. Can you elaborate?

KM: Ha ha! I actually dropped him an email last year asking how he managed to get gigs playing world music, and then a week later we played back to back at this very strange party in Obs. He’s a ridiculously good DJ; I think he knows the most songs in the world. He’s sort of my DJ hero but he’s also full of nonsense. I’m stoked to be his friend.

MCBN: You have five words to describe Basement Radio. Any five words in the whole of the English language (catch: they must be in existence) – what would they be?

KM: Ethnic funky foot-swinging smile music

MCBN: Lastly, on a personal note, if you could share the stage with anyone in the music industry (living or otherwise), who would you choose?

KM: As a DJ? Flip, that’s a question. I’d love to play the come-down set after a Burning Spear / Linton Kwesi Johnson double header at an obscure small club with a cooking sound system. Or to play some deep Sunday morning dub at a trance festival. Or to stand in for Toby or Regan when they get sick for the next Circuswing gig, ha ha!

Actually f*ck it, those are all lies. I want to play at Tiger. [MCBN: haha!]

If that didn’t sufficiently wet your palette, the little teaser mix (available for free download on soundcloud below) certainly will. Think of it as an entrée preceding the musical feast that awaits! It’s a bona fide toe tapper! See you all there…

http://soundcloud.com/open_mono/basement_radio_3

Basement Radio 3 – FRIDAY October 22 – Mumbo Jumbo (Greenmarket Square).

Event Link:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152620538109497

While at H2O Von Lurie managed to use his MCBN powers and got the opportunity to have a few words with Pacha Ibiza resident DJ Sarah Main. Unfortunately there was a slight technical issue with the sound recording so here is the edited scripted version:

MCBN: Hi Sarah, what an honor it is to meet you! Von Lurie, My City By Night…

Sarah Main: Hi, great to be here and have a chance to speak to SA fans!

MCBN: That was a great set you just played, I believe it almost didn’t happen?

Sarah Main: Yea, I’ve been on such a hectic schedule this year and occasionally there are mix up’s along the way. This time it was something to do with flights, so I unfortunately missed my C.T gig last night, but my manager managed to get me onto a flight just in time to get here, pfew!

MCBN: Glad he made it happen, and the crowd clearly appreciated it too! I hear you have always had a passion for dex, even taking control of the turn table as young girl at your grandmother’s house? There was obviously a point that you discovered house music, how and when did this happen, was it love at first tack?

Sarah Main: Hahaha, yes it is true, I have always had a deep passion for music! Well, my sister moved to London, England and when on a visit at age 13, she took me to a house club. Right from that night I found expression in the music and was excited to about it. So yes love from my first experience.

MCBN: Wow! a proper party animal! Nice one!… You have clearly got a huge passion for House music, is that your sole ambition or are there other things you’d like to do with your carrier?

Sarah Main: The path to get to where I am now has led me to many great opportunities that extend further than my music. For example there are radio shows that I have currently. So I wouldn’t say I would only stick to making music, there are many areas I have and still will explore.

MCBN: Through those opportunities I’m sure you have also met some interesting people along the way! You have done a few awesome collaborations, in fact with some legendary artists including Gold Fish and Pete Tong! If you could do a collaboration with anyone, who would it be?

Sarah Main:  I’ve always loved Stevie Wonder! So that would be my choice!

MCBN: Has there been anything or anyone that really helped you become the Major international artist you are today?

Sarah Main: Yes, many people have been a huge help to me and Pete is one of the guys that really help me get to where I am today!

MCBN: Have you ever been to SA before, did you enjoy playing for the crowd here today?

Sarah Main: Yes, I love it here, the people and the sights are amazing! It almost feels like little bit of Ibiza here at H2O, and the crowd is awesome!

MCBN: Who has been you major inspiration for your sound up to this point?

Sarah Main: I’d have to say with out a doubt, Derrick Farina, he is a legend in my eyes as well as Nic Fanciulli.

MCBN: We are privileged to have your international sound here, so the crowd response is apt! You have played all over the world in some amazing locations, where is your favorite?

Sarah Main: Pacha is the best place in the world for me to be! But apart from that right here at H2O is one of my favorites!

MCBN: Of course, Pacha is hard to beat! Wow, H2O is one of your top! I’m sure you are just saying that. But on the topic of huge parties, I’m sure you love to get your party on, do you ever get a little nawty and party it up !?

Sarah Main: I live in Ibiza!

MCBN: Hehe, great answer! I know you are a bit pressed for time, so one last question. A tradition at MCBN, the would you rather question: So, would you rather, never be allowed to play another set or even listen to any form of electronic music? Or, would you rather, only be allowed to play to a group of super fanatic catholic nuns for the rest of your life?

Sarah Main: Ahahaa, what kind of question is that!?!?!?  Uhhh, if I really had to choose, I’d have say that my love for music would force me to play a few tracks for those nuns and hopefully get a few of them to enjoy it!

MCBN: Nice to hear, give those nuns what’s coming to them! Hehe, well was awesome to get to meet the super hot woman behind the super hot DJ! Thank you for the interview. We will be keeping an eye out for your next visit!

Sarah Main: And i hope to be back soon. Thanks MyCityByNight

So there you have it, Sarah Main

Boooom

MCBN: You have almost “grown up” with the trance scene here in Cape Town, what was your first outdoor  you DJ’d at?

Shift: My first outdoor gig was a the first timecode outdoor we did it was near Rondeberg (westcoast). Very Dusty!  I think it was October 2001, followed by an Alien Safari and Vortex later that summer.

I did many indoor gigs, mostly my own parties in 1999 and 2000, and my first Live set for over 500  people was an Indoor Alien Safari at the Bijou in Obs in mid 2001.  I hit pause half way through my first track!  Never did that again…

MCBN: You have played at some of the biggest festivals overseas, how does it compare to Cape Town parties?

Shift: Huge festivals are great, but your set can get lost in the chaos. I find events with around 1000 to 3000 people much more satisfying. The dance-floor is more focused. Boom 2004 and some massive events in 2007 and 2008 in brazil were my biggest dance-floors, with well over 15 thousand people actually moving around you as you play, its pretty insane. Having said that the scene here in Cape Town is probably the best in the world. We have the most agreeable weather, the most professional promoters, the best array of local artists, the most fun and beautiful crowds, and a great choice of venues.

MCBN: You have teamed up with some of the sickest DJ’s in Cape Town, making up part of the LEGENDARY Twisted System and Pitch Hikers. You are working on a side project called USB Human, which is already hard at work on some crazy remixes. Can you tell us more about that?

Shift: Yeah, twisted system was a lot of fun – some special music and moments -  great for a certain time in my life, but we are all are doing our own things now – perhaps a reunion some time, but not yet.

Pitch Hikers is still going strong with my good friend Slug – been giging in cape town a lot over the last year –  and there is a 3^rd  album on the way soon too J

USB HUMAN is where most of my focus is at the moment – although I’m always going to make hardcore shift tracks there is a need in my life to do other things with music. I have a compulsion to make it in the commercial dance market. Anything goes for this project really. Dirty electro, progressive house, techno, breaks, drum ‘n bass.  I’ve been doing it as a side thing for a few years, honing my skills, now I’m setting it upon the public

Yeah, got a nice break from Just Music  in Jo’burg recently – they got me to do remixes of their artists Flash Republic, Locnville, and Zebra & Giraffe. Some pretty big names and I’m pleased with my efforts! Got the Z&G remix played on 5fm a few times already – its weird hearing my stuff on air – I get nervous listening to it. 

MCBN: Having played on some crazy dance floors, you must have seen your fair share of wild antics by us stompers. What sticks out in your mind as the craziest thing you have seen while behind the decks?

Shift: hehehehehehheheheheheheh…  at an outdoor party near London in 2002. This dude took too much of well whatever it was, and proceeded to strip off just in front of the booth. His buddies tried to stop him, but he was having none of it. He danced around butt naked in the pit at the front for over an hour. Damn funny!  Shane Gobi played after me and by that time the dude just stood in front of the booth looking out toward the crowd. Shane had an excellent view of his spotty white butt. Ahahahha!

MCBN: Your sound can easily be described as dark, twisted, full on psycadelic trance!  Who has influenced your sound over the years?

Shift: It can  be described as that, but I think that’s maybe a little to much of a generalisation -  I got known for that, sure,  but I have definitely  put out my fair share for morning and twilight stompers too. Still always psychedelic though!

Of the over 200 shift, pitch hikers, twisted system , and mantis tracks out there I’d give at least a third of them to the light side. The rest will just fuck you up if you aren’t expecting it!

I like to keep my tunes emotive. Too much psy these days is purely dance-floor tricks and does no engaging with your consciousness. So most of the music I like is quite deep. Real psy from the old days – music for  travelling -  My SHIFT sound is influenced by so many artists, but these are my most important:

Cydonia (dino psaras)

Psychaos (joti sidhu)

Absolum

Wizzy Noise

GMS

The Delta

Koxbox

Etnica

Talamasca

Logic Bomb

MCBN: I personally think we have some of the most insane producers/DJ’s here in Cape Town, who would you say are your favourite local and favourite international acts?

Shift: Local: Rubix Cube, Phyx, Deliriant, Headroom, Artifakt, Slug, Lost&Found, Cybernetix, Solar Axis, Rabdom L, Token Boy ( broken boy, I mean broken toy! ) and more

International: all those names form the previous question plus; Azax Syndrom, Abomination, Menog, Digital Talk, Scorb, CPU, and Species.

MCBN: You have been involved in the scene for many years, running records labels, producing and DJ’ing. You must have seen the scene change/evolve over the years. How has it changed for you?  And where do you see it in 5 years?

Shift: It was my life. Then my Job, Now a paying Hobby.

I prefer it this way.

I used to travel every month. From 2003 to 2009 I did enough to last a lifetime.

I have seen a lot. The scene is more accommodating… not as hardcore and spiritual. But there are pockets of the old vibe still around and it rises when the time is right.

The commercialisation of it has taken it to great levels in many ways, but a lot of the meaning behind it is lost.

I have no idea where it is going or where it will be in 5 years, But I think its fracturing all the time.

Sub genre’s becoming whole movements in themselves.

Cultural twists within the scene in single geographical areas.

It’s become a bit of a turf war too. So much competition.

Music sales die, but popularity rises ands  it is those who are positioned to travel and gig live and give away their music to get the gig who will survive it.

The problem with free distribution though for the artists is that although your music gets heard, and you can get more popular, the DJ’s all have your music too, so you aren’t needed at all after making the track…unless you can differentiate yourself with a performance live act of new and different versions of your music – and be fucking good at marketing yourself or have a good agent. 

It is a dynamic system – artists slip in and out of popularity as the production styles, drugs, and fashions change.

MCBN: What are your top three tracks at the moment?

SHIFT Live: Frequent Smokers, Crash, and Big Acid Binge

DJ set: Lost & Found – Advance, Pitch Hikers – Delete Me, Deliriant vs Cybernetix – Degenerate

MCBN: Dirty Signal was one killer album. Can we expect another album soon as we know you been hard work in the studio working on the USB Human project.

Shift: Yes I have half the album done, and the rest are in concept if not production already.

I’d say in 4 to 6  months it will be available.

MCBN: This question has been eating at me for a while and I am hoping for a positive answer here (please)… Will we ever see a Twisted System set any time in the near future?

Shift: You know, if we are booked we will play. That’s for sure. We just don’t have a lot of new material. Since core our second album we have made about 7 or 8 tracks. Some released and other kept back dj cannon-fodder. We had planned a 3^rd album but its on hold for now – one day though – and I think we will make a new track at least soon – ha.

MCBN: Now for the dreaded MCBN would you rather question…

Would you rather listen to the 5 second loop of “baby, baby” by Justin Bieber, all day every day, even when you showering and sleeping?

Or

Would you run from Cape Town to Stellies and back with butter and Vaseline on the inside and under your shoes?

Shift: I’ll take option 2 – awesome

Thanks again for chatting to us and we look forward to seeing you on the trance floor very soon!

Shift: Awesome – thanks hey and check my Soudcloud /Facebook profiles for some free downloads too

For some free tracks, go straight through to either the Shift or the USB Human Soundcloud pages and ENJOY!

Facebook page:  (click here)

Sound Cloud:  (click here)

USB Human Fan page: (click here)

USB Human Soundcloud:  (click here)

Myspace:  who goes there?

MCBN: Firstly, we have to ask, where does the name Illtastic come from?

ILL: It’s a combo of two words that describe my music: ILL and fantastic. That’s pretty much it

MCBN: You been producing some pretty hardcore beats lately, how long have you been producing for and what equipment are you using?

ILL: It’s been just over 2 years. Initially, Fruityloops, but a year and a half ago I made the vital switch to Ableton Live.

MCBN: Who has influenced the sound you produce, locally and internationally? From the tracks I have heard, you have got quite the Wolfgang Gartner sound!

ILL: Wolfgang definitely has influenced me the most, but artists like Felguk, Dilemn and Justice have been just as vital in shaping my sound. Shout outs also to Alex Mind.

MCBN: If you could DJ with anyone, who would it be and why?

ILL: Dilemn is most hardcore. His knowledge of Ableton is too insane and there’d be so much to learn from him.

MCBN: MyCityByNight likes to party, you like to drop bombs, where can we see you over the next few weeks?

ILL: Well, there’s Assembly on Saturday the 2nd Oct
Brackenfell gig “DanceZone”- 8 Oct
And of course Brick City on the 23rd Oct

MCBN: If you could have any super power, what would it be?

ILL: Total mind control, but I’m working on that. Give me three more weeks and I should have it down

MCBN: What are you doing with yourself now, do you DJ full time? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

ILL: Well, I have a part time job studying at UCT at the moment. I do see myself going full blown professional in the future. Hopefully in five years I’ll be slamming it out in Brazilian party domes.

MCBN: Apparently, yourself and Ricky ByNight have one thing in common, you both support Manchester United. Oh, wait this isn’t really a question…

ILL: Dude…. I support Charlton Athletic. Not Man U. Nobody hates Charlton like Man United, but why would they. League One is pure love

MCBN: What are your top three tracks at the moment?

ILL: Bulldog- Kloe, Imprintz
Terminator- Dilemn
Animal Rights- you know who

I’ve been jamming to these badboys quite hard recently!

MCBN: Blueberry? Cheese? Diesel?

ILL: Cheese…. Anything purple… something that makes my wallet bleed

MCBN: What do you think of the Cape Town electronic scene at the moment?

ILL: It’s really picking up now, absolutely buzzing. So many great young talents are coming out now and of course there’s been some mad SA representation with Haezer. And let’s not forget the countless internationals that have been coming down this year. Thanks World Cup! Cape Town is gonna be one of the next BIG electro centres in the world.

Watch out

MCBN: You have made a couple of tracks already. Are you thinking of making an album or you just going to carry on producing singles for now?

ILL: I don’t know actually. Apart from some October gigs, I have no plans that extend past the next 6 hours. Most likely though, expect more singles.

MCBN: Now for the dreaded “Would you rather” question:

Would you rather, DJ at Bronx every night for the rest of your life with “call me” and your cell phone number tattooed on your neck?

Or

Down two bottles of tequila 5 minutes before every single gig you DJ at?

ILL: Well, those are both pretty terrible options. I’d be doomed to fail either way, but I’d have to go with Tequila. I’d never get another gig in my life probably, but it could make a sick Youtube video!

For more about Illtastic,

Soundcloud Page: (Click here)
Facebook Fanpage: (Click here)

Mental Powers by ILLtastic

ILLtastic’s CityByNight by ILLtastic

The Green Planet by ILLtastic

Party by ILLtastic

Take a listen, download and enjoy and keep your eyes out for this kid. He is definitely going to go places…